15 Days Cambodia Explorer

On arrival at Khmer Thai border (Poi pet border), meet up with our representative at the Thai gate. He will assist the customer cross both Thai and Cambodia immigration to meet our main guide at the Cambodia exit gate. Then, head to the colonial city of Battambang.

Enjoy Khmer lunch at local restaurant. In the afternoon, visit Phnom Sampov which means 'Ship Mountain' because its peculiar shape reminds people of a ship. This legendary 100-meter-high mountain, topped by Wat Sampeou, contains 3 natural caves lined with Buddhist shrines and statues: Pkasla, Lakhaon and Aksopheak. Pkasla cave is full of uprooted stones and is considered important because Sampeou inhabitants go there to celebrate after a marriage. Some caves were used by the Khmer Rouges as killing caves. Refreshments with fresh coconut, and snacks are provided and around 18:00pm a million bats evacuate the caves at the bottom of the hill, creating a dark, fluid ribbon through the sky. At the end of the tour, return back to hotel.

Notice: Revealing clothes such as shorts and skirts above the knees and bare shoulders are prohibited in sacred places and temples. On religious Buddhist dates the Top Tower (Level 3) of Angkor Wat temple is closed and the Royal Palace in Phnom Penh will be closed in the morning of every Religious Buddhist date.

‘Battambang is a province in northwestern Cambodia. It is bordered to the west with Thailand. The capital of the province names Battambang, meaning ‘lost staff’, refers to the legend of Preah Bat Dambang Krahoung. Battambang is the leading rice-producing province of the country. As with much of Cambodia, French Colonial architecture is a notable aspect of the city, with some of the best-preserved examples in the country.’

This morning we do Remork tour (TukTuk) around the village from one place to other to explore local products such as; rice paper—a fundamental ingredient in Asian cuisine, dried bananas and Rice wine a sweet and smooth homemade liquor. Experience a norry or nori ride which is an improvised rail vehicle from Cambodia. You are on a fun and adventurous Bamboo Train ride along a newly created railway track where you will see very nice rice fields, local villages…… Lunch at local restaurant

Then last stop at Banan temple where the architecture of mid-11th century and the end of 12th century merge. The temple was first built by king, Ut Tak Yea Tit Tya Varman II (1050-1066) and then completed by the king, Jarvarman VII (1181-1219). The temple is located on the top of an approximately 400-meter high mountain. You will then return to your hotel for an evening of leisure.

In the morning, you will move into Siem Reap City by private transfer. It takes approximately 4 hours. Upon arrival at Siem Reap city, directly go for check-in. Please note that standard check in time is at 14:00.

‘Siem Reap is located in northwest Cambodia and is the closest city to the world famous, must see, temples of Angkor. The provincial capital is also called Siem Reap and is located in the South of the province on the shores of the Tonle Sap Lake, the greatest sweet water reserve in whole Southeast Asia. It's a laid-back, lovely place to stay while touring the temples and offers the best of both worlds between observing Cambodian life and enjoying the amenities of modern services and entertainment. Although the Temples are the main ‘draw’ in this area there is much more to experience by travelling a little further in this region. ‘

At 05:00am, head to view sunrise at the world heritage of Angkor Wat. Continue to see inside of the magnificent Angkor Wat Temple, Angkor park’s most revered temple and the largest religious monument in the world. Inside the temple, the walls are covered with stone carvings and bas‐reliefs which are absolutely breathtaking. Your guide will explain the stories from the exquisite details and provide you with ample time to explore the inner and outer grounds of the temple. Back to hotel for breakfast and take a rest. Lunch is on own.

In the afternoon, continue a journey through the history of Angkor. First stop is South Gate with its huge statues depicting the churning of the ocean of milk and see the ancient capital of Angkor Thom built in the late 12th century before we head onwards to Bayon temple which is unique for its 54 towers decorated with over 200 smiling faces of Avolokitesvara. Baphuon is like an artificial mountain that recently re-opened after years of restoration. Following, you may visit the Royal Enclosure, the Elephants Terrace and the Terrace of the Leper King. Then continue to the popular temple of Ta Prohm which is the modern name of the temple at Angkor, built in the late 12th to early 13th centuries. However, probably more famous for being the location where they filmed the Tomb Raider movie.

Buffet Dinner at local restaurant with performance of Apsara dance.

This morning, you will experience the art of Khmer cuisine with a hands-on Cooking Class. Start the day with a guided tour through the local food market where your chef will explain the Cambodian fruits, vegetables and spices. Back at the cooking school and with the guidance of your chef, you will observe. Then practice Khmer cuisine techniques creating your own dishes for lunch!

This afternoon, we set off to Tonle Sap Lake where you will discover different aspects of the floating village activities from crocodile farming to fishing farms, traditional medicine shops, boat shops, spirit houses, floating schools, and more. Afterward, you will be transfer to the 500 year old Wat Preah Prom Rath which is a modern-looking temple and monastery located in the heart of Siem Reap.

As a special final evening in Siem Reap, we will go to see a show of Cambodian Traditional Circus. More than just a circus, Phare performers use theater, music, dance and modern circus arts to tell uniquely Cambodian stories; historical, folk and modern. The young circus artists will astonish you with their energy, emotion, enthusiasm and talent.

