CAMBODIA COMPREHENSIVE

ITINERARY IN BRIEF:

Day 1: Arrival in Siem Reap (D)

Day 2: Angkorian Relics (B)        

Day 3: Angkor Wat & Khmer Rural Life (B)

Day 4: Siem Reap-Battambang (B, L)

Day 5: Battambang (B, D)

Day 6: Batambang –Phnom Penh (B, L)

Day 7: Phnom Penh (B)

Day 8: Departure (B)

Detailed itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Siem Reap (D)

You’ll be cordially greeted upon arrival and then transferred to hotel for check-in and tour briefing.Time allowing, we’ll take an orientation tour of the city center to feel the vibrant of a new Cambodia. This evening you’ll be guests at a decent restaurant to enjoy fine dining and a performance of Apsara dancers. Overnight in Siem Reap.

Day 2: Angkorian Relics (B)       

We start exploring Siem Reap’s Angkorian relics, from Ta Prohm to Banteay Kdei to Sras Srang, to Takeo, to Thommanon and Chau Say Thevoda. This afternoon we continue with the South Gate of Angkor Thom, Giant faces of Bayon, Baphoun, Phimeanakas, Elephant Terrace, and Terrace of Leper King. Hike up PhnomBakheng and view the sun set into the western baray of Angkor temples. Overnight in Siem Reap.

Day 3: Angkor Wat & Khmer Rural Life (B)

An early start to watch the sun rise over the ruins of Angkor Wat. Angkor Wat is a vast rambling complex of diverse temple structures, dating from the 9th to the 13th centuries. Many are adorned with exquisite carvings and bas-reliefs; some are so entwined with trees and vines that they have almost returned to the jungle. After noontime we drive out of town to Pour Krom and walk through this lovely village to see local life. Experience an ox-cart ride before a cruise taking us to floating life on Tonle Sap Lake. The evening will be free for you to relax or browsing the Les Artisans d’Angkor, the rebirth of Khmer Arts. Overnight in Siem Reap.

Day 4: Siem Reap-Battambang (B, L)

This morning we transfer overland to Battambang province. The five hour drive affords a great opportunity to see local life along the way around the Tonle Lake. After refreshment we’ll enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. This afternoon we’ll explore Phnom Banon with its five sandstone towers on top and enjoy a magnificent view of the surrounding plains. Return hotel and sample the idyllic tranquility for reading and contemplating. Overnight in Battambang.

Day 5: Battambang (B, D)

This morning we travel to Odam Bang village, some 3km from the town, to experience take the narrow gauge Bamboo Train through the rice fields to Osroy Lov, and then back.Pay a visit to the Angkorian temple of Wat Ek Phnom, dating from the 11th century. Afternoon we take a cooking course in a family house at Ch'Ngainh! Ch'Ngainh (Delicious) or similar according to services available.

After shopping at the local market, we go to a familial house to learn how to cook some delicious Khmer dishes. You’ll have a cooking lesson, marvelous time with a charming couple, a cooking book, a very good dinner and maybe some snake wine to drink.

Day 6: Batambang –Phnom Penh (B, L)

A long day as we have 290 km to drive before reaching Phnom Penh. Overnight in Phnom Penh.

Day 7: Phnom Penh (B)

A fullday tour to see the best and the worst of the city. Russian Market. Morning visit to the Royal Palace, Silver Pagoda, National Museum, and Central Market. Afternoon time is for the Genocide Toul Sleng Museum, the infamous Cheoung Ek Killing Fields. Continue to the Wat Phnom, the Independence Monument and conclude the day with a leisure walk along the Sisowath boulevard. Farewell dinner at FCC (under guest’s payment). Overnight in Phnom Penh.

Day 8: Departure (B)

Free until transfer to the airport for departure.

 (B: Breakfast; L: Lunch; D: Dinner)