Cambodia overland discovery

Su-sa-dei! Welcome to Siam Reap, the gateway to the Angkor Wonder!
Met and greeted upon arrival and transfer to the hotel for check in (Check in time is 14.00). Remainder of the day is free at your leisure to relax or wander around exploring this lovely town at your own pace. Overnight at the hotel in Siem Reap.

Summary of inclusions

Optional Angkor Sunrice activity for scene of the sun rising over the temples of Angkor Wat is available at your disposal.

This morning we will spend time to explore the Angkor Thom, the last and most enduring capital city of the Khmer Empire with visits to the South Gate of Angkor Thom, the Bayon Temple that consists of 54 towers featured with multitude of Buddha’s serene and mysterious smiling faces, the Royal Enclosure, the Phimeanakas, the Elephants Terrace and the Terrace of the Leper King.
Following is the jungle covered temple of Ta Prohm, the famous sights known in the movie ‘Tomb Raider’ by Angelina Jolie, with enormous fig trees and gigantic creepers embracing over stone foundations of the temple’s structure giving the impression of man's creation being reclaimed by the powerful forces and make it one of the most picturesque and memorable of the Angkor temples

In the afternoon we will enjoy our discovery of Angkor Wat, the largest religious monuments in the World, symbol of the Great Khmer Empire, with its five impressive towers representing the 5 holy peaks of the Mount Meru, the home of the Hindu gods. It is well known for the more than 2,000 Apsara dancers decorating the temple. Construction is thought to have taken around thirty years of intensive labor. Today, Angkor Wat is figured on Cambodia's national flag as the temple symbolizes the soul of the Khmer people.
During sunset time, Angkor Wat is less visited, and it is a magical time to see the Apsaras shine in the most beautiful light.  
Evening is at your leisure. 

Summary of inclusions

Breakfast then check out and drive out the town toward the Kulen Mountain, the birthplace and capital of the Khmer Empire in the early 9th century. Along the way there we will make stops to visit the local village of Preah Dak where we have chance to learn something about local life and enjoy local interaction, the Banteay Samre temple which is adorned with impressive relief’s depicting scenes of Vishunu and Krishna legends.
Upon arrival, we take a short trek through the original jungle to explore the Kbal Spean which also known as River of 1000 Lingas, consisting of a series of stone rock relief carvings in sandstone formations of the river bed and banks, depicting Hindu mythological motifs. 
Perhaps, enjoy our swim under the torrent of cascading waterfall.

Continue our drive along fascinating country landscapes toward Anlong Veng in the area of Cambodia – Thailand border.
This place used to be the last lair of the Khmer Rouge in the 1990s before it was totally broken off and dismissed. Here holds the graves of this regime’s two notorious leaders: Pol Pot and Tamok.
Here we will learn some information about the grim past and this genocidal organization, visiting ruined houses as well as the remnants of the structure where Pol Pot was convicted of crimes against the Cambodian people. The visit might otherwise be distressing but it helps us to understand more about a dark page in Cambodia’s history as well as the value of peace.
Drive further to Sraem you will find redeemed by the stunning mountain landscapes and for sure we will have ample opportunity to take pictures of the exceptional scenery.
Check in hotel and remainder of the day is to relax or wander around sightseeing the town.

Summary of inclusions

Get up early and a drive on spectacularly steep mountain road will take you to the Preah Vihear Temple at sunrise.

Located at the most stunning location of any Khmer site, the temple is perched on the top of Poy Tadi, a steep cliff in the Dangrek Mountain range which is the natural border between Cambodia and Thailand, dividing the Khorat Plateau from the lowland Cambodian plain below. It is about 550 meters from the ground level of Cambodia side. From here you will be rewarded with fabulous views over Cambodia’s and Thailand’s fertile plains. The Temple was mainly dedicated to the supreme god “Shiva” and took over 300 years to complete the construction by a few famous Khmer kings from Yasovarman of the 10th century to Suryavarman II of the 12th century so it bears elements of several architectural styles. The spectacular location paired with a unique temple design is the reason UNESCO enlisted Preah Vihear as a World Heritage Site.
Enjoy an unforgettable sunrise and spend time to explore this imposing temple then descend and return to the hotel.
At the hotel, you can freshen up and have lunch before driving to Kampong Thom. Along the road, a few stops will be made. The roads are in reasonable condition and the landscape is deserted but magnificent.
Check in hotel and remainder of the day is at your leisure.

