Cambodia Long Haul tours (4 days and above)
These are sample tours that will give you an idea of possible combination of varying
sample trips to places you can visit Cambodia. We specialize in customizing tours
so can adjust to your needs and interests or in combination with other programs.
4 days Siemriep
5 days Siemriep
4 days Phnom Penh Siemriep
5 days Phnom Penh – Siemriep
6 days Phnom Penh – Siemriep
7 days Phnom Penh Kampong Thom – Siemriep
10 days highlights of Cambodia
4 days Siemriep:
Day 1: In the morning, visit the Roluos Group. The monuments of
Roluos, which served as the capital of Indravarman I (reigned 877-89), are among
the earliest large, permanent temples built by the Khmers and mark the beginning
of Khmer classical art. Preah Ko erected by Indravarman I in the late 9th century
dedicated by the King to his ancestors in 880. Bakong the largest and most interesting
of the Roluos group temples, with his active Buddhist monastery just to the north
of the east entrance. Lolei built on an islet in the center of a large reservoir
(now rice fields) by Yasovarman I, the founder to the first city at Angkor. In the
afternoon, continue your temple tour. See the unique interior brick sculptures Prasat
Kravan, the Srah Srang reservoir (known as "The Royal Baths" was once
used for ritual bathing), Banteay Kdei (surrounded by 4 concentric walls), Eastern
Mebon (guarded at its corner by stone figures of harnessed elephants, some of which
are still in a reasonable state of preservation) and the mountain-temple of Pre
Rup until sunset. Overnight at hotel in Siem Riep.
Day 2: In the morning, visit the most famous of all the temples
on the plain of Angkor: Angkor Wat. The temple complex covers 81 hectares and is
comparable in size to the Imperial Palace in Beijing. Its distinctive five towers
are emblazoned on the Cambodian flag and the 12th century masterpiece is considered
by art historians to be the prime example of classical Khmer art and architecture.
Angkor Wat’s five towers symbolize Meru’s five peaks – the enclosed wall represents
the mountains at the edge of the world and the surrounding moat, the ocean beyond.
Afternoon, visit the South Gate (with its huge statues depicting the churning of
the ocean of milk), the ancient capital of Angkor Thom (12th century), Bayon Temple
(unique for its 54 towers decorated with over 200 smiling faces of Avolokitesvara),
the Royal Enclosure, Phimeanakas, the Elephants Terrace and the Terrace of the Leper
King. Sunset at Angkor Wat. Overnight at the same hotel.
Day 3: Transfer to the archaeological site for the sunrise from
the Phnom Bakheng, one of two hills dominating the plain of Angkor, from where you
will have a spectacular view of the Western Baray and Angkor Wat.
Or sunrise at
Srah Srang Return to the hotel for breakfast. Morning, transfer to Banteay Srei
temple (10th century), regarded as the jewel in the crown of Classical Khmer Art.
Continue to Ta Prohm, one of the area’s most beautiful temples. Ta Prohm has been
relatively untouched since it was discovered and retains much of its mystery. In
the afternoon, you continue your temple visits to Preah Khan. Built by the King
Jayavarman VII, Preah Khan is, like Ta Prohm, a place of towered enclosures and
shoulder hugging corridors. Unlike Ta Prohm, however, the temple of Preah Khan is
in a reasonable state of preservation and ongoing restoration efforts should maintain
and even improve this situation. Neak Pean, a fountain built in the middle of a
pool (representing the paradisiacal Himalayan mountain-lake), Ta Som and Banteay
Samre, built in the third quarter of the 12th century. It consists of a central
temple with four wings preceded by a hall and accompanied by two libraries, the
southern example remarkably well preserved. Two concentric walls enclose the ensemble.
Overnight at the same hotel.
Day 4: In the morning, visit the floating village of Chong Khneas,
located 10 kilometers south of Siem Reap. Visit the village and take an excursion
in a traditional wooden boat on the Tonle Sap Lake, the "Great Lake" of
Cambodia, one of the largest in Asia. Continue to "Les Artisans d'Angkor
- Chantiers Ecoles" of Siem Reap and time at leisure at a local market (if
time permits).Transfer back to your hotel or Siem Reap Airport for departure flight
to the next destination.
5 days Siemriep:
Day 1: In the morning, visit the Roluos Group. The monuments of
Roluos, which served as the capital of Indravarman I (reigned 877-89), are among
the earliest large, permanent temples built by the Khmers and mark the beginning
of Khmer classical art. Preah Ko erected by Indravarman I in the late 9th century
dedicated by the King to his ancestors in 880. Bakong the largest and most interesting
of the Roluos group temples, with his active Buddhist monastery just to the north
of the east entrance. Lolei built on an islet in the center of a large reservoir
(now rice fields) by Yasovarman I, the founder to the first city at Angkor. In the
afternoon, continue your temple tour. See the unique interior brick sculptures Prasat
Kravan, the Srah Srang reservoir (known as "The Royal Baths" was once
used for ritual bathing), Banteay Kdei (surrounded by 4 concentric walls), Eastern
Mebon (guarded at its corner by stone figures of harnessed elephants, some of which
are still in a reasonable state of preservation) and the mountain-temple of Pre
Rup until sunset. Overnight at hotel in Siem Reap.
