LANDMARKS – Heritage & Culture

(7 DAYS / 6 NIGHTS)

Places to visit: Phnom Penh – Kampong Chhnang – Oudong – Kampong Thom - Angkor.

Description

This epic journey introduces the individual or family visitors to the most popular sites and attractions of Cambodia. It includes exploring the stunning Angkor temples at one of the largest archaeological sites in the world, stretching more than 400 km2. The site has pristine forest area, splendid man-made lakes and magnificent remnants of the different capitals of the Khmer Empire from the 9th to the 15th century. It also includes the legendary Temple of Angkor Wat and the astounding Bayon with its countless sculptural decorations. The tour then takes you to Phnom Penh, Cambodia’s capital city, with its beautiful tree-shaded avenues, old colonial houses, museums, pagodas and the must-see grandeur of the Royal Palace. On the way, visitors will discover the traditional life of Cambodian people in the countryside and the wonders of ancient Khmer crafts. This is a truly once-in-a-lifetime voyage of discovery!

Highlights

• Discover Angkor Temples and the ancient Khmer kingdoms of Sambor Prei Kup
• Visit the National Museum, Silver pagoda, Royal palace and Wat Phnom pagoda
• Stop at traditional Khmer crafts villages and see the remarkable skills of artisans
• Enjoy the traditional dancing show including the famed and graceful Apsara dancers
• Cruise on a boat excursion to floating villages - the real water world
• Treat yourself to a refreshing and relaxing time at oriental spas.

Program

Day 1: Welcome to Phnom Penh

After arriving at Pochenthong airport in Phnom Penh, you will be picked up by your guide and transferred to the hotel. Soon after, you will begin to discover why the Cambodia’s capital city was once called the jewel of Southeast Asia. Your city explorations begin with a visit to the National Museum and see some of the wonderful antiquities from the Khmer civilization. This will be followed by trips to the remarkable Silver Pagoda, a tour of the Royal Palace with its ornate grandeur, and Wat Phnom pagoda. Then we return to your hotel for the first night’s stay in Phnom Penh.

Day 2: Kampong Chhnang, Oudong – Phnom Penh

The second day begins with an excursion to Kampong Chhnang province, about 1.5 hours drive from the city. Here you will visit one of the pottery villages, discovering the wonders of local artisans and craftsmanship. On way back to Phnom Penh, you will take a detour to the old capital Oudong and nearby village Kampong Luong, where more than 100 silversmith families reside and work. Then back to the Phnom Penh for your second night.

Day 3: Sambor Prei Kuk – Siem Reap

This morning we will head to the Sambor Prei Kuk temples in Kampong Thom province. Dating back from the 7th to the 13th centuries, there are around 179 monuments here, surrounded by lush forests with trees and their dramatic root systems interweaving with the ancient structures. The tour then continues on to Siem Reap, where you will stop overnight.

Day 4: Siem Reap

Your Angkor explorations begin in the morning with a visit to the 9th century Roluos temples – Preah Ko, Bakong and Lolei. More discoveries await you in the afternoon with a visit to three impressive temples from the 10th century – Eastern Mebon, Pre Rup and Prasat Kravan. Here you can marvel at their intricate and ingenious designs. There is also time to take in the canals and waterways of ancient Takeo province. The first day concludes with panoramic views of the sunset and Angkor Wat from temple mountain Phnom Bakhaeng (900AD). This is followed by your first night’s stay in Siem Reap.

Day 5: Siem Reap

After breakfast, enjoy a morning excursion to Banteay Srei, a temple which dates back to 967 AD. The temple is dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva and is famed for the intricate friezes carved into its red sandstone walls. On the way back, we will visit Banteay Samre, which was built during Suryarvaman II’s rule in the middle of the 12th century. In the afternoon you will have a chance to discover the pride of Cambodia’s heritage – the majestic temples of Angkor Wat. Then we return to stay in Siem Reap.

Day 6: Siem Reap

We begin day six with a visit to one of the jewels of Cambodia – the awe-inspiring Angkor Thom or ‘Great City’. This will include many of the finest Temples of King Jayavarman VII, who ruled from 1181-1220. At the southern gate of Angkor Thom, you will marvel at the imposing 23-metre high stone faces of Avalokiteshvara, which featured in the Tomb Raider movie. These astonishing carvings inspire awe and wonder in all who view them. At the centre of this citadel lies the state temple of Bayon, which we will also visit. This temple-mountain, built at the end of the 12th century, is adorned with hundreds of gigantic stone faces. 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 you will discover some of the most famous temples from the 11th century: Baphuon, Phimeanakas, North Khleang and South Khleang. You will also visit the other important temples of Jayavarman VII: Preah Khan, Neak Pean, Ta Prom. The evening is given over to entertainment – a visit to the Apsara Theatre to enjoy a fine Khmer dinner and traditional dances. Then it’s back to the hotel for your final night in Siem Reap.

Day 7: Siem Reap

On the seventh morning, you will enjoy a cool and relaxing boat trip on Tonle Sap Lake. Here we will visit the floating villages of Chong Kneas commune. In the afternoon we will transfer you to the airport for your return flight.