asia natural tours 16 day around cambodia · bayon, and baphuon temples. angkor thom was the...

Asia Natural Tours – Where your travel style meets responsible luxury !

Your liable travel partner in Cambodia.

Asia Natural Tours,

Bakheng road, Svaydangkum, Siem Reap, Kingdom of Cambodia

Hotline: +855 (0) 77 524 777 Email: [email protected]

Website: www.asianaturaltours.com

16 Day Around Cambodia Name: Cambodia Heritage Releaved Tours Date: 2015 - 2016 Consultant: Mr. Samnang Chhon Guide: English speaking guide

ITINERARY

DAY 1 ARRIVAL – PHNOM PENH [-/-/D] Arrival in Phnom Penh airport and meet your English speaking guide. Transfer to

hotel for check-in. **Official check-in time at 14h00, early check-in subject to room available.

Rest of the day, free at leisure (no bus nor guide at disposal) Dinner at the hotel.

Accommodation at the hotel in Phnom Penh.

DAY 2 PHNOM PENH [B/L/-] Breakfast at hotel.

Start the visit Phnom Penh by Cyclo: Royal Palace, Silver Pagoda and National Museum.

Royal Palace was built in 1866 by the French. Among various buildings within the walls the Throne Hall ranks as most important. This Khmer-style building was

erected only in 1917. It is used only on special occasions. Attached to the Throne Hall is a tower, 59 meters high.

Silver Pagoda (or the temple of the Emerald Buddha), formerly a wooden building,

was rebuilt in 1962 in concrete and marble. The pagoda is floored with over 5000 silver tiles each weighing 1 kilo. It is famous for its 90 kg solid gold Buddha made in 1907 and an emerald Buddha said to be made of baccarant crystal.

Note: During the visit of Royal Palace – visitors should wear shirts or blouse covering shoulders and arms and long skirts and trousers covering legs (no miniskirt or short trousers). Visit of Royal Palace is subject to be reconfirmed if the King is in residence or during traditional events.

Continue with the National Museum of Arts is to the North of the palace grounds, on the opposite side of 184th street. The building was designed in Khmer-style in 1920 by a French architect. The most important artefacts are sculptures from the

Angkor era and before.



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Lunch at local restaurant.

In the afternoon, visit Tuol Sleng and Wat Phnom.

The Khmer Rouge as a detention and torture centre used Tuol Sleng, known as the Museum of Genocide Crimes in the late 1970. Today the building houses exhibits, paintings and photographs of many of the victims. Visitors can see the crude cells

built in the classrooms and the torture devices used to extract confessions in Stalinesque purges of the regime.

Located on a man-made hill twenty seven meters high in the middle of Phnom Penh, Wat Phnom is a revered place of worship for all Khmers and is the namesake of the capital. The original pagoda was built in 1373 to house four Buddha statues said

to have been deposited by the waters of the Mekong.

Sunset Cruise and dinner on the Golden Cruise or similar cruise.

Accommodation at the hotel in Phnom Penh.



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DAY 3 PHNOM PENH – BATTAMBANG - OVERLAND TRANSFER [B/L/-] Breakfast at hotel.

Transfer to Battambang by road (291 Km, approximately 8 hours including the visits and lunch along the road).

On the way, visit Oudong, in a very nice and hilly setting, this old capital of the Khmer Kingdom, from 1618 to 1866, remains, despite recent destructions, one of the most treasured sites for Cambodians. Oudong consists mainly of temples and

stupas containing ashes of several kings and very precious Buddha relics. The walk up to the hills provides an excellent view on the surrounding rice fields and

pagodas.

Lunch at local restaurant along the way.

After lunch, continue the trip and stop at Kampong Chhnang for visit of the Pottery Village. View traditional pottery production and ancient firing of pottery items.

Continue to Battambang province and transfer to the hotel for check-in.

Dinner on own account.

Accommodation at the hotel in Battambang.

DAY 4 BATTAMBANG [B/L/-] Breakfast at hotel. Transfer to Bamboo Train station.

The Bamboo train has been set up by the villagers to facilitate the transportation of goods. The train is very basic. One bamboo platform on 4 wheels is activated by a



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small motor. Sitting on the platform, you will travel the 8 km to the next station through beautiful landscape and rice paddies. On arrival,

visit the village and discover the daily life of the Cambodian countryside.

