Best Of Cambodia (Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, Kep, Sihanoukville: 13 Days 12 Nights)
Tour Highlights:
- Angkor temples – including temples of Rolous group, Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom, Bayon, Ta Prohm, and Banteay Srei
- Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and the notorious ‘Killing Fields’ of Choeung Ek, Royal Palace & Silver pagoda
- Sunset or sunrise at Angkor Wat and Bakheng hill temples
- Explore local market at Phar Chas (old market) and arts gallery.
- Colonial Cambodia and White sand beaches of Sihanoukville
Detailed Itinery:
Day 1: Arrival / Siem Reap – Temples Of Rolous Group, Banteay Srei.
In the morning, arrive in Siem Reap airport, meet & transfer to hotel, check-in & option to relax at hotel or begin exploration the kingdom of Angkor by visiting the Rulous Group from the early Angkor period dating from the 9th & 10th centuries. The three temples of Preah Ko, Bakong, and Lolei represent the first application of the temple-mountain architectural formula on a grand scale and set the architectural stone for the next 400 years. In the afternoon, we explore the most dedicated beauty of the Khnmer temple carvings of Bantey Srei in the 11th century, and visit Banteay Samre, and continue to the three-tiered temple-hill of Pre Rup. Overnight in Siem Reap.
Day 2: Siem Reap – Ta Prohm, Banteay Kdei. Afternoon, Angkor Thom By Motored Remorque. B
In the morning, exploration to Ta Keo, Chau Say Tevada, Thommanon and the impressive Ta Prohm temple, where the famous film Tomb Raider was shot and brought the Angkor Wonders to the world, and also visit Banteay Kdei, a Buddhist temple in Angkor built in middle of the 12th century to the beginning of the 13th century by king Jayavarman II.
In the afternoon, by motored-remorque (similar as Tuk Tuk in Thailand) we will explore to the kingdom of Angkor by visiting the last capital of Angkorian Empire, Angkor Thom via the South Gate, the giant stone faces city temple of Bayon, Baphoun, Phimeanakas, the Royal Palace, the Elephant Terrace and the Lepper King Terrace. End of the day, enjoy the sunset view over Angkor Wat from the top of Phnom Bakheng Hill. Overnight in Siem Reap.
Day 3: Siem Reap – Angkor Wat. Arts Gallery. B
In the morning, we visit the epic centerpiece of Angkor Wat temple with its extraordinary architecture and bas-reliefs. Returning back to hotel, option to relax at hotel or continue to visit the Artisans d’Angkor (stone and wood carvings) workshops to redevelop traditional Cambodian artisan skills, or explore local market at Phar Chas (old market) and arts gallery.
In the afternoon, free time at leisure. Overnight in Siem Reap.
Day 4: Siem Reap – Private Boat Trip To Battambang. B
After breakfast, transfer to Siem Reap boat pier for boarding the wooden speedboat across Tonle Sap lake to Battambang.
Siem Reap – Battambang via Speedboat @ 07:00 – 14:00 (For low water period from February to July, we are traveling by overland car, taking around 2hrs30mins)
Upon arrival in Battambang pier, transfer to hotel for check-in & option to relax at hotel or begin exploration the city by bicycle. Overnight in Battambang.
Day 5: Battambang Countryside & Temples. B
We depart hotel to Odam Bang village located about 3km from Battambang town. Upon arrival in Odam Bang village, we take the small train (Bamboo train) through the rice fields to Osroy Lov, and later return back to Odam Bang village by the same small train.
In the afternoon, we drive to Phnom Banon, with its five sandstone towers on top of a hill and enjoy a magnificent view of the surrounding plains. Then, continuing to visit Phnom Sampeau Mountain and temple, and view the thousand bats flying out of mountain’s cave before sunset. Overnight in Battambang.
Day 6: Battambang – Phnom Penh. B
After breakfast, we travel to Phnom Penh, with sightseeing along the way, we will visit Pottery Village in Kampong Chhnang province, Oudong Mountain and Silversmith village
Upon arrival in Phnom Penh & transfer directly to hotel for Check-in. The rest of day is free time at leisure. Overnight in Phnom Penh.
