Travel Cambodia The Sustainable Way

📍 Siem Reap Airport - Siem Reap (53 km): 1 Hr

Welcome to Cambodia! Upon your arrival in Siem Reap, you will be welcomed by your guide and transferred to your hotel for check-in. Please note the standard check-in time is 14:00.

18:00 – This evening pick up from the hotel by remork (a Cambodian “tuktuk”) and drive to the first restaurant, where follows a different business model, directing their profits to various organizations. You may order any drink from the menu (they make some special cocktails and fruit mix using local ingredients) and any one appetizer (try different ones and share with each other) while exploring the large selection of second-hand books donated by their supporters in the UK.

Next, enjoy a Khmer classic dishes at a restaurant where is another social enterprise restaurant providing disadvantaged youths, and underprivileged adults, professional training and employment in the hospitality industry. Learn about its efforts while dining. 

After dinner, go to a tropical garden restaurant run by an organization that operates a hospitality training school where all the restaurant workers learned (or are currently learning) their trade. Learn about how the program runs and its achievements while enjoying a creative cocktail, a glass of wine, beer, or coffee.  This stop will mark the end of your tour and your driver will bring you safely to your hotel or, at your choice, drop you off at Pub Street or in the city center of Siem Reap.

Time: 18:00 – 21:30
Departure: Tuesday – Sunday (Closed on Monday)

Overnight in Siem Reap. 

Inclusions:

🍗 Dinner

📍 Siem Reap – Temples (06 km): 10 mins / Siem Reap – Banteay Srei (37 km): 45 mins

After an early breakfast at the hotel, head out to the Angkor Archaeological Park, exploring the temples. First pass through the ancient South Gate of Angkor Thom, an impressive stone gate that leads to the last great capital city of the Angkor Empire, carved with elephants and capped with four giant faces of the Buddha. On each side of the entrance path, a row of 54 gods and demons stands holding a sacred Naga snake of Hindu lore. 

Continue into Angkor Thom city, built by the last great king: Jayavarman VII. A tour of the city can begin at The Terrace of The Elephants and the Royal Palace enclosure. The forested grounds are beautiful in the morning. Visit the Phimeanakas and Baphuon before making your way to Bayon. Next, take a stroll around the lower galleries of carvings of Bayon, which depict fascinating scenes of life from the late 11th century, then find a quiet spot on the exterior of the temple to appreciate the 52 towers featuring faces of the Buddha looking out into the jungle around you.

Next, enjoy lunch at local restaurant.  

After lunch, head north through pastoral countryside, stopping for lunch at the charming Devatas Restaurant, followed by a visit to 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, numerous reptiles such as miniature tortoises, and a beekeeping project, all of which are on site. (Note: ACCB is closed on Sunday and public holidays)

Then visit 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 xamples 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 Land Mine Museum, a project established by a man who claims to have been a former child soldier during the Cambodian civil war. After the war he 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. 

This evening, attend a performance of ‘Phare, the Cambodian Circus’. Starting at 8pm, professional artists of Phare Ponleu Selpak (PPS) will perform an inspiring show suitable for people of all ages. 
Set up in Battambang in 1994 by young returnee Cambodians from the refugee camps that learned about using art as a means of coping with trauma, PPS has played an influential role in promoting and developing Khmer culture over the years after the Khmer Rouge genocide. 

The hour long show mixes traditional and modern theater, music, dance, acrobatics, juggling and contortion performed in a story about Cambodian lives and society. 

Overnight in Siem Reap.

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch

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

Breakfast at your hotel.  

