CAMBODIA – BY LAND AND WATER

(6 Days, 5 Nights)

Phnom Penh – Battambang – Siem Reap

Program:

Day 1 Phnom Penh

Upon arrival in Phnom Penh meet and greet with the guide and transfer to the hotel.
Phnom Penh is Cambodia’s modern capital; it is a vibrant bustling city nestling majestically on the banks of two mighty rivers: the Mekong and the Tonle Sap. Phnom Penh is an oasis compared to the modernity of other Asian capitals. With wide tree-lined boulevards and low-rise buildings Phnom Penh transports you back to the colonial days of this former French playground.

Start the half day sightseeing in the afternoon by visiting Phnom Penh’s most famous area containing the Silver Pagoda and the Royal Palace.
Built in 1866 the Royal Palace is a comparatively recent structure compared to the Khmer architectural highlights of Angkor. Located at the riverbanks it compounds several buildings of which some are not open to the public as it is still the King's residence.

The Silver Pagoda or The Temple of the Emerald Buddha, formerly a wooden building, was rebuilt in 1962 in concrete and marble. The pagoda is floored with more than 5,000 silver tiles each weighing 1 kilo (2.2 pounds). It is famous for its solid gold Buddha made in 1907 and an emerald Buddha said to be made of Baccarat crystals. Sharing the pagoda are many other interesting artefacts and jewels. This was one of the few temples to remain intact during the Khmer Rouge regime.

Visit the National Museum, which houses the world's foremost collection of ancient Khmer archaeological, religious, and artistic artefacts from the 4th to the 13th centuries. With over 5000 pieces it is the repository of the Kingdom's cultural wealth.

At the end of the day Visit Wat Phnom Pagoda.
Overnight in Phnom Penh

Day 2 Phnom Penh – Battambang (B)

Early morning drive by vehicle to Battambang (300 km, 4 hours).
In the afternoon visit Wat Aik Phnom pagoda and Wat Aik Phnom temple dating back to the 11th century . Further stops include a visit of the Phnom Banon mountain temple and Phnom Sampeou Mountain with Wat Sampeou pagoda, from where you will enjoy spectacular views on the beautiful landscape.
Learn about the cruel Khmer Rouge regime by visiting a group of caves nearby used as ‘killing caves’ by the Khmer Rouge, containing the skeletal remains of their victims.
Overnight in Battambang.

Day 3 Battambang – Siem Reap (B)

Morning departure by speedboat to Siem Reap (without guide) along the Songkae river, crossing the great Tonle Sap Lake. While heading towards your final destination Siem Reap you will have the chance to watch the daily life in the floating villages on the Tonle Sap.

Upon arrival in Siem Reap meet with the guide and transfer to the hotel.
Siem Reap is nestled between rice paddies and stretched along the Siem Reap River; this small provincial capital serves as the gateway to the millennium-old temple ruins of the Khmer Empire. It is actually a cluster of old villages, which originally developed around individual pagodas and later overlaid with a French colonial-era center. Nowadays, Siem Reap offers a wide range of hotels, restaurants, pubs and shops.
Overnight in Siem Reap.

Day 4 Siem Reap (B)

After breakfast, go on an excursion to Banteay Srei, a temple which dates back to 967 AD. It is dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva and is famed for the intricate carvings left on its red sandstone walls. On the way back, visit Banteay Samre, which was built during Suryarvaman II’s rule in the middle of the 12th century. Discover the pride of Cambodia’s heritage in the afternoon– the majestic temples of Angkor Wat.

Angkor Wat today is the largest sacred edifice on earth and of high importance for the Khmer itself. Constructed in the 12th Century by King Suyavarman II, Angkor Wat is dedicated to the Hindu God Vishnu. Surrounded by a giant moat, the temple itself can be reached via a beautiful naga balustrade only. Hundreds of ornaments and reliefs cover the walls of this huge and ancient construction. On top of the steep steps you can enjoy a beautiful view of the surrounding jungle.
Overnight in Siem Reap.

Day 5 Siem Reap (B)

Begin the day with a visit to one of the jewels of Cambodia – the awe-inspiring Angkor Thom or ‘Great City’. This tour also includes the Terrace of Elephants, the Terrace of the Leper King and the 12 identical towers of Prasat Suor Prat. Later in the day discover some of the most famous temples from the 11th century: Baphuon, Phimeanakas and South Khleang. Also visit the other important temples of Jayavarman VII: Preah Khan, Neak Pean and Ta Prom.
Overnight in Siem Reap

Day 6 Siem Reap (B)

Transfer to the airport.