ITINERARY
Day 01: Siem Reap Arrival
Upon meeting your group at Poi Pet boeder, you will be greeted by our
representative and escorted to Siem Reap for check-in at hotel in Siem Reap.
Break after long trip.Day 02: Siem Reap – Isanapura ( known as Sambor Prey Kuk Temple )
Breakfast in the hotel
Early morning departure from Siem Reap by land to Sambor village about 25 Kilometers from provincial town in Kompong Thom province. In the 7th century the site of Sambor Prey Kuk was called Içanapura, the capital of Chenla.
Many temples were built in Sambor Prey Kuk during the reign of King Isanavarman I. Break for lunch in local restaurant before continuing to explore the site. Overnight stay in homestay at Sambor village. Meeting and discussion with local people
Day 03: Isanapura-Mahendraparvata ( Khown as Phnom Kulen )
Breakfast at Sambor village
After breakfast we will start our excursion in the Kulen Mountain in Svay Leu and Varin districts, about 60 km from Siem Reap provincial town, accompanied by an archeologist. Kulen Mountain, originally called Mount Mahendraparvata, is the holy mountain place where King Jayavarman II proclaimed independence from the King of Java. The Khmer Empire was born.
This mountain plateau served as the capital of the first Khmer Empire for more than half a century before it was relocated south to Hariharalaya, known today as Roluos. Enjoy dinner and overnight stay (Camping) near the Thousand Linggas river.
Day 04: Mahendraparvata – Hariharalaya ( Kown as Roluos )
Breakfast in the camping.
After breakfast we explore the Thousand Linggas river, relax besides a natural waterfall to swim where it is possible and take a break for picnic lunch.
Afternoon, visit the Roluos group of temples, on the way back to Siem Reap. Roluos is the site of an ancient center of Khmer civilization. Known as Hariharalaya, located about 12 Km from Siem Reap Town. It includes three temples: Preah Kor, Bakong and Lolei. After king Jayavarman II established his capital on Kulen Mountain in AD 802 inaugurating what was later known as the Angkor period, soon afterward he moved the capital back to Roluos perhaps in order to get access to a better source of food or for defense purpose.
Siem Reap: free leisure and overnight stay at a hotel.
Day 05: Siem Reap – Phnom Bahkeng – Siem Reap
Breakfast in the hotel.
In the morning we will explore Phnom Bakheng Temple which was built on a natural hill.
Commonly referred to as the Temple-Mountain or Mount Meru in the Indian mythology. The temple was cut from the rock that formed the natural hill and faced with sandstone in the late 9th and early 10th Centuries, during the reign of king Yasovarman I.
Back to Siem Reap for lunch. Afternoon: visit to Old Market area and Artisans d’Angkor. Enjoy dinner at local restaurant and overnight stay in hotel.
Day 06: Siem Reap
Breakfast at hotel.
Morning: shopping for food at local market, cooking class. Lunch.
Afternoon: leisure.
Evening: Sbeik Thom sperformance.
Day 07: Siem Reap - Koh Ker - Banteay Srei Temple
Breakfast in the hotel
Early morning we travel on a dirt road from Siem Reap to remote Koh Ker temple about 120 km from Siem Reap. It was once an ancient capital of Cambodia. It was built by King Jayavarman IV in 10th century. Koh Ker temple is 35 meters high and its design resembles a seven-step stupa. The temple faces west towards Angkor city. It was built to worship Treypuvaneservara (the god of happiness). Lunch at Koh Ker temple.
Afternoon, visit of Banteay Srei temple (XI century) on the way back to Siem Reap. Dinner and overnight stay in Siem Reap.
Day 08: Siem Reap – Beng Mealea - Angkor Wat
Breakfast in the hotel.
Early morning departure to Beng Mealea (XII century) an Indiana Jones style temple surrounded by the forest. Then continue to Angkor Wat which is located about 7 Kilometers north of Siem Reap. The temple was built in the early XII century during the reign of king Suryaverman II. It is unrivaled for its beauty and state of preservation. It is the expression of Khmer art at its highest point of development. Some believe that Angkor Wat was designed by Divakarapandita, the chief adviser and minister of the king, and was dedicated to Vishnu. The Khmers attribute the building of Angkor Wat to the divine architect Visvakarman. There has been considerable debate amongst scholars as to whether Angkor Wat was built as a temple or as a tomb.
Lunch in front of Angkor Wat. Afternoon: continue visit of Angkor Wat.
Evening and overnight stay in Siem Reap.
Day 09: Angkor Thom – Ta Prohm
Breakfast in the hotel
In the morning we leave from the hotel to Bayon temple which is located in the center of Angkor Thom. The temple is one of the most popular sites in the Angkor complex. It was built in the late 12th and early 13th centuries by king Jataverman VII. The architectural composition of the Bayon exudes grandness in every aspect. Over 200 large faces caved on the 54 towers give this temple its majestic character, which at that time represented the 54 provinces of the Khmer Empire. The iconography of the four faces has been widely debated by scholars and some think they represent the Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara. In keeping with the Buddhist character of the temple, it is generally accepted that the four faces on each of the towers are images of king Jayavarman VII and signify the omnipresence of the king. After lunch in Srah Srang, visit of Ta Prohm temple.
