Phnom Penh - Siem Reap & Seaside in 12 days
PHNOM PENH – SIEM REAP – ANGKOR – KEP – SIHANOUKVILLE – PHNOM PENH
(Ref: KC12-uk)
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You can download the complete circuit in PDF format with illustrations and enlarged plan.
YOUR PROGRAM:
A complete file will be provided upon arrival at Cambodia concerning all the information on the typical restaurants and certain visits in order to preserve the originality of our off-the-beaten-tracktour.
Day 1: PHNOM PENH
Welcome at the airport.
Check-in at the hotel. Overnight in Phnom Penh.
Day 2: PHNOM PENH (B - L)
In the morning: visit the Royal Palace moved from the former capital Oudong in 1863; visit the Silver Pagoda (more than 5000 silver tiles decorate the ground where located the golden statue of Buddha Maitreya of 90 kg. Visit the central market renovated by France’s donation.
At noon: authentic meal will be offered to you in a restaurant at the edge of the Mekong. The atmosphere is very local and off-the-beaten-track. One or several representatives of the agency will lunch with you. They will share with you their loves of the Cambodia.
Around you the Khmers sell: crickets, fruits of the village (longan, jackfruit, apple studs, and mango). Here few tourists but the Khmer life in nature.
In the afternoon, visit the National Museum formerly called the Albert Sarraut museum where the objects, statues and parts of arts come from all the Cambodian provinces. You will continue by visiting the Ounalom Pagoda built in 1443, which is the most important pagoda in Phnom Penh.
Colonial District (Option,if time permits and if you wish): the Grand Hotel, the Post office, the Bank of Indochina, the Police station, the Superior Residence, the Treasury Bridge, the Chamber of Commerce, the Library and the Railway Station.
Visit the Wat Phnom (Pagoda on the hill) renovated in 1926. At the foot of the hill is a bas-relief sculptured by Théodore Rivière to honor the Siam-French treaty.
In the evening, take a small cruise along the river bank towards Chroy Changvar peninsula (according to weather and time, sunset on the Royal Palace).
Overnight in Phnom Penh.
Day 3: PHNOM PENH – SIEM REAP (B)
7:00 Direction: Siem Reap situated in the most populous agricultural province of Cambodia.
By Road (Approximately 314km, 6h00 drive) or speedboat on the Tonle Sap river surcharge (between 5 and 6 hour in air-conditioned boat but rather uncomfortable). We asked if you want this second solution, no catering on board,no guide during transfer.Welcome by the guide upon arrival in Siem Reap.
Note: there are also weekly flights.
On the way:
Optional stop at Skun :a transit point where you will meet any sort of travelers. Enjoy insects (grasshoppers, locusts, scorpion, fermented ants - taste likea crunchy hazelnut) and local fruits (fresh or dried) green mangos, pineapples, bananas, etc... Adventurers will play with tarantulas in full hands or crunch its legs.
Pass by a stonemason village, the Buddha statues are carved on the roadside.
Stop at Kampong Thom: discover the capital of King Içanavarman I dating from the VIIth century. Visit the site of Sambor Prei Kuk which is the largest complex pre Angkorian Cambodia.
Stop in a village to observe the preparation of KROLANN (glutinous rice cake in bamboo)
Visit the famous bridge SPEAN PRAP TOS located in Kampong Kdei village (60 km from Siem Reap). Built fromsandstone and laterite by King Jayavarman VII in the late 12th and early 13th century.
During the harvest, prepare the Khmer Ambok (pounded rice) we will take a break at one of these places where you can enjoy.
Afternoon: Excursion with guide and private boat on the Tonle Sap. Visit the fishing village and the flooded forest Chong Khneas.(You can also do this excursion from 2:00pmon next day)
Option on the day or next day: unlike other agencies that provide you visits "CLOSED TO CROCODILES" we'll take you on a farm owned by a local family. The more adventurous tour you can shake babies (crocodiles!) in their arms. It is downtown, and it takes up to 30 minutes. If you do not want to visit, you can inform the guide.
Later ... You will go to discover Siem Reap: The shipyard Schools (Angkor Artisan) www.artisansdangkor.com In addition, "Psa Chas"(the old market), city tour of the lively area located behind the Ta Prohm Hotel where you can walk in the evening to see (restaurants, massages, shops, crafts ... night market).
Day 4: SIEM REAP Angkor Temples (B - L)
A whole day is devoted to the temples in the small and grand circuit :
Kravan, Ta Nei, Bat Chum, Srah Srang.
Ta Prohm, Banteay Kdei, Pre Roup, Tasom, Neak Pean, Krol Kor, Prasat Pithu, Preah Khan, Preah Palilay and Bakheng for the sunset.
