DAY1: SIEM REAP ARRIVAL
Meet at the Siem
Reap International Airport and transfer with a guide to your hotel in Siem Reap. Overnight stay in Siem Reap.
DAY2: SIEM REAP FULL DAY-TEMPLES (Maximum of 30km cycling)
Depart by bike for
Angkor Thom, the ancient royal city of the Khmer Empire with its centerpiece, further
scrutiny reveals towers with enigmatic faces of former King Jayavarman VII.
Please continue to the Terrace of the Elephants, which served as a platform from where
the King could welcome back his victorious army, and the Terrace of the Leper
King, which holds perfect carvings winding along a narrow passage-way that
leads to the Baphuon complex. Continue to Ta Prohm, considered to be one of
Angkor’s jewels with its overgrown fig trees, giving a haunting yet exotic
atmosphere. The magnificent roots of the trees have merged over the
centuries with the temple’s huge stone blocks, emphasizing a ‘forgotten city’
feeling. Lunch is served in a local restaurant on the way. In the afternoon,
continue cycling to Angkor Wat, one of the modern wonders of the world. The
temples are set among a large forest with shaded roads which are relatively
quiet and suitable for cycling. On arrival at the temple, drop off the bikes
and stroll through the intricately carved hallways that still show hundreds of
fine carvings of Apsara and Hindu mythology and discover small shrines still in
use today by the local people. Be amazed by the sheer size of the temple and
learn how the Khmer Empire prospered between the 11th and 13th centuries.
Continue cycling around the complex before heading back to the checkpoint from
where you transfer back to your hotel. (Maximum of 30 km cycling) Overnight stay in Siem Reap
DAY3: SIEM REAP FULL DAY-BANTEAY SREI-KBAL SPEAN and ROLOUS GROUP
Depart this morning
for Banteay Srei, the only major temple that was not built by a monarch. It was
constructed in the 10th century and was dedicated to the Hindu god - Shiva.
Banteay Srei translates to “Citadel of the Women” and is one of Angkor’s most significant
structures as its walls are decorated with elaborate carvings which have been
preserved remarkably well. Continue a short drive to Kbal Spean, which
translates to “Bridge Head”. From the entrance, it is an easy 3km hike up to the
hill passing through a nice forest offering beautiful views over the
surrounding plains. On top, you will find a river with many rocks under the
surface holding inscriptions and Hindu statues referred to as Lingas which date
back to the 11th century. There is also a waterfall on top that drops
significant amounts of water during the wet season but dries up entirely during
the height of the dry season (March/April). Enjoy a simple picnic lunch before
returning to Siem Reap mid-afternoon. In the rainy season the route may be
slippery and good footwear is advised. In the afternoon
you will start with a short drive to the Roulous temple group. The ruins of
Roulous are among the oldest Khmer monuments in the area, dating back to the
9th-century reign of King Indravarman I. Witness the evolution of these
magnificent temples from the early days of the Khmer empire up to its peak with
the Angkor temples in the 13th century. Three key Hindu structures remain at Roulous; Lolei, Bakong, and Preah Ko, which were all part of the
ancient city of Hariharalaya. You will peacefully explore the temples and soak
up the local atmosphere away from the crowds. Walk a total distance of 3km from
one temple to another and meet local friendly villagers on the way. Transfer
back to Siem Reap town. Overnight stay in Siem Reap.
DAY4: SIEM REAP FULL DAY-BENG MEALEA-FLOATING VILLAGE
Located 65km from
Siem Reap, it is a pleasant 1.5-hour drive through the Cambodian countryside to
reach the sprawling jungle temple of Beng Mealea. Constructed in a distinctly
Angkor Wat style by King Suyavarman II in the early 12th century, Beng Mealea preceded
and may have served as a prototype for Angkor Wat. Today the temple is largely
overrun by vegetation and the stone walls are crumbling which uniquely adds to its charm. Accessibility has improved as elevated walkways have been set
up throughout most of the temple, although to see all corners does require a
sense of adventure as you will need to climb over stone blocks or walk through
narrow passageways. Continue with a one-hour drive to the floating village of
Kampong Khleang, one of the largest settlements on the Tonle Sap Lake. Living
on water is an art the Khmer people have mastered over time.
