Thoroughly Authentic & Heritage

(19 DAYS - 18 NIGHTS)

Places to visit: Phnom Penh – Takeo – Kampong Chhnang – Oudong – Ratanakiri – Kratie – Kamong Cham - Kampong Thom - Siem Reap & Angkor – Sihanoukville

Description

This is an exciting voyage for the individual or the family, bringing you authentic experiences in one of the last truly traditional countries in Asia. The main highlight is the vast Angkor temple complex, which is one of the largest archaeological sites in the world, stretching over some 400 sq. km. The site has pristine forests, splendid man-made lakes and magnificent remains from the different capitals of the Khmer Empire, which date from the 9th to the 15th centuries. It includes the legendary temple of Angkor Wat and the astounding Bayon with its countless sculptural decorations. Apart from Angkor, you are sure to remember the people you will meet across the ten provinces visited, be it for their wonderful Asian smile or the ancient traditional way of life. This trip will also bring you to one of the most attractive beaches of Asia.

Highlights

• Discover the astounding temples of Angkor and the ancient Khmer kingdoms of Funan and Sambor Prei Kup – one of the oldest temple complexes in Southeast Asia
• Cruise on a speed boat through the 6th century canals of the Funan area to see the oldest Khmer temple of Phnom Da
• Visit the National Museum, Silver Pagoda, Royal Palace and Wat Phnom pagoda in Cambodia’s capital
• Observe silversmiths, potters and basket weavers at work
• Watch some of the few remaining Irrawaddy Mekong dolphins of Indochina
• Experience a one night stay in a traditional Khmer wooden house (air-conditioned with modern sanitary facilities) on the banks of the majestic Mekong River
• Drive through the rubber plantations of Kampong Cham
• See ethnic tribes and waterfalls in Ratanakiri
• Watch the traditional dancing shows including the unique and graceful Apsara dancers
• Enjoy a boat excursion to floating villages – the real ‘water world’
• Treat yourself to a refreshing and relaxing time at an oriental spa

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, as well as a tour of the Royal Palace with its ornate grandeur. Then we return to your hotel for the first night’s stay in Phnom Penh.

Day 2: Phnom Penh

Visit the Wat Phnom pagoda and a fascinating crafts centre nearby, followed by shopping in the world art deco-era Central Market and/or the Russian Market. You will learn more of the painful suffering of the Khmer people during Pol Pot’s regime when you visit the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and Choeung Ek mass graves. In the evening, enjoy a one-hour small boat ride along the illuminated riverside with dozens of restaurants, bars and shops of Chatomuk. Spend your second night in Phnom Penh.

Day 3: Takeo – Phnom Penh

On the third day you will enjoy an excursion to Takeo Province, the birthplace of Indianised Khmer civilization, which has a silk weaving tradition almost 2,000 years old. This is roughly a 2 hours drive away (90km). Taking a small speedboat along the ancient Funan canals to the oldest Khmer temple of Phnom Da temple, from the 6th century. You will also stop at Angkor Borei Museum, which celebrates the history of the Funan region. On the way back, we will visit the 12th century temple of Ta Prohm near Tonle Bati Lake and the silk weaving village of Tanorn. Then we will return to rest overnight in Phnom Penh.

Day 4: Kampong Chhnang, Oudong – Phnom Penh

Today’s excursion takes you to Kampong Chhnang province, only 1.5 hours drive away. Here you will visit one of the pottery villages and see local artisans practicing their ancient craft. On the way back to Phnom Penh, we will stop at the former capital, Oudong, and see the nearby village of Kampong Luong, which has more than 100 silversmith families. This will be your last overnight stop in Phnom Penh.

Day 5: Ratanakiri In the morning, drive to Ratanakiri province (400 km, about 7 hours).

Arrival is late evening. Dinner and overnight in Banlong.

Day 6: Ratanakiri

Heading northwest, today’s explorations involve a trek through different types of forests and scenery before arriving at the village of Voeune Saï, located on the west bank of Sé San River. The view of the Chinese village across the river is particularly interesting. This place is almost a Chinese enclave within the Cambodian territory and most of the villagers who have been living there for generations still do not speak Khmer. Further upstream you will find various Tampouns villages, known for their gravestone sculpting; if possible, we’ll rent a small boat and go up to the village of Ka Choan, where you can find beautiful totems. Otherwise, we’ll get there by four-wheel drive. Dinner and overnight in Banlong.

Day 7: Ratanakiri

This time, we are going north toward Laos and the village of Taveng. First off, we go through the amazing volcanic area of Veyrum Plâng, with its sea of volcanic rocks: a forest leads to a large clearing of lava blocks, and a little farther down, a small waterfall (only during the rainy season) surrounded by tiger grottoes. We then visit various pleasant Kroeung villages that line the road throughout the forest. The farther up you go toward the north, the more beautiful and majestic the forest becomes. Two-thirds of the way up, a right-hand bend in the road leads to the village of Kroeung with its bachelor homes (depending on the season), which are very impressive. As soon as single men have married and started a family, the homes are torn down, and then rebuilt by the younger generation of single men the following season. Depending on the season and road conditions, we will choose an area for a picnic, before continuing on and exploring a nearby village. Dinner and overnight in Banlong.

Day 8: RATANAKIRI – KRATIE

This morning you will go bargain-hunting at the Banlung Market., where all manner of fruit, vegetables and forest products are sold. Around 09h30, we will depart for Kratie, and should arrive at Roka Kandal guesthouse around 15h00 (Room B). After being welcomed by the local guide, we will continue on to Kampi to go Irrawaddy dolphin watching by boat – a magical experience. Return to Roka Kandal.for an overnight stop in Kratie.

Day 9: Kratie - Kampong Cham – Kampong Thom

In the morning we will depart for Kampong Thom province (400 km, 5-6 hours drive). On the way, we will pass the famous rubber plantations of Kampong Cham province and visit the 11th century Wat Nokor temple near Kampong Cham city. Continuing on to Kampong Thom, on the way we will visit Phnom Pros and Phnom Srei pagodas. Overnight in Kampong Thom.

Day 10: Sambor Prei Kuk temples – Siem Reap

After breakfast, we will head to the Sambor Prei Kuk temples in Kampong Thom province. Dating back from the 7th-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 11: 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 (900 AD). Then we return to the hotel in Siem Reap.

Day 12: 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 13: Siem Reap

After breakfast, 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 and 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 to rest up.

Day 14: Siem Reap

This 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 you can relax at your leisure. Overnight in Siem Reap.

Day 15: Siem Reap – Sihanoukville

The morning begins with a flight to Phnom Penh. We will then continue by car to Sihanoukville (also called Kampong Som), which is about a 3 hour drive.

Day 15-18: Sihanoukville

At this coastal paradise you have time to choose your own itinerary, whether its resting on the pristine sandy beach, swimming or enjoying fresh seafood at the sea shacks lining the beach. We will stay in Sihanoukville for 4 nights.

DAY 19: SIHANOUKVILLE – PHNOM PENH

Transfer to Pochenthong airport in Phnom Penh for your return flight home.