Within three weeks it shows you all highlights and specials that Cambodia has to offer. This all includes the opportunity to see the northern hill tribes, Lakes, Mountains, waterfalls, beaches and some great hikes. The longer you travel the more you will love Cambodia.
Tour Itinerary:
Day 1: Phnom Penh. We meet in our hotel at any time of the day. Look out for the sign from Cambodian Adventures. You may arrive at any time. Feel free to wander around and explore the beautiful city, and meet your new travelling partners. Your guide will give any information and help, just ask! The same evening, we will meet for a traditional Khmer meal and introductions.
Day 2: Tonle Sap Lake - Siem Reap. Cambodia - Tonle Sap Lake. Travelling by boat we head up towards the famous Tonlé Sap Lake, where we will pass through the floating fishing villages, and arrive in the small provincial capital of Siem Reap town - our base for the exploration of the ancient Temples of Angkor. Here we spend 3 days discovering one of the true wonders of the world.
The Angkor Temples are what remains of the mighty Khmer empire that once ruled over the vast territory that is now Thailand, Vietnam, Lao, and parts of Myanmar, Malaysia and & China. On arrival in Siem Reap we make our way to the lush garden setting of the hotel which will be our home for the next few days. During our stay we will travel to the main Angkor complex by tuk tuk (a motorbike-pulled carriage able to seat 2-4 people).
Day 3: The Temples of Angkor. We travel to the main Angkor complex by tuk tuk (a motorbike-pulled carriage able to seat 2-4 people) beginning our exploration with a breathtaking sunrise at Angkor Wat. This is the most famous of the many temples hidden amongst the dense jungle and flat rice paddies of the Siem Reap province.
It is believed to be the world's largest religious building, and took some 50,000 artisans, workers and slaves, nearly 40 years to complete. From here we travel on to discover the sheer beauty and grandeur that is Angkor Thom, literally "Big Angkor". This ancient royal city is surrounded by 3km² stone walls and moat, with 4 main entrances guarded by huge stone Angkor Watgates and lined with statues of gods and giants.
The Bayon Temple at the very heart of the city forms a three-tiered pyramid with 54 gothic towers, decorated with 216 huge 4-metre high, mysterious stone faces facing North, South, East and West. Next we travel to the most atmospheric ruin of Angkor - Ta Prohm. This beautiful temple has been left to the elements of the dense jungle that surrounds it.
It has only been partially cleared of the massive fig and silk-cotton trees that grow through the towers and corridors, offering some of the best photo opportunities. It is also famous for the filming of the first Tomb Raider movie. These are just some of the temples we include on your first day at Angkor, finishing the day with a stunning sunset over Siem Reap province at the mountaintop temple of Bakheng.
Day 4: Banteay Srei and Kbal Spean. Cambodian TempleWe make our way through villages and paddy fields to Banteay Srei, or "Citadel of the Women". Carved from red sandstone, this perfectly preserved temple is an exquisite example of Angkorian architecture. From there we continue to Kbal Spean where after lunch, we take a short uphill climb to The River of a thousand lingas.
This region dates from the 11th century and features images carved right into the river bed. The refreshing waters of its waterfall will also offer a very welcome cool off! After building up our appetites, we complete our day with a sumptuous buffet dinner and traditional Apsara Dancing performance in the heart of Siem Reap town.
Day 5: Choose your Activity in and around the temples of Angkor. This day is your opportunity to choose your own path. Take a relaxing day wandering around Siem Reap's shops and markets, head out to re-visit your favorite temples, or maybe read a book in the beautiful peaceful surroundings of Angkor Wat. For those hardcore temple adventurers, we can organize a guide for the remote temple of Boeung Melea.
Cambodia - Siem ReapAlternatively, visit the Cambodian Cultural Village for an insight into the Khmer people and their country, take a trip to the Civil War Museum for a unique look into Cambodia's tragic past, or head to the Silk Farm to see artisans at work. Other options include the local crocodile farm, Phnom Kulen, the Tonle Sap floating villages or the Prek Toal Bird Sanctuary - take your pick!
