Cambodia in Depth

📍 Siem Reap Airport - Siem Reap (52 km): 1 hrs

Welcome to Siem Reap, the charming gateway to the famed Temples of Angkor. You will be greeted by your local English speaking guide, who will accompany you to your hotel for check in. Settle in and enjoy some time at leisure to refresh.

In the evening enjoy a welcome dinner at Haven Restaurant where is a social enterprise restaurant providing disadvantaged youths, and underprivileged adults, professional training and employment in the hospitality industry. Learn about its efforts while dining. (This restaurant is closed on Monday so alternative restaurant will be book accordingly)

Overnight in Siem Reap.

Inclusions:

🍗 Dinner

📍 Siem Reap – Temples (06 km): 10 mins

After breakfast, discover our main Angkor sites on a leisurely bicycle ride about 2-3 hours. First, head to the ancient city of Angkor Thom. Angkor Thom was the last capital of the Great Khmer Empire under the reign of Jayavarman VII. This city is surrounded by an 8 m high wall drawing a perfect square. You will enter the city from the ancient South Gate, an impressive stone gate carved with Elephants and four giant faces. On each side of the entrance path, a row of 54 gods or demons is holding the sacred Naga snake. 
From here, continue to Bayon Temple in the exact center of the city. This 12th century masterpiece is a study in grandeur and is well-known for its dozens of towers with enigmatic faces looking out over the provinces the Great Khmer Empire. The Terrace of the Elephants and the Terrace of the Leper King are also must-visits as they are both known for their intricate bas-reliefs. Stroll through the grounds of the former Royal Palace to discover some small hidden temples that are rarely visited.

Return to the hotel for a relaxing break during the midday heat.

In the afternoon, continue by Remork to the most illustrious Ta Prohm, built in the mid-12th to early 13th centuries. Ta Prohm is unique in that it is overgrown by jungle trees and vines, with many parts of the temple crumbling to the ground. This makes the ‘Tomb Raider Temple’ one of the most picturesque and memorable of the Angkor temples. Your visit can also include Banteay Kdei, a Buddhist monastery from the late 12th Century, and Srah Srang, also known as the “pool of ablutions.

Then visit a local enterprise, Satcha, where craftsmen and women find a safe and clean space to work as well as receive training to further hone their talent and grow themselves into artistic entrepreneurs. 

Walk through the serene, natural gardens and watch the artists carve stone, wood, weave baskets, paint and more while your guide explains some specific traits about each field of work and how the enterprise supports the Cambodian artists. We will have the opportunity for a little retail therapy if you wish to do so. 

Overnight in Siem Reap.

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast

Start early at 4:30am to catch the sunrise at Angkor Wat – it surely is a memorable experience to see the first sun rays slowly appear over the five iconic towers. Explore the famous temple in depth, built during the reign of King Suryavarman II in the early 12th century, Angkor Wat is constructed following the model of the temple mountain symbolizing Mount Meru, the home of the gods. Inside the temple, the walls are covered with stone carvings and bas-reliefs depicting Hindu mythology and the wars Suryavarman II fought during his reign. Angkor Wat is well known for the more than 2,000 Apsara dancers decorating the temple. Construction is thought to have taken more than thirty years of intensive labor. Today, Angkor Wat is figured on Cambodia's national flag as the temple symbolizes the soul of the Khmer people.

Return to your hotel for breakfast. 

Then head to experience authentic rural lifestyles. Drive to the outskirts of Siem Reap, past expansive rice fields and through local villages where rice and fish can frequently be spotted drying alongside the road. We will stop at a small but vibrant local market along the way. 

Next, board a private, local wooden vessel for a boat trip along a canal that leads to the Tonle Sap Lake. As we cruise along the canal you will see houses on either side: depending on the time of the visit, the houses will either have immediate access to the water or stand perched on stilts high above the ground, a phenomena caused by the annual rising and receding waters of the Tonle Sap Lake, Southeast Asia’s largest lake. Pass by the boats and nets used by local fishermen, some of whom will be fishing in the waters through which the boat passes. Nearing the lake, see floating houses that move location with the annual ebb and flow of the lake’s waters. 

Along the way, gain a better understanding of the local lifestyle with lunch in a family house. This is a unique opportunity to gain first-hand experience of the way of life of the local people- sitting inside a stilted house while watching the boats pass outside. 

With a full belly and a camera-full of remarkable images, return to Siem Reap in the afternoon.  

