DONG KRALOR – KRATIE – KOMPONG THOM – SIEM REAP – BATTAMBANG – PHNOM PENH

• Sneak a peek at the rare freshwater Irrawaddy dolphins in the Mekong River, near Kratie
• Soak up the charms of Kompong Charm, a bustling town on the Mekong and gateway to historic temple, Explore Southeast Asia’s first temple city, the impressive pre-Angkorian ruins of Sambor Prei Kuk
  
• Stare in awe at the mother of all temples, Angkor Wat
  
• Succumb to the enigmatic smiles of the 216 giant faces of the Bayon, Angkor’s strangest temple
  
• Experience nature running riot at the mysterious ruin of Ta Prohm, the original Tomb Rider temple
  
• Marvel at the exquisite carvings adorning the tiny temple of Banteay Srei, the finest seen at Angkor
  
• Get an experience daily life on Tonle Sap Lake of local people and mean of traditional transportation
  
• Discover the secrets of Bar street, Siem Reap’s quaffing capital where the action goes on all night and Angkor Night Market
  
• Relax with a massage or spa, the perfect medicine for weary bodies
  
• Soak up colonial-era charm in the riverside town of Battambang, surrounded by lush countryside and hilltop temples
  
• Click and clack on the bamboo train, is one of the world’s all-time classic rail journeys
  
• Tread lightly upon the 5000 silver floor tiles at the Silver Pagoda, in the Royal Palace
  
• Step back in time at the National Museum, home to the world’s finest collection of Angkorian sculpture
  
• Check out the Art Deco masterpiece that Psar Thmei, Phnom Penh’s central market
  
• Discover a darker side at Toul Sleng Museum, a brutal reminder of the pain of Cambodia’s past
  
• Soak up the city by night, with a happy hour cocktail, a fine meal and crawl through the city’s bars
  

DAY 01    ARRIVE – DONG KRALOR – KRATIE (L).

 

Warmly welcome with our guide at Dong Kralor border (Cambodia – Laos border). After completion of immigration and entering Cambodia you are met our guide and driver direct to Kratie. Arrived at Kratie we take boat ride on the river to observe dolphins. Kratie – a small colonial city, located on a hill at the foot of the Mekong, and presents superb traditional Khmer houses. Overnight at Kratie.

DAY 02    KRATIE – KOMPONG CHAM – KOMPONG THOM (BL)

 

We visit morning market at small town of Kratie before leaving to Kompong Cham, visit Wat Nokor also called Nokor Bachey Pagoda is an 11th century Mahayana Buddhist shrine made of sandstone and laterite with a large reclining Buddha and numerous alcoves containing Buddha images. Then depart for Kampong Thom (138km from Kampong Cham). The journey will takes approximately three hours.

DAY 03    KOMPONG THOM – SIEM REAP (BL)

 

Morning we depart to the archeological sight of , which is dotted with hundred Pre-Angkor styled temples. The site, part of the Chenla Kingdom, includes an area of nearly 1000 acres enclosed by double walls, and hundreds temples and towers; its construction predates Angkor Wat by several centuries. The road conditions are very poor, but the spectacular scenery, with a mixture of temples and forest makes the hardship all worthwhile.  After seeing this landmark we make our way towards Siem Reap and pass through various Khmer traditional villages. On the way visit archeological “Naga Bridge” at Kompong Kdei.

 

 DAY 04    SIEM REAP EXPLORATION (BL)

 

We start on our bike and cycle (45 minutes for cycling) 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 tour start with the visiting 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, visit Bakheng Temple and enjoy a romantic sun set view form Bakheng hill.
Enjoy foot massage 1 hour & enjoy walking at busy pub street where you can find many bars for cool drink or shopping at Angkor Night Market.

 

DAY 05    SIEM REAP – BATTAMBANG (BL)

During the months from April to July level of water is low so we depart for Battambang by road with English guide. Not so far from Siem Reap you reach the village of Puok which is home to the Artisans d’Angkor Silk Farm. Here you will witness the entire silk production process, from the silk worm munching on the Mulberry leaves, to spinning their cocoons, the cocoons being harvested and turned into silk thread, women weaving, and of course the beautiful finished silk products, which you can purchase at the on-site boutique, a wonderful souvenir of Cambodia. Arrive in Battambang, transfer to your hotel for refreshing yourself before continue the trip.

 

We stop at 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...

DAY 06    BATTAMBANG – UDONG STUPAS – PHNOM PENH            (BL)

 

This morning we drive to the Bamboo 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 (your guide will provide some cushions for your comfort) we travel the 8km to the next station through beautiful landscape and rice paddies. On arrival, we visit a village and discover the daily life of the Cambodian countryside.

We depart Battambang to Phnom Penh and traverse the spectacular rural landscape, through the village, the rice field to Kompong Chhnang province, the potteries. En route, stop at Udong then visit the various temples and the three large stupas where the ashes of three former Kings are preserved. Next, visit the most impressive structure of the site, the "Vihara of the 18-Cubit Buddha". Phnom Penh – the city retains its traditional Khmer and colonial charm. French villas along tree-lined boulevards remind the visitor that the city was once considered the gem of Southeast Asia. Recent political changes have triggered an economic boom of sorts, with new hotels, restaurants, bars and nightclubs springing up around the city.

DAY 07    PHNOM PENH – DEPARTURE (BL)

 

Firstly, visit to the Royal Palace compound build in 1866 by the Predecessors of King Norodom, is the most conspicuous feature and also one of impressive colorful Khmer-style Palaces. Nearside the Royal Palace is Silver Pagoda (The Emerald Buddha temple), display plenty of Buddha Statues that were decorated and made by diamond, emerald, gold and silver. Travelers will proceed to visit Independence Monument which was constructed in 1954 after Cambodian took their country back from French colony, continuing visit to National Museum, the distinctive red building with a beautiful Khmer architecture was build since 1917 and contains more than 5000 art objects made of sandstone, bronze, silver, copper, wood and others.

Visit Wat Phnom Daun Penh – the name of a pagoda, was built by lady Daun Penh in 1372 on a little hill, Legend has it that after a particularly heavy flood, a wealthy Khmer woman named Daun Penh found a tree on the banks of the Mekong with four statues of Buddha hidden inside. Today Wat Phnom remains the highest artificial hill in Phnom Penh and the center of many forms of leisure activity. Then shopping at Toul Tompong Market (called Russian Market), so-named because of the prevalence of items from the Eastern Bloc in past times, the Russian Market today is a treasure trove for tourists, that you will feel a bustling daily life of local people with Cambodian’s special character through local specialties, their houses, their face.

Transfer to Phnom Penh International airport for departure to next destination. Say goodbye to your Cambodian guide and driver. Goodbye Cambodia!!!!

 

Price Inclusive :

• 06 nights hotel accommodation base on twin sharing room
  
• Meal: Half board lunch at local restaurant as mention in program (B: Breakfast, L: Lunch and D: Dinner)
  
• Airport transfers & Transport by air con. vehicles as per program
  
• Sightseeing and entrance fees as specified
  
• Boat trip as mention in program
  
• Local English speaking guide as per program
  
• Bike & 1 hour foot massage
  
• Cold water and towel during tours
  

Price exclusive:

• Visa fee: 20$
  
• International air ticket in-out Cambodia
  
• International airport tax: 25$
  
• Other meal, drink, personal expenses, tips