Summary of inclusions

Lying on the bank of the Steung Saen River, Kampong Thom – meaning the "Grand Port" in Khmer language, is the capital city of the same name province. It charming and relaxed place is the gateway for exploring the countryside and the temples of Sambor Prei Kuk that dates back from the 6th and 7th century. This is the oldest complex in Cambodia and is one of the most important pre-Angkorian sites in the country with over 100 well preserved temples scattered in the forest.
A drive of about an hour will take you to the site of temples where we will take a beautiful bicycle ride through the jungle along narrow pathways with breathtaking views to discover fascinating temples and visit to local villages.
A delicious local lunch will be served by a local family at a picnic spot by the river.
Return to Kampong Thom and travel our way through enchanting country land to Kampong Cham with some stops for interactive visits including the beautiful Wat Hanchey, an ancient pagoda built on a hill with a spectacular view of the Mekong River, where we can have interesting contact with young and jovial novice monks, clad in bright saffron robes. 
Check in hotel upon arrival in Kampong Cham and remainder of the day is to wander around sightseeing the town.

Lies on the bank of the mighty Mekong River, Kampong Cham is the capital of the same name province and is named after the large number of ethnic Cham people who reside in the area. The city carries a laid back atmosphere and quaint charm with plenty of colonial French architecture and has a genuine "wild west" feel to it. The people of Kampong Cham are, like all Cambodians, very friendly and open to engaging with tourists. It is great to take a stroll around sightseeing vestiges of the old time, visiting a hustle local market and perhaps take a sit in a relaxed bar sipping café au lait and watching the current of life moving by.

Summary of inclusions

Breakfast at the hotel and this morning we will take a visit to a river island on the Mekong. Take a horse cart ride on dirt tracks that joins small settlements, visiting local pagoda, school and silk-weaving village, a good way to get to know the local community and their way of life.
Later, drive our way to Phnom Penh with a stop to visit local market with full of local produces where you may be brave enough to try a regional delicacy: fried spider!
Check in hotel upon arrival in Phnom Penh and remainder of the day is at your leisure.

Once known as the “Pearl of Asia”, it was considered one of the loveliest French-built cities in Indochina. The city is noted for its beautiful and historical architecture and attractions. Wide tree-lined boulevards and old colonial buildings makes an attractive backdrop to busy cafes, and the river "corniche" is full of life where Asian and Western traditions meet in a fascinating way. Free at your leisure to roam around the lovely parts of the city.

Summary of inclusions

This morning we will take our first visit to the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum also called the S-21 Prison. The site is a former secondary school with five buildings which was converted in 1976 into a prison and interrogation center by the Khmer Rouge’s security forces during the bloody rule of this notorious regime from its rise to power in 1975 to its fall in 1979. Tuol Sleng means "Hill of the Poisonous Trees’ in Khmer and at this place, an estimated 20,000 people were imprisoned, tortured, coerced to confess what so called “revolutionary reaction crimes” before being taken to be executed at the extermination camp – the “Killing Fields” of Choeng Ek, located 15 km south of Phnom Penh which we will visit after the Toul Sleng.
This excursion may prove distressing however, it is an important piece of this country’s historical and cultural puzzle.

In the afternoon we will take a stroll around the Toul Tumpong Market which has gained reputation for plenty of local products and souvenir including a large selection woodcarvings, bronze, silk, silver jewelry, and classic music instrument.
Later, enjoy sunset cruise on the Tonle Sap and Mekong Rivers before getting your time free at leisure.  

Summary of inclusions

After breakfast, we start the tour today with our visit to the National Museum that has a great collection of Khmer art with over 5000 objects are on display including Angkorian era statues, lingas and other artifacts.
Following is the Royal Palace that contains the Royal Residence, the Throne Hall, the Silver Pagoda which is more like a repository for cultural treasures such as 90 kg golden Buddha encrusted with 2086 diamonds and has its floor paved by silver tiles.
Finally visit Wat Phnom Temple, one of the most important pagodas in Phnom Penh, built in 1373 on an artificial hill by the wealthy widow Penh from whom the city got its name.
Back to the hotel and remainder of the day is at your leisure.

Summary of inclusions

Breakfast is at the hotel.
Free at your leisure to explore the town and enjoy last minute sightseeing, shopping at your own pace. Check out time is 12.00.
Transfer to the airport for flight to onward destination.
Safe travel and see you again!

Summary of inclusions