Day 2: In the morning, visit the most famous of all the temples
on the plain of Angkor: Angkor Wat. The temple complex covers 81 hectares and is
comparable in size to the Imperial Palace in Beijing. Its distinctive five towers
are emblazoned on the Cambodian flag and the 12th century masterpiece is considered
by art historians to be the prime example of classical Khmer art and architecture.
Angkor Wat’s five towers symbolize Meru’s five peaks – the enclosed wall represents
the mountains at the edge of the world and the surrounding moat, the ocean beyond.
Afternoon, visit the South Gate (with its huge statues depicting the churning of
the ocean of milk), the ancient capital of Angkor Thom (12th century), Bayon Temple
(unique for its 54 towers decorated with over 200 smiling faces of Avolokitesvara),
the Royal Enclosure, Phimeanakas, the Elephants Terrace and the Terrace of the Leper
King. Sunset at Angkor Wat. Overnight at the same hotel.
Day 3: Morning, drive to the remote Beang Mealea temple through
the typical Khmer countryside (60 km from Siem Reap). Explore the long abandoned
temple (11th century), strangled by the jungle. Lunch box will be provided at the
site. Proceed to the Banteay Srei temple (10th century) regarded as the jewel in
the crown of classical Khmer art. Then visit Banteay Samre, one of the most complete
complexes at Angkor due to restoration using the method of “anastylosis”. The name
Samre refers to an ethnic group of mountain people, who inhabited the region at
the base of Phnom Kulen and were probably related to the Khmers. No inscriptions
have been found for this temple, but the style of most of the architecture is of
the classic art of the middle period similar to Angkor Wat. The proportions of Banteay
Samre are splendid. A unique feature is an interior moat with laterite paving, which
when filled with water must have given an ethereal atmosphere to the temple. Drive
back to Siem Reap. Overnight at the same hotel.
Day 4: Transfer to the archaeological site for the sunrise from
the Phnom Bakheng, one of two hills dominating the plain of Angkor, from where you
will have a spectacular view of the Western Baray and Angkor Wat. Or sunrise at
Srah Srang Return to the hotel for breakfast. Visit the floating village of Chong
Khneas, located 10 kilometers south of Siem Reap. Take a boat trip in a traditional
wooden boat on the Tonle Sap Lake, the “Great Lake” of Cambodia, one of the largest
in Asia. Afternoon, visit Preah Khan. Built by King Jayavarman VII, Preah Khan is,
like Ta Prohm, a place of towered enclosures and shoulder-hugging corridors. Unlike
Ta Prohm, though, it’s well preserved and ongoing restoration efforts should improve
this situation. Visit as well Neak Pean a fountain built in the middle of a pool
and the temple of Ta Som. Overnight at the same hotel.
Day 4: In the morning, continue the temple tour to Takeo, Thommanon,
Chau Say Tevoda and Ta Prohm, one of the area’s most beautiful temples. Ta Prohm
has been left relatively untouched since it was discovered and retains much of its
mystery. Its appeal lies in the fact that, unlike the other monuments of Angkor,
it was abandoned and swallowed by the jungle, looking very much the ways most of
the Angkor temples appeared when European explorers first stumbled upon them. After
lunch, visit to "Les Artisans d’Angkor - Chantiers Ecoles"of Siem Reap
and spend time at leisure at a local market (if time permits). Transfer back to
hotel or to Siem Reap International Airport for departure flight to the next destination.
4 days Phnom Penh - Siemriep:
Day 1: Upon arrival in Phnom Penh International airport, pick up
and transfer to your hotel. Afternoon, Phnom Penh city tour: Visit the Victory Monument,
and the National Museum, also called Musee des Beaux-Arts. A French archaeologist
and painter, Georges Groslier, designed it in Khmer style in 1917. The museum contains
a collection of Khmer art - notably sculptures - from throughout the ages. Visit
the Royal Palace, built by King Norodom in 1866 on the site of the old town, and
the Silver Pagoda. Located within the grounds of the Royal Palace, the Silver Pagoda
is so named because of its floor, which is made up of 5000 silver tiles. The treasures
found inside include a solid gold Buddha encrusted and weighing 90 kilograms and
a small 17th century emerald and baccarat crystal Buddha. End your afternoon with
the visit of the Wat Phnom Temple, Phnom Penh’s namesake, from where you can enjoy
views over the tree-lined avenues of the city during sunset. Overnight at hotel
in Phnom Penh.
