Cambodia, Culture & Local Life 11 days / 10 nights

11 Days
TYPOLOGIES

Classic & Culture Tour

+ 1
DIFFICULTY

MIN. AGE

Tour Overview:

Discover the architectural history of Cambodia and soak up the atmosphere of the countryside away from the usual tourist routes. This tour aims to show Cambodia from a slightly different viewpoint than the usual temples and beach route. Scattered throughout Cambodia are some wonderful examples of old French colonial architecture. Much of it left in a state of gentle decay, ramshackle vestiges of a bygone era. Starting at the magnificent temples of Angkor you will travel by road through the country on a French colonial trail, ending your trip with a few days rest on the tropical beaches of the south.

Itinerary

Arrive Siem Reap by flight, Siem Reap – Treasures of the Kingdom of Cambodia, special welcome all warmly to everybody. We meet our representative and transfer to our hotel. The balance of the day free for your own times.

Overnight in Siem Reap.

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. Not to be missed is Banteay Samre: Its rose-colored sandstone walls are decorated with carvings and base-reliefs, which are among the most accomplished Angkor has to offer. We will go to local pagoda, where you should change to clothes we can get wet in as here we will experience the ceremony “Srouch Teok”, which roughly translates into “Water blessing”. A monk will chant in ancient Pali as he splashes water over us, washing away our sins and bad luck so we can start fresh and by being a good person can increase our good luck. Then continue to have a boat trip to enjoy the beautiful lake view and mangrove forest on the lake, then spend rest of the morning at the largest village on the lake to discover the fascinating daily lives of the local people who leave on the water.

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.

Overnight in Siem Reap.

After breakfast, we continue to visit:
➢ 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.
➢ Visit 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.
➢ 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 base-relief in the world, which runs along the outer gallery walls and narrates stories from Hindu mythology.

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

Overnight in Siem Reap.

After breakfast, we farewell Siem Reap and drive toward Battambang. 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.

Departure to Phnom Sampeu Mountain to watch the bats! As darkness falls, we will begin to see thousands of nocturnal bats taking flight from the surrounding caves in a massive formation of dark, black clouds. Be sure to photograph this amazing and staggering sight!

Overnight in Battambang.

After breakfast, we depart Southeast direction to Phnom Penh, our first stop is Kampong Chhnang, known for its traditional pottery, with many kilns at work in this province. Stop in a village near Kampong Chhnang to see the different aspects of pottery making and also experience the production of traditional rice wine. We continue to Phnom Udong, 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 Udong 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. Before going to Phnom Penh, stop by to see the spectacular Vipassana Dhura Buddhist meditation center, also located in Udong. Your tour guide can tell you more about the Vipassana school (Insight Meditation) as you walk through the center. Don't forget to see the imposing jade Buddha, the mummified monk and the colorful painted walls that tell the story of Ramayana, the epic Sanskrit poem that adorns many pagodas throughout the country.

Overnight in Phnom Penh.

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.

We will learn about the dark side of Cambodia – Its more recent turbulent and harrowing history. Initially you visit the Toul Sleng Genocide Museum (also known as S21), ironically a former school, located in a quiet Phnom Penh suburb, this was the infamous Khmer Rouge prison / torture center. We will stop at Central Market is located in the heart of the Phnom Penh. The Khmer name of the market is Phsar Thmei, which translates to “new market”. The Central Market was built in 1937 during the French colonial period, in Art Deco style, and is painted bright ochre. We visit Wat Phnom is a Buddhist temple located in center of Phnom Penh City. It was built in 1373, and stands 27 meters above the ground. It is the tallest religious structure in the city. We will enjoy a cruise for view sunset on the Mekong and Tonle Sap River (1 hour). Situated at the “Four Arms” where the Mekong meets the Tonle Sap River before splitting into tow branches, Phnom Penh offers the ideal location to discover the mighty Mekong.

Overnight in Phnom Penh.

Pick up by driver and drive towards Sihanouk Ville, which has long been a place of relaxation for Cambodians. Arrive in Sihanouk Ville, we take fast boat to Koh Rong “Paradise Island”.

Overnight Koh Rong.

Enjoy a full day of sun or swimming in the warm coastal waters. This is the moment when the dream of going on vacation to an exotic land becomes reality.

Overnight Koh Rong.

We farewell island and take express boat back to Sihanouk Ville. Upon arrival at Sihanouk Ville port, meet our driver (without guide) and drive back to Phnom Penh. Arrive in Phnom Penh, transfer to airport for departure to next destination. It’s time to say goodbye, we thank you for traveling with us and warmly welcome you to come again.

Note: To have enough time, please book departure flight not early then 4pm.

What’s include :

TOUR COST INCLUDES:

TOUR COST NOT INCLUDES:

Accommodation with daily breakfast in double / twin shared room

Meal: 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

All boat trip as mentioned in program

Complementary local Sim Card

24hours supporting hotline

Speedboat: Sihanouk Ville – Koh Rong – Sihanouk Ville

Cold water and towel during tours

Cambodia Visa stamp fee: 30$ (Passport valid more then 6 months, enough space for visa stamp (1 free space), 1 passport photo (4X6), cash 30$)

All International air ticket

Other meal, drink, personal expenses, tip, Travel insurance, all bank fees

Other thing not mentioned in included

Hotel options :

Hotel 3* star

SIEM REAP
GZ Urban Hotel (3*) – Superior room
https://www.gzurbanhotel.com/

 

BATTAMBANG
The Coconut Villas (3*) – Deluxe Room
http://www.thecoconuthousevilla.com/

 

PHNOM PENH
Double Leaf Hotel (3*) – Superior room
http://www.doubleleafhotel.com/

 

KOH RONG
Soksan Beach Resort (3*) – Pavilion Garden
http://soksanbeachresort.com/

Hotel 4* star

SIEM REAP
Somadevi Angkor Hotel (4*) – Deluxe room
http://www.somadeviangkor.com/

BATTAMBANG
Battambang Resort (4*) – Garden room
https://battambangresort.com/

PHNOM PENH
The 252 Hotel (4*) – Deluxe room
https://www.the-252.com/

KOH RONG
Soksan Beach Resort (4*) – Pavilion Sea View
http://soksanbeachresort.com/

Hotel 5* star

SIEM REAP
Victoria Angkor Hotel (5*) – Superior room
https://www.victoriaangkorhotel.com/

 

BATTAMBANG
Maisons Watkor (4*) – Frangipani room
http://www.maisonswatkor.com/

 

PHNOM PENH
Palace Gate Hotel (5*) – Deluxe room
https://palacegatepp.com/

 

KOH RONG
Royal Sand Beach Resort (4*) – Pavilion Sea View
http://www.theroyalsandskohrong.com/

    ” Possiamo dire che è stata la luna di miele perfetta. Abbiamo avuto la possibilità di entrare a stretto contatto con la gente locale, di vivere diverse esperienze molto interessanti e di visitare dei posti fantastici. Tutto era organizzato in maniera perfetta grazie anche al validissimo supporto del nostro corrispondente Roberto, che non ci ha mai lasciati soli. Da dietro le quinte ci ha assistito per tutta la durata del nostro magnifico viaggio di nozze, dandoci un valido supporto per qualsiasi cosa. Le guide e i drivers erano sempre puntuali, cordiali, molto disponibili e molto preparati. Difficile dire in una sola frase cosa ci sia piaciuto. In una sola parola: TUTTO. L’organizzazione pre e durante il nostro viaggio è stata ineccepibile. Non possiamo che ringraziare Roberto ed Eurasie per questa meravigliosa esperienza.”

    Erika e Andrea

    Tour Vietnam & Cambogia