Day 7: Full Day Phnom Penh City Tour. B
In the morning, we visit to the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and the notorious ‘Killing Fields’ of Choeung Ek are not to be missed. A visit to these sights provides us a deep insight into the painful bloody rule of the Khmer Rouge.
In the afternoon, by Cylco from Cambodia Post to visit Wat Phnom, the Independence Monument, and visit to the Royal Palace compound build in 1866 by the Predecessors of King Norodom, is the most conspicuous feature and also one of impressive colorful Khmer-style Palaces. Nearside the Royal Palace is Silver Pagoda (The Emerald Buddha temple), display plenty of Buddha Statues that were decorated and made by diamond, emerald, gold and silver. We continue to visit the National Museum.
In the afternoon, we take 1 hour sunset cruise on the Tonle Sap & Mekong Rivers, getting the picturesque view of the Royal Palace, National Museum, parks and the floating fishing villages. Overnight in Phnom Penh.
Day 8: Phnom Penh – Tonle Bati – Takeo – Angkor Borei & Phnom Da – Kep. B
In the morning, depart from Phnom Penh along National Highway 2 to Takeo province. On the way, stop en route to visit Tonle Bati – Ta Prohm & Yeay Peou temples. Then, proceeding to the Chiso Mountain, to explore an 11th century Khmer Brahmanic temple a top the mountain and also optional visit to a silk weaving village before going to Takeo province. After lunch in town, transfer to the dock, getting into the speed boat (Maximum 4 to 5 pax/boat) to visit Angkor Borei – the pre-Angkorean era city which dates from as far back as the 4th or 5th century. Traveling along Canal 15, pax will reach the temple mountain of Phnom Da. This sanctuary rises out of the water and during the rainy season you can travel right to the bottom of the mountain in the boat. Atop the mountain is a brick sanctuary dedicated to Vishnu which once stood inside the sanctuary, is now housed in the National Museum in Phnom Penh. Return to Takeo by speed boat and continuing to Kep. Overnight in Kep.
Day 9: Kep Rabbit Island ‘Koh Tonsay’, Countryside And Temple. B
After breakfast, we take on a local speed boat to Rabbit Island (Koh Tonsay in Khmer), taking around 25 minutes each way. Enjoy the beautiful white sand beach, swimming and eating fresh seafood. Take some times to relaxing and after your lunch we’re traveling back to Kep mainland where we will visit the Pepper plantations. Their peppers have been internationally renowned for its premium quality. Later, we continue to see Salt fields. Kep and Kampot produced the high quality salts for the country as well as exporting to overseas. Overnight in Kep.
Day 10: Kep – Kampot Bokor Hill – Sihanoukville. B
After breakfast, visit some most highlight French Colonial Houses of Kampot before proceeding to Bokor National Park to visit the ruins & new development resort on plateau. Discover the ruins of the former Royal Residence, the church, the casino hotel and enjoy an amazing view of the southern coast. Later we drive to Sihanoukville (100km, around 2.5 hours), upon arrival, check in to your hotel. Overnight in Sihanoukville
Day 11-12: Sihanouk Ville. B
Breakfast at hotel
Day at leisure. Overnight in Sihanoukville
Day 13: Sihanoukville – Phnom Penh Airport. B
Breakfast at hotel
You will be collected from hotel lobby and transferred to Phnom Penh airport, taking 4 hours, for your departure flight to next destination.
[End of services].INCLUSIVE services
- Hotel accommodation by twin share basis with daily breakfast
- Ground transportation by private, air-cond vehicle
- Regional ENGLISH speaking guide (other language surcharge may apply)
- Sightseeing with admission fees
- Meals as indicated for B-breakfast, L-lunch, d-dinner
- Mineral water and cold tissues on tours
- Int’l flight re-confirmation
EXCLUSIVE services
- Visa on arrival to Cambodia (US$ 30 per person)
- International airfares arrival to and departure from Cambodia
- All other meals & beverages that NOT indicated in the itinerary
- Personal expenses and Tips to guides & drivers
- Insurance