The tour gives an intense introductions and leaves with you an impression about what the unknown Cambodia really is...join the Cambodian adventure. This overland tour through Cambodia gives you an insight into the most famous and most important places in Cambodia. The bustling city of Phnom Penh, as well as the amazing Tonle Sap Lake and of course the breathtaking world heritage site of Angkor.
Tour Itinerary:
Day 1: Phnom Penh. You may arrive in our hotel at any time of the day. Look out for the sign from Cambodian Adventures. 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 Angkor Wat - Siem Reapask! The same evening, we will meet for a traditional Khmer meal and introductions.
Day 2: Tonle Sap Lake - Siem Reap. Travelling by boat we head up towards the famous Tonle 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.
Day 3: The Temples of AngkorCambodian Temple. 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 3kmē stone walls and moat, with 4 main entrances guarded by huge stone gates 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 Siem Reap - Bayoncorridors, 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. We travel 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. This 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.
Alternatively, 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 rollercoaster 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.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Price Includes:
- English speaking guide for the full duration of the tour
- 10 breakfasts
- Welcome dinner
- Cultural program and meals as mentioned
- Entrance fees, and special guides for the sightseeing
- Many special activities, such as Temple visits, greeting dinner, City tour
- Accommodation in clean air-con double rooms
- Entrance fees on sightseeing tours
- All Transports in the itinerary (Bus, Boat, Taxi, Tuk-Tuk)
- Full services for organizing and booking extra activities
- Ongoing travel arrangements and hotel bookings.
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