Mystic Angkor & Beautiful South 13 days / 12 nights

13 Days
TYPOLOGIES

Classic & Culture Tour

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, a moment of courtesy meeting then self-introduce with our Cambodian tour guide in the meeting point's Siem Reap airport. We meet our guide and transfer to our hotel. The balance of the day free for your own times.

Overnight in Siem Reap.

We wake up early in morning to witness sunrise over Angkor Wat. After sunrise, we journey out to the Mother of all temples, Angkor Wat. Believed to be the world's largest religious building, this temple is the perfect fusion of symbolism and symmetry and a source of pride and strength to all Khmers.

We return back to hotel for breakfast.

We head to the ancient city of Angkor Thom, the last capital of the great Khmer empire under the reign of Jayavarman VII, surrounded by an 8-meter-high wall that creates a perfect location.

Continue to Bayon Temple. At the exact centre of Angkor Thom, this is an eccentric expression of the creative genius and inflated ego of Cambodia’s most celebrated king.

Next is Preah Khan built in 1191 according to the tradition on a spot where the king fought a crucial battle against the Cham.

Visit the picturesque Ta Prohm that had nearly disappeared into the jungle and remains overgrown, an oddly haunting and exotic scene. The magnificent roots of a tree, pushing between the huge stone blocks of the temple in a sort of embrace, evoke feelings that you may remember forever.

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.

Drive to the rural outskirt 35km from Siem Reap to visit the smallest, but magnificent, Banteay Srei built in the 10th Century and dedicated to Shiva. The temple was the birthplace of Khmer classical style architecture and the bas-relief work is the best example of Khmer classical art remaining. The pink sandstone structure bears a series of striking and beautiful sculptures, lintels, pediments and friezes. Khmers say the temple must have been carved by women for the details are too fine for the hands of a man. On the way back stop at Pradark Village, where you will see the villagers making palm sugar, handicraft for selling to tourist. It’s a nice chance for you to see the local people living at the country side with their struggling for daily life.

Drive straight to the Rolous Group including Lolei, Preah Ko & Bakong temple. This island temple consists of four brick towers on a double plate rite platform. The 3 temples Bakong, Lolei and Preah Ko – located 11 Kilometers (6.8 miles) southeast of the Siem Reap Market – comprise the Rolous group of monuments, and are dating back to the late ninth century and is the earliest site of the 600 years Angkor Period that is open to visitors.

Overnight in Siem Reap.

This tour will take you on a journey into the countryside to experience the delights of village life in rural Cambodia. Well away from the tourist crowds, here you'll experience the real Cambodia. Enjoy an ox-cart ride and see traditional farmers tending their crops. Meet students and teachers at a village school. And take a short walking tour to see rice paddies, and meet local people. You may even see a local wedding. You’ll certainly have a day worth remembering! 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.

Overnight in Siem Reap.

Transfer to Siem Reap airport for flight to Phnom Penh. Upon arrival at Phnom Penh airport, we meet our guide and continue to 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. Once you have gained an initial insight of the brutality of the Khmer Rouge regime you will be driven 15km from Phnom Penh to visit the 'Killing Fields'. This is where Toul Sleng prisoners were forcibly marched and then executed; it is now a memorial site located in a beautiful tranquil setting.

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 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.

This morning, we leave Phnom Penh and head south initially visiting Tonle Bati where you can explore the small yet picturesque Angkorian temple of Ta Prohm. On the banks of the nearby river are a line of bamboo shacks with hammocks, a great place for a relaxing drink. We get on our car to the quiet town of Takeo before taking a short cruise to Angkor Borei town, located just a few kilometer navigation from the Vietnam border. There is a small museum, which displays several reproductions of sculptures from the nearby ruins and few artifacts dating as far back as the 4th century. After seeing this pleasant place, we continue our boat trip to visit a pre-Angkorian style temple of Phnom Da and a nearby temple of Asram Maharosei. The steep path over some big rocks makes Asram Maharosei different from other temples in Cambodia.

We then continue south following the picturesque drive to Kep / Kampot. The southern coast of Cambodia, edging the border with Vietnam, once served as a glamorous seaside resort for the French in the early 1900s. Evocative of the French Riviera towns along the Mediterranean coast; the towns of Kep, Sihanoukville and Kampot have tree-lined, wide roads fringing the ocean, large statues, luxury villas, casinos and even a palace overlooking the Gulf of Thailand.

Overnight in Kampot.

After breakfast, we begin a trip to the Crab Market to sample some of the delicious fresh crab that Kep is famed for is also a must.

Embark on short boat trip to one of Cambodia’s best kept secrets, Rabbit Island.  Known as ‘Koh Tonsay’ by locals, this very laid-back little island is home to simple, white-sand beaches, clear calm sea and has not been spoilt by mass development. Spend the morning relaxing on the island; beach chairs, hammocks and even cabins are provided and cold drinks are readily available. The clear blue sea is perfect for swimming or snorkeling (your boat driver can supply snorkeling gear for a small charge). The more active can even choose to hike around the island.

Visit Kep National Park and doing the Sunset Rock hike to observe the sun setting over the Gulf of Thailand (walking shoes, a map and flashlight necessary). Alternatively, a short walk or cycle around the tiny town will take you past crumbling colonial villas, an assortment of statues (including one of a giant crab) and the lovely little beach.

Overnight in Kampot.

We then travel along the southern coast 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 in Koh Rong.

Free and leisure for your own time on Island.

Overnight in 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.

Services

What’s include :

TOUR COST INCLUDES:

TOUR COST NOT INCLUDES:

Accommodation with daily breakfast in double / twin shared room

Meal: at local restaurant (foods 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

All boat trip as mentioned in program

Complementary local Sim Card

24hours supporting hotline

Speedboat: Sihanouk Ville – Koh Rong – Sihanouk Ville

1 FOC in single room for group 16 pax up

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

Hotel 3* star

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

 

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

 

KAMPOT
Les Manguier (3*) – Standard Bungalow
http://www.mangokampot.com/

 

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

Hotel 4* star

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

 

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

 

KAMPOT
Les Manguier (3*) – Standard Bungalow
http://www.mangokampot.com/

 

KOH RONG
Tamu Resort (4*) – Jungle Tent
https://tamucambodia.com/

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    Newsletter

    ” 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