Lunch at local restaurant. In the afternoon, visit the village of Wat Kor, a very old traditional Khmer house. It

dates from 1920, you can exchange with the owner who will tell you the story of this house made of precious wood, which has escaped from destruction during the Khmer Rouge. The village is typical of many houses of the Last Century, is home to

fruit vendors and farmers who daily come to the market to sell their crops.

Then continue to visit Phnom Sampov. Phnom means "Mountain" in Khmer. "Sampov" means ship. Phnom Sampeau is a

striking limestone mountain and an important religious site known throughout all Cambodia. It is a pleasant place to visit despite its tragic past. Especially the panoramic view from the top over the countryside is truly breath taking. On the top

of the mountain you will see a pagoda and many stupas as well as various shrines and grottos. During the Khmer Rouge period the mountain was used as a place to kill the enemies of the regime. You will see a memorial to the victims in the “killing

caves”. Visit the bat cave, offers an amazing spectacle around 5pm.


Accommodation at the hotel in Battambang.

DAY 5 SIEM REAP – BATTAMBANG [-/L/-] Breakfast at the hotel.

Embark on the Cambodian traditional wooden boat and cruise to Prek Toal floating community to Battambang / Siem Reap by

waterway or have a day trip, “the single most important breeding ground in Southeast Asia for globally threatened large water birds, the

bird sanctuary at the Prek Toal core area of the Tonle Sap



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Biosphere Reserve” birdwatching is a must to do. The Biosphere covers 31,282 hectares at the northwest tip of the Tonle Sap Lake and plays host to species including Greater and Lesser Adjuncts, Black-headed Ibis, Painted Stork, Milky Stork,

Spot-billed Pelican, Grey-Headed Fish Eagle and many more species. Prek Toal is the most popular with birdwatchers. The best time to explore is the dry season between December to May when flocks of migratory birds congregate at Prek Toal.

While the dry season progresses and the water recedes, the number of birds increase, but the tour to some of the more important viewing areas becomes more difficult.

Basic ppicnic lunch on board.

After the visit ride on the Tonle Sap great lake, with a visit to one of the floating villages until sunset. You will go through the floating

houses, pagoda, crocodile‟s farms, floating schools, and emerging into the inundated forests. The natural wonder of Tonle Sap offers

an insight into the old tradition of riparian life and the natural splendor of the countryside.

After the visit transfer back to the hotel

Dinner on your own.

Overnight at the hotel in Siem Reap.

DAY 6 SIEM REAP [B/L/D] Breakfast at hotel.

Early in the morning transfer to visit Ta Prom temple at dawn. Ta Phrom, one of the

most illustrious temple, built in the mid-12th to early 13th century, Ta Phrom is unique, it has been left almost as it was found: overgrown

by jungle trees and vines, with many parts of the temples crumbling to the ground. This makes the „Tomb Raider temple‟ one of the

most picturesque and memorable of the Angkor temples.

Transfer back to the hotel for breakfast and relax.

Later this morning, transfer to Angkor Wat temple for a peaceful visit !

Cambodia's ancient temple city is one of the wonders of the oriental world. Masterpieces of decorative details as well as of architectural

style, its awe-inspiring ruins survive as testament to the spectacular achievements of



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Southeast Asia's greatest civilization. It is a replica of the universe according to the Hindu mythology. It is composed by the Mount Meru, surrounded by the continents and the oceans. Its extraordinary bas-reliefs, describe some Khmer epics and myths.

Transfer back to in town for lunch.

Enjoy a Khmer discovery menu lunch at Champey restaurant or similar

After a proper lunch, transfer to the hotel for refreshing and transfer to Angkor Thom temples complex for the quiet and peaceful

time.

Visit the South Gate of Angkor Thom, Bayon, and Baphuon temples. Angkor Thom was the capital of the Khmer empire and its massive 8 meters high

walls surround an area filled with temples. Set in the center of this area is Bayon, whose massive towers are carved with enigmatic faces.

Visit the Baphuon temple, the state temple of King Udayadityavarman II. It is located in the old Khmer capital city Angkor Thom, between the Royal Palace and the Prasat Bayon. The sandstone monument that was dedicated to Shiva is in the

shape of a stepped pyramid.

