CAMBODIA: ANCIENT TEMPLES & the SEA
from $745*
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9 days / 8 nights
Ref: ATS-9D |
• Majestic Angkor Wat • Royal Walled City • 'Tomb Raider' Temple • Voluptuous Apsaras •
• Floating Villages Cruise • Fascinating Village Life • Charming Phnom Penh • Cyclo Tour •
• The 'Dark' Years • Shanoukville's Beaches • Lazy Islands • Delicious Seafood •
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Day 1: Angkor Thom and the Small Circuit
- / L / -
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On your arrival in Siem Reap you will be met by your guide and go to explore the Small Circuit. This tour includes temples such as: the huge pyramid of Takeo; the jungle-clad Ta Prohm made famous by the Hollywood blockbuster ‘Tomb Raider’; Sras Srang known as the King's bathing pond; Banteay Kdei; and Prasat Kravan an elegant brick temple. After lunch you explore the impressive Royal City of Angkor Thom, where you will find the Bayon, a temple famed for its many gigantic carved faces smiling beguilingly down at you. You will also discover other important sites in this immense walled city, such as: 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 you are free at leisure to explore Siem Reap’s eclectic mix of restaurants and bars. |
Day 2: 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.  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, such as: Preah Khan or ‘Sacred Sword’ one of the largest temples at Angkor with huge corridors extending in every direction; Neak Pean a delicate temple set in a square pool and surrounded on all sides by fountains and ponds; Ta Som and its famous strangler fig tree smothering the eastern gate; and Pre Rup a pleasant spot to experience another Angkor sunset if you wish. This evening you will enjoy dinner and a fascinating Apsara dance show at a local restaurant. |
Day 3: Angkor Wat, Floating Villages & Local Crafts
B / L / -
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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. You will return to town for lunch, after which you will head south to the Tonle Sap lake. On the way 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. After leaving you will see Phnom Krom the large hill looming closer, and enjoy a relaxing cruise on the on the Tonle Sap lake, the largest lake in South East Asia. 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. As you are on the lake you will have the opportunity to watch a beautiful sunset - perfect... You will then return to town where you are free at leisure for the rest of the evening. |
Day 4: Siem Reap to Phnom Penh & Local Lifestyle
B / L / -
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Today you travel by road from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh. On route you will witness the everyday lives of Cambodians as you pass through interesting provincial towns, bucolic villages, and delightful scenery. This is no ‘freeway dash’ as you will often slow down to let cows and water buffalo wander across the road, pass horse drawn carriages, and school kids walking and cycling to/from school. On route you may wish to stop off in Kompong Kdei, to look at Spean Pratos, an ancient Angkorian bridge. Just beyond the halfway point you will stop off in the village of Baray where you will have lunch as well as taking a pony or ox drawn cart to explore the local village. You will visit traditional wooden stilted homes, accompany the local women weaving, watch traditional handicrafts being made, as well as tasting local sweets – a great insight into the ‘real’ Cambodia! Closer to Phnom Penh you may choose to stop at Skoun, also known as ‘Spiderville’ due to the deep fried tarantula that is the local delicacy, are you adventurous enough to try one? Upon arrival in Phnom Penh you will check-in to your hotel after which you are free at leisure for the rest of the evening. |
Day 5: Cyclo Tour of Phnom Penh
B / L / -
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On your first morning in charming Phnom Penh you will be treated to a fun cyclo tour, a traditional mode of transport. Your first stop will be the terracotta red National Museum which offers a charming setting for a comprehensive collection of Khmer artifacts. After this 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, 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! Your cyclo driver will then take you to a local restaurant for lunch. Afterwards it is back in the cyclos as you are pedaled to explore the ochre-coloured, impressive, art-deco Central Market, an iconic Phnom Penh landmark and a fascinating place to wander around. When you are all ‘haggled’ out your cyclo driver will take you to the nearby French Quarter and Wat Phnom, the inconspicuous hill after which the city is named. Today it is topped by a small pagoda and provides a shady area to wander around. Your cyclo driver will then return you to your hotel where you are free for the rest of the evening.
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Day 6: Phnom Penh’s Dark Past & Sihanoukville
B / L / D
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 Today you will learn about the dark side of Cambodia - its more recent turbulent and harrowing history. Initially you 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'. 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 after which you head south to the coastal resort town of Sihanoukville. On arrival in Sihanoukville you will check-in to your hotel and after freshening up you will be taken to a local restaurant for a tasty dinner of fresh seafood. |
Day 7: Discover Sihanoukville’s Islands
B / L / -
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 A laid back day as you explore the beautiful beaches and warm sea of some of the nearby islands such as Koh Takieve, Koh Chroloh, and Koh Russei. As well as swimming you will have the opportunity to fish and snorkel, as well as enjoying a delicious barbeque lunch on one of the islands. Back in Sihanoukville you are free at leisure to discover the beach resorts varied night life. |
Day 8: Sihanoukville Free Day
B / - / -
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Today you are fee at leisure to explore and relax on the beaches of Sihanoukville… |
Day 9: Sihanoukville to Phnom Penh
B / - / -
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This morning you transfer back to Phnom Penh to connect with your onward flight, leaving Cambodia having had many fascinating experiences and with many wonderful memories! |
| *The cost of the above tour is $745 (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
- All accommodation based on 2 sharing a room
- Private air conditioned vehicles
- English speaking local guides
- All entrance fees for attractions included in the above itinerary
- All boat trips
- Daily drinking water & cool face towels 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 / from Cambodia
- Cambodian Visa fees
- International airport departure tax
- Drinks with included meals
- Expenditure of a personal nature
- Discretionary tips
- Travel insurance
- Any payment / money transfer charges
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Cambodia: Ancient Temples & the Sea - 9 Day Tour
Click here for a personalised quote of our Cambodia: Ancient Temples & the Sea - 9 Day Tour |