Day 2: This morning, transfer to Phnom Penh International Airport
for flight to
Siem Reap. On arrival, pick up and begin a tour of the temple: visit
Prasat Kravan with its unique brick sculptures and Ta Prohm.
One of the area's
most beautiful temples, Ta Prohm has been relatively untouched since it was discovered
and retains much of its mystery. Its appeal lies in the fact that, unlike the other
monuments of Angkor, it was abandoned and swallowed by the jungle, looking very
much the ways most of the Angkor temples appeared when European explorers first
stumbled upon them. Visit as well Takeo, Chau Say Tevoda and Thommanon. In the afternoon,
visit Preah Khan temple. Built by the King Jayavarman VII, Preah Khan is, like Ta
Prohm, a place of towered enclosures and shoulders-hanging corridors. Unlike Ta
Prohm, however, Preah Khan is in a reasonable state of preservation and ongoing
restoration efforts should maintain and even improve this situation. Continue your
visits to Neak Pean, a fountain built in the middle of a pool and representing the
paradisiacal Himalayan mountain-lake and visit the temple of Ta Som as well as Srah
Srang ("The Royal Baths"), undoubtedly used in the past for ritual bathing.
Overnight at hotel in Siemriep.
Day 3: In the morning, visit the most famous of all the temples
on the plain of Angkor: Angkor Wat. The temple complex covers 81 hectares and is
comparable in size to the Imperial Palace in Beijing. Its distinctive five towers
are emblazoned on the Cambodian flag and the 12th century masterpiece is considered
by art historians to be the prime example of classical Khmer art and architecture.
Angkor Wat's five towers symbolize Meru's five peaks - the enclosed wall
represents the mountains at the edge of the world and the surrounding moat, the
ocean beyond. In the afternoon, visit the South Gate (with its huge statues depicting
the churning of the ocean of milk), the ancient capital of Angkor Thom (12th century),
Bayon Temple (unique for its 54 towers decorated with over 200 smiling faces of
Avolokitesvara), the Royal Enclosure, Phimeanakas, the Elephants Terrace and the
Terrace of the Leper King. Sunset at Angkor Wat. Overnight at the same hotel.
Day 4: Morning an excursion to Banteay Srei temple (10th century),
regarded as the jewel in the crown of Classical Khmer Art. Visit the floating village
of Chong Khneas, located 10 kilometers south of Siem Reap. Take a traditional wooden
boat for a ride on the Tonle Sap Lake, the "Great Lake" of Cambodia, one
of the largest in Asia. In the afternoon, visit "Les Artisans d'Angkor
- Chantiers Ecoles" of Siem Reap and time at leisure at the local market (if
time permits). Transfer back to your hotel or to Siem Reap International Airport
for departure flight to the next destination.
5 days Phnom Penh – Siemriep:
Day 1: Upon arrival in Phnom Penh International and transfer to
your hotel. Afternoon, Phnom Penh city tour: Visit the Victory Monument, and the
National Museum, also called Musee des Beaux-Arts. A French archaeologist and painter,
Georges Groslier, designed it in Khmer style in 1917. The museum contains a collection
of Khmer art - notably sculptures - from throughout the ages. Visit the Royal Palace,
built by King Norodom in 1866 on the site of the old town, and the Silver Pagoda.
Located within the grounds of the Royal Palace, the Silver Pagoda is so named because
of its floor, which is made up of 5000 silver tiles. The treasures found inside
include a solid gold Buddha encrusted and weighing 90 kilograms and a small 17th
century emerald and baccarat crystal Buddha. End your afternoon with the visit of
the Wat Phnom Temple, Phnom Penh’s namesake, from where you can enjoy views over
the tree-lined avenues of the city during sunset. Overnight at hotel in Phnom Penh.
Day 2: This morning, transfer to Phnom Penh International Airport
for flight to Siem Reap. On arrival, pick up and begin a tour of the temple: visit
the Roluos Group. The monuments of Roluos, which served as the capital of Indravarman
I (reigned 877-89), are among the earliest large, permanent temples built by the
Khmers and mark the beginning of Khmer classical art. Preah Ko erected by Indravarman
I in the late 9th century dedicated by the King to his ancestors in 880. Bakong
the largest and most interesting of the Roluos group temples, with his active Buddhist
monastery just to the north of the east entrance. Lolei built on an islet in the
center of a large reservoir (now rice fields) by Yasovarman I, the founder to the
first city at Angkor. In the afternoon, continue your temple tour. See the unique
interior brick sculptures Prasat Kravan, the Srah Srang reservoir (known as "The
Royal Baths" was once used for ritual bathing), Banteay Kdei (surrounded by
4 concentric walls), Eastern Mebon (guarded at its corner by stone figures of harnessed
elephants, some of which are still in a reasonable state of preservation) and the
mountain-temple of Pre Rup until sunset. Overnight at hotel in Siem Reap.
