HISTORY OF CAMBODIA
Cambodia, country on the Indochinese mainland of Southeast Asia. Cambodia is largely a land of plains and great rivers and lies amid important overland and river trade routes linking China to India and Southeast Asia. The influences of many Asian cultures, alongside those of France and the United States, can be seen in the capital, Phnom Penh, one of a handful of urban centres in the largely rural country. For 2,000 years Cambodia’s civilization absorbed influences from India and China and, in turn, transferred them to other Southeast Asian civilizations. From the Hindu-Buddhist kingdoms of Funan and Chenla (1st–8th century) through the classical age of the Angkor period (9th–15th century).
Day 1
Arrival Siem Reap
Arrive Siem Reap by afternoon flight, Siem Reap – Treasures of the Kingdom of Cambodia, special welcome all warmly to everybody, a moment of courtesy meeting then self-introduce with our Cambodian tour guide in the meeting point’s Siem Reap airport. visit Banteay Kdei – Surrounded by four concentric walls. Thommanon and Chaosay Tevorda temple. We continue to visit the fabulous Ta Prohm embraced by the roots of enormous fig trees and gigantic creepers. Prasat Kravan – With its unique brick sculptures. Srah Srang – The Royal Baths” was once used for ritual bathing.In the evening we are invited into the house of a local family. We sit down at the dinner table, listen to their stories and learn more about their everyday routine, beliefs and traditions. They teach us some basic Khmer phrases. After dinner we can visit the local night market, a colourful and vibrant dining and shopping experience in a modern Khmer environment.
Day 2
Siem Reap (B)
After breakfast we begin our tours today with local transportation “ Tuk Tuk “ to visit Banteay Srei: nearly everyone’s favorite site. The special charm of this temple lies in its compact size, remarkable state of preservation, and the excellence of it decorative carving. Banteay Samre: Its rose-colored sandstone walls are decorated with carvings and bas-reliefs, which are among the most accomplished Angkor has to offer. The tour start with the visiting to the famous temple: Angkor Wat. Angkor Wat is a World Heritage Site since 1992, famous for its beauty and splendor. Angkor Wat features the longest continuous bas-relief in the world, which runs along the outer gallery walls and narrates stories from Hindu mythology, visit Bakheng Temple and enjoy a romantic sun set view form Bakheng hill. Welcome dinner with Apsara Dance show at local restaurant. For those travelers thirsting for cultural highlights of Cambodia, No visit to Cambodia is complete without attending at least one traditional Khmer dance performance, often referred to as ‘Apsara Dance’ after one of the most popular Classical dance pieces. Traditional Khmer dance better described as ‘dance-drama’ in that the dances are not merely dance but also meant to convey a story or message.
Day 3
Siem Reap (B)
We start on our bike and cycle (45 minutes for cycling) to world heritage areas on the roads less travelled. Ride among the jungle passing local village and local shop. It’s a very special and acting day as you will explore some of Angkor’s most beautiful temples. You will visit the West Gate of Angkor Thom – undiscovered by mass tourist. The ancient capital of Angkor Thom (12th century) See the South Gate, Bayon Temple – unique for its 54 towers decorated with over 200 smiling faces of Avolokitesvara. Baphuon temple lying just to the north of Bayon a pyramidal representation of mythical Mont Meru. The Royal Enclosure, Phimeanakas. The Elephant Terrace and the Terrace of the Leper King.You will return to town for lunch, after which you will head south to the Tonle Sap Lake. On the way you will call in at Artisans d’Angkor, an interesting boutique workshop where you can observe young Cambodians learning traditional Khmer handicraft techniques, such as stone & wood carving, and lacquering & gilding – a great opportunity for last minute quality souvenirs.
Day 4
Siem Reap Kulen Mountain (B)
Morning transfer to Svay Leu village. Here trek to explore Phnom Kulen through dense forests, local villages and countryside. Phnom Kulen hidden mountain temple, our journey to Phnom Kulen is for the serious adventure travel only. Visit Holy mountain of Phnom Kulen visit Lingas carving, a legacy of the God-kings who ruled Cambodia in the ninth century, one of the eight water sources, Sleeping Buddha, and the Waterfall of Phnom Kulen, where we will enjoy swimming. Overnight in the local village or ground floor in Pagoda on the top of mountain.