(Note: Due to fluctuating water levels on the lake and canals, the village visited will depend on the date and water levels at that time. As it’s a local community experience, the boats are older wooden boats).

Overnight in Siem Reap.

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch

📍 Siem Reap – Kbal Spean (52 km): 1 hrs / Kbal Spean - Banteay Srei (13 km): 15 mins / Banteay Srei - Siem Reap (37 km): 50 mins

0700 Today head north through pastoral countryside to visit Kbal Spean, one of the earliest Hindu pilgrimage sites in Cambodia. A short 3 km trek up the hill through dense jungle will reward you with excellent views over the plains and the Kulen hills. At the top, be surprised about the “River of 1000 Lingas” with some remarkable stone carvings of Hindu gods, animals and other symbols in the river bed. During the raining season, you can enjoy a refreshing bath in the waterfall, which is extremely popular with the local families.
(Note: Please note the trek is fairly easy going but as the walk is uphill and on uneven ground it is really only suitable for clients with a good level of fitness and not suitable for clients with mobility problems.)

Then, visit the Angkor Centre for Conservation of Biodiversity (ACCB), the first nature conservation project established in Cambodia. A knowledgeable staff member will explain about the threats to Cambodia’s wildlife and the efforts of ACCB to protect the environment and promote wildlife conservation through education. As you stroll around the compound’s forested grounds, you will see various endangered species, including a squeaky otter, various primates including hooting gibbons, various reptiles such as miniature tortoises, and a beekeeping project, all of which are on site.

Having lunch in a local restaurant.

This afternoon, experience the “gem” of the Angkor area, the pretty temple of Banteay Srey. The so-called “Citadel of the Women” remains the best preserved temple in Cambodia. It displays some of the finest examples of classical Khmer art as this small temple is noted for its truly remarkable fine bas-reliefs. Banteay Srey is unique in that it is constructed of pink sandstone, which is seen nowhere else in Angkor.

On the way back to town, stop at the Cambodian Landmine Museum, a project established by a former child soldier during the Cambodian civil war who later taught himself how to deactivate mines, before establishing the museum as an educational center and social enterprise to sponsor children whose lives have been impacted by these destructive weapons of war. 

Transfer back to Siem Reap in the afternoon and the rest of time at leisure.

Overnight in Siem Reap.
 

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch

📍 Siem Reap – Koh Ker Temple (111km): 2 hrs 15mn / Koh Ker Temple – Preah Vihear (107km): 1 hrs 45mn

After early breakfast, head north towards the Thai border, stopping along the way at the remote Koh Ker temple complex. The capital city of a breakaway kingdom during a period of upheaval in the Angkor Empire, Koh Ker is best known for its grandiose sculptures and structures which were the result of a large sandstone quarry located nearby. Here you will see various temples from the 10th century, including the massive Prasat Thom, the tallest pyramid built in the Angkor era, Prasat Damrei, the elephant temple, and several smaller temples housing enormous lingas (stone religious phallic symbols). 

Upon arrival in Preah Vihear province, enjoy your late lunch before checking into your hotel. Later this afternoon, you will visit the incredible Preah Vihear temple. As you arrive at the foot of Preah Vihear it is necessary to transfer into the back of a pick-up truck (operated by the local community) for the climb up the spectacularly steep mountain road.

On arrival at Preah Vihear Temple you will be rewarded with fabulous views over Cambodia’s and Thailand’s fertile plains from the impressive ruins which stretch for 500 meters up. The sanctuary is perched on the edge of the cliffs with amazing views over the seemingly endless Cambodian jungle to the south. The temple is not yet restored but has spectacular carvings and lintels which are almost as splendid as those at Banteay Srei. The temple is known to have been dedicated to the god Shiva and thought to have been constructed in the reign of Suryavarman I (1002-50), with further significant additions by Suryavarman II (1113-50). The spectacular location paired with a unique temple design are the reason UNESCO enlisted Preah Vihear as a World Heritage Site. 

Overnight at Preah Vihear.

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch

📍 Preah Vihear - Banteay Chhmar (207 km): 3 hrs 30 minutes

Breakfast at hotel.

Check-out early today for a transfer to Banteay Chhmar. Accommodation tonight will be at a traditional, local homestay. A memorable and intimate encounter, this will be the perfect means of experiencing daily life and learning the local customs of a typical Khmer village.