Day 6: Siem Reap to Battambang. An early start this morning takes us by boat (or bus during the dry season) to the elegant riverside town of Battambang. This is Cambodia's second largest city, home to some of the best preserved French architecture in the country, and some of the warmest and friendliest locals. On arrival at our central, family-run hotel, you are free to spend the day at your leisure discovering Battambang's unique beauty and laid back pace.
Day 7: Around Battambang. Passing through picturesque rice fields and villages of stilted houses, we make our way to the hill of Phnom Sampeau for a stunning view of Battambang province. Cambodia's dark history is revealed here by the skulls and bones of "Killing Cave" victims. It also features a working Buddhist pagoda and numerous cave shrines. From Phnom Sampeau we continue to the 11th century hilltop temple of Phnom Banan. After climbing the steps to the top, relax in this peaceful location and take in more great views.
Day 8: Back to Phnom Penh. We continue our journey by bus through beautiful countryside back to the country's capital, arriving in the early afternoon. After a few hours of resting and freshening up, we end our day with a magnificent sunset over the lake from our hotel's rooftop restaurant.
Day 9: City Tour in Phnom Penh. Our local guide will take us on a roller coaster tour of this fascinating city, encompassing the beauty of the old French colonial buildings, the sorrow of the Killing Fields and Toul Sleng Genocide Museum, the peacefulness of Wat Phnom, the wealth of the Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda, and a visit to the wonderful Russian market, which offers an Aladdin's cave of local silver, gems, antiques and clothing.
Day 10: Choose your Activity. This is a free day for you to explore Phnom Penh by yourself. You may choose a visit to the traditional silk weaving village located a short trip up the Mekong River by boat, or take a visit to the shooting range. Here you can fire an M16 or even a rocket launcher! Enjoy a massage at Seeing Hands, performed by the blind.
Shop till you drop at the local markets, take a trip to the wildlife sanctuary located in the countryside, or just take a walk along the picturesque riverside, with many international restaurants and bars. Whatever you choose, our local guide will be more than happy to help you arrange it. Sihanoukville beach Heading south, we delve into the delight that is South East Asia - the beach! Here we discover deserted bays, crystal clear waters, pristine white sandy beaches lined with coconut palms, and the best fresh seafood.
Day 11: Phnom Penn to Sihanoukville - the beach. After an early start and bus ride south, we arrive in Sihanoukville, locally known as Kompong Som. After getting settled in our seafront bungalows, it's time for some seafood, sand, and sea on beautiful Ocheteal beach.
Day 12: Ream National Park - Beaches, clear water. We take a trip to the nearby sanctuary of Ream. We start with a relaxing boat ride through the mangrove-forested estuary- keep your eyes open for macaques, storks and other wildlife.
Disembarking at a remote fishing village, we take a short hike through the jungle to an untamed and isolated Sihanoukville - river life stretch of unspoilt beaches. Take a dip in the ocean, explore the rock pools or simply sunbathe - the choice is yours until it's time for us to return to Park Headquarters.
Day 13: Choose your activity. Indulgence, Relaxation, or exploration. Whatever you desire, you will find it in Sihanoukville - Cambodia's premier beach town. Take a boat trip to visit some of the uninhabited islands, enjoy some snorkeling or scuba diving around the reefs with an abundance of colorful fish.
Or, maybe just relax on the many miles of stunning beaches Sihanoukville has to offer, and enjoy copious amounts of fresh seafood. Whatever you decide to do, your guide will help with any necessary arrangements.
Day 14: Bokor Mountain Adventure. Heading east through the spectacular mountains and picture-perfect fishing villages of the south, we arrive in the sleepy town of Kampot. With its national parks, hidden caves, and the grand Bokor Hill Station there is no shortage of things to see and do in Kampot province. Cambodia market Following lunch, we follow the winding trail up Bokor Mountain through lush green jungle vegetation.
Our destination is the former French hill station, a playground of the rich and famous during the early 1900's which became an eerily deserted ghost town due to civil war. The old casino and hotel must be seen to truly understand Cambodia's former glory years, and offers breathtaking vistas over the entire coastline and national park. After exploring, we settle down for a cool night at the ranger station.
