Discovery Eastern Cambodia
An overland trip that captures the grandeur of historical kingdoms and the beautiful countryside. From Phnom Penh, we across the rural lands of Cambodia to a nice beach city Sihanoukville and the charming town of Kompong Thom before arriving at the magnificence of Angkor Temples. It is an interesting adventure since this part of the country receive very few visitors.
Tour brief
- Day 1 : Arrival – Phnom Penh
- Day 2 : Phnom Penh – Takeo – Kompot
- Day 3 : Kompot – Ream National Park – Sihanouk Ville
- Day 4 : Sihanouk Ville – Phnom Penh
- Day 5 : Phnom Penh Exploration
- Day 6 : Phnom Penh – Kompong Thom – Siem Reap
- Day 7 : Siem Reap Exploration
- Day 8 : Siem Reap Exploration
- Day 9 : Siem Reap Exploration
- Day 10: Siem Reap – Departure
PRICE AND BOOKING
Tours & Packages | 2-3 pax | 4-6 pax | from 7 pax | |
---|---|---|---|---|
3 star hotels | 2-3 pax$982 | 4-6 pax$945 | from 7 pax$924 | Tour Enquiry |
4 star hotels | 2-3 pax$1179 | 4-6 pax$1143 | from 7 pax$1121 | Tour Enquiry |
5 star hotels | 2-3 pax$1385 | 4-6 pax$1368 | from 7 pax$1335 | Tour Enquiry |
Itinerary
Day 1 : Phnom Penh Arrival (L,D)
Arrive Phnom Penh by afternoon flight, 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.
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.
Day 2 : Phnom Penh - Angko Borei - Kompot (B,L,D)
This morning you leave Phnom Penh and head south initially visiting Tonle Bati where you can explore the small yet picturesque Angkorian temple of Ta Prohm. On the banks of the nearby river are a line of bamboo shacks with hammocks, a great place for a relaxing drink. We get on our car to the quiet town of Takeo before taking a short cruise to Angkor Borei town, located just a few kilometer navigation from the Vietnam border. There is a small museum which displays several reproductions of sculptures from the nearby ruins and few artifacts dating as far back as the 4th century. After seeing this pleasant place, we continue our boat trip to visit a pre-Angkorian style temple of Phnom Da and a nearby temple of Asram Maharosei. The steep path over some big rocks makes Asram Maharosei different from other temples in Cambodia. You then continue south following the picturesque drive to KEP. The southern coast of Cambodia, edging the border with Vietnam, once served as a glamorous seaside resort for the French in the early 1900s. Evocative of the French Riviera towns along the Mediterranean coast; the towns of Kep, Sihanoukville and Kampot have tree-lined, wide roads fringing the ocean, large statues, luxury villas, casinos and even a palace overlooking the Gulf of Thailand. Overnight in KOMPOT.
DAy 3 : Kompot - Sihanouk Ville (B,L,D)
- Kompot town, situated on the Teuk Chhou River (also called Prek Thom River) at 5 kilometers from the sea, is the capital of Kampot province.
- Off the tourist track, it has the charm of a small provincial town with colonial style houses. The French called it the 'Perle de la Cote d'Agate'.
- Kampot is the durian growing region of Cambodia. It has the best durian of Cambodia, Thailand or Vietnam, but there are plentiful of other fruits available, such as mangosteen, rambutan, Mak Prang, pineapple, grapefruit, custard apple and coconut. It is also the centre of the Cambodian pepper culture. Kampot’s Chamkar Mrich or pepper farms are renowned for producing one of the world's finest peppers.
We then travel by roads along the southern coast towards Sihanouk Ville, which has long been a place of relaxation for Cambodians.
Enjoy a pleasant day away from the crowds in Ream National Park, just 30 minutes away from Sihanoukville. Here, take a boat trip through the stunning mangrove forest and on to a beautiful stretch of tropical sand beach in the National Park area. Relax for a bit over here and take in the natural beauty of this place, before continuing to Sihanouk Ville. Overnight in Sihanouk Ville.
