SIEM REAP – PHNOM PENH
The name Siem Reap literally means “Siam Defeated”. These days, however, the only rampaging hordes are the tourists heading to the Angkor Archaeological Park. This once quaint village has become the largest boom town and construction site in Cambodia. It’s quite laid-back and a pleasant place to stay while touring the temples and a nice compromise between observing Cambodian life.
Day 1
Chau Doc – Phnom Penh (B,D)
Wake up early morning to transfer to Chau Doc harbor and take an express boat to Phnom Phenh, Cambodia. We would reach Phnom Penh International Port (Sisowath Street) around12.30. Arrive at Sisowath tourist dock in Phnom Penh you will be greeted and transferred to hotel. The rest of the day we visit the National Museum of Khmer Art, the Silver Pagoda and the renowned Central Market. Overnight at hotel in Phnom Penh.
Day 2
Phnom Penh City Tour (B/L)
This morning explore the Royal Palace. The Palace was opened in 1870 under King Norodom, and now contains the Royal Residence, the Throne Hall, the Silver Pagoda, and other buildings. The Silver Pagoda (Wat Preah Keo Morokat) is one of the city’s most visited sites and offers a display of priceless Buddhist and historical objects. The Pagoda draws its name with more than 5,000 silver tiles, which cover a floor in the temple. After lunch at a local restaurant, we visit the Toul Sleng Prison Museum and the Killing Fields of Choeung Ek-both grim reminders of Cambodia’s bloody past under Pol Pot. It is almost inconceivable to confront the nature of true evil here in this gentle land, but the Buddhist memorial at Choeung Ek,commemorates the 1.7 million victims of the 1975-79 Pol Pot regime. This excursion may prove distressing for some. It is, however, an important piece of this country’s historical and cultural puzzle.Overnight in Phnom Penh.
Day 3
Phnom Penh – Siem Reap Tour (B/L)
Breakfast at the hotel and take the morning flight to Siem Reap. Upon arrival in Siem Reap we head to our hotel down town for check-in. The rest of the day we visit to the world wonder of Angkor Wat. We first visit to Southern Gate of Angkor Thom and the unique temple of Bayon. It is a collection of 54 gothic towers decorated with 216 coldy smiling, enormous faces glaring down from every angle. We continue to the Baphoun temple, which would have been one of the most spectacular of Angkor’s temples in its heyday. Moving on to the Terrace of Elephants and Terrace of the Leper King. Complete the day with sunset watching from Phnom Bakheng Hill. Back to the hotel for overnight.Overnight in Siem Reap.
Day 4
Exploration Angkor (B/L)
Breakfast at the hotel. Today we continue to visit the Banteay Samre, which dates from the same period as Angkor Wat. The temple is in a fairly healthy state of preservation due to some extensive renovation work. After here we continue to visit the monuments of Rolous, which served as Indravarman I’s capital. The temples were built by the Khmer and mark the beginning of the age of Khmer classical art. In the afternoon, visit the World Seven Wonder-better known as Angkor Wat- that stands as the most important archaeological site in Southeast Asia. Back to the hotel for overnight.
Day 5
Banteay Srei – Kulen Mountain (B,L)
Departure to the north of Siem Reap to visit the citadel of woman – Banteay Srei – a jewel indisputable of the Khmer art: entirely having been constructed by hard pink sandstone and perfectly preserved and restored. You will then drive to Kulen mountain 50 minute drive) to see the thousand Lingas river – Grand reclining Buddha and Waterfall. It is also possible to swim and picnic. Picnic Lunch near waterfall. In the afternoon, on your way back you will visit AKIRA land mine museum and then continue to Angkor site for your visit to Ta Prohm temple which was invaded by jungle and the one that “Tomb Raider” had filmed and Angelina Jolie was an actress. Overnight at hotel in Siem Reap.
Day 6
Great Lake of Tonle Sap Lake – Siem Reap (B,L)
Breakfast at hotel proceed to visit to the floating village of Chong Khneas, located 10 kilometers south of Siem Reap. Visit the village and take an excursion in a traditional wooden boat on the Tonle Sap Lake, the “Great Lake” of Cambodia, one of the largest in Asia. We then continue to Les Artisans d’Angkor – Chantiers Ecole where visitors can observe artisans making high quality wood and stone carvings from scratch to end-product. Overnight in Siem Reap.
Day 7
Siem Reap- Departure (B)
Breakfast at the hotel. Free at your leisure time until our car pick up and transfer to airport for take your onward flight.
