Sua s’dei! Welcome to Siem Reap, where to celebrate both ancient cultures and modern creativity with an emerging arts scene! You are greeted by our guide and driver at the airport for your transfer to the hotel. Overnight in Siem Reap
We plan an early rise to make the most of our day. Today is dedicated to the discovery of Angkor highlights and to travel around the temples complex. Let’s first explore Angkor Wat, easily the most famous and best-preserved of all temples within the Angkor complex. It is a massive three-tiered structure crowned by five lotus-like towers rising 65 meters from ground level. Visit the ancient city of Angkor Thom, surrounded by an 8m high wall. We then head to Angkor Thom, it was the last capital of the Great Khmer Empire under the reign of Jayavarman VII. Bayon Temple, Baphuon, the royal enclosure, and the Terraces of the Elephants and the Leper King. This 12th century masterpiece is a study in grandeur, its exterior gallery walls featuring extensive, superb bas-reliefs, particularly the East and South Galleries. We continue to Ta Prohm Temple, unlike most other Angkor temples, has been left just it was when rediscovered: a photogenic and atmospheric maze of trees growing out of temple ruins amidst jungle surroundings, making it one of Angkor's most popular temples with visitors. This evening, you will enjoy leisure walk (estimate 10 minutes) along the river starting points from Wat Bo Bridge till Royal Residence to observe local daily life. Next we get on the bus and heading to Road 60 to sampling some local street food. Wander around the stalls with guide and feel free to point out some of the local treats you would like to taste (List of recommendation dishes you should try such as Kuy teav, Nom banh chok, Lort cha, Beef or Pork skewers and Grilled frog...). We then drive back to hotel. Overnight in Siem Reap.
Meal: Breakfast
After breakfast, you will head out to Kampong Kleang “floating village”, which is, in fact, a stilt house settlement of over 20,000 people where structures can tower up to ten meters above the water. Greeted by waves of the friendly locals, here you can glimpse Cambodia’s countryside culture and traditional family lifestyle. Enjoy lunch at local restaurant (own account). After that, transfer to quiet Beng Mealea temple, around 65 km from Siem Reap. After a short walk through dense jungle, you'll feel like an explorer when entering the completely overgrown temple. Undiscovered for centuries, Beng Mealea has only recently been made accessible and remains unrestored. It is one of the very few temples that actually give the opportunity to climb through it, giving a very 'Indian Jones' feel to the experience.
Overnight in Siem Reap
Note: From February to August/September the water level of the Tonle Sap Lake is very low. It’s muddy and the boat can get stuck. If clients are still keen on having a boat trip on the lake we’ll change to Chong Kneas floating village instead of Kompong Kleang where the condition is a little bit better for the boat trip.
Meal: Breakfast
After breakfast, you will depart to Battambang, the former French provincial town (Approximately taking 03 hours). It is an elegant riverside town with wonderful French colonial architecture. Check in hotel and proceed to visit Phnom Banan is a mountaintop 11 century Angkorian ruin consisting of five temples and peaceful location with a nice view of the area. The temple is located on the top of approximate 400 meter heighten mountain at Koh Tey 2 commune, Banan District in 15 kilometer distance from the provincial town by the provincial Road No 155 parallel to Sang Ke River. At the mountain’s valley, there are Ku Teuk and two main natural well, namely: Bit Meas and Chhung or Chhung Achey. Next take a ride on the famous bamboo train, a 2.5m x 4m raft-like device that is made from bamboo for local villagers to transport their goods. Enjoy a very unique and fun ride that you must experience while in Battambang!
This evening you will visit the NGO Phare Ponleu Selpak (PPS). PPS was founded in 1994 and is dedicated to taking care of vulnerable and disadvantaged children in the Battambang community. They do this through their quality artistic schools, teaching the children theatre and circus arts, visual arts and music. Since 1998, PPS has produced numerous acts and shows performed all over Cambodia as well as abroad. You will learn about their program and enjoy a revue show afterwards including live music, choreography, acrobatics, poetry and burlesque. Overnight in hotel, Battambang.
Note: The Phare Ponleu Selpak show in Battambang is on some Mon, Thu, Sat only.
Meal: Breakfast
Spend the morning exploring the countryside around Battambang on a bicycle, visiting Cambodian families that produce traditional products such as rice paper, dried bananas, bamboo sticky rice, and rice wine, all made the same way they have been for generations. Enjoy seasonal fruits and coconut water. Finish your morning visiting a memorial site for victims of the Khmer Rouge.
In the afternoon, visit Phnom Sambov Mountain, steeped in legend, and topped by Wat Sampeou and a group of caves used as “Killing caves”by the Khmer Rouge, and continue to visit Wat Ek Temple adapts the architecture of 11th century and built in 1027 during the reign of King, Sorayak Varman I (1002-1050). It is located at Piem Ek commune in 14 kilometer from the provincial town and part of the beauty of Battambang is its proximity to small scenic villages and ancient Wats (temples). We take a day to explore the surrounding villages and hilltop temples found in the area. The local people of Battambang are very welcoming and friendly making this a highlight of any journey to Cambodia. As darkness falls, we will begin to see thousands of nocturnal bats taking flight from the surrounding caves in a massive formation of dark, black clouds. Be sure to photograph this amazing and staggering sight! Overnight in Battambang.
