CAMBODIA HIGHLIGHTS
If the epic temples give an insight into Cambodia’s grand past, then the paddy fields, rivers, coastline and stilt villages give a wonderful glimpse of its present. Pepper plantations, ox carts, open markets and colorful Khmer people are all part of the joy of travelling in this little-traversed country, and those simply flying in and out or tour busing to Siem Reap will miss the most sparkling of Cambodia’s highlights. The country is not huge, so overland travel is entirely feasible – or take a boat for a different point of view. Do keep an eye on the safety situation before heading to border regions; frequent skirmishes can make them out of bounds to travelers.
Day 1
Phnom Penh Arrival (D)
On arrival at Airport, you will be met and transferred to hotel. This afternoon, discover the Phnom Penh City, visit Wat Phnom, an ancient pagoda stand up on the hill, Independence Monument commemorates the end of Cambodia’s ruled by France in 1953, Wat Unalom, the oldest Buddhist foundation in the city, probably predating the abandonment of the capital at Angkor in the 15th century. The founding date is variously cited as 1422 and 1443. This wat is the home to the Buddhist patriarch and then we walk along the riverfront, the confluence of the Tonle Sap, Mekong and Bassac Rivers for taking fresh air. Overnight in Phnom Penh.
Day 2
Phnom Penh – City Tours (B, L)
After breakfast – Continue your city tour: visit the National Museum built in 1917-18 is exclusively dedicated to Khmer arts. Royal Palace built in 1866 and Silver Pagoda located within the Royal Palace compound this morning end your visit to Central Market (Phsar Thmei), this distinctive building is a city landmark & the busiest market in the city with a unique art deco version of a traditional market and the market constructed in 1935-37, during the French colonial period, Phsar Thmey is currently just completed its renovation and become the central section of the main market building displays an amazing collection of gems, jewelry and souvenirs. Then visit the infamous Tuol Sleng Museum and Cheung Ek, better known as the Killing Fields, where large numbers of people were killed and buried in mass graves. Overnight in Phnom Penh.
Day 3
Phnom Penh – Siem Reap (B, D)
Breakfast at hotel – transfer to Giant Bus for departure to Siem Reap (07.30am – 13.30pm), on arrival your will be met and then transferred direct to hotel for refreshment.This afternoon, visit the most famous of all the temples on the Angkor plain: Angkor Wat. The temple complex, cover 81 hectares and is comparable in size to the Imperial Palace in Beijing. Its distinctive five towers are emblazoned on the Cambodian flag and the 12th century masterpiece is considered by art historians to be the prime example of classical Khmer art and architecture. Angkor Wat’s five towers symbolize Meru’s five peaks, the enclosed wall represents the mountains at the edge of the world and the surrounding moat symbolizes the ocean. Tonight enjoy buffet dinner with Apsara Dance Show at local restaurant. Overnight in Siem Reap.
Day 4
Siem Reap – Temples (B, L)
Breakfast at hotel – Continue your visit to the jungle covered temple of Ta Prohm is an incredible sight. There are enormous fig trees and gigantic creepers which embrace themselves in the stone foundations of the structure giving the impression of man’s creation being reclaimed by the powerful forces of nature. We explore this masterpiece as well as some of the surrounding temples including Banteay Kdei, Sra Srong, Ta Keo, Thommanon and Chau Say Tevado. Visit the ancient capital of Angkor Thom (12th century); See the South Gate (with its huge statues depicting the churning of the ocean of milk), Bayon Temple (unique for its 54 towers decorated with over 200 smiling faces of Avolokitesvara), the Royal Enclosure, Phimeanakas, the Elephant Terrace and the Terrace of the Leper King. Overnight in Siem Reap.
Day 5
Siem Reap – Bantey Srei – Tonle Sap (B, L)
An early morning – we drive 35 km out of town to visit the famous Banteay Srei (Citadel of Women), we drive back to the sought by visit to Bakong Temple one of among Rolous Group before continue your last trip to Kompong Phluk, one of natural tourisms and a mangroves for hundreds species of fresh water fishes and birds and decorated with ethnic stilted houses line over the water surface up to the air. The villages are primarily Khmer and have about 3000 inhabitants between them, most of who live in stilted houses. The people depend largely on fishing and tourism for their incomes. We embark on the traditional wooden boat through the flooded forests of the Great Tonle Sap Lake, habitat of many bird species it will bring you to Kampong Phluk. This amazing floating village is built on 8 to 10 m high stilts. We visit an island pagoda, a school and traditional stilt houses to interact with the local families. Return to Siem Reap for refreshment. This evening explore Artisan D’ Angkor, home of handicrafts or Old Market for buy souvenirs gifts. Overnight in Siem Reap.
Day 6
Siem Reap – Departure (B)
Breakfast at hotel – transfer to Siem Reap Int’s Airport for departure. End of service!