Day 3: In the morning, visit the most famous of all the temples
on the plain of Angkor: Angkor Wat. The temple complex covers 81 hectares and is
comparable in size to the Imperial Palace in Beijing. Its distinctive five towers
are emblazoned on the Cambodian flag and the 12th century masterpiece is considered
by art historians to be the prime example of classical Khmer art and architecture.
Angkor Wat’s five towers symbolize Meru’s five peaks - the enclosed wall represents
the mountains at the edge of the world and the surrounding moat, the ocean beyond.
Afternoon, visit the South Gate (with its huge statues depicting the churning of
the ocean of milk), the ancient capital of Angkor Thom (12th century), Bayon Temple
(unique for its 54 towers decorated with over 200 smiling faces of Avolokitesvara),
the Royal Enclosure, Phimeanakas, the Elephants Terrace and the Terrace of the Leper
King. Sunset at Angkor Wat. Overnight at the same hotel.
Day 4: Transfer to the archaeological site for the sunrise from
the Phnom Bakheng, one of two hills dominating the plain of Angkor, from where you
will have a spectacular view of the Western Baray and Angkor Wat Or sunrise at Srah
Srang. Return to the hotel for breakfast. Morning, transfer to Banteay Srei temple
(10th century), regarded as the jewel in the crown of Classical Khmer Art. Continue
to Ta Prohm, one of the area’s most beautiful temples. Ta Prohm has been relatively
untouched since it was discovered and retains much of its mystery. In the afternoon,
you continue your temple visits to Preah Khan. Built by the King Jayavarman VII,
Preah Khan is, like Ta Prohm, a place of towered enclosures and shoulder hugging
corridors. Unlike Ta Prohm, however, the temple of Preah Khan is in a reasonable
state of preservation and ongoing restoration efforts should maintain and even improve
this situation. Neak Pean, a fountain built in the middle of a pool (representing
the paradisiacal Himalayan mountain-lake), Ta Som and Banteay Samre, built in the
third quarter of the 12th century. It consists of a central temple with four wings
preceded by a hall and accompanied by two libr /aries, the southern example remarkably
well preserved. Two concentric walls enclose the ensemble. Overnighta t the same
hotel.
Day 5: Visit the floating village of Chong Khneas, located 10 kilometers
south of Siem Reap. Visit the village and take an excursion in a traditional wooden
boat on the Tonle Sap Lake, the "Great Lake" of Cambodia, one of the largest
in Asia. Continue visit to "Les Artisans d'Angkor - Chantiers Ecoles"
of Siem Reap and time at leisure at a local market (if time permits). Transfer to
your hotel or Siem Reap International Airport for departure flight to the next destination.
6 days Phnom Penh – Siemriep:
Day 1: Upon arrival in Phnom Penh International and transfer to
your hotel. Visit the Royal Palace, built by King Norodom in 1866 on the site of
the old town, and the Silver Pagoda. Located within the grounds of the Royal Palace,
the Silver Pagoda is so named because of its floor, which is made up of 5000 silver
tiles. The treasures include a solid gold Buddha encrusted and weighing 90 kilos
and a small 17th century emerald and baccarat crystal Buddha. Enjoy a cruise on
the Mekong and Tonle Sap Rivers. Overnight at hotel in Phnom Penh.
Day 2: In the morning, visit the Notorious Tuol Sleng Museum. In
1975 Tuol Svay Prey High School was taken over by Pol Pot’s security forces and
turned into a prison known as Security Prison 21 (S-21). It soon became the largest
such center of detention and torture in the country. More than 17.000 people held
at S-21 were taken to the extermination camp at Choeung Ek to be executed; detainees
who died during torture were buried in mass graves in the prison ground. The museum
displays include room after room of these photographs of men, women and children
covering the walls from floor to ceiling; virtually all the people pictured were
later killed. Continue to the nearby National Museum. Built in 1917 it is an exceptional
example of traditional architecture and is exclusively devoted to preserving and
displaying Khmer art and sculptures. Hundreds of pieces are housed here including
both pre-and post-Angkorian pieces. Visit the Central Market, another landmark of
the city of Phnom Penh. Afternoon, visit the Russian Market (Psah Tuol Thom Pong),
a lively outdoor market where you will find antiquities, silver and gold jewelry,
gems, silk, kramas, stone and wood carvings, as well as T-Shirts, CDs and other
souvenirs. End your visit of the charming capital with a visit of the Wat Phnom
Temple, Phnom Penh’s namesake. Overnight at the same hotel.
