DAY1: Arrival – Siem Reap (Free Leisure)
Arrive Siem Reap by evening flight, Siem Reap – Treasures of the Kingdom of Cambodia, special welcome all warmly to everybody, a moment of courtesy meeting then self-introduce with our Cambodian tour guide in the meeting point's Siem Reap airport. Free leisure for your own time and Overnight in Siem Reap
DAY2: Bike Tour to Angkor Thom & Angkor Wat (Meal: Breakfast)
We hop on our bike to world heritage areas on the roads less travelled. Ride among the jungle passing local village and local shop. It’s a very special and acting day as you will explore some of Angkor’s most beautiful temples. You will visit the West Gate of Angkor Thom – undiscovered by mass tourist.
The ancient capital of Angkor Thom (12th century)
See the South Gate, Bayon Temple – unique for its 54 towers decorated with over 200 smiling faces of Avolokitesvara
Baphuon temple lying just to the north of Bayon a pyramidal representation of mythical Mont Meru
We step to see our old palace as Phimeankas temple in huge complex that was used for our king in the past time.
Then Elephant terrace is platform for king and officer viewed show and people meeting.
Preah Palilay was is older than Angkor Thom was nearby, deeply in forest and on path back You see monk sprinkle water to people.
We continue to the famous temple: Angkor Wat. Angkor Wat is a World Heritage Site since 1992, famous for its beauty and splendor. Angkor Wat features the longest continuous bas-relief in the world, which runs along the outer gallery walls and narrates stories from Hindu mythology.
Then enjoy sunset drinks with a leisurely boat ride on the moat of Angkor Thom and view hidden elements of the ancient Khmer water systems, relaxing and accompanied by the sound of bird song.
This evening we enjoy circus show at Phare Ponleu Selpak (PPS) is a non-profit Cambodian association working with vulnerable children, young adults and their families through 3 interweaving fields of intervention: Arts schools, Social support and Educational programs.
Day3: Siem Reap – Elephant riding – Grand Circuit (Meal: Breakfast)
After breakfast, Experience with Elephant riding from South gate to Bayon Temple a continuing full day tour for Angkor complex. Morning, excursion to Grand Circuit, visit Pre Rup, traditionally believed to be a funerary temple, but in fact the state temple of Rajendravarman II. Mebon, architecturally and artistically superior temple-mountain. Beautifully carved false doors on upper level as well as an excellent view of the surrounding countryside. Tasom, the most distant temple on the grand circuit. Small but classic Jayavarman VII temple, Neak Pean, which means ‘coiled serpents’, from the encoiled nagas that encircled the temple. The temple is faced by a statue of the horse, Balaha, saving drowning sailors and Preah Khan, ‘Preah Khan' means 'sacred sword'. In harmony with Ta Prohm, which was dedicated to Jayavarman VII's mother, Preah Khan is dedicated to his father, Banteay Samre continue to visit Banteay Kdei, Srash Srong and Prasat Kravan – With its unique brick sculptures and Overnight in Siem Reap
DAY4: Ta Prohm & Banteay Srei & Kbal Spean & Home Stay (Meal: Breakfast)
Rise early to beat the crowds at the photogenic of Ta Prohm "Tomb Raider" fame. Ta Prohm has been abandoned to the elements, a reminder that while empires rise and fall, the riotous power of nature marches on, oblivious to the dramas of human history. Left as it was ‘discovered’ by French explorer Henri Mouhout in 1860, the tentacle-like tree roots here are slowly strangling the surviving stones, man first conquering nature to create, nature later conquering man to destroy. We visit Ta Prohm early to avoid the masses of crowds and provide a unique visit in this incredible temple.
We head further out through rural countryside to the small but beautiful temple of Banteay Srey. This temple is largely built of pink sandstone, a harder rock that can be more elaborately carved and better survives the rigors of time. This is an opportunity to capture some good photographs of the clear and detailed carvings. We continue to Kbal Spean, the River of Thousands Lingas, lying under the river bed, people believe it brings fertility and blessing Angkor area as the river flows to Siem Reap. Walk 1,200meters to visit the Lingas and enjoy lunch and the water fall. On the way back, we visit Landmine Museum of Mr. Akira. Mr. Ra is dedicated to clearing the Cambodian countryside of landmines laid during the years of conflict and relies entirely on visitors' donation to fund his work. Arrive Bong Thom homestay at the midafternoon, welcome dinner and overnight at home-stay
DAY5: Peuong Komnu Trekking & Beng Mealea (Meal: Breakfast)
Today we have a long journey west to the Beng Melea district. Beng Mealea lies at the foot of the southern cliff of Phnom Kulen, 40kms east of Angkor, on the road to the great Preah Khan. It was the starting point of canal which led to the great lake, “Tonle Sap Lake”, which probably used to float the sandstone blocks from nearby quarries downstream to build many of the Angkorian monuments.