Night in Siem Reap.
In Siem Reap, there is a quality show organized by the circus school of Battambang. (Strongly recommended but with additional charge, ask your guide to reserve at your convenient date. Phone: 015499480).
Day 5: SIEM REAP Angkor Temples (B)
This day is reserved for the famous temple of Angkor Wat.
Then the temples in the ancient capital of Angkor Thom: Bayon, Baphuon, Terrace of the Elephants, the Royal Palace, Terrace of the Leper King, Phimeanakas, Chau Say Tevada, Thommanon, Tanei and Takeo
Option without supplement: at 18 km from Siem Reap, the silk farm center, the breeding of the silkworms in the traditional weaving, the craftsman treats the whole process and makes beautiful parts in the old motives.
Overnight in Siem Reap.
Day 6: SIEM REAP Banteay Srei (B)
Discover the archaeological park of the Khmer empire. Adjust the visit onspot with the guide according to your desire and curiosity (You can also follow the chronological order of the temple constructions).
Visit the temples of the group Roluos marked by the beginning of the Khmer civilization. The royal temple of King Indravarman I, Bakong is one of first stone constructed temples, an architectural revolution of the period illustrating the cult Devaraja which gave legitimacy to the royal power.
Continue towards the other temples of the group.
Direction: the small temple Banteay Srei (Citadel of women) "Tribhuvanamahesvara". It is located 25km north Siem Reap, built in pink sandstone which make this motifs carved like the gem of Khmer art and which attracted the attention of André Malraux in 1923.It is situated in 25Km North of Siem Reap.
Option and if you are passionate, on the direction of Banteay Srei possibility to visit
A butterfly farm (no extra charge). http://www.angkorbutterfly.com
The Mine museum (With additional charge, you pay at the door). www.cambodialandminemuseum.org
On the way back, visit small temples (Banteay Samré, Prasat Prei, Prasat Tor…).
6:30 p.m. Diner offered with "Apsara" show at Amazon: huge buffet of all kinds of Cambodian specialties with Apsara show (20 male and female dancers).
Depending on your aspirations and the time available, we can also visit (No additional cost):
- The group of Roluos :Bakong, Prah Ko and Lolei .
- Sites of the Eastern Baray built by Rajendravarman: Banteay Kdey, Pre Rup, Preasat Khleang, Mebon Oriental.
Optional without additional charge: At 18 Km from Siem Reap visit arm silk center, breeding silkworms in traditional weaving artisans treats the whole process and crafts beautiful pieces to old patterns.
Overnight in Siem Reap.
Day 7: SIEM REAP – PHNOM-PENH (B)
7:00 departure to Phnom Penh by road (314 Km and 6h00 drive) or speedboat on the river Tonle Sap (same timing in air-conditioned boat but rather uncomfortable). We ask if you want this second solution, no catering on board. No guide during transfer.Welcome by the guide upon arrival in Phnom Penh.
Note: The road is long and not always in good condition, possibility to take a flight from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh.
A stop along the way in a village to observe the preparation of KROLANN (glutinous rice cake in bamboo)
Visit the famous bridge SPEAN PRAP TOS located in the village Kampong Kdei (60 km from Siem Reap). Built in counter and laterite by King Jayavarman VII, in the late 12th and early 13th century.
During the harvest, prepare the Khmer Ambok (pounded rice) we will take a break at one of these places you can enjoy.
Passage by a village stonemason, the Buddha statues are carved roadside.
Option: stop atSkun,a transit point where you will meet any sort of travelers. Enjoy insects (grasshoppers, locusts, scorpion, fermented ants - taste like a crunchy hazelnut) and local fruits (fresh or dried) green mangos, pineapples, bananas, etc... Adventurers will play with tarantulas in full hands or crunch its legs.
Afternoon: Reception upon arrival by the Phnom Penh guide.
Visit the market Russian market. Optional: Visit to Genocide Museum "Toul Sleng . "
If you want to aerial photographs of the city and the Central Market: go to Sorya Shopping Center (next to the central market) one of the largest shopping centers in Cambodia, which mixes tradition and modernity. Restaurants specialty shops of all kinds ... For photos;climb the 6thfloor (with elevator).
Overnight in Phnom Penh.
Day 8:PHNOM PENH - KEP
8h00: Departure to Kep on sea, passing by Takeo (Tramkak, Prey Kabas, Samrong and Kirivong districts)
On the road: visit the Phnom Chisor temple situated on a hill which has a beautiful view on the region. (The 11th century templewas in good condition until the American bombing in 1970)
At the foot of the Hill you will discover a famous village for its weaving "Hol", a piece of cloth with designs costing over $ 50 per meter.
