CAMBODIA 30 days/ 29 nights
Tour Code : CT-006
Duration :
CAMBODIA 30 days/ 29 nights
Destination: Siem Reap, Kamung Thom, Preh Vihear, Utdormeanchey, Battambang, Phnom Penh and Sihanukvill, Kompungcham, Kratie and Kampung Chhnang.
Day 01: Siem Reap Arrival (D)
At the Poi Pet border you will be greeted by our representative and transported to your hotel in Siem Reap for your overnight stay. Enjoy a chance to freshen up after the trip and then enjoy a welcome dinner.
Day 02: Siem Reap – Isanapura (known as Sambor Prey Kuk Temple) (B/L/D)
Early morning breakfast at the hotel before departing for Siem Reap by road to Sambor village. Sambor village is approximately 25kms from the provincial town of Kompong in Kompong Thom provinc. In the 7th century Sambor Prey Kuk was originally known as Isanapura and the capital of Chenla. Many temples were built in Sambor Prey Kuk during the reign of King Isanavarman I. After a break for lunch at a local restaurant there will be further opportunity to explore the site. Overnight stay will be provided in a homestay in Sambor Village where you can meet and interact with the local people.
Day 03: Isanapura-Mahendraparvata ( Khown as Phnom Kulen ) ( B/L/D )
After breakfast in Sambor village you will begin your excursion accompanied by an archaeologist to Kulen mountain which is in the Svay Leu and Varin districts roughly 60km from Siem Reap. Kulen mountain is the holy place where King Jayavarman II proclaimed independence from the King of Java and the Khmer Empire was born. This mountain plateau originally known as mount Mahendraparvata served as the capital of the Khmer Empire for over half a century. After this the capital was moved south to Hariharalaya which today is known as Roulos. Tonight you will be camping and having dinner near the River of a Thousand Lingas.
Day 04: Mahendraparvata – Hariharalaya (Known as Roluos) (B/L/D)
After a campsite breakfast, you will explore the River of a Thousand Lingas. Here there are intricate carvings in the river bed just centimetres below the surface. Relax beside a natural waterfall or enjoy a swim and enjoy a picnic lunch. In the afternoon on the way back to Siem
Reap you will stop at the Roluos group of temples. Roluos is the ancient centre of the Khmer civilisation and formerly known as Hariharalaya. Consisting of three temples, Preah Kor, Bakong and Lolei it is situated roughly 12kms from Siem Reap. King Jayavarman II after establishing the capital on Kulen mountain in 802AD moved the capital to Roluos possibly for better defence and a greater source of food supply. Back to Siem Reap for an overnight stay at the hotel and free time.
Reap you will stop at the Roluos group of temples. Roluos is the ancient centre of the Khmer civilisation and formerly known as Hariharalaya. Consisting of three temples, Preah Kor, Bakong and Lolei it is situated roughly 12kms from Siem Reap. King Jayavarman II after establishing the capital on Kulen mountain in 802AD moved the capital to Roluos possibly for better defence and a greater source of food supply. Back to Siem Reap for an overnight stay at the hotel and free time.
Day 05: Siem Reap – Phnom Bahkeng – Siem Reap (B/L/D)
Breakfast will be at the hotel before setting off to explore Phnom Bakheng temple. Commonly referred to as the Temple mountain or Mount Meru in Indian mythology. The temple was cut from the natural sandstone in the hill in the 9th and early 10th centuries during the reign of King Yasovarman I. Then head back to Siem Reap for lunch and in the afternoon, visit the Old Market and Artisans d’Angkor. Dinner will be at a local restaurant and an overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 06: Siem Reap (B/L/D)
Breakfast will be at the hotel. Then in the morning shop for food at the local market for the cooking class and lunch. The afternoon will be at your leisure and then in the evening enjoy a Sbeik Thom performance. (Cambodian Puppetry)
Day 07: Siem Reap - Koh Ker - Banteay Srei Temple (B/L/D)
An early breakfast at the hotel for an early departure travelling by dirt road to the remote temple of Koh Ker which is approximately 120kms from Siem Reap. Built by King Jayavarman IV in 10th century, it once served as the ancient capital of Cambodia. Facing west towards Angkor city Koh Ker temple stands 35 metres high and its design resembles a seven-step stupa. It was built to worship Treypuvaneservara (the god of happiness). Lunch will be at Koh Ker temple. In the afternoon on the return trip to Siem Reap you will stop at the XI century temple of Banteay Srei. Dinner and overnight stay in Siem Reap.
