CAMBODIA WATER FESTIVAL
from $410*
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Nov 2009 (dates to be confirmed)
7 days / 6 nights
Ref: CWF-7D |
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• Cambodia Water Festival • Charming Phnom Penh • Cyclo Tour • Majestic Angkor Wat •
• 'Tomb Raider' Temple • Voluptuous Apsaras • Cruise to Floating Villages • Local Crafts •
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 The Cambodia Water Festival or ‘Bon Om Tuk’ in Khmer is the largest festival in the Cambodian calendar and an amazing sight to behold! The 3-day Water Festival in Phnom Penh is of great significance as it celebrates the end of the rainy season, the start of the fishing season, and also the unique natural phenomenon - the flow of the Tonle Sap river changing direction! And not only this, the Cambodia Water Festival also coincides with the full moon of the Buddhist calendar month of Kadeuk, this full moon is traditionally a good omen promising a bountiful harvest.
 The Water Festival is truly a national event, many villagers throughout the country have spent almost a full year preparing their villages boat – elaborately and brightly decorated dug out canoes with large eyes on the prows to ward off evil spirits. Thousand of Khmers descend on Phnom Penh over the three days to watch the races and cheer on their villages boat, which can be up to 20 meters long and contain up to 60 oarsmen, frantically paddling and chanting as the do battle in highly competitive races. The origins of the Water Festival dates back to the powerful navy of King Jayavarman II, the 9th century founder of the great Angkorian Empire, and the main purpose is to make the god of the river happy so he will provide many fish and the rice crop will be plentiful.
 During this time Phnom Penh takes on a carnival atmosphere, and as well as the river banks being lined with exuberant spectators there are also live concerts, hundreds of food stands, games of chance, fair rides, and at night fireworks light up the sky and people dance in the street. This truly is Cambodia’s Mardi Gras!
After an action packed 4 days in Phnom Penh you will fly to Siem Reap where you will spend 4 days in much calmer, serener surroundings exploring the incredible Angkor Wat temples – the heart of King Jayavarman II’s Empire.
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Day 1 - 10 Nov: Arrive Phnom Penh
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After arriving at Phnom Penh International Airport you will be met by your guide and transferred to your hotel. Depending on the time of your arrival flight, after checking in and freshening up, you will experience a cyclo tour of Phnom Penh. This will help you to orientate yourself before the masses descend on the city! The cyclo is the old fashioned mode of transport in Phnom Penh, and as you sit there being pedalled around at a sedate pace you can feel quite regal. A form of transport which if not experienced would leave any visit to Phnom Penh incomplete. Asia Adventures books its cyclo tours through the ‘Cyclo Centre’ which is an organisation which works with many cyclo drivers, who are often amongst the poorest of the urban poor, providing them free health care, free dental check-ups, free haircuts (in partnership with another charity training abused women), and free English lessons, as well as a savings scheme. The Centre also provides the opportunity for drivers to purchase their own cyclo rather than having to rent them. In the evening you will enjoy a welcome dinner at a local restaurant.
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Day 2 - 11 Nov: Phnom Penh Water Festival
B / L / -
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The boat races do not truly get under away until early afternoon, so after breakfast at your hotel you will visit some of Phnom Penh’s attractions. Your first stop will be the 1917 terracotta red National Museum, the museum offers a charming setting for a comprehensive collection of Khmer art. Predominantly worked in stone, the sculptures date from both the Angkorian and pre-Angkorian eras, and includes many sculptures that have been removed from their natural temple settings for safe keeping. Afterwards you will visit the nearby Royal Palace, on the banks of the mighty Mekong river. Inside the Palace walls you will be treated to: the Throne Hall; the Chan Chaya Pavilion used for performances of classical dance; the Napoleon III Pavilion; and the King’s residential quarters. You will then move onto the neighbouring Silver Pagoda, so named as it is claimed its  floor is made up of over 4,000 silver tiles! The Silver Pagoda is also known as the Pagoda of the Emerald Buddha as it houses a glittering array of Buddhist statues, the centre piece being a magnificent 17th century emerald Buddha statue made of baccarat crystal. The walls of the pagoda are lavishly decorated with colourful frescos depicting episodes from the Khmer version of the Ramayana. You will then be taken for lunch at the colonial splendor of the riverside Foreign Correspondence Club (the FCC), from the first and second floor balconies you get excellent views of all the excited activity below. In the afternoon your guide will lead you to the riverside where you will mingle with the thousands of locals  who have traveled from all over Cambodia to enjoy the 3 days of merriment – here you will get your first glimpses of the wonderful boats, and see them in action as human power speeds them down the river. After an exciting afternoons race watching you will certainly have built up an appetite. Dinner is your choice, you may decide to remain on the riverside as night falls, joining the locals eating from the many food stalls, and enjoying the firework spectacle and the shows of boats sailing up and down the river decked out with brilliant light displays, or you may choose to head away from the hustle and bustle and find a quieter restaurant. |