Return to Siem Reap in late afternoon.
Day 10: Khmer Culture
Breakfast in the hotel
In the morning after breakfast you will have firsthand observation of Khmer culture in Pouk village, 16km west of Siem Reap: silk weaving, water blessing at the pagoda and meeting with monks. Lunch at the village.
Afternoon: traditional tattooing.
Return to Siem Reap: free evening and overnight stay.
Day 11: Siem Reap – Anlong Veng – Banteay Chhmar
Breakfast in the hotel
In the morning go to excursion to Anlong Veng 125km north from Siem Reap. It was the last stronghold of Khmer Rouge to come under government control in 1998 and is the last resting place of Pol Pot. Sightseeing spots: Pol Pot’s tomb (Khmer Rough Master 1975-1979), Ta Mok’s Garrison (Pol Pot’s commander).
Meeting and discussion with former Khmer rouge in Anlong Veng district, then continue to Banteay Chhmar and overnight stay near local village (camping).
Day 12: Banteay Chhmar (accompanied by archeologist) – Battambong
Breakfast in Village
In the morning we start to explore temple which was built between 12th and 13th centuries during the reign of King Jayavarman VII. Located at Thmar Puok District, along the National Road No 59ª it has been abandoned and not arranged. After exploring this temple we will have picnic lunch. If time allows we continue to Battambong and check into hotel for overnight stay.
Day 13: Battambang
Breakfast in the hotel
In the Morning: sightseeing of Battambong provincial town: Provincial Museum, pagodas, manufacturing incense, Pepsi Cola Factory (1960) and visit to Wat Samrong Knong which was used as a prison by the Khmer Rouge. Meeting with villagers living close to the temple whose relatives were imprisoned there.
In the afternoon: visit of Phnom Sampov and 11th century hilltop temple of Phnom Banan, after climbing stone steps to the top. Return back to Battambong town.
Day 14: Architecture Battambang
Breakfast in hotel
In the morning walking tour of Battambang city’s architecture accompanied by an art historian. The city boasts a rich urban heritage with a great variety of historical buildings, the styles and layouts representing different phases of the city’s history. Between Road #1 and Road #3 Battambang is characterized by a coherent group of about 800 heritage buildings from the French protectorate.
Outside of the area, outstanding heritage building, like the New Khmer Architecture of the Battambong University, French Classical-style villas along the river and traditional Khmer wooden houses can be found. Throughout the city beautiful pagodas (Wat) are an expression of the city’s religious heritage. All these historical buildings and ensembles contribute to the city’s unique character and beauty. Enjoy you dinner and overnight stay.
Day 15: Battambang – Phnom Penh
By private transportation stopover at Kompong Chhnang to visit potters’ An Dong Russey Village, Kum Sre thmey Srok Roleap Pa Ear Khet Kampong Chhnang . Evening and overnight stay in Phnom Penh.
Day 16: Phnom Penh
In the morning go to visit downtown places of interest (Central market, Royal Palace, National Museum of Cambodia).
In the afternoon visit S-21 Khmer rouge interrogation center (Toul Sleng) and Toul Tom Poung market.
Day 17: Phnom Penh
In the morning depart to visit Koh Dach, on the Mekong River, to visit silk factory and weaving and a local kruu Khmer who will tell each visitor about his/her future, the traditional way.
In the afternoon, observe the training in Khmer classical dancing of the Royal Ballet of Cambodia
Day 18: Phnom Penh- Sihanukvill ( Beach Relax )
In the morning, you visit Tonle Sap Lake by boat to see a floating village.
Back to hotel for check out and departure for Sihanukvill by airplane.
Check in at hotel after arrival at Sihanukvill and free your own leisure. Overnight stay.
Day 19: Sihanukvill to Island
After breakfast at hotel, you will be transferred to dock departs to excursion to Koh Takieve or Chaluh, Koh Russei and Tres island. You cant find TV or internet or even roads on island but what you will find is warm, blue, crystal-clear water. It is perfect for swimming, soft golden sandy beaches, lush natural surrounding, and a lot of peace and tranquility that you wont come across in many other so-called Relaxed destinations. Later afternoon, return to Sihanuk. Dinner and overnight stay.
Day 20: Sihanukvill
After breakfast, go to O’ Cheuteal Beach which is the most popular beach in Sihanukvill. There are a munber of food stalls along the beach, in addition to fruit and seafood vendors.
Break for lunch on the beach and free activities till late afternoon. Return to hotel for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 21: Sihanukvill
Breakfast at hotel.
Morning highlight to know some beach that most popular beside O’Cheuteal for tourists like Sokha beach is adjoins O’cheuteal beach. It is also along though the water is deeper here.
