Day 1:  Siem Reap Arrival

On arrival at Siem Reap airport you will be welcomed by our company representative and transported to your hotel for check in. The time will then be yours to relax.

 

Day2:  Siem Reap – Isanapura ( known as Sambor Prey Kuk Temple )

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 7^th 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. 

 

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 4: Mahendraparvata – Hariharalaya (Known as Roluos) accompanied by archaeologist

After a campsite breakfast, you will explore the River of a Thousand Lingas. 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.

 

Day 5: Siem Reap – Phnom Bahkeng – Siem Reap

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 9^th and early 10^th 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 6: Siem Reap

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 7: Siem Reap - Koh Ker - Banteay Srei Temple (accompanied by archaeologist)

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 8: Siem Reap – Beng Mealea - Angkor Wat (accompanied by archeologist)

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 visit of Angkor Wat.

Evening and overnight stay in Siem Reap.

 

Day 9: Angkor Thom – Ta Prohm (accompanied by archeologist)

Breakfast in the hotel

In the morning leave the hotel for Bayon temple, located in the centre of Angkor Thom. This 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 are carved on the 54 towers giving 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 Ta Prohm temple.

Return to Siem Reap in late afternoon for an overnight stay.

 

 

Day 10: Khmer Culture

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Breakfast in hotel

Free to do your own activity until transferring to Phnom Penh International Airport. If you are extending your stay you will need to organise your own accommodation.