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DAY 1: ARRIVAL - PHNOM
PENH
On
arrival at Po Chen Tong Airport , you are met and
transferred to hotel. The capital city of Phnom Penh
was once considered the loveliest city of Indochina. Despite its recent turbulent
history, it still maintains considerable charm. A city tour acquaints us
with some major sights of Phnom
Penh. The private quarters of the Royal Palace are now home to the royal
family and are therefore very close to the public. At the northern area of
the palace grounds is Silver Pagoda, the most sacred temple in the country.
We also climb up a small hill to visit the legendary Wat Phnom and enjoy a
fantastic view over the surrounding areas. O/N in Phnom Penh.
DAY 2: PHNOM PENH -
TONLE BATI - PHNOM PENH
(B)
The
sightseeing tour of Phnom Penh begins with a
visit to the National
Museum, which is
dedicated exclusively to Khmer art and sculpture. The majority of the
exhibits are from the Angkor period from 9th
to 15th century, but some date from as early as the 4th
century. We continue to one of the city’s lively open markets, Psar Toul
Tom Pong, all called the “ Russian Market”, where
anything and everything is for sales! The Tuol Sleng Prison Museum and the
notorious ‘Killing Fields’ of Choeung Ek are not to be missed. A visit to
these sights provides a deep insight into the painful bloody rule of the
Khmer Rouge. Heading out of town we visit the Tonle Bati with Ta Prohm and Prasat Yeay Peo
Temple. O/N in Phnom Penh. (B)
DAY 3: PHNOM
PENH - KOMPONG CHAM - KOMPONG THOM (B)
The
overland expedition begins as we depart the town and pass through Cambodia’s
biggest growing rubber area to Kampong Cham. The deep contrast of lush
vegetation and red surface of basaltic soil is incredible all along the
way. On arrival in Kampong Cham we visit the beautiful French colonial
architecture and Wat Nokhor containing the ancient temple and modern style
pagoda. The following destination of our trip is Kongpong Thom. Along the
way we make stop over at Phnom Pros and Phnom Srei, two hills whose names
were translated as the 'man hill' and the 'woman hill'. After checking into
hotel we visit some nearby villages and climb 980 steps to the top of Phnom
Santuk for an impressive sunset view over the surrounding areas. O/N in
Kompong Thom. (B)
DAY 4: KOMPONG THOM - SIEM REAP (B)
An
early morning start to drive to the archeological sight of Sambor Prei Kuk , which is dotted with hundred pre-angkor styled
temples. The road conditions are very poor, but the spectacular scenery of this ancient ruins, with a mixture of temples and
forest, makes the hardship all worthwhile. We travel by roads to Siem Reap,
passing the charming Khmer countryside. The town of Siem
Reap is our base for visiting the world famous temples of the
ancient city Angkor , which is home for the capital of the powerful Khmer
Empire dating from 802 AD to 1350 AD. This stunning and extensive site
sprawls through the dense jungle, over an area of 60 square miles. O/N in
Siem Reap. (B)
DAY 5: SIEM REAP - ANGKOR TEMPLES (B)
Today
we spend a full day exploring the wondrous ancient ruins with the South
Gate of Angkor Thom, which is famous for its series of colossal human faces
carved in stone, the impressive Bayon Temple, the Royal Enclosure,
Phimeanakas, the Elephant Terrace, the Terrace of the Leper King and the
largest as well as the most complete temple of Angkor Wat. This
architectural masterpiece was constructed in the 12th century
and covers an area of about 210 hectares. We stroll around this massive
edifice, seeing the many galleries with colums, libraries, pavilions,
courtyards and ponds full of water reflecting the towering temple. O/N in
Siem Reap. (B)
DAY 6: SIEM REAP - ANGKOR TEMPLES (B, D)
The
jungle covered temple
of Ta Prohm is an
incredible sight. There are enormous fig trees and gigantic creepers which
embrace themselves in the stone foundations of the structure giving the
impression of man's creation being reclaimed by the powerful forces of
nature. We explore this masterpiece as well as some of the
surrounding temples including Banteay Kdei, Sra Srong, Ta Keo, Thommanon and
Chau Say Tevado. The grand circuit with Preah Khan, Kravan, Neak Pean, Krol
Ko, Ta Som, East Mebon and Pre Rup Temples, is also visited this afternoon
before we walk up to Phnom Bakheng Hill for a view of the spectacular
sunset over these sandstone monuments. Dinner and Enjoy Khmer Traditional Dance
Show at local restaurant . O/N in Siem Reap. (B)
DAY 7: SIEM REAP – DEPARTURE (B)
After breakfast, we embark on a
short cruise on Tonle Sap Lake,
Cambodia’s
biggest natural water body (If time permits). The experience is wonderful
as we pass by floating village, friendly children in small boats and
fishermen at work. The trip ends after your transfer to Siem Reap
Airport for
departure.
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