After breakfast at your hotel, depart for the Angkor Archaeological Park. Today you will Discover Hidden Angkor by Bicycle, beginning at the remote West Gate of Angkor Thom. Of the five gates of the great city of Jayavarman VII, this is one of the most unrestored. Although few visitors come to this gate, it is often used by local residents and the forest-shrouded faces of the Buddha atop the entryway are beautiful in the early morning sun.
From here, follow a single-track trail along the top of the enclosure wall surrounding the great city of Angkor Thom and through forested areas of the park exclusively visited by locals living and working in Angkor. Once reaching the North Gate of the city, follow the road to the expansive and jungle-clad Preah Khan, a 12th century complex name after the Sacred Sword of King Jayavarman VII. 
Preah Khan, originally known as “the city of victorious royal fortune,” is now named after The Sacred Sword that some believe may have once been housed here. Built in the late-12th century in honor of the great King Jayavarman VII’s father, this massive temple complex originally had a population of 97,840 in its service. Less frequently visited than its counterpart Ta Prohm (which was built for the king’s mother), Preah Khan is similar in design but is larger and more complex, and features numerous unique structures and carvings. Enjoy the sounds of exotic wildlife that now make the forested compound their home as you venture into the crumbling corridors of the labyrinthian complex in search of hidden features: while Ta Prohm was once the setting of the Angelina Jolie film, Preah Khan offers more of a “Tomb Raider” experience for those willing to explore. 
Another forested trail leads through past an ancient baray, over a swinging bridge, and past the Angkor Park plant nursery to the entrance to the crumbling ruins of Ta Nei, a temple that is generally unvisited, particularly in the morning hours. Continue through the forest to Takeo temple and then find a small track leading back into the forest towards the Gate of the Dead, the East Gate of Angkor Thom that is only accessible by dirt trails and roads.
From there, again follow the trail along the top of the Angkor Thom Wall, stopping at Prasat Chrung, which overlooks the corner of the city moat, before continuing your ride to the popular South Gate of Angkor Thom. 
Exit Angkor Thom through the South Gate of the great city of King Jayavarman VII, an impressive stone entryway carved with elephants and capped by four giant faces of the Buddha. On each side of the entrance path, crossing the moat around the city, a row of 54 gods and demons stands holding a sacred naga snake of Hindu lore. 
After exiting the South Gate of Angkor Thom, visit the impressive brick towers of Prasat Bei, built in the 10th century and then climb the pyramid temple of Baksei Chamkrong. Baksei Chamkrong, the first pyramid built at Angkor,  is exciting to climb up to see the beautiful carvings of historical interest (the inscriptions on the door of the central sanctuary mention Kambu, the mythical founder of Kambujadesa, i.e. Cambodia). Tip: Be extremely careful climbing up the east staircase. The west stairs, on the back side of the temple, are less steep and less worn. 

Return to Siem Reap for lunch (own account). 

After spending an hour or so back at your hotel to escape the head of the early afternoon, head back to Angkor around 3pm to visit the highlight of the park, Angkor Wat. Built during the reign of King Suryavarman II in the early 12th century, Angkor Wat was 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.  You will explore the temple just before sunset, when Angkor Wat is less visited and the Vishnu image will shine in the most beautiful light. 

Overnight in Siem Reap.

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast

📍 Siem Reap – Battambang (174 km): 03 hours

After breakfast 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 enjoy a cup of coffee while you will also have the opportunity for a little retail therapy if you wish to do so”.

Then overland transfer from Siem Reap to Battambang (approx.3 hours). Upon arrival in Battambang, direct transfer to your hotel for check-in. The standard check in time is at 14:00. 

Lunch at a local restaurant (on own account). 

This afternoon enjoy Bamboo Train. The Bamboo Train was set up by villagers to facilitate the transportation of goods and people along the abandoned rail line connecting Phnom Penh to Battambang town. The “train” itself is very basic: a simple bamboo platform resting on two axels with four wheels that is powered by a small motor. Sitting on the platform (we will provide some cushions for your comfort), you will travel through beautiful rural landscape and rice paddies (depending on the season of visit). The Bamboo Train is a true rollercoaster ride without loops! (Note: the bamboo train is occasionally not in operation without prior notice).

A short stop is made at Prasat Phnom Banon Winery to taste a glass of Cambodia’s only wine.

Return to the hotel. 

Overnight in Battambang. 

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast

📍 Battamabang – Phnom Sampov (15km): 30 mins

Morning - Fuel up with a good breakfast, grab two wheels, and begin the Battambang bike tour. This half day cycle is arranged by Soksabike, a social enterprise aimed at preserving Khmer traditions through tourism activities. The ride around Battambang covers 12km over mostly flat roads.

