| Day 1
Phnom Penh
Upon arrival in Phnom Penh we will transfer to our centrally located hotel.
After lunch we embark on an afternoon tour of the capital. Our visit includes
the Royal Palace, Silver Pagoda, National Museum and the Wat Phnom Pagoda.
(Lunch and Dinner included)
Day 2
Phnom Penh - Siem Reap
Following breakfast we board the 5 hour hydrofoil to Siem Reap (07.00-12.00).
From the water you will have the chance to see how many ordinary Cambodians
live in the floating villages along both sides of the river and Tonle
Sap Lake. On arrival at Siem Reap we will meet our guide and transfer
to our hotel. This afternoon we start our discovery of Angkor Complex
with a visit to the Rolous group, the ancient capital of the 9th century,
including the temples of Preah Ko, Bakong, and Lolei. The most impressive
of the three is Prasat Bakong, a five-stepped pyramid temple dedicated
to King Indravarman. The corners of the pyramid have statues of elephants
and crouching lions guard the steps.
(Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included)
Day 3
Angkor Complex
After breakfast we visit the fortified Royal City of Angkor Thom, constructed
by King Jayavarman II at the end of the 12th century, not long after the
completion of Angkor Wat. It is surrounded by a massive perimeter wall
and a moat with five monumental gates and covers an area of more than
ten square kilometers; indeed Angkor Thom means 'Great City'. The most
important monuments are located in the centre of the city, namely the
Bayon, Baphoun and the Terrace of Elephants. The Bayon in particular is
a fascinating piece of architecture and one of the most photographed.
It is a bizarre structure, with a total of 54 towers elaborately decorated
with over 200 enigmatic smiling faces. In the afternoon we visit Preah
Khan, Neak Pan, Ta som and East Mebon temples before making our way to
the hill top temple of Phnom Pakheng to watch the sunset over this timeless
land.
(Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included)
Day 4
Angkor Complex
Our sightseeing for today includes the Koulen Mountain, Banteay Srey and
Banteay Samre Temples. After breakfast we take a one and half hour drive
to Koulen Mountain, where we visit the great reclining Buddha, water falls,
and the Siva lingas carved on the riverbed. We have a picnic lunch before
visiting Banteay Srey and Banteay Samre Temples.
(Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included)
Day 5
Angkor Complex
The morning tour today is reserved to admire the beauty of the best-known
temple, Angkor Wat.
In the afternoon we visit the amazing temple of Ta Prohm
whose principal attraction is that it has not been rescued from the thick
jungle, as the rest of the Angkor Complex has. It looks much the same
as it would have done when the French explorers discovered it 140 years
ago, shrouded in undergrowth and the huge roots of old Banyan trees. Later
we see the temples of Banteay Kdei and Pre Rup.
(Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included)
Day 6
Siem Reap
The itinerary for today will bring a slight change of pace as we visit
the silk farm of Pok, the Artisan D' Angkor and the Land Mine museum.
Returning to the hotel for lunch, we then have an afternoon visit to the
Wat Bo Pagoda and the Old market. Tonight we enjoy a farewell dinner at
a local restaurant.
(Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included)
Day 7
Siem Reap
As it is departure day no activities are planned. Depending on your flight
arrangements there may be time for some last minute shopping before being
transferred to the airport for your flight out of Cambodia.
(Breakfast included).
Pre Trip Information
When
Year round however please note that during the months of May & September
Cambodia can experience heavy rains and flooding. Therefore this itinerary
is subject to change, as conditions require.
Grade
Easy
Accommodation
Standard (3 star) where available but can be upgraded in Siem Reap &
Phnom Penh.
Transport
Air-conditioned vehicle, Boat & Plane.
Spending Money
You would need to allow for additional sightseeing, shopping and drinks.
As a rough guide allow US$ 25 per day.
Money Exchange
There is no need to exchange money into local currency as US dollars are
widely accepted
Fitness Requirements
There are no specific fitness requirements to participate.
Laundry
Laundry facilities are available at the hotels for a nominal fee.
Airport Departure Tax
International departure tax from Siem Reap: US$ 15
Phnom Penh: US$ 20
Domestic departure tax: US$ 5
What to take
You will be responsible for carrying your own luggage, therefore it is
in your own interest to pack as lightly as possible. We suggest you keep
your luggage weight down to a maximum of 12 kg with a reasonable daypack
for the day tours.
Before you leave home complete the following checklist:
- Lightweight and quick dry clothing is most appropriate for the summer
months and warmer clothing for the winter months; sun hat.
- Travel Documents: Passport, visa, Travel Insurance, Air Tickets.
- Health requirements and travel insurance arranged.
- Flashlight/Torch, alarm clock, sunglasses, sunscreen, insect repellent,
personal first aid kit, personal toiletries.
- Money: Us dollars or travelers cheques and/or credit card.
- Raincoat or umbrella (winter months only).
- Cable lock or padlock for luggage.
Joining instructions
As you pass through immigration and customs at Phnom Penh airport you
will be met by our guide and driver and transferred to your hotel. |