Day 15. Bokor to Kep: We begin our day on the rooftop of the former Bokor Casino, watching the sun rise over the Gulf of Thailand. Then it's on to Popokvil waterfalls, great for photos during any season. After leaving Bokor and lunch in Kampot town, it's a short trip southeast to Kep. Kep was once a wealthy and flourishing resort but suffered badly through 30 years of turmoil and war, and has become, as a result, a ghost town.
With little but skeletons left of many of the villas that once dotted the coast line, you can feel the pride Cambodians once had for this area. Nevertheless, warm and friendly families have re-inhabited this area, and Kep is getting back on its feet. It also boasts the best and freshest crab market in the country. After a short bicycle ride along the coast and a mouthwatering seafood dinner, we spend the night in Kep's pretty hillside bungalows overlooking the coastline and Bokor Mountain.
Day 16: Rabbit Island hideaway. A trip to the Cambodian coast simply would not be complete without some true island relaxation. A short boat ride takes us to neighboring island of "Koh Tonsai", or Rabbit Island, leaving us to enjoy the beaches, swimming, snorkeling and seafood. The beach front bungalows of this beautiful and serene island are where we spend the final night of our southern tour.
Day 17: Return to Phnom Penh. After our boat trip back and lunch in Kep, we head to Kompong Trach and its picturesque limestone formations. Here we visit a local mountain pagoda, where the roof of one cave has collapsed forming a crater-like skylight and a small, enclosed jungle. After exploring the caves, we ride the railway to the village of Tani Tuk Meas by a 'lori'.
This unique form of local transport consists of a bamboo platform powered by a motorcycle-engine, and is definitely a quirky highlight of our southern tour! In Tani Tuk Meas we meet once again with our taxi and return to Phnom Penh.
Day 18: Up north near the majestic Mekong - Kratie. Winding our way through rubber plantations and paddy fields, we begin our adventure north, taking a rest in our riverside hotel in Kratie. A river tour will show us life on the Mekong, where we can hopefully catch a glimpse of the rare Irrawady dolphins that only inhabit this area of the Mekong River.
Day 19: Mekong - Rattanakiri a northern Adventure. Traveling onward by boat along the Mekong river (or by road during the dry season) we reach Stung Treng, where we transfer to a pickup truck and take the overland route through thick jungle and forests to Banlung, the remote capital of Rattanakiri province. After a long day of traveling we arrive at our quiet lakeside hotel for a well-earned hot shower!
Day 20: Hilltribe Cemetery & Volcanic Lake. North Cambodia - BanlungOur last days are spent discovering the magic of this remote mountainous area. We begin our day traveling by boat to a remote Tampuan minority village. Here we learn about their everyday lives and animist beliefs, visiting their haunting cemetery with its totems and ghost houses.
Our next stop is the breathtaking Boeng Yeak Laom, a large volcanic lake, believed to have been formed around 700,000 years ago. Surrounded by a thick jungle backdrop, the crystal clear waters make for a refreshing swim.
Day 21: Elephant Trek. Our final day is spent getting back to nature, and we begin the day by transferring to our beautiful lodging in the heart of the jungle. There we take an elephant trek through dense vegetation, visiting some of the area's most remote hill tribes and waterfalls. After an exhilarating day of eco-discovery, it's back to our traditional bungalows for a peaceful evening surrounded by the sounds of the jungle.
Day 22: Back to Phnom Penh. Today we fly back to Phnom Penh, for our last day, and we bid a sad farewell to our new found companions. You can catch your onward flight or hang out with us for dinner and nightlife in bustling Phnom Penh.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Meals Included: In this trip we added five Lunches and two dinners to make organization a bit easier for our tour staff. As well we care for an easy access to get breakfast every morning. Normally this is served in the guest-house - or family - or nearby in small restaurants and food stalls.
Entrance fees: in our described activities all the fees, permissions and other expenses are included!
Activities: All the activities mentioned in the itinerary are included such as Rivertrips, Mekong Dolphin watching, Island trip, Ream National Park Trip, Bokor Hill Adventure, Elephant Safari and such more.
What to spent besides the tour cost: In this trip we tried to include as much as possible. For the food we hope to make you feel free about choosing what and where to eat. That's why only some meals are included during the itinerary.
Expect to have about 10US$ on extra cost including drinks, souvenirs and such things.
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