Break for lunch and afternoon free your own leisure for you to explore Sihanuk by yourself. Return to hotel for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 22: Sihanukvill-Phnom Penh
After breakfast, depart for Phnom Penh and relax after arrival.
Day 23: Phnom Penh - Phum Thmei - Kampong Cham
07:45 RV Toum Tiou is open for embarking
08:00 Departure for Phum Thmei. Security briefing.
16:30 Arrival to Phum Thmei Literally known as the "new
village", the passengers can get an insight into Cambodian life, a nice
way to Have a break after their Phnom Penh "adventure". First village
to be visited on the Mekong; a local ferry will come to pick them up and
transfer them to shore.
18:00 Departure for Kampong Cham
19:00 Dinner on board
21:00 Arrival to Kampong Cham. Overnight on board
Day 24:
Kampong Cham
08:00 Passengers disembark for the visit of Kampong Cham. The
passengers leave for a long tour to the Angkorian temple of Nokor Bachey then
head to the ruins of a pagoda on the hill Phnom Pros, which translation would
be: "the man’s hill", in front of Phnom Srey ("the woman’s
hill").
12:00 Departure for Kratie and lunch on the way
16:00 Cooking lesson with our Chief, as he unravels the key
secrets of Cambodia’s finest, traditional dishes.
19:00 Dinner while sailing.
22:00 Overnight at anchor on the way to Kratie
Day
25: Kratie ( B/L/D )
06:00 Departure for Kratie.
07:30 Breakfast while sailing.
10:00 Documentary about the natural resources of Cambodia.
12:00 Lunch on board.
13:00 Arrival in Kratie.
14:00 visit of Kratie. City tour of Kratie, visit of the pagoda of Wat Roka Kandal then the passengers will try to catch a picture of the unique fresh water Irrawaddy dolphins. Finally they will end this tropical day with a swim in the Mekong
14:00 visit of Kratie. City tour of Kratie, visit of the pagoda of Wat Roka Kandal then the passengers will try to catch a picture of the unique fresh water Irrawaddy dolphins. Finally they will end this tropical day with a swim in the Mekong
18:00 Departure to Wat Hanchey
22:00 Overnight at anchor on the way to Wat Hanchey
Day
26: Wat Hanchey
07:00 Departure for Wat Hanchey.
07:30 Breakfast.
10:00 Arrival to Wat Hanchey and visit.pre-Angkorian temple on
the hill.
11:30 Departure for Kampong Tralach
12:30 Lunch on the way Afternoon of navigation, perfect time for
leisure, lecture and discussion about Cambodia with your local guide.
19:00 Dinner while passing through Phnom Penh.
22:30 Overnight at anchor next to Koh Chen
Day
27 Kampong Tralach - Kampong Chnang
07:00 Departure for Kampong Tralach.
08:00 Arrival at Kampong Tralach Visit of its wonderful Vihara
belonging to Wat Kampong Tralach Leu pagoda. To get to it, we cross Kampong
Tralach Krom village along a small road perpendicular to the river, crossing
some gorgeous stretches of emerald rice paddy as we leave the river behind. The
Vihara dates back to early last century. It was probably built on an older
site, as indicated by the latérite foundations, and is home to some outstanding
mural paintings. These, however, are starting to suffer from weathering. They
remain one of the last survivors of cultural destruction that continues
unabated due to widespread indifference. Standing by itself in the middle of
rice fields, it is a modest pagoda that receives very few visitors. Its
isolation may well be its undoing, as was the case for Wat Tani Pagoda in the
province of Kampot.
10:00 Departure for Kampong Chnang. Lunch on board on the way.
14:00 Arrival in Kampong Chnang. Located some 56 miles from Phnom
Penh, the town of Kampong Chnang is one of the largest fishing ports on the
Tonlé Sap. Fish farming is also widely practiced in the area. The area is
famous for its pottery ware, unchanged in style for centuries, which is
produced in sufficient quantities to supply the entire country. And not to be
overlooked are the products of the Thnot tree (sugar palm - a real national
symbol) that abounds in the area: a mellow tasting, caramel-colored sugar sold
in large cakes and palm wine.
17:00 Departure for Chnok Tru. Dinner on the way.
21:00 Arrival in Chnok Tru Overnight at anchor next to Chnok Tru
Day
28: Chnok Tru - Siem Reap
07:00 Chnok Tru. Local boats are coming along the RV Toum Tiou
and picking passengers for the visit of the biggest floating village on the
Tonlé Sap River
09:00 Departure for Siem Reap. Time to pack and relax half a day
by crossing the Tonlé Sap Lake.
16:00 Arrival in Siem Reap. Passengers disembark, local tour agent
pick up passengers and transfer to hotel after a last lunch onboard.
Day 29:
Siem Reap
Relax yourself for all day after long tour.
Day
30: Departure
After breakfast, you will be transferred to Airport.