Day 3 - 12 Nov: Phnom Penh Water Festival
B / L / -
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This morning you will learn about the dark side of Cambodia - its more recent turbulent and harrowing history. Although this can be emotionally straining it is necessary in order to try and gain an insight of what many of the Khmer people you will see whilst you are in Cambodia have endured, and an understanding of today’s Khmer society. Initially you will visit the Toul Sleng Genocide Museum (also known as S21), ironically a former school, located in a quiet Phnom Penh suburb, this was the infamous Khmer Rouge prison / torture centre. Once you have gained an initial insight of the brutality of the Khmer Rouge regime  you will be driven 15km from Phnom Penh to visit the 'Killing Fields' of Choeung Ek. This is where Toul Sleng prisoners were forcibly marched and then executed; it is now a memorial site located in a beautiful tranquil setting. You will return to Phnom Penh for lunch at a local restaurant. After lunch it is back to the busy riverside and the party atmosphere for more boat race action! This afternoon you will take a local ferry across to the Chrouy Changvar peninsula to gain a different perspective of the festivities as well as enjoying the fairground atmosphere. This evening dinner is once again your choice, you may decide to eat at one of the many local food stalls and watch a concert where you can be entertained by contemporary Khmer song and dance, whilst drinking a Cambodian beer. Again there will be fireworks and the lit up boats will be cruising the river. |
Day 4 - 13 Nov: Phnom Penh - Free Day
B / - / -
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Today is free allowing you to spend more time experiencing the fun of the boat races or you may prefer to further explore this charming city. Perhaps you would like to take a cyclo ride and visit the Russian Market (Phsar Toul Tom Poung) where you can pick up some quality silk; take in the hustle and bustle of the art-deco Central Market (Phsar Thmei); appreciate some of the art/photo exhibitions that are on display at various locations around the city; wander around the colonial French Quarter where you can climb Wat Phnom – the small temple topped hill that Phnom Penh was named after; or you may wish to venture further afield, heading 40km north out of Phnom Penh and climbing Oudong Mountain to marvel at the expansive views of the Cambodian countryside, or heading 35km south to explore the temple ruins of Tonle Bati and Ta Prohm.
(Please Note: Additional tours for this free day can be booked in advance or when you arrive, however if you leave it until you arrive, due to the festival it may be difficult to secure a guide and vehicle).
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Day 5 - 14 Nov: Siem Reap ~ The Small Circuit & Angkor Thom
B / L / -
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An early start as you are transferred to Phnom Penh International Airport for the first flight of the day to Siem Reap. On arrival, 50 minutes later, at Siem Reap - Angkor International Airport you will be met by our guide and transferred to your hotel. After a short break to allow you to freshen up you will visit the Angkor Conservation Area, collect your entrance pass, and continue onto the Small Circuit. This tour includes the huge pyramid of Takeo built in the 10th century, and the jungle-clad Ta Prohm, made famous by the Hollywood blockbuster ‘Tomb Raider’. This temple has been left to the destructive power of the jungle and demonstrates the awesome power of nature. It has been largely consumed by the jungle and as you climb through the dilapidated stone structures you see many giant trees growing out of the top of the temple itself. You continue to visit Sras Srang, known as the King's bathing pond, situated opposite the East Gate of Banteay Kdei. Finally, this morning you take in Prasat Kravan, an elegant brick temple from the 10th century with some fine brick carvings in the interior. After this you return to town for a local lunch. After lunch you explore the impressive Angkor Thom,  this Royal city was first built in the 11th century, destroyed, and subsequently renovated by King Jayavarman VII at the end of the 12th century. Its vast walls contain many beautiful monuments. You approach this ancient city via the South Gate which is flanked by demons and gods engaged in a tug-of-war over the elixir of immortality. Once through the gate you will visit the Bayon, a temple famed for its many gigantic carved faces smiling beguilingly down at you. You will also visit other important sites in this immense walled city, including the pyramid of Baphuon, Phimeanakas, and the royal viewing stands known as the Terrace of the Elephants and the Terrace of the Leper King. If you have the time your guide will take you to an excellent spot for watching a mesmerising Angkor Wat sunset. This evening is free at your leisure. |
Day 6 - 15 Nov: Banteay Srei & the Grand Circuit
B / - / D