Board a local boat and visit a floating house where a catered lunch is set up
for you. Observe the local customs and talk with your hosts about the
differences they face living on the water. Continue after lunch exploring the
small island, which is home to a bustling market, a pagoda, a school, and a
health center before returning to Siem Reap. (It is advisable to wear sturdy,
walking shoes with a decent grip) Overnight stay in Siem Reap
DAY5: SIEM REAP FULL DAY-ARTISAN D'ANGKOR-SILK FARM-ANGKOR NATIONAL MUSEUM
After breakfast
visit Artisans d’Angkor which focuses on training unschooled rural youth in
traditional handicraft. Discover Cambodian handicrafts by observing the artisans
at work. Continue to the Angkor Silk Farm which gives excellent insight into how
silk is traditionally made in Cambodia. The farm supports vulnerable women to
make a living for their families. Visit the Silk Farm and follow each step of
the silk process, from growing the mulberry trees to providing the essential
ingredients to grow and feed silkworms. Return to Siem Reap. In the afternoon
visit to Angkor National Museum. The Angkor National Museum opened its doors,
offering a comprehensive collection of Cambodian artifacts showcasing the
origins of Khmer art, culture, and architecture. With eight galleries in total,
it covers in depth the history of Cambodia and the Khmer Empire as well as a
fascinating collection of Buddhist artifacts. Apart from the antiques and
historical relics, they have successfully integrated state-of-the-art
multimedia technology to help bring the exhibitions to life. Overnight stay in Siem Reap.
DAY6: SIEM REAP-PHNOM PENH via flight Economic class
We transferred to Siem
Reap airport today to board our onward flight to Phnom Penh. Upon our arrival, we will be met by our Phnom Penh guide and then transfer to the hotel. Phnom Penh, the
capital of the Kingdom of Cambodia, is built around four river arms formed by a
sharp curve in the Mekong River near the junctions of Bassac and the Tonle Sap
tributaries. This charming city has wide boulevards and a pleasant blend of
oriental and colonial architecture but reminders of a troubled past are also evident. This afternoon we
will visit the Royal Palace, built in 1866 by the French, followed by the
Silver Pagoda (also known as the temple of the Emerald Buddha). Formerly a
wooden building, the Silver Pagoda was rebuilt in 1962 in concrete and marble
and is floored with over 5,000 silver tiles each weighing 1kg. It is famous for
its 90kg solid gold Buddha made in 1907 and an emerald Buddha said to be made
of baccarat crystal. We will also stop at the National Museum, located next to
the Royal Palace. Overnight stay in Phnom Penh.
DAY7: PHNOM PENH FULL DAY-TOUL SLENG (S21) and KILLING FILELD
Toul Sleng was a
high school before 1975, an interrogation prison known as S-21 during the
Khmer Rouge era, and today it is a genocide museum. It tells the sad story of
the thousands of innocent Cambodian people who were tortured on its grounds.
Walking through the narrow corridors and former classrooms of the buildings
will give you an eerie feeling of being part of Cambodia’s turbulent past. The
stories of the victims are documented and some torture devices are on display
for visitors to learn about the suffering the people endured. Photographs were
taken of each prisoner passing through the prison and hundreds of the haunting
black and white photos are now on display in the museum. While this experience
may be depressing, it is recommended to visit to truly understand the
cruel methods of control the Khmer Rouge implemented over the country. In the
afternoon go on to visit Killing Field. The peaceful
stretch of green fields of Cheung Ek may not indicate what kinds of horrors
have taken place there. Situated 17km from Phnom Penh town, Cheung Ek was made
famous by the movie “The Killing Fields”. Nowadays, a large memorial has been
built to commemorate the 17,000 victims who died here under the reign of Khmer
Rouge leader, Pol Pot. The remnants inside the memorial and the mass graves
that dot the area remind you of the suffering of the victims. This journey into
Cambodia’s past will provide you with a background on the cruelty of the Khmer
Rouge regime. It will also give you an appreciation of the Cambodian people's struggle and their tremendous courage to move on and rebuild
their nation. Overnight stay in Phnom Penh.
DAY8: PHNOM PENH HALF DAY-WAT PHNOM-RUSSIAN MARKET
On the way to the airport, visit Wat Phnom, a hilltop temple carrying the city's namesake. Continue to visit the Russian market and
transfer to the airport for an onward flight.
END TOUR