Day 3: This morning, transfer to Phnom Penh International Airport
for flight to Siem Reap. On arrival, pick up and begin a tour of the temple: visit
the Roluos Group. The monuments of Roluos, which served as the capital of Indravarman
I (reigned 877-89), are among the earliest large, permanent temples built by the
Khmers and mark the beginning of Khmer classical art. Preah Ko erected by Indravarman
I in the late 9th century dedicated by the King to his ancestors in 880. Bakong
the largest and most interesting of the Roluos group temples, with his active Buddhist
monastery just to the north of the east entrance. Lolei built on an islet in the
center of a large reservoir (now rice fields) by Yasovarman I, the founder to the
first city at Angkor. In the afternoon, continue your temple tour. See the unique
interior brick sculptures Prasat Kravan, the Srah Srang reservoir (known as "The
Royal Baths" was once used for ritual bathing), Banteay Kdei (surrounded by
4 concentric walls), Eastern Mebon (guarded at its corner by stone figures of harnessed
elephants, some of which are still in a reasonable state of preservation) and the
mountain-temple of Pre Rup until sunset. Overnight at hotel in Siem Reap.
Day 4: In the morning, visit the most famous of all the temples
on the plain of Angkor: Angkor Wat. The temple complex covers 81 hectares and is
comparable in size to the Imperial Palace in Beijing. Its distinctive five towers
are emblazoned on the Cambodian flag and the 12th century masterpiece is considered
by art historians to be the prime example of classical Khmer art and architecture.
Angkor Wat’s five towers symbolize Meru’s five peaks - the enclosed wall represents
the mountains at the edge of the world and the surrounding moat, the ocean beyond.
Afternoon, visit the South Gate (with its huge statues depicting the churning of
the ocean of milk), the ancient capital of Angkor Thom (12th century), Bayon Temple
(unique for its 54 towers decorated with over 200 smiling faces of Avolokitesvara),
the Royal Enclosure, Phimeanakas, the Elephants Terrace and the Terrace of the Leper
King. Sunset at Angkor Wat. Overnight at the same hotel.
Day 5: Transfer to the archaeological site for the sunrise from
the Phnom Bakheng, one of two hills dominating the plain of Angkor, from where you
will have a spectacular view of the Western Baray and Angkor Wat Or sunrise at Srah
Srang. Return to the hotel for breakfast. Morning, transfer to Banteay Srei temple
(10th century), regarded as the jewel in the crown of Classical Khmer Art. Continue
to Ta Prohm, one of the area’s most beautiful temples. Ta Prohm has been relatively
untouched since it was discovered and retains much of its mystery. In the afternoon,
you continue your temple visits to Preah Khan. Built by the King Jayavarman VII,
Preah Khan is, like Ta Prohm, a place of towered enclosures and shoulder hugging
corridors. Unlike Ta Prohm, however, the temple of Preah Khan is in a reasonable
state of preservation and ongoing restoration efforts should maintain and even improve
this situation. Neak Pean, a fountain built in the middle of a pool (representing
the paradisiacal Himalayan mountain-lake), Ta Som and Banteay Samre, built in the
third quarter of the 12th century. It consists of a central temple with four wings
preceded by a hall and accompanied by two libraries, the southern example remarkably
well preserved. Two concentric walls enclose the ensemble. Overnighta t the same
hotel.
Day 6: Visit the floating village of Chong Khneas, located 10 kilometers
south of Siem Reap. Visit the village and take an excursion in a traditional wooden
boat on the Tonle Sap Lake, the "Great Lake" of Cambodia, one of the largest
in Asia. Continue visit to "Les Artisans d'Angkor - Chantiers Ecoles"
of Siem Reap and time at leisure at a local market (if time permits). Transfer to
your hotel or Siem Reap International Airport for departure flight to the next destination.
7 days Phnom Penh Kampong Thom – Siemriep:
Day 1: - Phnom Penh • Arrival in Phnom Penh • Transfer • Sightseeing
in Phnom Penh Explore PHNOM PENH, a chaotic, energetic and always fascinating city.
Graceful tree-lined boulevards and riverfront promenades are reminders of bygone
eras; today they teem with life and activity, as motorcycles weave in and out of
traffic, vendor hawk their wares, and pedestrians go about their business. Start
your tour with an insight into Cambodia's cultural heritage with a visit to
the ROYAL PALACE, still the official residence of King Norodom Sihamoi and the adjacent
SILVER PAGODA, also known as the Pagoda of the Emerald Buddha. Continue to the elegant
NATIONAL MUSEUM, which contains a comprehensive collection of Khmer Art. Finally,
explore the modern-day city, visiting one of Phnom Penh's two great markets,
the CENTRAL MARKET, located in a distinctive domed Art Deco building, and the sprawling
RUSSIAN MARKET, a labyrinth of stalls selling everything from CDs and DVDs to silks,
crafts, jewelry and more. • Overnight in Phnom Penh.
