Cambodia Experience

After arrival at the airport, transfer to check in at the hotel. The hotel’s welcome drink is served during check in. Rest of day at leisure.

Explore Phnom Penh by Cyclo, a chaotic, energetic and always fascinating city. Start your tour at Wat Phnom, the birthplace of the capital. Then, visit to the Royal Palace, the residence of King Norodom Sihamoni, the Silver Pagoda, and the National Museum, which contains a comprehensive collection of Khmer art. Then, visit of Phnom Penh’s great markets, the Central Market, a labyrinth of stalls selling everything from CDs and DVDs to silks, crafts and jewellery. Enjoy at lunch at a local restaurant before visiting the Sleng Museum, formerly a High School which became the interrogation and torture facility for the Khmer Rouge regime. Later venture to Phnom Penh’s two great markets, the Central Market and the sprawling Russian Market, a labyrinth of stalls selling everything from CDs and DVDs to silks, crafts and jewellery.

Meals included:
Breakfast
Lunch

Activities included:
Cyclo tour of Phnom Penh
Visit of the Sleng Museum

In the morning travel overland to the provincial capital Kampong Thom. Along the way stop at the infamous Spider & Insect Market in Skun to see some very special local snacks. Lunch at your hotel in Kampong Thom. In the afternoon excursion to the UNESCO World Heritage Site Sambor Prei Kuk. Also known as Isanapura, it is the former capital of the pre-Angkorian Empire of Chenla. The temples, about 30 km away from the town, present some of the most impressive group monuments in Cambodia, and were built mainly in the 7th century.

Meals included:
Breakfast
Lunch

Activities included:
Visit of the Spider Market in Skun
Excursion to Sambor Preikuk Heritage Site

In the morning leave towards Siem Reap. On the way visit Naga Bridge in Kampong Kdei. Before arrival in Siem Reap we will visit Kampong Kleang, a stilted & floating village, situated about 55 kilometers outside of Siem reap city. This village is a large settlement at the Tonle Sap, which is the biggest lake in Southeast Asia. Take a boat trip on the mighty Tonle Sap and along the fishermen villages. The floating village is something indeed different to see, and you will get an insight into a quite different way of life. Kampong Khleang is surrounded by flooded forests. The floating houses of the village move along the lake according to the seasons. Lunch will be served at a local homestay or at a local restaurant. Afterward continue to Siem Reap.

Meals included:
Breakfast
Lunch

Activities included:
Visit of the Naga Bridge in Kampong Thom
Visit of Kampong Kleang floating village

Today we start at pre-dawn to witness the breathtaking sunrise over Angkor Wat. After sunrise visit the bas-relief and central complex of Angkor in the quiet early morning. Breakfast is served at a local restaurant near the temple complex. Experience an original monk blessing ceremony in an active pagoda in Angkor. The monk will sprinkle holy water while chanting sacred Pali canons to wish good luck and health for everyone. Continue to the Southern Gate of Angkor Thom ‘Great City’. This will include many of the finest Temples of King Jayavarman VII, who ruled from 1181 to 1220. Marvel at the imposing 23m (75-foot) high stone faces of Avalokiteshvara, featured in the Tomb Raider movie. At the center of this citadel lies the state temple of Bayon, built at the end of the 12th century and adorned with hundreds of gigantic stone faces. The tour also includes the Terrace of Elephants, the Terrace of the Leper King. Later in the day you will discover the most famous temples from the 11th century: Baphuon, Phimeanakas. Continue the day by visiting Ta Prohm, known for the massive trees with thick roots that entangle the walls. Return to Siem Reap.

Meals included:
Breakfast

Activities included:
Unique – Sunrise over Angkor Wat temples
Guided tour of Angkor complex

Start your day with a visit to the local market at Damdek before continuing your journey to Beng Mealea temple. Beng Mealea is built from perfectly-squared sandstone blocks, still partly buried under vegetation. The temple’s outstanding decoration dates back to the first half of the 12th century, featuring pediments sculpted with narrative scenes from the Ramayana. While Hindu iconographic themes are prevalent, Beng Mealea is primarily a Buddhist sanctuary, similar to Banteay Samre. Confirming this is the magnificent statue of the Bodhisattva Lokeshvara discovered within the monument, now housed at the Angkor Conservancy. Enjoy some lunch at a local restaurant before continuing to Banteay Srei temple. Stop and visit the Landmine Museum, established in 1997. See defused and safe landmines up close, learn about their workings and how you can contribute to the ongoing efforts of clearing these weapons worldwide. On the return journey, visit a local village to see the local sugar palm production.

Meals included:
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner

Activities included:
Visit of a local market at Domdek
Excursion to Beong Mealea temple
Excursion to Banteay Srei temple
Social – Visit of the Land Mine Museum

In the morning, overland transfer to Battambang (ca. 3 hours driving time). In Battambang, you will find French Colonial architectures that are well preserved. Discover this picturesque city, the second largest city in the country, with its small temples, market places and small art galleries showcasing young local talents. After arrival take a half-hour ride on the “Bamboo Train”, a simple construction with bamboo sticks as a base – a unique experience! In recent years, still could be driven across Cambodia with the bamboo train. For several years, this experience is only possible on an 8 km stretch in Battambang, where the government can close this last little piece at any time. Afterwards you will stroll through the town see the charming old colonial buildings. You can also stop at the small art galleries dotted across the old town.

Meals included:
Breakfast
Lunch

Activities included: Discover the french colonial style town of Battambang
Enjoy a fun ride on the famous bamboo train

In the morning enjoy a village tour by Remork (Tuk Tuk). You will spend your morning exploring the beautiful countryside around Battambang. Visit Cambodian families who produce traditional products (such as rice paper, dried bananas, bamboo sticky rice, fish paste and rice wine) made in the same way they have been for generations. You will learn first-hand about the everyday life in rural communities, which make up over 70% of Cambodia’s population. Learn from local families about how they make these traditional products. Taste the products freshly “off the fire”. Spend some relaxing time in a traditional Khmer house enjoying seasonal fruits and coconut water. Your morning tour finishes by visiting a memorial site for the victims of the Khmer Rouge. Enjoy a lunch at a local restaurant, before returning to Siem Reap. In the evening enjoy a sumptuous Khmer Farewell Dinner in a beautiful local restaurant.

Meals included:
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner

Activities included:
Discover a local village by Remork
Learn from local families how to make traditional products
Enjoy a Khmer farewell dinner

It’s time to say goodbye, but think of all the wonderful stories you will take home. A transfer will take you to the airport for your onward travel.

Meals included:
Breakfast