DAY
1: ARRIVAL - SIEM REAP - ANGKOR TEMPLES
Morning
arrival at Siem Reap airport. Transfer to your hotel .
Siem Reap is the nearest town to the temple complex of Angkor.
From the 9th to 13th century, Angkor was the heart of a rich
and sophisticated civilization. You will see massive stone
monuments, wide majestic causeways, imposing gateways and
towers, all in a wonderful jungle setting.Morning you will
visit with your prived professional guide, the "Great
City" of Angkor Thom, visits include the famous
Bayon Temple, Phimeanakas Temple within the Royal
Palace enclosure, Baphuon Temple, the Terrace of
the Elephants and the Terrace of the Leper King. Afternoon
dedicated to visit the most famous & magnificent Angkor
Wat temple.This architectural masterpiece was constructed
in the 12th century and covers an area of about 210
hectares.With many galleries with columns, libraries,
pavilions, courtyards and ponds full of water, carved low-reliefs
about Ramayana Story and day-to-day life at the time of
Angkor's construction.At the end of
afternoon, following the season, since the Mountain Bakend,
the sunset on all the temples, with spectacular views over Angkor
Wat. O/N in Siem Reap.
DAY
2: SIEM REAP - ANGKOR TEMPLES
Today
we continue exploring the wondrous ancient ruins with the
South Gate of Angkor Thom, which is famous for its series of
colossal human faces carved in stone, the impressive Bayon
Temple, the Royal Enclosure, Phimeanakas, the Elephant
Terrace, the Terrace of the Leper King. The largest as well as
the most complete temple of Angkor Wat is not to be missed.
This architectural masterpiece was constructed in the 12th
century and covers an area of about 210 hectares. We
stroll around this massive edifice, seeing the many galleries
with colums, libraries, pavilions, courtyards and ponds full
of water reflecting the towering temple. O/N in Siem Reap. (B)
DAY
3: SIEM REAP - ANGKOR TEMPLES
The
temple of Ta Prohm with enormous fig trees and gigantic
creepers embracing themselves in the stone foundations of the
structure giving the impression of man's creation being
reclaimed by the powerful forces of nature, is an incredible
sight. We explore this masterpiece as well as some of the
surrounding temples including Banteay Kdei, Sra Srong, Ta Keo,
Thommanon and Chau Say Tevado. The grand circuit with Preah
Khan, Kravan, Neak Pean, Krol Ko, Ta Som, East Mebon and Pre
Rup Temples, is also visited this afternoon before we walk up
to Phnom Bakheng Hill for a view of the spectacular sunset
over these sandstone monuments. O/N in Siem Reap.(B)
DAY
4: SIEM REAP - ANGKOR TEMPLES - BANTEAY SREY
Heading
out of the town we drive on a newly paved road past the Preah
Dark village to the intricately carved and well preserved
temple of Banteay Srei. After seeing this beautiful landmark
we make our way through the rugged mountain scenery to Kbal
Spean, known as the River of 1000 Lingas. This place offers at
first sight no particular attractions except the natural
environment, but a careful looking will enable us to discover
the impressive riverbed covered by many lingars. They are
carved in stone in the past to sanctify the water and thank
the gods for their gifts. The next stop of our trip is the
Banteay Samre Temple which is adorned with impressive reliefs
depicting scenes of Vishunu as well as Krishna legends. O/N in
Siem Reap. (B)
DAY
5: SIEM REAP - PHNOM PENH
An
early morning transfer to the boat landing for hydrofoil
journey down the Tonle Sap River to Phnom Penh. The cruise is
long; however the picturesque scenery changing along the way
makes for an interesting journey. Phnom Penh was once
considered the loveliest city of Indochina. Despite its recent
turbulent history, it still maintains considerable charm. A
half day city tour acquaints us with some major sights of
Phnom Penh. The private quarters of the Royal Palace are now
home to the royal family and are therefore very close to the
public. At the northern area of the palace grounds is Silver
Pagoda, the most sacred temple in the country. We visit both
structures as well as the legendary temple of Wat Phnom which
recites the history of the city’s name. O/N in Phnom Penh.
(B)
DAY
6: PHNOM PENH
The
sightseeing tour continues with the Royal University of Fine
Arts, where the young Cambodians learn the ancient arts of
their ancestors. A view of numerous children practicing the
graceful movements of the beautiful national dances is
impressive. The next stop of our trip is the National Museum,
exclusively dedicated to Khmer art and sculpture. The
majority of the exhibits are from the Angkor period from 9th
to 15th centuries, but some date from as early as
the 4th century. Heading out of town we visit the
Tuol Sleng Prison Museum and the notorious ‘Killing
Fields’ of Choeung Ek, which will give us a deep insight
into the painful bloody rule of the Khmer Rouge. We have time
this afternoon, exploring Psar Toul Tom Pong, also called the
“ Russian Market”, where anything and everything is for
sales. O/N in Phnom Penh. (B)
DAY
7: PHNOM PENH - SIHANOUKVILLE
The
lovely beaches of Sihanoukville are some of the most unspoiled
in all of Southeast Asia although the fast growing of tourism.
There are some 10 km of beach along the mainland and dozens of
small islands a short boat ride away, which make for a perfect
tropical getaway, with facilities for swimming, snorkeling or
scuba diving. Upon leaving the town we depart for
Sihanoukville. After checking into hotel we take a short
guided trip to catch a glimpse of the town and spend the
remainder of the day on the turquoise water or lazing on a
beach. O/N in Sihanoukville. (B)
DAY
8: SIHANOUKVILLE - PHNOM PENH
Today
we have a free morning to relax on a beach. There is also
possibility to rent a boat to explore the nearby coastal
islands or the Ream national park which is well known for the
mangrove forest and the eco-system. These optional activities
are not included, however our guide will be on hand to advise
you with valuable information. The return journey begins as we
depart Sihanoukville and pass through the spectacular rural
landscape. An ideal way to spend your last evening in Cambodia
is to relax in a café by the riverfront. O/N in Phnom Penh.
(B)
DAY
9: PHNOM PENH - DEPARTURE
There
is a free time for your own exploration of the city and
strolling around the shopping areas. The trip ends after your
transfer to Pochentong Airport for departure. (B)