Day 5
Kulen Mountain Kompong Thom (B)
After breakfast, our journey take you through thick jungle in search of lost monuments, including Upaorng, Neak ta and Thma dop – all brick and late rite towers that were built between the 7th and 8th century – a disregarded ancient kiln site where shards of pottery littler the forest floor; a massive stone sculpture of the king-god of elephant and Sras Dumrei, four stone animal carved from rock which are lager than life. Trekking along the pilgrim path up to the summit of the Phnom Kulen, the sacred mountain of the Khmer, we trekking across the jungle, the plain of limestone and high grasses to discover deep in the jungle the exceptional site Srah Dumrei, imposing monoliths (elephant and lion) of 6 m height made of sandstone, dating 10th century. We drive down and going straight to Kompong Thom. Stay overnight in Kompong Thom.
Day 6
Kompong Thom – Phnom Penh (B)
After breakfast we depart for the archeological sight of Sambor Prei Kuk, which is dotted with hundred Pre-Angkor styled temples. The site, part of the Chenla Kingdom, includes an area of nearly 1000 acres enclosed by double walls, and hundreds temples and towers; its construction predates Angkor Wat by several centuries. The road conditions are very poor, but the spectacular scenery, with a mixture of temples and forest makes the hardship all worthwhile. After seeing this landmark we make our way towards Siem Reap and pass through various Khmer traditional villages. Not far from Phnom Penh you may choose to stop at Skoun, also known as ‘Spiderville’ due to the deep fried tarantula that is the local delicacy, are you adventurous enough to try one? Stay overnight in Phnom Penh.
Day 7
Phnom Penh (B)
Our cyclo tour gives us a different perspective on the streets and sights of the city. We start at Wat Phnom, iconic symbol of Phnom Penh, before heading past the National Library and Hotel Le Royal. We pass the train station before winding our way down to Psar Thmei, and the elegant riverfront. We pass the glittering Royal Palace Compound. Firstly, visit to the Royal Palace compound build in 1866 by the Predecessors of King Norodom, is the most conspicuous feature and also one of impressive colorful Khmer-style Palaces. Nearside the Royal Palace is Silver Pagoda (The Emerald Buddha temple), display plenty of Buddha Statues that were decorated and made by diamond, emerald, gold and silver, continuing visit to National Museum, the distinctive red building with a beautiful Khmer architecture was build since 1917 and contains more than 5000 art objects made of sandstone, bronze, silver, copper, wood and others. Travelers will proceed to visit Independence Monument which was constructed in 1954 after Cambodian took their country back from French colony. Visit Tuol Sleng prison (Genocide Museum) was the most secret organ of the Khmer Rouge regime. S-21 stands for “Security Office 21.” was Angkar’s premier security institution, specifically designed for the interrogation and extermination of anti Angkar elements. Continue to visit Choeung Ek museum, between 1975 and 1978 about 17,000 men, women, children and infants detained and tortured at S-21 prison were transported to the extermination camp of Choeung Ek. Then shopping at Toul Tompong Market (called Russian Market), so-named because of the prevalence of items from the Eastern Bloc in past times, the Russian Market today is a treasure trove for tourists, that you will feel a bustling daily life of local people with Cambodian’s special character through local specialties, their houses, their face. Stay overnight in Phnom Penh.
Day 8
Phnom Penh – Sihanouk Ville (B)
After breakfast, met our driver then drive straight down to Sihanouk Ville without guide. Check in hotel and rest time. The lovely beaches of Sihanouk Ville are some of the most unspoiled in all of South East Asia although the fast growing of tourism. There are some 10 km of beach stretching the whole length of the town and dozens of small islands just a short boat ride away, which make for a perfect tropical getaway, with facilities for swimming, snorkeling or scuba diving, This free day will provide you some great opportunities to soak up the sun and sea as much as you want by spending your time swimming or lazing on a beach. Stay overnight in Sihanouk Ville.
Day 9
Sihanouk Ville
Today is at leisure to enjoy this beautiful seaside town. The lovely beaches of Sihanouk Ville are some of the most unspoiled in all of South east Asia although the fast growing of tourism. There are some 10 km of beach stretching the whole length of the town and dozens of small islands just a short boat ride away, which make for a perfect tropical getaway, with facilities for swimming, snorkeling or scuba diving, This free day will provide you some great opportunities to soak up the sun and sea as much as you want by spending your time swimming or lazing on a beach. Stay overnight in Sihanouk Ville.
Day 10
Sihanouk Ville – Phnom Penh departure (B)
To day we have a half-day free for relaxation. Off the beach you can rent a boat to explore the nearby coastal islands or the Ream national park which is well known for the mangrove forest and the eco-system. These optional activities are not included, however our guide will be on hand to advise you with valuable information. Late afternoon we depart Sihanouk Ville for Phnom Penh without guide. Transfer to Phnom Penh airport for departure flight to next destination.