After adjusting the bikes, head out of town and into the countryside. The ride is focused on showing the ‘real’ Cambodia so there will be plenty of chances to stop and see how the local people live. 

Pass through rural communities and see the process of creating local items such as rice paper, grolan (sticky rice steamed in bamboo), and prahoc (pungent Cambodian fish paste). Interact with the villagers and learn about their lives while watching them make these treats. 

Between the villages, cycle through Battambang’s lovely countryside. The scenery is filled with vibrant rice paddies and orchards growing oranges and other fruits. Tucked amid the bucolic setting is Wat Samraong Knong, a charming Buddhist temple built in 1907 in a fusion of French colonial and Khmer architectural styles. Sadly, the temple functioned as an interrogation facility during the Khmer Rouge era: a memorial for the more than 10,000 victims has been built on site.

Around 12.30 return to town and say farewell to the biking guide.

Enjoy lunch at Jaan Bai. Dine at Jaan Bai, meaning ‘rice bowl’ in Khmer. Jaan Bai is a social enterprise run by the Cambodian Children’s Trust, which is working to break the cycle of poverty in Battambang by empowering underprivileged children. The training and development restaurant is located in an original French colonial building in the heart of Battambang. Jaan Bai uses seasonal organic produce sourced from their kitchen garden, local farmers, and neighboring markets. Enjoy a tasty menu showcasing the best of Southeast Asia highlighted by Western influences.

15:00 - In the afternoon, head to Phnom Sampeau, meaning “Ship Hill” in Khmer due to its distinctive shape; it is 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, 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, 🥘 Lunch

📍 Battambang – Banteay Chhmar (128 km): 2 hours 30 mins

After breakfast, experience Cambodia from a different perspective on a special art tour taking in unique and culturally sensitive glimpses of Battambang art scene. Start with a visit of the impressive Tep Kao Sol Gallery where the curator and artist will walk through the art, the messages and cultural significance of the pieces on show including a presentation of the work of its main artist Lorn Loeum who specializes in photography and watercolor paintings. 

Following this, take a short walking tour around the old town, getting a glimpse of the colonial heart of the city along with one of the oldest cinemas in Battambang. This walk allows you to experience how the city has evolved over its history and remains a peaceful and charming city, including visits to old colonial buildings, Psar Nat (a local market), the Chinese Pagoda, and an old cinema, to name a few.

At 10:00 am depart from Siem Reap and drive through rural Cambodia to the small village of Banteay Chhmar (2 hours 30 mins). Here you will stay the night 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.

Enjoy your lunch which is served by Banteay Chhmar Community-Based Tourism. 

In the early afternoon, visit the exceptional Banteay Chhmar temple which gets very few visitors. The day will end at the satellite temple of Ta Prohm, where a memorable night time picnic will ensue. Enjoy a torch-lit barbequed dinner cooked by the local community under the stars. A traditional Khmer music performance played by local villagers will conclude the amazing night in the serene setting of rural Cambodia.

Overnight in Banteay Chhmar Homestay

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch, 🍗 Dinner

📍 Banteay Chhmar – Siem Reap (162km): 3 hours

After breakfast at the local community restaurant, walk through Banteay Chhmar local market. 
Travel 12km by kuyon (local tractor) through small villages, water reservoirs, and picturesque rice fields to the 13th Century Banteay Toap Temple. After an early lunch at the temple, continue your journey to Siem Reap. 

Afternoon at leisure for you to explore the town independently or relax by the pool.

Overnight in Siem Reap
 

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch

📍 Siem Reap - Siem Reap Airport (53 km): 1 Hr

Breakfast at the hotel. Enjoy the day at leisure for some relaxation at, some more sightseeing or for some personal shopping on Siem Reap’s colourful markets.

For example, visit Artisans d’Angkor, established in 1992 in order to support Cambodian arts and crafts, and to help young people find work in their local villages by continuing the practice of traditional arts. Discover how wood and stone carvings, lacquering, gilding, and silk paintings are created.

Transfer to the airport for the individual departure flight.

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast