DAY 1: ARRIVE PHNOM PENH & CYCLO RIDE & SUNSET CRUISE

Fly into Phnom Penh, the city that retains its traditional Khmer and colonial charm. French villas along tree-lined boulevards remind the visitor that the city was once considered the ‘pearl’ of Southeast Asia. Recent political changes have triggered an economic boom, with new hotels, restaurants, bars and nightclubs springing up across the city.

We 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. Travelers will proceed to visit Independence Monument which was constructed in 1954 after Cambodian took their country back from French colony, 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.

We take Cyclo ride (3 wheels vehicle), we pass through the River Front park whose scenery is much worth shooting, and continue to the only one hill in town with sacred sites called Wat Phnom before walking along Mekong River bank to see the lovely Phnom Penh city at night with breathtaking view along the river. Enjoy a sunset cruise at the confluence of the Mekong and Tonle Sap Rivers.

Meal plan: Welcome Dinner

DAY 2: KHMER COOKING CLASS & PHNOM PENH'S DARK PAST

After breakfast, you enjoy a day learning about Khmer cooking as well as creating and sampling the various dishes. We’ll learn and practice recipes that you can take home with you and create authentic Khmer meals for family and friends, an excellent way to bring a taste of the culture to compliment your photos. There are several courses depending on the day of the week and availability at the local market.

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.

Meal plan: Breakfast, you create your own lunch 

DAY 3: PHNOM PENH-BATTAMBANG

Morning departure in a north-west direction, first stop at Kompong Loung to visit the village of goldsmiths along the Tonle Sap, manufacturing souvenir center stopping, and stop at Phnom Oudong, the ancient Cambodian capital during the latter stages of the Khmer Empire and crowning site of many past kings. Consisting of a series of stupas atop a large hill, there are outstanding views across the surrounding plains below. Phnom Oudong was bombed and desecrated by the Americans and then the Khmer Rouge, but still possesses a beauty that no war has been able to steal from it. Having had time to explore, continue to Kompong Chhnang, taking the time to stop at a pottery village before continuing further north to Pursat Province, famous for its marble stone carvings.

After stopping for lunch, continue towards Battambang, your base for the next few days. Until recently Battambang was very much off the map for visitors as it was a Khmer Rouge stronghold. A riverside town and home to some of the best-preserved Colonial architecture in all Cambodia, Battambang is now making something of a comeback, with improved tourist facilities and roads allowing visitors to explore in comfort.

We drive to the Bamboo Railway Station. The Bamboo Train has been set up by the villagers to facilitate the transportation of goods and people. The train in itself is very basic – one platform on 4 wheels activated by a small motor. Sitting on the platform we travel the 8km to the next station through beautiful landscape and rice paddies. On arrival, we visit a village and discover the daily life of the Cambodian countryside. We visit a workshop which is specialized in wooden sculpture.

Meal plan: Breakfast, Welcome Dinner.

DAY 4: COOKING CLASS & BATTAMBANG

Breakfast at the hotel before our transfer to Battambang market. Battambang is the largest rice producing province in Cambodia and its local market is full of fresh fish, meat, vegetables and fruit. A local chef joins us to buy fresh produce and ingredients for our cooking class with Smoking Pot restaurant. Along the way, we also pick up some more Cambodian history from our chef. Amongst other things, we learn to make amok (a traditional Khmer fish curry cooked in coconut milk) and gain some valuable knowledge on curry pastes and authentic Khmer food. For lunch we try the dishes we have just prepared.

After lunch we take our bicycles to visit a local village. The village is known for its wooden houses, some of which were constructed in the early 1900’s.

We discover the beautiful simplicity of past and present Khmer architecture, and take a look inside to discover the Cambodian way of living. The owners and families will happily take us around, explaining the history of their homes and sharing their life stories. We also experience firsthand the energy and time that goes into farming rice as they take us on a tour of their rice fields.

Late afternoon we make our way back to the hotel.

Meal plan: Breakfast, you create your own lunch.

DAY 5: BATTAMBANG-SIEMREAP

After breakfast this morning we head to the local wharf to board our join speedboat to Siem Reap. We cruise down the Stung Sangkèr River before entering Tonle Sap, the largest fresh water lake in South East Asia.

This cruise gives us a view of the wonderful landscape and insight into the daily life found along the river. We will have a packed lunch on board as the cruise takes about 6-7 hours. After cruising through floating villages we disembark from our boat and drive the last portion into Siem Reap where we check into our hotel.

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.