Day 2: - Phnom Penh • Excursion to Takeo Province south of Phnom
Penh with several interesting historical sites including Angkor Borei. TONLE BATI:
a lake south of Phnom Penh, with a beach and the impressive laterite temple of Ta
Prohm. TA PROHM: a temple built by King Jayavarman VII (who ruled from 1181 to 1201)
on the site of a 6th century Khmer shrine. A stele found here dates from 1574 and
inside the north gate is a statue of the Hindu god Preah Noreay. PHNOM CHISOR: the
main temple on this hill is constructed of laterite and brick with carved lintels
of sandstone. The inscriptions found here date back to the 11th century and the
wooden doors to the sanctuary are decorated with interesting carvings. ANGKOR BOREI:
a 6th century monument built in laterite by King Rudravarman of Funan. His patron
deity was Vishnu and many Hindu statues survive from this site. It is one of the
few remaining sites with traces of the Kingdom of Funan (a kingdom influenced by
India and thought to have spread as far as southern Burma and Indonesia). PHNOM
DA: a hill south of Angkor Borei with four artificial caves, built as shrines. On
top of the hill is a square laterite tower. • Overnight in Phnom Penh.
Day 3: - Kampong Thom • By vehicle from Phnom Penh to Kampong Cham
• Sightseeing in Kampong Cham Kampong Cham is a lively port on the banks of the
Mekong River with some good examples of colonial-era architecture. After visiting
the LOCAL MARKET and exploring the town, travel in to the countryside to PHNOM PROS
(Man Hill) and PHNOM SREI (Woman Hill). According to local tradition, two teams
of men and women competed to build a stupa on the summit of each hill before dawn.
After being tricked into thinking that daybreak had already come, the men lost the
competition and, as a result, forever after had to be the ones to approach the women
for their hands in marriage. Continue to WAT NOKOR BAYON, a thriving modern-day
monastery founded on an 11th century Mahayana Buddhist shrine. • By vehicle from
Kampong Cham to Kampong Thom • Overnight in Kampong Thom.
Day 4: - Siem Reap • Sightseeing around Kampong Thom Travel just
outside Kampong Thom to see key archeological
sites, starting with SAMBOR PREI KUK,
perhaps the most important grouping of pre-Angkorian monuments in Cambodia. Before
the rise of the Angor, this was the capital of Chenla during the sixth century,
known as Isanapura; today, over 100 small temple ruins sit peacefully in a forest
setting. Explore the main central complex and gain an insight into the early architectural
styles of Cambodia. Afterwards, continue to the modern-day shrines of WAT ANDRI,
a thriving monastery, and climb the 980 steps of the holy mountain PHNOM SANTUK,
enjoying the colorful, somewhat eclectic shrine at the peak as well as lovely views
over the surrounding countryside. • By vehicle from Kampong Thom to Siem Reap •
Overnight in Siem Reap.
Day 5: - Siem Reap • Sightseeing in Angkor • Visit Angkor Wat The
crowning jewel of Khmer architecture, ANGKOR WAT is the national symbol and the
highlight of any visit to Cambodia. The largest, best preserved, and most religiously
significant of the Angkor temples, Angkor impresses visitors both by its sheer scale
and beautifully proportioned layout, as well as the delicate artistry of its carvings.
To approach the temple, first cross the vast moat, continuing along a broad causeway
lined with naga balustrades. As you enter the main building, ascend through a series
of galleries and courtyard before reaching the central sanctuary, which offers beautiful
views back over the causeway and across the surrounding countryside. On the way,
stop to enjoy the intricate stone carvings that adorn nearly every surface, with
some 1,700 Apsaras, or celestial dancers, sculpted into the walls. Along the outer
gallery walls run the longest continuous bas-relief in the world, which narrates
stories from Hindu mythology, including the famous Churning of the Ocean of Milk.
Angkor Wat is stunning at any time of the day, but sunrise and sunset are especially
beautiful times to watch the play of light on the stones. • Visit Angkor Thom The
fortified city of ANGKOR THOM covers an area of 10 square km. Enclosed by a wall
and wide moats, the city includes many of Angkor's most popular sights. Enter
by the monumental SOUTH GATE over a causeway lined on either side by statues of
demons and gods, each carrying a giant naga. Continue to the TERRACE OF THE ELEPHANTS
and the TERRACE OF THE LEPER KINGS, former spaces for public ceremonies, both adorned
with dramatic bas reliefs. Visit the ruined BAPHUON, ROYAL ENCLOSURE and PHIMEANAKAS
before continuing to the mysterious BAYON TEMPLE. In this temple, one of the most
popular and compelling in Angkor, explore the galleries of beautifully preserved
bas reliefs and ascend narrow stairs to reach the central sanctuary, where you will
find giant stone faces smiling enigmatically down at you from every angle. • Visit
Ta Prohm One of the most popular attractions of Angkor as much of the jungle has
not been cleared and it looks very much as most of the Angkor monuments would have
appeared when European explorers first stumbled across them. • Visit a temple for
sunset Watch the sun set over the Cambodian countryside from the upper terraces
of an ancient Angkorian temple. • Overnight in Siem Reap.
