CAMBODIA SHORE EXCURSION
Get inspired with our sample trips below. Trips can be customized to be shortened or lengthened and include a combination of countries or activities. Contact us for a creative program.
ITINERARY
SIHANOUKVILLE- PHNOM PENH
CBP1: Day trip Phnom Penh from Sihanoukville: 8:00am pick from your cruise ship at Sihanoukville port and travel overland to Phnom Penh (3.5hrs driving). Upon arrival 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 kilograms and a small 17th century emerald and baccarat crystal Buddha. 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 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. Visit the Central Market, another landmark of the city of Phnom Penh. Transfer back Sihanoukville port and board your cruise ship depart at 22:00. End of service
Day trip Sihanoukville, Cambodia:
CBP2 – Morning, 10:00am pick from your cruise at Sihanoukville port and drive to the Intra Ngean Pagoda for views over the town, continue to Independence Beach and Ocheuteal Beach, a long sweep of snow white sand facing the typically calm waters of the Gulf of Thailand. A break here for a short stroll along the beach at leisure and a cool drink under the shade of the pine trees. A stop at a local market to see Khmer commerce at first hand. Passengers may wander the stalls and perhaps purchase a traditional Krama – the colorful Cambodian headscarf so commonly worn by all Khmers. Then enjoy lunch at Sokha Beach Resort then have time to relax on the beach of Sokha Beach. Prior to returning to the ship stop at the fishing village of Tumnuk Rolok where the fresh catch of the day is hauled in prior to finding its way to the seafood markets and restaurants of Phnom Penh. With the brightly painted fishing vessels and local people going about their daily tasks it can be quite a photogenic sight and provides some insight into the simple but important livelihood of this fishing town. 18:00 transfer back Sihanoukville port and board your cruise ship at 20:00.
CBP3 Day trip countryside around Sihanoukville & Kbal Chhay Waterfalls:
9:00am Meet your private driver and guide upon pickup from the Sihanoukville Autonomous Port before heading off to Ream National Park about 18km away from the city center. A breeding sanctuary for several endangered birds, such as white-bellied sea eagle and grey-headed fish eagle, the park offers visitors chances to admire these airborne creatures spreading wings over Prek Toeuk Sap Estuary. Visit a family-owned pepper farm, which has been cultivated for many generations.
Next up is Wat Leu Pagoda, perched atop a lush green hill. From the summit, take in spectacular panoramic views of the entire city as well as Way Kraom sitting at the bottom of the hill.
After a flavorful Khmer lunch, head to Kbal Chhay Waterfalls, standing at the height of 14 meters. Water cascades down from several sources along the mountain ranges, but only three of which are visible. Listen to your guide about its historic past. Once a reservoir, Kbal Chhay quickly became the hideout for Khmer Rouge army during the civil war.
Complete your Sihanoukville excursion with a visit to Tumnuk Rolok Fishing Village, only 2km from the port. Get a first-hand look at net fishing and learn more about the local daily routine. As the sun begins to set, return to the port in good time for your cruise departure at 16:00. Trip ends.
BOAT TRIP TO KOH RONG SANLOEM (SIHANOUKVILLE)
CBP4: Many do not know that off the coast of Sihanoukville lies 34 islands belonging to Cambodia. Enjoy a day discover of the 2 largest islands Koh Rong and Koh Rong Sanloem. These islands are areas that are both picturesque and full of sea life. So if you enjoy the water and exploring seldom visited islands this is a perfect pick to start your port visit (snorkels and diving available upon request).
- Visit two islands: KOH TAS and KOH RONG SAMLOEM.
- Activities: Snorkeling & and day hikes.
- Includes: Snacks, Coffee, Tea, Buffet lunch, fresh fruits, snorkeling equipment.
- Tour departs at: 09:30hrs and returns at: 17:30hrs
2 days Sihanoukville – Phnom Penh – Siemreap – Saigon:
CBVNP5 Day 1: (D): Sihanoukville – Siemreap: 8:00am pick from your cruise ship at Sihanoukville port and transfer to visit the Intra Ngean Pagoda for views over the town, continue to Independence Beach and Ocheuteal Beach, a long sweep of snow white sand facing the typically calm waters of the Gulf of Thailand. A break here for a short stroll along the beach at leisure and a cool drink under the shade of the pine trees. A stop at a local market to see Khmer commerce at first hand. Passengers may wander the stalls and perhaps purchase a traditional Krama – the colorful Cambodian headscarf so commonly worn by all Khmers. Prior to returning to the ship stop at the fishing village of Tumnuk Rolok where the fresh catch of the day is hauled in prior to finding its way to the seafood markets and restaurants of Phnom Penh. With the brightly painted fishing vessels and local people going about their daily tasks it can be quite a photogenic sight and provides some insight into the simple but important livelihood of this fishing town. Then transfer to airport for your flight Sihanoukville to Siemriep on K6#130@13:30 – 14:30. On arrival, pick up and transfer to visit 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. If time permit, we visit Takeo, Chau Say Tevoda and Thommanon. Then walk up to the mountain-temple of Pre Rup until sunset. This evening, enjoy dinner with Apsara dance show. Overnight in Cambodia
Day 2: (B): Full day Siemreap & Take flight to Saigon: 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.
Return to the hotel for breakfast.
Then continue to visit the South Gate (with its huge statues depicting the churning of the ocean of milk), the ancient capital of Angkor Thom (12th century) and visit Bayon Temple (unique for its 54 towers decorated with over 200 smiling faces of Avolokitesvara) You’ll meet here with a project archaeologist who will then escort you on a private tour of the Bayon’s south library which is currently undergoing restoration, the Royal Enclosure, Phimeanakas, 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 Angkor Wat & have dinner (pay on own). Then transfer to airport for your evening flight to Saigon. On arrival, pick up & transfer to hotel. Overnight at hotel in Ho Chi Minh City.