Your day of past and present begins with an 8:30am pick up at your hotel. The first half of the day explores two highlight temples, Banteay Samre and Banteay Srei. Banteay Samre built under Suryavarman II and Yasovarman II in the early 12th century, it is a Hindu temple in the Angkor Wat style. We follow Banteay Samre with Banteay Srei, one of Angkor’s most beautiful temples. Built largely of red sandstone, this gem of a temple boasts a pink color and some of the most exquisite depictions. When it’s time for a temple break, enjoy lunch at local restaurant.

This afternoon is started from Preah Khan, "The Sacred Sword", an extensive monastic complex covering over 56 hectares built by the Khmer King Jayavarman VII as a monastery and teaching complex. It is one of the group of temple complexes situated on a small 'Baray'. Preah Khan is the site of the World Monuments Fund ‘prime’ Asian project a painstaking renovation whilst maintaining its mysterious allures and superb original structure. Then visit Neak Pean, a fountain built in the middle of a pool. Last stop is The Pre Rup Temple is the late 10th century building, built by Khmer king RAJENDRAVARMAN II. It is revered because the boldness of the architectural design is superb. You can view a beautiful sunset if the weather is good.

After breakfast, we will transfer to Kampong Cham city. Along the way we will have a stop at Spean Praptos that is also known as Kampong Kdei Bridge. It used to be the longest cobbled stone-arch bridge in the world, with more than twenty narrow arches spanning 285 ft (87m). The bridge was built in the 12th century during the reign of King Jayavarman VII. It is one of the few Khmer empire era bridges to have survived to the modern day. Then, driving straight to Kampong Cham city crossing the Chamka Leu area which looks like a big forest with silk farms and rubber tree plantations.

After lunch at local restaurant, take an excursion tour to Phnom Pros Srei which translates into Man Hill and Women Hill respectively. The common legend told about these hills is that two teams (one of men and one of women) were competing to build the tallest mountain before sunrise. Last stop is to visit the Nokor Bachey Temple which is the first long building of Kampong Cham is 421 meters and 371 meters in dimension made of laterite stones.

After your breakfast, our tour guide will transfer you to Kratie City, home of a group of rare sweet water Irrawaddy dolphins.

Upon arrival at Kratie city, enjoy lunch at local restaurant before taking a ferry to the Throng Island. Depending on the season, you might be able to try local fruits along the way in the local village. On arrival at the village, your guide and the local villagers will introduce you about village life and customs. Between August and March when the rice is typically harvested, you may see farmers busy at work in their fields and may even join them for some hands-on experience in ploughing and harvesting. This late afternoon, take boat ride to see wild dolphins, swimming along the river before transferring to your hotel.

This morning you will take a private transfer to Phnom Penh city. The journey will take approximately 4 hours, depending on the traffic Sihanoukville. Directly head to your hotel for check-in.

After enjoying lunch at local restaurant, take a Cyclo to visit the Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda, name for the 5,000 silver tiles that cover the pagoda’s floor, known for its collection of gold, silver, crystal and bronze Buddha statues. Afterwards, Wat Phnom, a beautiful hilltop temple with manicured gardens. At the end of the tour, return back to hotel.

At 08:00am, proceed to Independence Monument, modeled on the central tower of Angkor Wat, Independence Monument was built in 1958 to commemorate the country’s independence from France in 1953. It also serves as a memorial to Cambodia’s war dead. Wreaths are laid here on national holidays. Onward to Wat Lanka, one of the oldest pagodas in Phnom Penh. It was established as a sanctuary for the Holy Writings and a meeting place for Cambodian and Sri Lankan monks. Then Boeung Keng Kang Market, a popular market among young Cambodia’s looking for fashion items at affordable prices. You can also find a lot of stalls selling vintage clothes, shoes and bags from other parts of Asia. Continue to Russian Market (so called because a large number of Russian Expats who shopped here in the 1980’s) it is a great experience and the best place in the city for wood and stone carvings, jewelry, clothes and Cambodian silk souvenirs.

We can’t vouch for the authenticity of the ‘labelled’ products, but it is great fun. We then enjoy lunch at a local restaurant for Khmer delicacies. In the afternoon, you will gain insight into the recent dark history of Cambodia at the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum – a former school converted to a detention center during the Khmer Rouge. Equally as harrowing are the Killing Fields of Choeung Ek. These are tough visits but important for learning about the country’s history. Return back to hotel and end of the day.

This morning at 08:00am, you will take a private transfer to Kampot city. The journey takes approximately 4 hours, depending on traffic situation. Directly head to your hotel for check-in.

In the afternoon, visit the pepper production. Currently top chefs around the world have rediscovered the uniqueness of Kampot Pepper. To visit a pepper farm is highly on many people’s lists. Next is the caves located east of Kampot which housing is old, pre-Angkorian shrine. It is in a mountain called 'Phnom Chhnork'.

Today you will take a private transfer, accompanied by your guide to Sihanoukville city. It takes approximately 3 hours depending on traffic situation. Rest of the day is free at leisure.

‘’Sihanoukville's white sand beaches and warm Gulf of Thailand waters combine with a laid back, beachy atmosphere to provide a great little tropical getaway. Sihanoukville is a great place to unwind by the beach, enjoy the fresh from-the-ocean seafood, take in a snorkeling or scuba trip, and generally slow-down, lay back and chill-out.’’

Today is free at leisure.

Today is free at leisure.

Enjoy your final breakfast at the hotel. Take a walk or get some last-minute souvenirs before your check out at midday. Your driver will meet you to assist with luggage and take you to Sihanoukville Airport for your departure flight. We hope to welcome you back soon! ===========================