After reaching the local homestay, enjoy lunch at the community center where you can learn about one of the most successful Community-Based Tourism initiatives in Cambodia. 

In the early afternoon, explore the UNESCO World Heritage Banteay Chhmar, an exceptional temple which gets very few visitors. The bas reliefs on the outside of the inner sanctuary walls are simply stunning, and every step through the complex provides a fascinating image of stone consumed by nature. A spectacular visit with Bayon-style towers, walls, and enclosures cloaked in vegetation. 

The main temple at Banteay Chhmar is surrounded by 9 satellite temples, most of which have received very little study and documentation. The day will wrap up towards the Ta Prohm temple, where a memorable night-time picnic will ensue. Enjoy a torch-lit dinner under the stars, accompanied by the gaze of Bayon-style towers. A traditional Khmer music performance played by local villagers will conclude the amazing first night in the serene setting of rural Cambodia.

Overnight in Banteay Chhmar at a local homestay.
 

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch, 🍗 Dinner

📍 Banteay Chhmar – Battambang (128 km): 2 hrs 30 minutes

Heading out from Banteay Chhmar, make two brief stops: the first at a local silk weaving initiative and the second a satellite temple of Banteay Chhmar known as Banteay Torp.
After lunch, continue journeying onwards to Battambang.

Upon arrival in Battambang, check into your hotel and enjoy some rest at the hotel. The afternoon is at leisure to explore a little of the old town in Battambang independently. There are a number of interesting art galleries and shops around town, many of which are housed in old French Colonial Buildings

Overnight in Battambang.

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch

Breakfast at hotel.

Then head out for a ride on the Bamboo Train. The Bamboo Train has been set up by the villagers in order to facilitate the transportation of goods and persons because in the past there are no regular trains running. The “train” itself is very basic: one bamboo platform on 4-wheels is activated by a small motor. Sitting on the platform (we will provide some cushions for your comfort), you will travel the 8 km to the next station through beautiful landscape and rice paddies (depending on season of visit). A true rollercoaster ride without loops!

Next, make a stop at the nearby Ancient House located in Wat Kor Village, the oldest standing Khmer timber house in Wat Kor Village, where the lady of the house will give you a guided tour, showing you everything from how they mill their own rice to demonstrating the after-dinner betel leaf ritual.

Continue south through local villages and farms on the way to Wat Banan, an 11-century temple on a mountain top situated between lush paddy fields and beautiful lotus ponds. The climb is a short but tough one, over steps that seem to have all sizes. On top of the mountain, enjoy the views over the beautiful countryside and wander around the ancient temple, which is also home to finely scented flowering trees. Return to your hotel for a refreshment. 

Dinner this evening is at the stylish Jaan Bai (meaning ‘rice bowl’ in Khmer), a social enterprise restaurant established by the Cambodian Children’s Trust to provide training and employment for disadvantaged youths, with all profits going to support the activities of the Trust. The restaurant was set up with the expertise and ongoing support of Asia’s best chef, David Thompson, of Nahm Restaurant in Bangkok, and restaurateur John Fink, owner of Australia’s best restaurant Quay in Sydney.

Overnight in Battambang.

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🍗 Dinner

Begins with a fun morning cycle ride around the local villages surrounding Battambang with SoksaBike, a social enterprise set up to provide scenic and informative bike rides through the local countryside. During the 30km cycle tour there are plenty of stops to learn how the locals produce rice paper, prahok (typical Cambodian fish paste), grolan (sticky rice stuffed in bamboo), and other Cambodian treats.

Take a break back at your hotel.

In the afternoon head to Phnom Sampeau, meaning “Ship Hill” in Khmer, due to its distinctive shape, and one of the few hills standing out in this otherwise pancake-flat plain. From the small temple on the top, you will have a fantastic view over the typical landscape of paddy fields and sugar palm trees. Phnom Sampeau is home to the notorious killing caves, which are cruel reminders of Cambodia’s troubled past. Serenity and inhumanity represented in one place make this an interesting visit…Your visit will last until dusk – a time when millions of bats emerge from a cave and create patterns as they fly in tandem across the sky – a nightly spectacular show of nature !

Overnight in Battambang.

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast

📍 Battambang – Udong (258 km): 5 hrs 20 minutes / Udong – Phnom Penh (44 km): 1 hrs 18 minutes

Depart early for the transfer from Battambang to Phnom Penh. Your 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.

