From 1400€/person
9 days
Cambodian treasures
For a trip to Cambodia, everyone knows about the ancient temples of Angkor; rediscovered in the 19th century, they have since triggered many fantasies about the sudden fall of the Khmer Empire. But few know more about Cambodia beauties. A tour to Battambang will make you cross the country and discover its real, authentic countryside far from the crowds, and a visit of Phnom Penh will show you the way Cambodian people have stepped one foot in modernity. And if you like, add a halt to Sihanoukville beaches.
A lost city
Angkor takes its glory from its rediscovery in the mid-19th century. It used to be the centre of the large Khmer Empire from the 9th to the 16th century; 700 000 people or more used to live there. This figure makes it one of the biggest pre-industrial urban area, but the site was occupied even long before: a necropolis found by archeologists dates back to 1800 BC in the Bronze Age.
Itinerary
Take the time to explore Angkor and its spectacular temples scattered across the jungle and being slowly eaten by trees. Then continue to Battambang to discover the countryside life near this town of Cambodian, Thai and French history. To finish this trip to Cambodia, reach Phnom Penh for a plunge in the capital city.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Siem Reap
Today you’ll fly to Siem Reap. Upon arrival you will meet your driver and guide, who will take you to your hotel downtown. Rest of the day at leisure. If you feel like it, wander through Siem Reap’s colorful market or beautiful pagodas.
Day 2: Siem Reap (Angkor) (B)
Today start discovering Angkor with your guide: begin with its most spectacular temples at Angkor Thom. Cross its high wall through the south door and explore Bayon temple with its 54 towers and famous terraces.
Relax at the hottest hours of the day. After learning more about Cambodian traditional craftswork, explore Ta Prohm temple that was left in its original state, in ruins and covered by the vegetation. Visit also 12th century Buddhist monastery of Banteay Kdei, and Srah Srang, the “Royal Bath“.
Day 3: Siem Reap (Angkor) (B)
Today you will keep discovering Angkor with your guide. Get up early to witness the sunrise behind the five iconic towers of Angkor Wat. After breakfast, you’ll visit this incredible temple that now symbolizes the Khmer soul. Then go for the the best preserved temple in Cambodia: Banteay Srei or the “Women’s Citadel“. Then reach one of the first sites of Hindu pilgrimage in the country and its 1000 Lingas River at Kbal Spean.
Day 4: Siem Reap (Angkor) (B)
Free day at leisure to enjoy some relaxing time at your hotel or keep discovering Angkor in autonomy.
Optional: Let your guide take you to the most ancient temples of Angkor at Roluos; they date back to the 8th and 9th centuries. Explore the surrounding countryside on an ox cart, and receive a private benediction from a Buddhist monk. In the afternoon, change atmosphere with a cruise on Tonle Sap lake. Sliding through the special atmosphere of the mangrove, reach an tiny village and its houses on stilts.
Day 5: Siem Reap – Battambang (B)
Today you will drive to Battambang with your guide (3hrs). Upon arrival, reach the top of Phnom Sampeau (“boat-hill”). You’ll get a wonderful view on the fields from its small temple, and also learn more about the Khmer Rouge history.
Day 6: Battambang (B)
This morning discover Battambang with your guide: in this place that has been alternatively Thai and Cambodian, the French colonial architecture is also still very present. Explore the town on foot, by boat on the Sangke river, and on a bicycle ride to Wat Kor village and its century-old Khmer houses.
Free afternoon at leisure to enjoy this time at your own pace.
Day 7: Battambang - Phnom Penh (B)
Today you will drive to Phnom Penh with your guide. On the way, you’ll stop at the site of Oudeng, that used to be Cambodia’s capital in the 17th century. Stretch your legs on the 509 stairs leading to a beautiful panoramic view, and visit the Buddhist Vipassana meditation centre. You’ll reach Phnom Penh at the end of the afternoon.
Day 8: Phnom Penh (B)
Today, before soaking in the city’s agitation, take a ferry on Tonle Sap river and enjoy a bicycle ride on Koh Otnyahdei island. Cross a bridge to Koh Dach island ank keep going through small villages, to a small beach with a few local restaurants.
Free afternoon at leisure to explore Phnom Penh city.
Day 9: Phnom Penh Departure (B)
Today is the end of your trip to Cambodia. Your driver will take you to the airport where you’ll board a flight to your next destination.
Information
Inclusions:
- Hotel with breakfast
- Private driver
- Boat transportation when mentioned
- Bicycle renting when mentioned
- English speaking guide
- Entrance fees for the mentioned visits
Exclusions:
- Visa
- International & domestic flights
- Meals
- Personal expenses
- Tips to guide and driver
- Insurances
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