DAY
1: ARRIVAL - PHNOM PENH
Morning
arrival at Phnom Penh Airport. Transfer to your hotel
(room may not be ready until begining afternoon). With your
professional guide and prived car we start to visit Phnom
Penh . Situated at the confluence of the Mekong and Tonle
Sap Rivers, the Cambodia's capital city look like a big
village- town where French colonial influences can still be
seen in old buildings restored. We will first go to see Wat
Phnom Temple.Then we will visit the Royal Palace
and the Silver Pagoda . The Palace is a magnificent
example of Khmer architecture, it was built in 1866. You will
see the Throne Hall and the Napoleon III Pavilion. Silver
Pagoda is one of the richest shrines in the world . The
floor is made of 5.000 silver tiles.
Afternoon, visit of the National Museum, a Khmer red
pavilion, which is dedicated to Khmer art and sculpture. The
majority are from the Angkor period (9th to 15th century), and
some from the 4th century. If you would like to see, you will
visit Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and we will enjoy a
boat cruise on the Mekong River to see Phnom Penh from
the river, and watching the sunset over Phnom Penh. O/N in Phnom Penh.
DAY
2: PHNOM PENH - TONLE BATI - PHNOM PENH
The
sightseeing tour of Phnom Penh begins with a visit to the
National Museum, which is dedicated exclusively to Khmer art
and sculpture. The majority of the exhibits are from the
Angkor period from 9th to 15th century,
but some date from as early as the 4th century. We
continue to one of the city’s lively open markets, Psar Toul
Tom Pong, all called the “ Russian Market”, where anything
and everything is for sales! The Tuol Sleng Prison Museum and
the notorious ‘Killing Fields’ of Choeung Ek are not to be
missed. A visit to these sights provides a deep insight into
the painful bloody rule of the Khmer Rouge. Heading out of
town we visit the Tonle Bati with Ta Prohm and Prasat Yeay Peo
Temple. O/N in Phnom Penh. (B)
DAY
3: PHNOM PENH - KOMPONG CHAM - KOMPONG THOM
The
overland expedition begins as we depart the town and pass
through Cambodia’s biggest growing rubber area to Kampong
Cham. The deep contrast of lush vegetation and red surface of
basaltic soil is incredible all along the way. On arrival in
Kampong Cham we visit the beautiful French colonial
architecture and Wat Nokhor containing the ancient temple and
modern style pagoda. The following destination of our trip is
Kongpong Thom. Along the way we make stop over at Phnom Pros
and Phnom Srei, two hills whose names were translated as the
'man hill' and the 'woman hill'. After checking into hotel we
visit some nearby villages and climb 980 steps to the top of
Phnom Santuk for an impressive sunset view over the
surrounding areas. O/N in Kompong Thom. (B)
DAY
4: KOMPONG THOM - SIEAM REAP
An
early morning start to drive to the archeological sight of
Sambor Prei Kuk , which is dotted with hundred pre-angkor
styled temples. The road conditions are very poor, but the
spectacular scenery of this ancient ruins, with a mixture of
temples and forest, makes the hardship all worthwhile. We
travel by roads to Siem Reap, passing the charming Khmer
countryside. The town of Siem Reap is our base for visiting
the world famous temples of the ancient city Angkor , which is
home for the capital of the powerful Khmer Empire dating from
802 AD to 1350 AD. This stunning and extensive site sprawls
through the dense jungle, over an area of 60 square miles. O/N
in Siem Reap. (B)
DAY
5: SIEM REAP - ANGKOR TEMPLES
Today
we spend a full day 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 and the largest as well
as the most complete temple of Angkor Wat. 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
6: SIEM REAP - ANGKOR TEMPLES
The
jungle covered temple of Ta Prohm is an incredible sight.
There are enormous fig trees and gigantic creepers which
embrace themselves in the stone foundations of the structure
giving the impression of man's creation being reclaimed by the
powerful forces of nature. 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
7: SIEM REAP - DEPARTURE
After
breakfast, we embark on a short cruise on Tonle Sap Lake,
Cambodia’s biggest natural water body ( If time permits).
The experience is wonderful as we pass by floating village,
friendly children in small boats and fishermen at work. The
trip ends after your transfer to Siem Reap Airport for
departure. (B)