Arrival in Kep in the afternoon.Check-in at your hotel on the edge of sea.
Visit of Kep on the Sea, old resort.
Night in Kep.
Note:In Kep,you need go to KIM LY (the crab market restaurant). A comprehensive document concerning all the news on the typical and other restaurants will be given upon your arrival in Cambodia, this to preserve the originality of our tours.
Note:In Kep steps from beautiful beach go to the island.
Day 9: KEP on sea (B)
Day free at leisure, you go by boat on the Rabbit Island (Koh Tun Say);there are lovely beaches and some good restaurants feet in water (30 minutes by boat). A small trek is possible on-site (tour of the island).
Vehicle and guide remain at your disposal for a tour in KEP, if you do not wish to go to the island. A walk on the Hill of Kep is recommended according to your fitness level.
Overnight in Kep.
In Kep on the sea, possibility to visit one of the tidal water, harvesting salt out of the rainy season (in the direction of Kampot, the road on the other side of Viet Nam).
With supplement: possibility to take a horseback ride at the Ranch with a butterfly farm visit excessive only on horseback or by bike (the ranch is held by a French man): www.kep-plantation.com
Night in Kep
Day 10:KEP-Kampot - SIHANOUKVILLE (B)
8h00: Direction Sihanoukville along the Gulf of Siam. Pass through Kampot, a city rich in remnants of French colonial architecture, place of transit for explorers Bokor and caves (Phnom Kampong Trach, Phnom Chhngouk and Phnom Sorsir). Possibility to visit the latter also called Cave of the white elephant; a colorful pagoda is located at its base.
At Kampot: Quick city tour, you walk along the Kampot River where you can stop at one of the cafes’ terraces that are generally of old colonial houses.
The Kampot region produces many tropical fruits especially the durian. We have the opportunity to go through the pepper fields; green pepper of Kampot is well-known all over the world.
During your trip you will have the opportunity to see a fishing village in edge of road.
Arriving in Sihanoukville, city tour by vehicle: the local market, the main beaches, the port...
Check-in at the hotel, free time.
In the evening, if you wish, you can be accompanied by your guide and vehicle to finish the day in good mood in a Khmer Tavern with local Orchestra or other more 'classic' restaurant.
Overnight in Sihanoukville.
Option with extra charge (consult with us):After Kampot, you will then take a road that crosses the dense jungle of the BokorNational Park (between 3 and 4 hours of journey). In this case no activity possible.Arrive in Sihanoukville.
Day 11: SIHANOUKVILLE -Ream (B-L)
8h00: Ream, a beautiful site where our boat will be waiting. You will embark and 30 minutes later you will arrive on a small island little frequented by usual tourists. (We keep this location assecret). On arrival we offer you a coconut to drink with a straw.
The activities that you can do on spot:
· Walk on the beach, visit a guesthouse where guests sleep in hammocks and wooden houses perched in the trees...
· Relaxing, resting and sunbathing on the beach...
· Spend some time to admire the coral area thanks to the masks and snorkels available in our boat.
· Do a lot of fishing using equipment provided by us for this purpose.
Back, around noon we'll give you a typical meal: Fricassee of green pepper crab, grilled shrimp and fish + rice soup prepared by Bopha, our chef. If her husband is not at sea (He is military at the naval base) you'll have more of cooked mussels, barbecued fishes in the same morning and cooked by himself.
* If you cannot stand the boat or for bad weather conditions:
-Drive back to Sihanoukville and visit small waterfall of Kbal Chhay after a good local lunch at the water's edge.
Or
-Transfer in vehicle over a beautiful continental beach in the region of Ream, meals in front of beach, a very good restaurant is on-site.
Afternoon free.
Nights in Sihanoukville.
Day 12: SIHANOUKVILLE - PHNOM PENH (B)
Free morning and departure for Phnom Penh. The schedule will be based on following your program (flight departure or continuation).
On the road: crossing oil palm plantation or Elaeis Guineensiswhich is a member of the Arecaceae family.
Toiletbreak at Yeay Mao, which will also allow you to learn a little more about beliefs and Khmer customs.
If you have a flight:
Possibility to reach directly the airport which is located 10 Km before Phnom Penh (3 hour drive)
Your return flight must be after 13:00. If not, plan a night in Phnom Penh.
If you extend to Cambodia, the night is not included.
End of services.
If you want, you can spend a night in a homestay or other floating village and also enjoy a bike ride or tuk tuk during a morning ... Just let us know
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