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. 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. We pass through the River Front park whose scenery is much worth shooting, and continue to the only one hill in town with sacred sites called Wat Phnom before walking a along Mekong River bank to see the lovely Phnom Penh city at night with breathtaking view along the river.

 

Morning we depart for Battambang by road with English guide. En route, visit a Cham Muslim village. Drive to Udong where a picnic lunch will be served. 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".

We continuation by the same road through the village, the rice field to Kompong Chhnang province, the potteries – Lunch at the local restaurant. Then continue to Battambang via Pursat city. Overnight in Batambang.

 

Discover the city of Battambang, a charming big city where you can watch the elegant houses in the French colonial style along the river. You then visit the Provincial Museum and the pagoda before heading to the 11th century temple of Wat Ek Phnom. You pass through traditional villages along the route where you can attend the manufacture of family rice cakes and contacting people about their daily lives. We visit a 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... 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 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. On the way back we will stop at the NGO Phare Ponleu Selpak where many different activities are offered with children from poor and disabled families before having diner with them.

 

Option 1: Battambang to Siem Reap – High water season (August to March)

After breakfast this morning we head to the local wharf to board our private speedboat to Siem Reap. We cruise down the Stung Sangkèr River before entering Tonle Sap, the largest fresh water lake in South East Asia. 

This cruise tour gives us a view of the wonderful landscape and insight into the daily life found along the river. We will have a packed lunch on board as the cruise takes about 6-7 hours. After cruising through floating villages we disembark from our boat and drive the last portion into Siem Reap where we check into our hotel.

 

Option 2: Battambang to Siem Reap – Low water season (April to July) 

We leave Battambang and drive towards the border to Thailand. Stopping at Puok District to visit the National Silk Centre, a fascinating way to learn about Cambodian silk. Here we will spend some time and witness start-to-finish silk creation, growing and harvesting mulberry and the breeding process and the life cycle of the silk worm.

After lunch at a local restaurant, we continue to Siem Reap where upon arrival we check into our hotel.

 

After breakfast, you will start to explore the most highlights of Angkor Complex with: 

Banteay Srei: nearly everyone's favorite site. The special charm of this temple lies in its compact size, remarkable state of preservation, and the excellence of its decorative carving

Banteay Samre: Its rose-colored sandstone walls are decorated with carvings and bas-reliefs, which are among the most accomplished Angkor has to offer.

We continue to visit the fabulous Ta Prohm embraced by the roots of enormous fig trees and gigantic creepers

Ta Prohm was built in the 12th century. It’s a Buddhist temple dedicated to the mother of King Jayavarman VII. 

Pre Rup temple was built in the 10th century during the reign of King Rajendravarman II

 

We start a very special and busy 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 ancient capital of Angkor Thom (12th century)

See the South Gate, Bayon Temple- unique for its 54 towers decorated with over 200 smiling faces of Avolokitesvara

Baphuon Temple: lying just to the north of Bayon, a pyramidal representation of mythical MontMeru

The Royal Enclosure, Phimeanakas

The Elephant Terrace and the Terrace of the Leper King

In the afternoon, you will visit 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 sunset view from Bakheng Hill. 

Enjoy one-hour foot massage before transfer to your hotel.

Evening is your free time for walking at busy pub street. Dinner at one of many typical local food restaurants. Pop up at a bar for cool drink or shopping at Angkor Night Market.

 

Transfer to Siem Reap airport for departure to next destination. Goodbye Cambodia!!!!