BATTAMBANG ENCOUNTER
from $365*
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4 days / 3 nights
Ref: BE-4D |
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• Delightful Cruise • Floating Villages • Laid-back Battambang • Remote Angkorian Temples •
• Colonial Architecture • Traditional Homestay • Local Village Life • Beautiful Silk Weaving •
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Day 1: Siem Reap to Battambang Cruise
- / L / D
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An early start as your encounter with Battambang begins with what is possibly the most fascinating journey in Cambodia, a cruise across the Tonle Sap (South East Asia’s largest lake) and along the beautiful winding Sangker River. This journey takes 6 to 10+ hours and the range of sights experienced is incredible. Throughout the journey you pass through intriguing floating villages and are surrounded by timeless scenes. As you enter the Sangker River you pass the protected wetland of Prek Toal, which is home to over 120 species of water and forest birds, some endangered. After a delightful journey you will arrive in the laidback and charming ‘city’ of Battambang, famed for its fading French colonial architecture, where you will follow the banks of the Sangker River to the ancient remains of Wat Ek Phnom. Back in Battambang you will be taken to a local restaurant for dinner. |
Day 2: Battambang Temples & Traditional Villages
B / L / -
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This morning you visit the striking hilltop pagoda of Phnom Sampeau. This massive limestone outcrop is dissected by a number of caves some more accessible than others, with some containing unexpected reminders of Cambodia’s history. During the Khmer Rouge era, some of the pagoda buildings were used as a prison and interrogation centre – victims were then pushed through a hole in the roof of a cave to fall to their deaths. After lunch you will drive to the village of Ksach Puoy on the banks of the Sangker River. As well as being home to many well preserved traditional Khmer wooden stilted homes, this area grows a variety of tropical fruits and after the rainy season farmers plant all kinds of vegetables along the fertile river banks, here you can learn about traditional agriculture – also a great opportunity to taste juicy oranges, sweet pineapples, and many other fruit… The peaceful pagoda of  Wat Kor is also worth visiting. Not far from Ksach Puoy is 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 kilometres 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 3: Banteay Chhmar & Traditional Homestay
B / L / D
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After breakfast you will visit Battambang Museum, it is then time to bid farewell to Battambang as you head 120km north, to the seldom visited north western province of Banteay Meanchey to visit the ancient temple of Banteay Chhmar (Narrow Fortress), a large temple that is rarely visited by tourists due to its remoteness, thus it makes a refreshing change from the crowds at Angkor Wat. A low key community tourism project has recently been established in the village to help these poor people supplement their income. On arrival the local community will welcome you and you will enjoy a traditionally prepared Khmer lunch. Afterwards you will be introduced to your host family and shown to their home where you will spend the night. The accommodation is basic, traditional wooden stilted houses, with no electricity (outdoor western style toilets and washing facilities have been built and mosquito nets are provided). After freshening-up a Community guide will lead you to Banteay Chhmar temple which you will almost certainly have to yourself. Clambering over piles of stones and in between large shady trees, you will discover the remains of fallen towers and walls.  The western enclosing wall still has the remains of intricate carvings including scenes of daily life during the Angkorian period, and the spectacular 32 armed god Avalokiteshvara. This is a peaceful temple and having it to yourself as the sun sets across the baray is a most memorable experience. A local Khmer dinner will be served by torch light in the grounds of the temple - a unique experience! Enjoying dinner together with the local community is the perfect opportunity to discuss village life in Cambodia. As the night wears on you will return to your homestay and fall asleep to the sounds of the countryside. |
Day 4: Village Way of Life & Beautiful Silk
B / L / -
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This morning you will awaken to delightful views of rural Cambodia and rice paddies stretching off into the distance. If you wish you can return to the temple and bask in the solitude of a lonely temple sunrise. After a local breakfast there is the opportunity to learn more about village life as you experience an ox-cart ride and visit the rice fields, drop-in on the village bee-keeper, stroll around the grounds of the village pagoda, and visit a local organisation that is helping to revive the silk weaving industry. Depending on the time of year you may also wish to assist your host family with their farm activities. You will have a picnic lunch overlooking a large lake where you can spot various birdlife. After lunch you will bid farewell to Banteay Chhmar's local community and head off towards Siem Reap. However, before travelling too far you will stop off at Banteay Top, another wonderful and remote ancient temple. Close to 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. On arrival in Siem Reap you will be dropped-off at your hotel. |
| *The cost of the above tour is $365 (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 (not on arrival back in Siem Reap)
- All entrance fees for attractions included in the above itinerary
- Private air conditioned vehicles
- 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 and from Cambodia
- Cambodian Visa fees (currently $20 per person)
- International airport departure tax (currently $25 per person)
- Expenditure of a personal nature
- Drinks with included meals
- Discretionary tips
- Travel insurance
- Any payment / money transfer charges
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Battambang Encounter: Discover laid-back Battambang, and experience a Banteay Chhmar Homestay... |