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This morning you head 30km north to visit the captivating and beautiful temple of Banteay Srei or ‘Fortress of the Women’. The journey allows you to experience the beautiful Cambodian countryside as you pass through small typical villages, just ask your guide if you wish to stop off at any of these to witness modern day village life, which in reality has not changed too much since the days of the Angkor Empire. On route you will take a short diversion to Banteay Samre, a temple which has undergone extensive restoration, and in certain aspects resembles a mini Angkor Wat, with many of its carvings in excellent condition. Banteay Srei was built in the 10th century and is an elaborately decorated temple, embellished with floral motifs and scenes from the Ramayana, and was dedicated to Shiva. The famous pink sandstone structure bears a series of beautiful sculptures, lintels, pediments and friezes.  It is said they must have been carved by women as the detail is too fine for the hands of a man. You will return to town for lunch. After lunch you continue your Angkor encounter with a visit to the spectacular temples of the Grand Circuit. First you visit Preah Khan or ‘Sacred Sword’, one of the largest temples at Angkor with huge corridors extending in every direction. It was built by Jayavarman VII in the 12th century, this is one of the many highlights of Angkor. You continue to Neak Pean, a delicate temple set in a square pool and surrounded on all sides by fountains and ponds. Next is Ta Som and its famous strangler fig tree smothering the eastern gate. Finally, you arrive at Pre Rup, built in the 10th century, this is a pleasent spot to experience another Angkor sunset if you wish. You return to Siem Reap and enjoy dinner and a fascinating Apsara dance show at a local restaurant.
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Day 7 - 16 Nov: Angkor Wat, Floating Villages & Local Crafts
B / - / -
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You may choose to rise early today to catch the sun rising from behind Angkor Wat’s five carved towers - after being awed you return to your hotel for breakfast. After breakfast it is time to further discover the magnificent Angkor Wat, the world’s largest religious building. After being initially inspired by its overall size you will explore in more detail, getting up close and personal to fully appreciate its architecture and intricately detailed bas-reliefs. Believed to have been undertaken as a temple and mausoleum for King Suryavarman II at the peak of the Khmer Empire in the first half of the 12th century, Angkor Wat is the best-preserved of the Angkorian temples, truly one of the wonders of the world.  You will return to town for lunch, after which you take a short 15km drive to Phnom Krom the large hill that looms closer, and enjoy a relaxing cruise on the on the Tonle Sap lake, the largest lake in South East Asia. The lake is of critical importance to the livelihood of many Khmers who rely upon it increasing in size almost 10-fold during the rainy season for their livelihoods. A trip on the lake compliments a visit to the temples wonderfully as many of the temple bas-reliefs depict how life around and on the lake affected all walks of Khmer life, much as it still does today. You will see the traditional floating village of Chong Khneas and witness the residents going about their daily life - it is quite a sight seeing a whole bamboo village complete with homes, gas stations, schools, hair dressers, and even karaoke bars floating on a lake. If you are a wildlife enthusiast there is also the opportunity to spot many birds which  feed on and around this huge lake. On the way back to Siem Reap you will call in at Artisans d’Angkor, an interesting boutique workshop where you can observe young Cambodians learning traditional Khmer handicraft techniques, such as stone & wood carving, and lacquering & gilding - a great opportunity for last minute quality souvenirs where not only will your purchase be a genuine piece of local art but you will also be supporting the next generation of Khmer craftsmen and women! Afterwards you will be returned to your hotel (or to Siem Reap - Angkor International Airport if you have an onward flight, leaving Cambodia with many unforgettable memories).
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| *The cost for the above tour is $410 (US dollars) per person based on 4 people travelling together and sharing 2 rooms in medium standard accommodation. |
| If there are more of less than 4 people travelling in your party, or if the above suggested itinerary does not fully meet your needs please email us as we will be happy to discuss alternative arrangements. |
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- All sightseeing tour and transfer services as detailed in the above itinerary
- English speaking local guides
- All accommodation based on 2 sharing a room
- All entrance fees for attractions included in the above itinerary
- Private air conditioned vehicles
- Flight from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap
- All boat trips
- Daily drinking water whilst sightseeing
- All meals as detailed in the above itinerary
(B = Breakfast - L = Lunch - D = Dinner)
- Services not detailed in the above itinerary
- International flights to Phnom Penh and from Siem Reap
- Cambodian Visa fees (currently $20 per person)
- International airport departure tax (currently $25 per person)
- Domestic airport departure tax (currently $6 per person)
- Expenditure of a personal nature
- Travel insurance
- Any payment / money transfer charges
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Cambodia Water Festival - the most spectacular festival in Cambodia! |