Continue to Oudong, the former royal capital of Cambodia after the fall of Angkor. The drive passes through many rural villages and pagodas, and you will the temple mountain with its dozens of stupas from afar. Upon arrival at Oudong enjoy a traditional Khmer lunch at a picnic hut at the foot of the hill.

Then, climb the stairs to the top of Oudong Mountain and enjoy magnificent views over the plains below. Your guide will explain the history of the area and its buildings as well as the religious culture of the Cambodian people. Take your time to soak in the magnificent views over the plains below.

Before heading to Phnom Penh stop to take a look at the spectacular Vipassana Dhura Buddhist Meditation Center, also located in Oudong. Your guide can explain more about the school of Vipassana (Insight Meditation) as you tour the center. Don’t forget to see the impressive jade Buddha, the mummified monk and the brightly painted walls telling the story of the Ramayana, the epic Sanskrit poem that decorates many pagodas seen around the country.

From here, it is not far to Phnom Penh where you will reach in the late afternoon. Check into your hotel.
The evening is at leisure.

Overnight in Phnom Penh.

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch

📍 Phnom Penh – Sihanoukville (230 km): 3 hrs by car via express way and 55 minutes by flight

0800 This morning tour to the most remarkable sights of Phnom Penh in a Cyclo, an original Phnom Penh means of transportation and a fun way to explore this lively city. First, visit the Cambodia’s recent dark history on a visit to the remarkable Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, housed in the former school that was taken over by the Khmer Rouge and used as its main detention and torture center named ‘S-21’. A grim, but important visit that will allow you to dig below the surface and understand Cambodia better.

Continue along the lively riverfront to the Royal Palace. This palace dates back to 1866 and houses the Silver Pagoda, named for the over 5000 heavy silver tiles that cover its floors. Its original name is Wat Prakeo, meaning Temple of the Emerald Buddha. In this temple you will view a collection of Buddhas in gold, silver, crystal, and bronze.

Your next stop is Wat Phnom, which is situated near the northern boundary of the city. The site contains some good examples of Khmer architecture and statues.

For lunch you will be treated to a delicious meal at a local restaurant in town.

13:30 Continue to see the National Museum, built in traditional Khmer style. It houses the world's foremost collection of ancient Khmer artistic, archaeological, and religious artifacts from the 4th to the 13th centuries. Over 5,000 pieces are on display, constituting the repository of the Kingdom's cultural wealth. In addition, the roof space is home to a large bat colony!

15:00 Then gain insight into Champey Academy of Arts (CAA) is a non-profit school offering the youth of Phnom Penh free training in Cambodian traditional arts including dance, music, drawing and painting. Champey’s mission is to inspire young people to preserve, protect and promote their nation’s culture. The school is closed every Sunday. 

17:00 then return to the riverside where a boat is waiting. Climb aboard and cast off onto the Tonle Sap and Mekong Rivers for a sunset cruise. Admire the views of the city as the last light of day casts brilliant colours across the skyline.

Then return to your hotel and free at your own leisure. 

Overnight in Phnom Penh.

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch

📍 Phnom Penh – Sihanoukville (230 km): 3 hrs by car via express way and 55 minutes by flight

0800 After breakfast, pick up by your local English speaking guide and transfer to SihanoukVille, approximately 3 hours’ drive via Express way with a stop on the way for refreshment (230 Km).

Note: At the moment the flight from Phnom Penh to Sihanouk Ville has not operated yet. We will update the surcharge once it is available. 

On arrival at the pier, take the speedboat to the island at noon time. 
After about 40mn to an hour, check into your hotel on the island. The rest of the day is at leisure. 

Overnight in Koh Rong/Rong Sanloem, Sihanoukville.

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast

Breakfast at the hotel.

Enjoy your day at leisure.

Overnight in Koh Rong/Rong Sanloem, Sihanoukville.

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast

Breakfast at the hotel.

Enjoy your day at leisure.

Overnight in Koh Rong/Rong Sanloem, Sihanoukville.

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast

📍 Sihanoukville – Phnom Penh (230 km): 3 hrs via express way

Breakfast at the hotel. Then free at your leisure to enjoy the hotel facility on the island. 

This afternoon, after the boat ride back to the mainland, you will transfer back (with Driver only) to Phnom Penh via express way (Note: For an early departure time, a supplementary charge for a flight from Sihanoukville to Phnom Penh or Private Boat from the island will apply).
Service end after arriving Phnom Penh International Airport for your departure flight to next destination. 

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast