Day 1: Siem Reap Arrival
Upon arrival in Saigon, you will be met and transferred to your hotel
Day 2: Early sunrise at Angkor Wat Temple – Ta Phrom – Angkor Thom
Set off early to see the sun rise over the magnificent Angkor Wat, the world’s largest religious monument and the best-preserved temple in the complex. This visually spectacular massive three-tired pyramid has become a symbol of Cambodia, appearing on its flag. Admire the grandeur of its architecture its extensive decoration of bas-relief friezes.
Continue to Ta Prohm, one of Cambodia’s most beloved temples. Unusually, Ta Prohm is in much the same condition in which it was found. The combination of large trees growing out of the ruins and the surrounding jungle give the temple a truly magical feel. Take a break for lunch and then set off to the South Gate of Angkor Thom, where statues of the gods of good and evil line the entrance.
Next visit Bayon, a richly decorated temple. Its most distinctive feature is the hundreds of smiling faces that grace the towers. Impressive bas-reliefs tell stories of daily life and of the great battles that were fought between the Khmers and ancient Thais.
Move on to Phimeanakas, a pyramid-shaped temple with two ponds in the rear. Climb to its top and take in the awe-inspiring sight of the Angkor ruins below before taking in row upon row of elephant trunks that form the wall of the Terrace of the Elephants.
Note: The tour can be organized on bicycles if you wish
Day 3: Siem Reap – Phnom Kulen Mountain & 1000 Lingas
Considered the birthplace of the Khmer Empire, Phnom Kulen is a mountain range about a two-hour drive from Siem Reap. The mountain is considered sacred, the site where King Jayavarman proclaimed independence from Java in 802 and where the cult of the linga began. The mountain is also a favorite of locals who come to admire the waterfalls and swim in the cool pools. Visit the river of 1,000 Lingas and a reclining Buddha built in the 16th century. Take a break for a picnic lunch and a chance to swim at the waterfall. On the way back to Siem Reap, stop at a local village to admire the picturesque rice paddies and traditional houses
Day 4: Siem Reap - Tonle Sap Tour
Take a short 15-kilometer drive to Tonle Sap Lake, located south of Siem Reap. Here embark on a cruise to Kompong Phluk, an isolated Khmer community of three villages built on stilts. The community has about 3,000 residents who farm fish and vegetables on the floating platforms. Admire the floating village with a Buddhist monastery right in the middle.The cruise will also take you through the flooded forests that surround the village, a unique ecosystem where millions of fish come to spawn each season, attracting a myriad of water birds. Enjoy the views and keep an eye out for wildlife, especially birds and crab-eating macaques.
Day 5: Siem Reap – Banteay Chhmar Temple – Battambang
Today you begin transfer to Battambang and make stop on half this morning spend time visiting Banteay Chhmar temple, this ancient temple date back in the Angkorian period (802-1432). Moreover, the temple of Banteay Chhmar is a unique complex of Angkorian period of structural style with the associated baray and water control systems, reflect outstanding aspects of architecture, engineering, arts, skilled craftsmanship, stone building, irrigation, governance and theology, landscape, human settlement and land use. And the temple complex was designed to reflect Hindu theology and astrology. And your guide will provide you with in-depth of temple history as well as you will have a plenty of time to explore the most stunning site and capturing the amazing delicate temple base-relief, breath-taking, and listening to the bird sound.
Shortly after the exploration and return to Sisophon town for lunch break before continue journey to Battambang. Upon arrival check in to hotel and time for relaxation.
Day 6: Battambang
Battambang is famous for its French colonial architecture, fertile soil and rubies and garnets mined in this province. This morning begins transfer to Wat Ko a village outside of town and hop on a fun bamboo train ride through the countryside, local houses, and enjoy great view of paddy fields. Next continue the tour visits Phnom Banan, an 11th century temple built by King Jarvarman VII. Located on top of a 400m hill, there is a beautiful view of the surrounding countryside and follow by a lunch break at local restaurant.