Day 08: Siem Reap – Beng Mealea - Angkor Wat (B/L/D)
Breakfast in the hotel.
Early morning departure to Beng Mealea (XII century) an Indiana Jones style temple surrounded by the forest. Then continue to Angkor Wat which is located about 7 Kilometers north of Siem Reap. The temple was built in the early XII century during the reign of king Suryaverman II. It is unrivaled for its beauty and state of preservation. It is the expression of Khmer art at its highest point of development. Some believe that Angkor Wat was designed by Divakarapandita, the chief adviser and minister of the king, and was dedicated to Vishnu. The Khmers attribute the building of Angkor Wat to the divine architect Visvakarman. There has been considerable debate amongst scholars as to whether Angkor Wat was built as a temple or as a tomb.
Lunch in front of Angkor Wat. Afternoon: continue exploring Angkor Wat.
Evening and overnight stay in Siem Reap.
Day 09: Angkor Thom – Ta Prohm (B/L/D)
Breakfast in the hotel
In the morning we leave from the hotel to Bayon temple which is located in the center of Angkor Thom. The temple is one of the most popular sites in the Angkor complex. It was built in the late 12th and early 13th centuries by king Jataverman VII. The architectural composition of the Bayon exudes grandness in every aspect. Over 200 large faces caved on the 54 towers give this temple its majestic character, which at that time represented the 54 provinces of the Khmer Empire. The iconography of the four faces has been widely debated by scholars and some think they represent the Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara. In keeping with the Buddhist character of the temple, it is generally accepted that the four faces on each of the towers are images of king Jayavarman VII and signify the omnipresence of the king. After lunch in Srah Srang, visit of Ta Prohm temple.
Return to Siem Reap in late afternoon.
Return to Siem Reap in late afternoon.
Day 10: Khmer Culture (B/L/D)
In the morning after the hotel breakfast you will gain a first hand experience of Khmer culture in Pouk village, 16km west of Siem Reap: Silk weaving, water blessing at the pagoda and a meeting with monks. Lunch is at the village.
Afternoon: Traditional tattooing.
Return to Siem Reap: Free evening and overnight stay.
Day 11: Siem Reap – Anlong Veng – Banteay Chhmar (B/L/D)
After breakfast go on an excursion to Anlong Veng 125km north of Siem Reap. It was the last stronghold of the Khmer Rouge to come under government control in 1998 and is the last resting place of Pol Pot. Sightseeing spots: Pol Pot’s tomb (Khmer Rouge Master 1975-1979), Ta Mok’s Garrison (Pol Pot’s commander).
Meeting and discussions with former Khmer rouge in Anlong Veng district, then continue to Banteay Chhmar where you will camp overnight near a local village.
Day 12: Banteay Chhmar (accompanied by archaeologist) – Battambong (B/L/D )
Breakfast at the village before you start to explore a temple built between the 12th and 13th centuries during the reign of King Jayavarman VII. Located at Thmar Puok District, along the National Road No 59ª it has been abandoned and not arranged. After exploring this temple, you will have picnic lunch. If time allows we continue to Battambang and check into a hotel for an overnight stay.
Day 13: Battambang
Breakfast in the hotel then in the morning: sightseeing of Battambong provincial town: Provincial Museum, pagodas, incense manufacturing, Pepsi Cola Factory (1960) and a visit to Wat Samrong Knong which was used as a prison by the Khmer Rouge. Meet with villagers living close to the temple whose relatives were imprisoned there.
In the afternoon: Visit Phnom Sampov and the 11th century hilltop temple of Phnom Banan, after climbing stone steps to the top. Returning back to Battambong town.
Day 14: Architecture Battambang (B/L/D)
Breakfast in hotel and then in the morning take a walking tour of Battambang city’s architecture accompanied by an art historian. The city boasts a rich urban heritage with a great variety of historical buildings, the styles and layouts representing different phases of the city’s history. Between Road #1 and Road #3 Battambang is characterized by a coherent group of about 800 heritage buildings from the French protectorate.
Outside of the area, outstanding heritage building, like the New Khmer Architecture of the Battambong University, French Classical-style villas along the river and traditional Khmer wooden houses can be found. Throughout the city beautiful pagodas (Wat) are an expression of the city’s religious heritage. All these historical buildings and ensembles contribute to the city’s unique character and beauty. Enjoy dinner and overnight stay.
Day 15: Battambang – Phnom Penh (B/L/D)
By private transportation stopover at Kompong Chhnang to visit potters’ An Dong Russey Village, Kum Sre thmey Srok Roleap Pa Ear Khet Kampong Chhnang. Evening and overnight stay in Phnom Penh.
Day 16: Phnom Penh (B/L/D)
In the morning visit places of interest downtown (Central market, Royal Palace, National Museum of Cambodia).
In the afternoon visit S-21 Khmer rouge interrogation centre (Toul Sleng) and Toul Tom Poung market.
Day 17: Phnom Penh (B/L/D)
In the morning depart to visit Koh Dach, on the Mekong River, to visit silk factory and weaving and a local kruu Khmer who will tell each visitor about his/her future, the traditional way.
In the afternoon, observe the training in Khmer classical dancing of the Royal Ballet of Cambodia.
Day 18: Phnom Penh- Sihanoukville (Beach Relax) (B/L/D)
In the morning, you visit Tonle Sap Lake by boat to see a floating village.
Back to hotel for check out and departure for Sihanoukville by airplane.
Check in at hotel after arrival at Sihanoukville and have your own leisure time. Overnight stay.
Day 19: Sihanoukville to Island (B/L/D)
After breakfast at hotel, you will be transferred to dock departs to excursion to Koh Takieve or Chaluh, Koh Russei and Tres island. You cant find TV or internet or even roads on island but what you will find is warm, blue, crystal-clear water. It is perfect for swimming, soft golden sandy beaches, lush natural surrounding, and a lot of peace and tranquility that you wont come across in many other so-called Relaxed destinations. Later afternoon, return to Sihanoukville. Dinner and overnight stay.
Day 20: Sihanoukville (B/L/D)
After breakfast, go to O’ Chheuteal Beach which is the most popular beach in Sihanoukville. There are a number of food stalls along the beach, in addition to fruit and seafood vendors.
Break for lunch on the beach and free activities till late afternoon. Return to hotel for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 21: Sihanoukville (B/L/D)
Breakfast at the hotel.
Morning highlight get to know some other beaches that are popular besides O’Chheuteal for tourists like Sokha beach is adjoins O’chheuteal beach. Although the water is deeper here.
Break for lunch and afternoon free your own leisure for you to explore Sihanoukville by yourself. Return to hotel for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 22: Sihanukvill-Phnom Penh (B/L/D)
After breakfast, depart for Phnom Penh and relax after arrival.
In the morning, you visit Tonle Sap Lake by boat to see a floating village.
Back to hotel for check out and departure for Sihanoukville by airplane.
Check in at hotel after arrival at Sihanoukville and have your own leisure time. Overnight stay.
Day 19: Sihanoukville to Island (B/L/D)
After breakfast at hotel, you will be transferred to dock departs to excursion to Koh Takieve or Chaluh, Koh Russei and Tres island. You cant find TV or internet or even roads on island but what you will find is warm, blue, crystal-clear water. It is perfect for swimming, soft golden sandy beaches, lush natural surrounding, and a lot of peace and tranquility that you wont come across in many other so-called Relaxed destinations. Later afternoon, return to Sihanoukville. Dinner and overnight stay.
Day 20: Sihanoukville (B/L/D)
After breakfast, go to O’ Chheuteal Beach which is the most popular beach in Sihanoukville. There are a number of food stalls along the beach, in addition to fruit and seafood vendors.
Break for lunch on the beach and free activities till late afternoon. Return to hotel for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 21: Sihanoukville (B/L/D)
Breakfast at the hotel.
Morning highlight get to know some other beaches that are popular besides O’Chheuteal for tourists like Sokha beach is adjoins O’chheuteal beach. Although the water is deeper here.
Break for lunch and afternoon free your own leisure for you to explore Sihanoukville by yourself. Return to hotel for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 22: Sihanukvill-Phnom Penh (B/L/D)
After breakfast, depart for Phnom Penh and relax after arrival.
Day 23: Phnom Penh - Phum Thmei - Kampong Cham (B/L/D)
07:45 RV Toum Tiou is open for embarking
08:00 Departure for Phum Thmei. Security briefing.
16:30 Arrival to Phum Thmei Literally known as the "new village". Passengers get an insight into Cambodian life, a nice way to have a break after their Phnom Penh "adventure". First village to be visited on the Mekong; a local ferry will come to pick them up and transfer them to shore.
18:00 Departure for Kampong Cham
19:00 Dinner on board
21:00 Arrival to Kampong Cham. Overnight on board
Day 24: Kampong Cham (B/L/D)
08:00 Passengers disembark for the visit of Kampong Cham. The passengers leave for a long tour to the Angkorian temple of Nokor Bachey and then head to the ruins of a pagoda on the hill Phnom Pros, which translated means, "the man’s hill", which is in front of Phnom Srey ("the woman’s hill").
12:00 Departure for Kratie and lunch on the way
16:00 Cooking lesson with our Chef, as he unravels the key secrets of Cambodia’s finest, traditional dishes.
19:00 Dinner while sailing.
22:00 Overnight at anchor on the way to Kratie
Day 25: Kratie (B/L/D)
06:00 Departure for Kratie.
07:30 Breakfast while sailing.
10:00 Documentary about the natural resources of Cambodia.
12:00 Lunch on board.
13:00 Arrival in Kratie.
14:00 City tour of Kratie, visit the pagoda of Wat Roka Kandal. Then the passengers will try to catch a picture of the unique fresh water Irrawaddy dolphins. Finally they will end this tropical day with a swim in the Mekong
14:00 City tour of Kratie, visit the pagoda of Wat Roka Kandal. Then the passengers will try to catch a picture of the unique fresh water Irrawaddy dolphins. Finally they will end this tropical day with a swim in the Mekong
18:00 Departure to Wat Hanchey
22:00 Overnight at anchor on the way to Wat Hanchey
Day 26: Wat Hanchey (B/L/D)
07:00 Departure for Wat Hanchey.
07:30 Breakfast.
10:00 Arrival to Wat Hanchey and visit.pre-Angkorian temple on the hill.
11:30 Departure for Kampong Tralach
12:30 Lunch on the way Afternoon of navigation, perfect time for leisure, lecture and discussion about Cambodia with your local guide.
19:00 Dinner while passing through Phnom Penh.
22:30 Overnight at anchor next to Koh Chen
Day 27 Kampong Tralach - Kampong Chnang (B/L/D)
07:00 Departure for Kampong Tralach.
08:00 Arrival at Kampong Tralach Visit the wonderful Vihara belonging to Wat Kampong Tralach Leu pagoda. To get to it, you cross Kampong Tralach Krom village along a small road perpendicular to the river, crossing some gorgeous stretches of emerald rice paddy as we leave the river behind. The Vihara dates back to early last century. It was probably built on an older site, as indicated by the latérite foundations, and is home to some outstanding mural paintings. These, however, are starting to suffer from weathering. They remain one of the last survivors of cultural destruction that continues unabated due to widespread indifference. Standing by itself in the middle of rice fields, it is a modest pagoda that receives very few visitors. Its isolation may well be its undoing, as was the case for Wat Tani Pagoda in the province of Kampot.
10:00 Departure for Kampong Chnang. Lunch on board on the way.
14:00 Arrival in Kampong Chnang. Located some 56 miles from Phnom Penh. The town of Kampong Chnang is one of the largest fishing ports on the Tonlé Sap. Fish farming is widely practiced in the area. The area is famous for its pottery, unchanged in style for centuries, which is produced in sufficient quantities to supply the entire country. And not to be overlooked are the products of the Thnot tree (sugar palm - a real national symbol) that abounds in the area: a mellow tasting, caramel-colored sugar sold in large cakes and palm wine.
17:00 Departure for Chnok Tru. Dinner on the way.
21:00 Arrival in Chnok Tru Overnight at anchor next to Chnok Tru
Day 28: Chnok Tru - Siem Reap (B/L/D)
07:00 Chnok Tru. Local boats will come alongside the RV Toum Tiou and pick passengers up for the visit to the biggest floating village on the Tonlé Sap River
09:00 Departure for Siem Reap. Time to pack and relax for a half day crossing of the Tonlé Sap Lake.
16:00 Arrival in Siem Reap. Passengers disembark, local tour agent will pick up passengers and transfer them to hotel after a last lunch on board.
Day 29: Siem Reap (B)
Relax with this day to yourself and get your land legs back.
Day 30: Siem Reap- Stueng Treng (Laos Border) (B)
After breakfast, you will be transferred by comfortable bus to Laos border.