We start trekking into the bamboo forest from the village to Peuong Komnu, is a series of Angkorian reliefs carved into the southern cliff of Phnom Kulen, the quality of the work and their preservation is remarkable and the danger of inevitable of the site makes them all the more precious. It is undiscovered tourist site in Angkor areas.
In the afternoon we return to Siem Reap, stopping en route at Beng Mealea, a unique 11th century temple, almost rivaling Angkor Wat in terms of its size. The main temple sits on 108 hectares and is surrounded by a 45 meter-wide moat. Although it dates from the same period as the Angkor temples, the artwork and friezes are different in style and tone from the sculptures at Angkor. Much of the temple is enveloped by jungle, adding to the sense of discovery and mystery.
Enjoy foot massage 1 hour & walking at busy pub street where you can find many bars for cool drink or shopping at Angkor Night Market.
DAY6: Explore the Kulen Mountain (Meal: Breakfast)
This morning we embark on an amazing journey to the unexplored and beauty of the lush mountain region of the north. Phnom Kulen is the holiest mountain in Cambodia. Kulen is no doubt the mount the most sacred of Cambodia, a very active pilgrimage place and a picnic destination for Khmer families. Few foreigners visit this magnificent place making this destination very unique. A 1½ hour drive from Siem Reap, we pass through local villages, farm land, rice fields and temples taking us to a trail through dense jungle leading to the top of the mountain.
Here stands Preah Ang Thom, a 16th century Buddhist monastery notable for the giant reclining Buddha carved into the top of a 20-m boulder. We climb the wooden staircase to a landing that surrounds the 17m long Buddha, where monks and believers bow, and burn incense and leave fruit. We continue downstream to the magnificent series of tiered waterfalls. The waters hold special religious significance for Hindus, thanks to the hundreds of phallic images carved into the sandstone floors along the shady brook area. Having the opportunity to walk right into the shallow river to photograph the sculptures and underwater carvings is simply amazing. The river then drops about 4 m to a landing where court officials once bathed. Beyond that, the water cascades another 20 m and creates a pool where the masses once washed. Overnight in Siem Reap
DAY7: Siem Reap – Battambang – Bamboo Train (Meal: Breakfast)
After breakfast at your hotel Then transfer to battambang by private car with tour guide. Up on arrival at battambang transfer direct to hotel for check in and then we start the tour to visit:
A local family graph farm, Cambodia’s first vineyard – Prasat Phnom Banan Vineyard – you can pop in if you like, learn about producing wine in the tropics and of course enjoy a spot of wine tasting! A few kilometers further south you arrive at the well preserved 11th century mountaintop Angkorian temple of Phnom Banan. After climbing the 350+ steps you are treated to a wonderfully peaceful setting with superb views across the surrounding countryside, with small villages dotting the endless rice paddies, punctuated with the characteristic sugar palm trees – a wonderful sunset location and Overnight in Battambang
DAY8: Battambang – Siem Reap – Traditional boat (Meal: Breakfast)
After breakfast at your hotel, we experience with the local Bamboo Train which running on Railway Station. The Bamboo Train has been set up by the villagers to facilitate the transportation of goods and people. The train in itself is very basic - one platform on 4 wheels activated by a small motor. Sitting on the platform we travel the 8km to the next station through beautiful landscape and rice paddies.
Transfer to the pier, then in a private traditional wooden boat, you are doing a first superb cruise on the river Sangkè approximately 6 hours. The river is bordered houses on stilts, bamboo and other plants you will reach the floating village of fishermen Bak Prea, then the pagoda Chheu Khamu (black wooden pagoda). Then you arrive at Prek Toal, the mouth of the river with Lake Tonle Sap. Here you can explore floating schools, pagodas and still floating village where you are taught the traditional techniques of fishing, breeding, rearing crocodiles. Continuation of the cruise across the lake about 2 hours, you arrive at the village of Chong Khneas landing in the late afternoon. Transfer to your hotel. Dinner with Apsara dinner show at local restaurant and Overnight in Siem Reap
DAY9: Siem Reap – Departure (Meal: Breakfast)
This morning we experience with Flying in a hot air balloon over Angkor Wat in Cambodia is a unforgettable experience leaving you with memories that you will treasure for the rest of your life. The panoramic views of the mountains, temples and surrounding areas are breathtaking.
Transfer to SIEM REAP airport for departure to next destination. It’s time to say goodbye, we thank you for traveling with us and warmly welcome you to come again.
Tour Includes:
- Hotel accommodation with daily breakfast basing on Double/Twin-shared room
- Local English speaking tour guide, other language tour guides are available up on requests
- Private transportation with A/C
- Meals as mentioned in the program (without drinks): Breakfast, Lunch, Diner
- Bike & 01hour foot massage
- Bottled drinking water (02 bottles/person/day)
Tour Excludes:
- Airfare (international and domestic) and airport tax
- Visa arrangement to Cambodia
- Early check-in, late check-out surcharge
- Other meals not mentioned in the tour program
- Drinks at restaurants and personal expenses
- Any services not mentioned in the program
- Insurance during travel, Tip & Personal expense