Meal: Breakfast
This morning we head to Phnom Penh capital en route visit Kompong Chhnang Province to see traditional handmade pottery as well as visiting the amazing floating village, Chnok True. Drive further Phnom Penh & stopping to visit the 17th Century capital city of Cambodia, Udong - the ancient capital during the later stages of the Khmer Empire. It offers spectacular views of the surrounding countryside with lots of sugar palm trees, as well as 18 ancient stupas. Check in hotel and spend the rest of day free at leisure. Overnight in Phnom Penh.
Meal: Breakfast
Among the city's prime attractions, you will start your day exploring the famous Royal Palace, built in 1866 under the French protectorate and King Norodom. The adjoining Silver Pagoda, built in 1962, is famous for its lavish decorations, silver paved floor and several Buddha statues made from precious metals & stones. Wander the National Museum, a treasure chest of Angkorian and pre-Angkorian artefacts. After the museum, scale the steps up this small hill to see Wat Phnom Temple, the birthplace of Phnom Penh.
Note: To see the Royal palace and silver pagoda in Phnom Penh, visitors are required to wear appropriated cloths. Guests wearing short pans (above knee level) and sleeveless tops are not permitted.
Meal: Breakfast
This morning head south for Takeo Province. On the way pass Tonle Bati, a recreation area where the Khmers like to spend their leisure time. However, during the weekdays, the site is quiet and peaceful. Tonle Bati Temple is an Angkorian-style temple and remains largely intact. Your next destination is Phnom Tamao Wildlife Rescue Centre, we will feed the female elephants of the sanctuary and meet Chhouk - the elephant with a prosthetic foot. After a rest on the relaxing hammocks, we will visit leopards, gibbons, otters and the other endangered animals to rescue and care for at the sanctuary. Continue to Kep. Cambodia’s prestigious beach resort of the 1960s is now awakening to its former glory.
Overnight in Kep.
Meal: Breakfast
After breakfast, we continue our journey to La Plantation, the biggest pepper farm in Cambodia and the perfect place to learn about the history of Kampot Pepper and understand how it is produced traditionally and organically. You will learn why Kampot Pepper has been elected as the #1 Best Pepper in the world by chefs and foodies for more than a century. Join a farm tour with the local guide before departing to Kampong Trach Cave (the Circle Cave), a sacred site where local monks frequently visit. As you enter the cave through a pagoda, you will be able to view sculptures of the Buddha. To exit, your guide will lead you through a secret passageway of the cave. Once outside Circle Cave, you will be rewarded by spectacular scenery all around you. Be sure to photograph the incredible sharp-edged Windy Mountain! We will then walk uphill to meet “Rockman”, a local man who works with and trades rocks from the area. Return to hotel for time to relaxing at swimming pool. Overnight in Kep.
Meal: Breakfast
Today enjoy the morning at your own leisure until transfer (Driver only) to pier in Sihanoukville connect speed ferry to Koh Rong island. Check in hotel and spend the rest of day free at leisure. Overnight on Koh Rong island.
Boat Schedule
The Drop-Off (Sihanoukville) to Koh Rong island.
• 09:30 am, 02:00 pm, 04:30 pm
Koh Rong island to The Drop-Off (Sihanoukville)
• 07:30 am, 11:00 am, 03:00 pm.
Meal: Breakfast
Free at leisure.
Overnight on Koh Rong island.
Meal: Breakfast
Free at leisure.
Overnight on Koh Rong island.
Meal: Breakfast
Free at leisure.
Overnight on Koh Rong island
Meal: Breakfast
Check out and taking speed ferry back to Sihanoukville pier. Meet driver (No guide) who will transfer you to Phnom Penh airport connecting flight back home.
End of services.
Meal: Breakfast
- Accommodation in twin/double room with daily breakfast at the below indicated room types (see hotel category list below) (check-in and check-out around noontime).
- All transfers and transportation with Air-Con vehicles (types of vehicles depend on the number of pax).
- Local ENGLISH speaking guides.
- Boat trip - as per program.
- All entrance fees - as per program.
- Meals (B/L/D) (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner) as indicated in the program.
- Bike rental, snack and truck carry bikes.
- Free The Bear at Phnom Tamao.
- Roundtrip speed boat Sihanoukville - Koh Rong.
- 02 bottles of mineral water per person per day on bus - on days of transfer and sightseeing only.
- Government tax and service charge.
- Airfares (international and domestic).
- Meals (other than mentioned in the program).
- Drinks.
- Early check-in or late check-out.
- Visa - as per country requirements.
- Tips.
- Additional transfer required due to any emergency situation.
- Mineral water beyond that which is supplied.
- Personal Insurance.
- Optional excursions and activities.
- Items of a personal nature (Phone calls, laundry, beverages, etc.).
- Peak season surcharges if any.
- All not mentioned above.
2. Availability: Please note that if a certain hotel is not available at the time of booking, then we will gladly make alternative suggestions in the same category. We will advise you accordingly with the surcharge if any. As a result, we would highly appreciate it if you could advise us to block rooms soonest possible to guarantee the rooms and rates in period of high and peak season.
3. All the above points of interest are open for visit based on current updates. In case of closure for construction or any other reason, we will replace with a similar point of interest.
4. Above itinerary is based on the current flight schedule. In case of flight changes, the itinerary will be changed accordingly.
5. No early check in or late checkout is included except those indicated in the program. Generally, the check in time is 14.00pm and check out time is 12.00pm.
6. Visas into Cambodia is required except for countries who have signed the visa exemption contracts. Please contact us for visa information details.
Remarks: Passport must be valid 6 months ahead since the time of departing the visited country.
7. Compulsory dinners on Dec 24th (Christmas), Dec 31st (New Year) and applicable public holiday event within your host country will be advised at time of booking.