Day 6: - Siem Reap • Sightseeing in Angkor • Visit Banteay Srei
Temple Seemingly miniature in comparison to the other Angkor temples, BANTEAY SREI
is considered to be the jewel of classical Khmer art. Built in pink sandstone, the
walls are covered in exquisitely preserved carvings of unusual delicacy. Because
of its small size, fairy-like atmosphere and extraordinary examples of Khmer sculpture,
this temple is often a favorite with visitors. • Visit Banteay Samre BANTEAY SAMRE
is a mid-12th century temple dedicated to the god Vishnu. • Excursion to the Tonle
Sap Lake with boat trip (Great Lake). Located in the heart of Cambodia, this extraordinary
lake swells up to seven times its original size during the monsoon season. Its ecosystem
is one of the richest and most diverse in the region. This boat trip will explore
the floating fishing villages that live at the edges of the lake, passing submerged
forests and fishing farms. • Overnight in Siem Reap.
Day 7: - Siem Reap • Sightseeing in Angkor • Visit Preah Khan A
temple built by King Jayavarman VII with towered enclosures and shoulder-hugging
corridors in a jungle setting. Preah Khan covers a very large area but the temple
itself is enclosed within a rectangular wall of around 700 by 800 meters. • Visit
Neak Pean Temple Built by King Jayavarman VII (ruled 1181 to 1201), it is a Buddhist
temple consisting of a square pool with four smaller square pools arranged on each
axis. In the centre of the large central pool is a circular island encircled by
two nagas with intertwined tails. • Visit Pre Rup Temple Built by Rajendravarman
II (ruled 944 to 968), it consists of a pyramid shaped temple with the upper-most
of the three tiers carrying five square shrines arranged as a quincunx. The name
means "turning the body", and refers to the traditional method of cremation. • Visit
Ta Som Built in the late 12th century by Jayavarman VII for his teacher, Som. Ta
Som means old Som. • Visit Eastern Mebon Temple erected by Rajendravarman (ruled
from 944 to 968), it is located on a former islet in the centre of the Eastern Baray.
The base of the temple is guarded at its corners by stone figures of harnessed elephants.
• Transfer to the airport for departure flight to onward destination.
10 days highlights of Cambodia:
Day 1: Upon arrival in Phnom Penh International and transfer to
your hotel. Afternoon, Phnom Penh city tour: Visit the Victory Monument, and the
National Museum, also called Musee des Beaux-Arts. A French archaeologist and painter,
Georges Groslier, designed it in Khmer style in 1917. The museum contains a collection
of Khmer art - notably sculptures - from throughout the ages. Visit the Royal Palace,
built by King Norodom in 1866 on the site of the old town, and the Silver Pagoda.
Located within the grounds of the Royal Palace, the Silver Pagoda is so named because
of its floor, which is made up of 5000 silver tiles. The treasures found inside
include a solid gold Buddha encrusted and weighing 90 kilograms and a small 17th
century emerald and baccarat crystal Buddha. End your afternoon with the visit of
the Wat Phnom Temple, Phnom Penh’s namesake, from where you can enjoy views over
the tree-lined avenues of the city during sunset. Overnight at hotel in Phnom Penh.
Day 2:: Phnom Penh – Kratie: breakfast at hotel, drive to Kratie
via Kompong Cham & Snuol. Arrive in Kratie and check in at hotel. In the afternoon,
city tour of this small provincial town with its good examples of sumptuous colonial
architecture. This tiny town on the Mekong is an unexpected delight, with a relaxing,
indolent atmosphere. Further north stop at the best riverside vantage point from
which to view the rare freshwater Irrawaddy dolphins which can be best seen late
afternoon. Then, drive back to Kratie. Overnight in Kratie at Oudom Sambath Hotel,
1 DBL Standard room.
Day 3: Kratie - Kompong Cham - Kompong Thom: Morning, visit Kratie
pagoda and market. Continue to Chhup, the biggest rubber plantation in the country,
established during the French colonial time by the French tire Maker Michelin. Visit
Wat Nokor Pagoda with its ancient temple and modern style pagoda (12th century)
and then drive to Kompong Thom. Arrive in Kompong Thom and check-in at hotel. Overnight
at the Slung Sen Royal Garden hotel, 01 DBL Standard room.
Day 4: Kompong Thom – Siem Reap: After breakfast, depart Kompong
Thom for Sambor Prei Kuk, located 35 km northeast of Kompong Thom. Visit the ancient
capital of Chenla with its 100 temples dating from the Pre-Angkorian period. Continue
to Siem Reap (the road from Kompong Thom to Siem Reap is now in good condition.