In the afternoon, we will explore Phnom Sampeau, a natural rock formation with an interesting series of caves with a sad history. The area was a former stronghold of the communist regime, Khmer Rouge, that controlled Cambodia from 1975 to 1979 and some caves were used as “killing caves.” Your guide will give you a history of this area and will answer any questions you have. Here you will also have the opportunity to visit Bat Cave where you will see a steady stream of bats leaving the cave as dusk falls around 5:00 pm. Before returning to your hotel.
Day 7: Battambang – Morning Street Eat at Phsar Nat, Visit Phras Prahok – Phnom Penh
As breakfast is the most important part of the day, we begin the tour with some delicious Cambodian noodle soup. You will create your own bowl of soup to your liking by including the noodles and a variety of garnishes such as cooked shrimp, pork, sliced radish, fried garlic, chopped cilantro, green onion, ground red chili peppers, and lemon juice. Mix the ingredients with your chopsticks and enjoy!
After enjoying your first course of a hearty breakfast, follow your guide through the labyrinth of stalls and take in the scenes of local life and activity in the market. Try the favorite drink of locals- iced coffee with milk. Next try rice with pork or chicken “Bai Sach Chrouk or Sach Moan,” an all time classic favorite of Cambodians. The dish has smoky sweet, charcoal-grilled pork or chicken served with rice and tangy pickled radish and cucumber. This is one of Cambodian’s most popular breakfasts.
Last, the traditional Cambodian Cake is a must try. Savor the surprising texture and flavor of this dessert. Wash it all down with a sugarcane juice and next adventure full fill your morning with a visit to Fishing village a well-know Phsar Prahok market, it is located near a river that accommodates various types of fish. Return to hotel for freshen up and after lunch transfer to Phnom Penh.
Day 8: Phnom Penh - City Highlights and Boat Ride Silk Island
Today you will discover the wonder of Cambodia’s capital, Phnom Penh. Considered the ‘Pearl of Asia,’ Phnom Penh has an exotic post-colonial culture. Situated on the banks of the Ton Le Sap and Mekong Rivers, Phnom Penh was largely constructed in the 1920s and boasts some of Asia’s best-preserved Art Deco architecture. Depart from your hotel after breakfast and head to to the majestic Royal Palace and the Silver Pagoda complex. Admire the elaborately constructed palace buildings, some of the 5,000 silver floor tiles that give the Silver Pagoda its name, as well as spectacular gold and bejeweled Buddha statues that are considered national treasures. Next we will head to the National Museum, a beautiful sandstone museum that showcases the world’s largest collection of Khmer art.
After wandering around the museum, continue journey on to Wat Phnom, the most important temple in Phnom Penh. Situated atop a 27-meter-high knoll, the temple overlooks the city and offers a pleasant green respite for tourists and locals alike.We’ll take a lunch break at a local restaurant.
In the afternoon, take a boat across the Mekong River to Silk Island (Koh Dach) where a short boat trip offers a huge contrast to the hustle and bustle of the capital city life. Here you can learn much about the history of the silk weaving traditions and take in some rural life.Upon arrival, we’ll hop-on a Tuk Tuk to explore the villages made up of picturesque, stilted houses with silk workshops formed below. The local children will come out to greet you and say hello as you pass by. You will have a chance to meet the families who make their livelihoods from the old tradition of hand looming silk. Learn about the process from start to finish transforming the wool-like texture into silk thread. You will have an opportunity to give it a try also. items can also be purchased directly from the family. Continue to wander through this fascinating village before visiting a local pagoda decorated in brilliant colors.
Return to Phnom Penh in the early afternoon.
Day 9: Phnom Penh - Krabey Island
Check in Six Senses Krabey and relax
Today you will be transferred from Phnom Penh to Krabey Island (the transfer takes around 2 hours).
Day 11 - 12 : Krabey - Day at leisure
Day at leisure to relax in Krabey.
Day 13: Krabey - Depart
At leisure until you are transferred to Phnom Penh for your departure flight.
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