When the temple was converted into a

Buddhist temple in the 15th century, part of the Baphuon was demolished and the stones used to build a Buddha image on the

West end of the temple. The very large reclining Buddha image, which shape is

difficult to make out, was never completed. After the visit, transfer back to the hotel for freshening up.

Dinner at Phare Café and enjoy one hour Cambodian Circus show at Phare

NGO

Option: Phare: The Cambodian Circus Show in Siem

Reap (1h15) (see supplement) After successful tours around the world famous

Phare Cambodian Circus young and talented artists performed in Siem Reap with even more energetic and unique performances in the very

heart of the Cradle and Civilization of Cambodia!

Watch what Trip Advisor talked about it : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8JY79r-GnCw

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8JY79r-GnCw



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Accommodation at hotel in Siem Reap.

DAY 7 SIEM REAP [B/L/D] Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to visit Banteay Srei, one of Angkor‟s highlights. This temple contains the

finest, most intricate carvings to be found in Angkor. Located in a remote area the temple was

rediscovered in 1914 and cleared some 10 years later. It was reconstructed using the method of anastylosis by French conservator Henri Marchal

during the 1930‟s. Today the Banteay Srei is a very well preserved monument. Its exquisite ornamentations that cover most of the temple

show great skill and precision.

Along the way to this temple, you will have the possibilities to observe the typical Cambodian villages, and the daily life activities including the techniques of making Cambodian palm sugar. Stop at Preah Dach to see the Cambodian noodle street vendors

Along the way, visit the Cambodian Landmine Museum Relief Facility

(CLMMRF). Beyond the museum, it is also a home that provides education and support for dozens of at-risk youth and landmine affected children rescued by the

CLMMRF NGO. Many children who are part of this family suffered overwhelming hardships. The Cambodian Landmine Museum Relief Facility was created so that it might serve as a place of healing for bodies, hearts and minds. Your visit will be already contribution to the love, support and education that will help secure a better opportunity for the children that live here. Lunch at Mahob restaurant – to witness the Khmer Homemade cuisine



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Afternoon free or taking some of the options as following :

Option 1 : Visit a German foundation supported local community project : Angkor Kids Center (www.angkorkidscenter.org), a rural community center for community development focusing on education, life skills, and environment next to Angkor

temples, supported by German foundation called Helpucation Foundation.

Option 2 : Quad Ride, rides around Siem Reap involve rice fields at sunset, pretty temples, and

back roads through traditional villages where children wave and shout. 1/ EASY RIDE – 21 KM/1H15++

A 21 Kilometre easy ride that takes you around the beautiful Wat Athwea pagoda. The tour will take the easiest routes, so even if you are a little nervous of riding a

quad, you will find it fun. 2/ DISCOVERY RIDE – 45 KM/2H15++

This 45 Kilometre trip through the countryside surrounding Siem Reap is a perfect way to discover the area and what it is like ride an All Terrain Vehicle.

Option 3 : Visit the Artisans d‟Angkor (www.artisansdangkor.com) and local market, Artisans Angkor has developed from the ambitious belief that it is possible to revive ancient Khmer Arts & Crafts while improving the lives of thousands of people living in rural

areas. Option 4 : Be amazed by the enormous scale of the World Heritage site of Angkor. The 14

minutes flights also take in views of Bakheng Mountain , Sras Srang , Pre Rup temple. Ta Som temple or Bantey Samre temple and the picturesque Eastern Mebon.

Dinner with Apsara dance show at Por Cuisine restaurant to witness the

Cambodian Arts. Overnight at the hotel in Siem Reap.

DAY 8 SIEM REAP - BENG MEALEA - KOH KER - PREAH VIHEAR Breakfast at the hotel.

Departure from Siem Reap to Beng Mealea, the remote temple (60 Km/around 1h40mn – Paved road).

Visit Beng Mealea temple (11th C.). The sprawling jungle

temple covering over one square kilometer is largely

overrun by vegetation. Constructed in a distinctly Angkor Wat style, Beng Melea preceded and may have served as a prototype for Angkor Wat.

Departure from Beng Mealea for Koh Ker temples.

Visit Koh Ker temples, single pyramid temple dates from the late 9th to mid-12th centuries for 3 hours

http://www.angkorkidscenter.org/

http://www.artisansdangkor.com/



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include lunch time. This area is covered with over 80 ruined temples, this being the most impressive one. Simple in structure, it lacks

the extreme sophistication of later twelfth and thirteenth-century. It is a stunning temple but, of course, getting there is most of the

fun.

Lunch at local restaurant on your own.

After the visit departure from Koh Ker (71Km/around 1h10mn-Paved and Red soil road) to Sa Aem via Tbaeng Meancheay, the Preah Vihea provincial town.

Dinner at the hotel.

Accommodation at the hotel in Preah Vihea.

DAY 9 PREAH VIHEAR – KOMPONG THOM Breakfast on your own.

Drive up to the hill to visit the amazing Khmer ancient temples of Preah Vihear, the recent UNESCO listing temple after Angkor, located on the sacred mountain of Dong Rek mountain ranges, overlooking the greatest landscape view of Cambodian and

Thai territory.

After the visit, drive with guide from Preah Vihear to visit of Grand Preah Khan or Preah Khan Kampong Svay (around 260 Km – 3h30).

Arrival Preah Khan Kampong Svay, continue to visit of Temple complex Prasat Preah Stung (Prohm) located around 2km from Preah Khan temple.

First stop at Prasat Preah Stung (Prohm) Temple and driving back-forth in the

complex through the forest path for at least four hours to cover the five discovered temples. Secondly, heading West to the Boeng Sre (Sre Lake) or so called Lotus pond where there is a temple nearby on its bank called Prasat Sre temple, on a

minded path with the wiped naughty sticks. Drive back to Preah Khan or Prasat Thom temple, the most impressive temple

to visit, it has a huge compound, surrounding with a great wall mixing up with vines and small plantation. The seriously ruined temple towers lost in the big and thick jungles. Have a speechless stand in the great monument consoling by the birds

singing and flocks of cows eating the fresh green grass and vegetation in the temples area.



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Visit of Dom Rey Temple and Boeng Preah Dak or Boeng Preah Domrey Lake. Domrey temple and the other sensible way to call is Baray, the water

reservoir. Continue driving along the Southern dyke to the western bank of the lake for 4km in

the middle of the Baray to see prasat Preah Khkol temple, passing a very nice Khmer traditional public resident house where the lunch should be served just nearby the water irrigation system half way of prasat Preah Khkol and Domrey

temple.

Visit of Mebon temple located on the hill is a single undestroyed tower with a

Garuda bas-relief. Walk up around 5 minute to reach the temple.

Picnic lunch on site.

Then, direct transfer to Kompong Thom provincial town.


Accommodation at the hotel in Kompong Thom.

DAY 10 KOMPONG THOM - KRATIE Breakfast at the hotel.

Transfer to visit of Prasat Sambor Prei Kuk, site pre-angkorien (7th C) in Kompong Thom province, the complex of Ishanapura is composed of 4 groups of

temples. These are among the most ancient surviving examples of Khmer architectures.

After the visit transfer directly from Kampong Thom to Kratie via Kampong Cham (about 245 km – around 3h00) pass by Chhlong.

Lunch on own account along the way.

Stop at Chup: the biggest and famous rubber plantation in Cambodia which belongs long time ago to Michelin Company.



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Arrival at Kratie drive approximately 38 km to the Sambor Market, 100 meters after the market in the 100 Pillar Pagoda, the Mekong Turtle Conservation Center is

towards the rear of the pagoda grounds. Continue to Kratie, a small town famous for the Irrawaddy Doplhins, a rare species

only found in Myanmar, Laos and Cambodia. Jump on a local boat to catch glimpses of Mekong River Dolphins. If you‟re very

lucky you may spot a dolphin trail. They spend the dry season in deep pool refuges north of Kratie. Jump on a boat that will take you closer to these shy, sensitive mammals.

NOTES: DO NOT DISTURB. Make sure your river guide turns off the motor when you get

within 100m of the dolphins – they will appreciate the quiet. If you listen carefully you might hear a dolphin breathe through the blowhole on the top of its head.

After the visit take a local ferry from Kratie waterfront to Koh Trong Island for you to have a very personal way to experience the home life and daily rituals of Khmer villages are to stay at local home-stay.

Dinner at the homestay.

Accommodation at homestay.

DAY 11 KRATIE – PHNOM PENH - DEPARTURE

Breakfast at the homestay.

This morning bike ride or horse cart (2h30 visit) on a trail shaded relaxation (9km circuit) and discovery of local rural life.

Continue your bike ride. You can join the project activities Reforestation in the pagoda Wat Kbal Koh Trong Ty Pram. Here you plant a tree by putting your name

on a wooden plate next to the plant. In the future, you can return to the island to see the progress of your tree.

Transfer back to Phnom Penh for your departure flight (about 164 km approx. 3 hour drive).

Arrival in Phnom Penh and transfer directly to Phnom Penh International airport for your departure flight.

Option : Cambodian Beach Extension Arrival in Phnom Penh and transfer to check in at the hotel in Phnom Penh.


Overnight at the hotel in Phnom Penh.



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DAY 12 PHNOM PENH - KEP [-/L/-] Breakfast at the hotel.

Overland transfer through the countryside with your private English speaking guide to Kep province (About 159 km via Takeo province, approx. 3 hour drive).

Drive out off Phnom Penh about 62 km, where you can climb up to the top of the mountain to explore pre-Angkorian temple Phnom Chiso.

Constructed in the 11th century of laterite and bricks with carved sandstone lintels, the complex is surrounded by the partially ruined walls of a

two and a half meter wide gallery with inward facing windows. As with the other hilltop temples

there are spectacular views of the surrounding countryside.

Continue to Takeo province where you will have lunch at local restaurant.

After a lunch break, take a speedboat to Phnom

Da Hill, explore the four caves with shrines carved into the walls before reaching Phnom Da temple, a pre-Angkorian laterite tower (6th

Century). You will also visit the Asram Maharosei, an Indian-style sandstone temple constructed in a style unlike any other temple in Cambodia.

Return to Takeo by speedboat then drive straightly to Kep (about 1:20 hour drive).

En route, take a visit Kampong Trach cave (Phnom Penh Bak, Kroh Pea Neak, Roung Srae

Muayroy). These mountain areas of Kompong Trach were one of the last Khmer Rouge holdouts. The area‟s main attraction is series of

limestone caves and tubes that have been carved into a nearly mountain. This mountain also has many attractive caves inside which are showing

in different histories. Kep is prestigious seaside resort and a former playground of the French and Cambodia elite of the 1960s. It remains best known

for its fresh crab and the sunsets across the bay to Bokor National Park are stunning and the choice of your activities including boat trip to islands of Kep peninsula.

Upon arrival directly to hotel for check in, the rest of the day is free at leisure. Dinner on own account.

Overnight at hotel in Kep.

DAY 13 KEP - RABBIT ISLAND - KEP [B/L/-] Breakfast at hotel.



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A short boat trip about 30 min off Kep, Rabbit Island “Koh Tonsai” has the nicest

beach island. Spend the day at leisure and exploring the island with beautiful

tropical beach. A fresh seafood lunch will be served at local restaurant on the island.

Picnic lunch on the beach.

Mid-afternoon, return to Kep and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.


Accommodation at hotel in KEP.

DAY 14 KEP - KAMPOT - SIHANOUKVILLE [B/L/-] Breakfast at hotel.

Visit Kampot Town and local market. Then continue to visit pepper farm. Lunch at local restaurant.

Leave Kampot for Sihanoukville.

Kampot – Sihanoukville: 114 kms, driving time is around 1h53mns. Check-in at the hotel upon arrival and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.


Accommodation at hotel in Sihanoukville

DAY 15 SIHANOUKVILLE - KOH KONG

Breakfast at hotel.

Free time at the beach on your own activities. Lunch and dinner on own account.

Accommodation at hotel in Sihanoukville

DAY 16 SIHANOUKVILLE - PHNOM PENH - DEPARTURE



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Breakfast at hotel. Transfer to Sihanoukville Airport for domestic flight to Phnom Penh for your

departure flight from Cambodia.

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asia natural tours 16 day around cambodia · bayon, and baphuon temples. angkor thom was the...

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