The drive takes around 2.5 hours). En route, visit traditional villages and stop
at the ancient Naga bridge (Spean Pratpo), located 40 km from Siem Reap. Arrive
in Siem Reap and transfer to Viroth's Hotel [No 658, Wat Bo Village, Tel: 855-63
761 720]. This afternoon, begin a tour of the temple visit Prasat Kravan with its
unique brick sculptures and Ta Prohm. One of the area ' s most beautiful temples,
Ta Prohm has been relatively untouched since it was discovered and retains much
of its mystery. Its appeal lies in the fact that, unlike the other monuments of
Angkor, it was abandoned and swallowed by the jungle, looking very much the ways
most of the Angkor temples appeared when European explorers first stumbled upon
them. Visit as well Takeo, Chau Say Tevoda and Thommanon. Then transfer back to
hotel. Overnight at hotel in Siemriep.
Day 5: Siem Reap: Early bird special Transfer to the archaeological
site for sunrise from Phnom Bakheng, one of two hills dominating the plain of Angkor,
from where you will have a spectacular view of the Western Baray and Angkor Wat.
Or sunrise at Srah Srang Then visit the South Gate (with its huge statues depicting
the churning of the ocean of milk), the ancient capital of Angkor Thom (12th century),
Bayon Temple (unique for its 54 towers decorated with over 200 smiling faces of
Avolokitesvara), the Royal Enclosure, Phimeanakas (Vimean Akhar), the Elephants
Terrace and the Terrace of the Leper King. Afternoon, visit the most famous of all
the temples on the plain of Angkor: Angkor Wat. The temple complex covers 81 hectares
and is comparable in size to the Imperial Palace in Beijing. Its distinctive five
towers are emblazoned on the Cambodian flag and the 12th century masterpiece is
considered by art historians to be the prime example of classical Khmer art and
architecture. Angkor Wat's five towers symbolize Meru's five peaks - the
enclosed wall represents the mountains at the edge of the world and the surrounding
moat, the ocean beyond. Sunset at Angkor Wat. Overnight at the same hotel.
Day 6: (B): Siem Reap: Morning, drive to the remote Beng Mealea
temple through the typical Khmer countryside (60 km from Siem Reap). Explore the
long abandoned temple (11th century), strangled by the jungle. Proceed to the Banteay
Srei temple (10th century) regarded as the jewel in the crown of classical Khmer
art. Then visit Banteay Samre, one of the most complete complexes at Angkor due
to restoration using the method of "anastylosis". The name Samre refers
to an ethnic group of mountain people, who inhabited the region at the base of Phnom
Kulen and were probably related to the Khmers. No inscriptions have been found for
this temple, but the style of most of the architecture is of the classic art of
the middle period similar to Angkor Wat. The proportions of Banteay Samre are splendid.
A unique feature is an interior moat with laterite paving, which when filled with
water must have given an ethereal atmosphere to the temple. Then continue to visit
the Kabal Spean. Overnight at the same hotel.
Day 7: (B): Siem Reap: Morning, visit the Roluos Group. The monuments
of Roluos, which served as the capital of Indravarman I (reigned 877-89), are among
the earliest large, permanent temples built by the Khmers and mark the beginning
of Khmer classical art. Preah Ko erected by Indravarman I in the late 9th century
dedicated by the King to his ancestors in 880. Bakong the largest and most interesting
of the Roluos group temples, with his active Buddhist monastery just to the north
of the east entrance. Lolei built on an islet in the center of a large reservoir
(now rice fields) by Yasovarman I, the founder to the first city at Angkor. In the
afternoon, you continue your temple visits to Preah Khan. Built by the King Jayavarman
VII, Preah Khan is, like Ta Prohm, a place of towered enclosures and shoulder hugging
corridors. Unlike Ta Prohm, however, the temple of Preah Khan is in a reasonable
state of preservation and ongoing restoration efforts should maintain and even improve
this situation. Neak Pean, a fountain built in the middle of a pool (representing
the paradisiacal Himalayan mountain-lake), Ta Som. Overnight at the same hotel.
Day 8: Siem Reap - Battambang (by boat): Travel by boat from Siem
Reap to Battambang.
Cross the Tonle Sap Lake and the floating village of Prek Tuol.
Stop at Cheur Khmao Pagoda "Black Wood Pagoda". Enjoy the unspoiled landscapes
and traditional daily-life scenes along Sangker River. Arrive at Battambang port
and transfer to hotel. Visit the Provincial Museum and the local market. Drive to
Phnom Banon, with its five sandstone towers on top of a hill and enjoy a magnificent
view of the surrounding plains until sunset. Overnight in Battambang at La Villa,
01 DBL Superior room.
Day 9: Battambang – Phnom Penh: Stroll through the city with its
well preserve example of colonial architecture and visit the local market. Then
drive along the picturesque Sangker River to Wat Slaket Pagoda, the residence of
the provincial Buddhist patriarch. Continue to visit Wat Ek Phnom (11th century
– Suryavarman I). Overland transfer from Battambang to Phnom Penh with a visit of
the pottery village in Kompong Chhnang. Overnight at hotel in Phnom Penh.
Day 10: (B): Phnom Penh - Saigon: After breakfast, transfer to
airport for your flight back home. End service.
Contact us: info@anntours.com