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.
Welcome dinner with Apsara Dance show at RAFFLE GRAND HOTEL.
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 2: SUNRISE & TA PROHM & BANTEAY SREI & BALLOON RIDE
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.
For the later afternoon we head back into main Angkor Park and journey to take Balloon ride. Enjoy a bird’s eye view of Angkor and its historical landmarks as you sail with the clouds and admire the majestic Angkor Wat. This stationary balloon offers panoramic views of Angkor, Siem Reap and the Barays, the large 10th century structure water reservoir which provided irrigation but had more functions which are unknown.
Soaring over the skies and admire the picturesque surrounding Angkor countryside with its rice fields and villages, the highlight of your sightseeing in Angkor. The duration of balloon ride is approximately 10 minutes.
DAY 3: 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
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.
Then we enjoy sunset drinks with a leisurely boat ride on the moat of Angkor Thom and view hidden elements of the ancient Khmer water systems, relaxing and accompanied by the sound of bird song.
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.
DAY 4: FLOODED FOREST & FLOATING VILLAGE & QUAD BIKE
After breakfast depart Siem Reap for the Tonlé Sap, driving down the eastern side of the lake. Arrive at Kampong Klaing, a remarkable village built entirely on stilts, where there is time to explore the various houses, school and shops before boarding your private boat. Cruise along a short tributary, passing fishermen and children playing in the shallow waters before arriving at a typical floating village where you may either disembark or cruise amongst the waterways.
At the head of the tributary you will continue out on to the ‘Great Lake’ and continue traveling north to Kampong Phluk; a ‘flooded forest’. Accessible only during high water, you’ll pass through the tree tops whilst seated in your boat. Nearby is a fishing village where you can also learn more about the traditional methods used for generations. Returning to the mainland, meet your driver and return to Siem Reap.
This afternoon venture out past the temple area and explore the real countryside, by quad bike for 19km. A fun way to take in the sights, sounds and smells of the countryside, and ride through the villages, rice paddies, wetland area – don’t wear your best clothes though – we’re going to get dirty.
Stay overnight in Siem Reap.
DAY 5: SIEM REAP-PHNOM PENH
Transfer to Siem Reap airport for departure to Phnom Penh. Upon arrival in Phnom Penh, you are met and transfer to your hotel for check in.
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.
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. 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.
We enjoy dinner cruise a long Mekong River (not available on Monday).
Stay overnight in Phnom Penh.
DAY 6: PHNOM PENH
After breakfast, we will drive to riverfront where you will take a local ferry across the Tonle Sap River and cycle north along the far bank of the river. There will be a chance to visit a Chinese style Pagoda. Continue the ride by taking a ferry to cross to Koh Areyksath, where you will enjoy a gentle ride around this small Mekong Island with its fertile farmland and small village communities. En route, stopping at a school to learn a little about Cambodia’s school system, a typical modern Khmer Wat, and a silk weaving house to see how those lovely silk scarves are produced.
This afternoon free and leisure for your own time at the resort (swimming or walking around the village) and return back to Phnom Penh by private boat along Mekong River.
Stay overnight in Phnom Penh.
DAY 7: PHNOM PENH-KOH KONG
Breakfast at hotel, in the morning departure to Koh Kong by overland and take 4h30hours on National road No4 + 71, visit local village and nice view of mountain. Arrive 3rd bridge (Trapueng Rung), you will take boat to your lodge. You will be free after check in at your hotel.
DAY 8: KOH KONG
Away from the tranquility of 4 Rivers Floating Lodge, the thunder of the majestic Tatai Falls reveals the river’s true power as it drops 6 meters to the rocks below.
Your day, depending on the tide, starts at either 9am or 10am for the 45-minute boat ride past Tatai village to the falls.
Turning on to a tributary you head into the heart of the Cardamom jungle to the far-off sounds of exotic birds and its secretive wildlife.
Within minutes you are at journey’s end, gazing down into the turbulent waters of the falls. Soon it’s time for lunch, maybe a few moments hydro-massage and a refreshing drink as you find some shade for a picnic and open your senses to the sights and sounds of the jungle.
Note: It is join tours and minimum 4 pax up. If our group has only 2pax, supplement: 60$ for 2pax.
DAY 9: KOH KONG-SIHANOUK VILLE-SONG SAA PRIVATE ISLAND
After breakfast, met our driver then drive straight down to Sihanouk Ville.
Arrive in Sihanouk Ville and then continue by speed boat to the Song Saa Private Island.
Arrive and check in at the private resort. Enjoy day at leisure. Explore the resort. Chill out at the private beach. Or use the hotel amenities for snorkelling and diving.
Stay overnight at Song Saa Private Island.
DAY 10: SONG SAA PRIVATE ISLAND
After a leisurely breakfast at the resort, enjoy the day at leisure. You have a whole island to explore. Take a walk around the island. Or just chill out at the private beach.
Stay overnight at Song Saa Private Island.
DAY 11: SONG SAA PRIVATE ISLAND
After a leisurely breakfast at the resort, enjoy the day at leisure. You have a whole island to explore. Take a walk around the island. Or just chill out at the private beach.
Stay overnight at Song Saa Private Island.
DAY 12: SIHANOUK VILLE-PHNOM PENH DEPARTURE
Breakfast at hotel. This morning take a speed boat from the island to Sihanoukville. Return to Phnom Penh by road, feeling relaxed and rejuvenated from your stay in the lap of luxury.
CITIES |
Hotels (Roomtypes) |
Website |
Siem Reap |
The Sothea |
www.visit-mekong.com/the-sothea/ |
Phnom Penh |
Raffle Le Royal Hotel |
www.raffles.com/phnom-penh/
|
Koh Kong |
4 Floating River Lodge |
http://ecolodges.asia/ |
Sihanouk Ville |
Song Saa Private Island |
https://www.songsaa.com/ |
STARTS FROM |
SIEM REAP |
ENDS IN |
Phnom Penh
|
DEPARTS ON |
Every day |
HOTEL RATING |
3*.4*,5* |
LOCAL PAYMENT |
None |
TOUR GUIDE |
English Speaking Guide |
MEALS |
11 breakfasts, 6 Lunches, 5 Dinners |