Note: The boat operates only from Oct to Feb. From Mar to Sep we will arrange private ac car with guide instead. 
Meal plan: Breakfast, lunch box, dinner with Apsara dance show

DAY 6: TA PROHM & BANTEAY SREI & LAND MINE MUSEUM

Rise early to beat the crowds at the photogenic of Ta Prohm “Tomb Raider” fame. Ta Prohm has been abandoned to the elements, a reminder that while empires rise and fall, the riotous power of nature marches on, oblivious to the dramas of human history. Left as it was ‘discovered’ by French explorer Henri Mouhout in 1860, the tentacle-like tree roots here are slowly strangling the surviving stones, man first conquering nature to create, nature later conquering man to destroy. We visit Ta Prohm early to avoid the masses of crowds and provide a unique visit in this incredible temple.

We head further out through rural countryside to the small but beautiful temple of Banteay Srei. This temple is largely built of pink sandstone, a harder rock that can be more elaborately carved and better survives the rigors of time. This is an opportunity to capture some good photographs of the clear and detailed carvings. Banteay Samre: Its rose-colored sandstone walls are decorated with carvings and bas-reliefs, which are among the most accomplished Angkor has to offer.

We’ll also visit the Landmine Museum near there. The museum’s founder was a child soldier during the Khmer Rouge regime and is working today as a de-miner.

For the later afternoon we head back into main Angkor Park and journey to Tasom. Tasom offers some beautiful photo spots, especially the rear entrance where tree roots adorn the gateway. We finish by experiencing sunset over the rice fields from the royal crematorium of Pre Rup, a classic view of the Cambodian countryside.

Meal plan: Breakfast, lunch

DAY 7: BIKE TOUR TO ANGKOR THOM & ANGKOR WAT & SUNSET CRUISE

We start on our bike and cycle 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
• We step to see our old palace as Phimeankas temple in huge complex that was used for our king in the past time.
• Then Elephant terrace is platform for king and officer viewed show and people meeting.
• Preah Palilay was is older than Angkor Thom was nearby, deeply in forest and on path back You see monk sprinkle water to people.

We will visit KILT “KILT is the only project in Siem Reap that seeks to afford disabled Khmers who are in most instances landmine victims opportunities to become independent by their own efforts by making jewellery, growing organic vegetables, hand milling rice, playing music, and other activities. We continue 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.

Enjoy foot massage 1 hour & walking at busy pub street where you can find many bars for cool drink or shopping at Angkor Night Market.

Meal plan: Breakfast,

DAY 8: COOKING CLASS

This morning we join Cooking class “Khmer food lovers” is a cooking class for individuals and groups. Participants learn how to prepare Khmer dishes in addition to choosing products at a local market. These courses are conducted by the chefs who make every effort to ensure that you have a good time, once you have completed your cooking class, you will be comfortably seated on the terrace in our garden to enjoy the food we have prepared together.

This afternoon free for your own time.

Meal plan: Breakfast, you create your own lunch.

DAY 9: SIEM REAP-SIHANOUK VILLE

Transfer to Siem Reap airport for departure to Sihanouk Ville by flight. After arrive at airport, met our driver then drive straight 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.

Meal plan: Breakfast,

DAY 10: COOKING CLASS

Sinoun – Our warm and friendly teacher

Our English speaking teacher, Sinoun, will guide you through step by step how to cook Khmer recipes. Sinoun has over 20 years cooking experience, having learnt her skills from her Mother, and now these fabulous recipes will be passed onto you. Sinoun has been with the school since it opened and enjoys teaching her techniques to others, she would like her students to pass on the Khmer recipes so that they too can experience the delights of Khmer food. The warm and friendly Sinoun will answer any questions you have about the food and history of Cambodia.

Meal plan: Breakfast, you create your own lunch..

DAY 11 & DAY 12: 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.

Meal plan: Breakfast,

DAY 13: SIHANOUK VILLE-PHNOM PENH DEPARTURE

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. In the early afternoon we depart Sihanouk Ville for Phnom Penh without guide and traverse the spectacular rural landscape.

Arrive in Phnom Penh transfer direct to Phnom Penh airport for departure to next destination. Say goodbye to your Cambodian guide and driver. Goodbye Cambodia!!!!

Meal plan: Breakfast,

• Accommodation with daily breakfast
• Meal: Half board only as mention in program (B: Breakfast, L: Lunch and D: Dinner)
• Airport transfers & Transport by air con. vehicles as per program
• Sightseeing and entrance fees as specified
• Local English speaking guide as per program
• Bike, 1 foot massage
• All cooking class as mentioned in program
• Boat ticket: Battambang – Siem Reap
• All boat trip as mentioned in program
• Cold water and towel during tours

TOUR PRICE EXCLUDES:

• Visa fee to Cambodia
• International air ticket in-out Cambodia
• Domestic flight: Siem Reap – Sianouk Ville
• Other meals, drink, personal expenses, tip
• Other services not mentioned in “ INCLUDES “