Day 4 : Sihanouk Ville - Phnom Penh (B,L,D)
To day we have a half day free for relaxation. Off the beach you can rent a boat to explore the nearby coastal islands or the Ream national park which is well known for the mangrove forest and the eco-system. These optional activities are not included, however our guide will be on hand to advise you with valuable information. In the early afternoon we depart Sihanouk Ville for Phnom Penh and traverse the spectacular rural landscape.
Day 5 : Phnom Penh City Tour (B,L,D)
Visit Tuol Sleng prison (Genocide Museum) was the most secret organ of the Khmer Rouge regime. S-21 stands for "Security Office 21." was Angkar's premier security institution, specifically designed for the interrogation and extermination of anti Angkar elements. Continue to visit Choeung Ek museum, between 1975 and 1978 about 17,000 men, women, children and infants detained and tortured at S-21 prison were transported to the extermination camp of Choeung Ek. Then shopping at Toul Tompong Market (called Russian Market), so-named because of the prevalence of items from the Eastern Bloc in past times, the Russian Market today is a treasure trove for tourists, that you will feel a bustling daily life of local people with Cambodian’s special character through local specialties, their houses, their face.
We will enjoy a cruise for view sunset on the Mekong and Tonle Sap River (1 hour). Situated at the “Four Arms” where the Mekong meets the Tonle Sap River before splitting into tow branches, Phnom Penh offers the ideal location to discover the mighty Mekong. Board a nicely restored wooden boat for a day cruise, enjoy the unspoiled landscapes along each bank and visit the traditional villages with their old pagodas on the islands.
Day 6 : Phnom Penh - Kompong Thom - Siem Reap (B,L,D)
This morning, drive to Skuon town for a sampling of sautéed spiders, a local delicacy. On the way you will visit Sambor Prei Kuk. Sambor Prei Kuk – which is dotted with hundred Pre-Angkor styled temples. The site, part of the Chenla Kingdom, includes an area of nearly 1000 acres enclosed by double walls, and hundreds temples and towers; its construction predates Angkor Wat by several centuries. The road conditions are very poor, but the spectacular scenery, with a mixture of temples and forest makes the hardship all worthwhile. After seeing this landmark we make our way towards Siem Reap and pass through various Khmer traditional villages. On the way visit archeological “Naga Bridge” at Kompong Kdei.
Day 7 : Siem Reap - Angkor Wat (B,L,D)
Early morning we start witness sunrise over Angkor Wat temple and listening singing birds over the ancient land of Angkor area. We walk to nearby Pagoda and offering food to monks. After monks finished breakfast we start enjoy our breakfast box on the ground floor of pagoda, jasmine tea will be served in the peaceful of pagoda. Spend your own time talk to the monk and nuns to exchange the culture or relieve.
- We continue to visit the fabulous Ta Prohm embraced by the roots of enormous fig trees and gigantic creepers
- Prasat Kravan – with its unique brick sculptures
- Srah Srang – The Royal Baths" was once used for ritual bathing
- Banteay Kdei – Surrounded by four concentric walls
- Thommanon and Chaosay Tevorda temple
- 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 it 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.
Day 8 : Siem Reap - Angkor Wat (B,L,D)
We start on our bike and cycle (45 minutes for cycling) to world heritage areas on the roads less travelled. Ride among the jungle passing local village and local shop. It’s a very special and acting 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 Mont Meru
- The Royal Enclosure, Phimeanakas
- The Elephant Terrace and the Terrace of the Leper King
The tour start with the visiting to 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, we embark on Elephant ride up Bakheng hill and visit Bakheng Temple and enjoy a romantic sun set view form Bakheng hill.
Enjoy 1hour foot massage & walking at busy pub street where you can find many bars for cool drink or shopping at Angkor Night Market.
Day 9 : Siem Reap - Tonle Sap Lake (B,L,D)
Today, this is a chance to make a difference and see so much more. Your chance to really see what real life is like in a Cambodian Village. We start our trip early toward a local village by driving through local villages, pass rice plantations and herds of cows or buffalo. We are happy to stop along the way allowing you to capture some great photo opportunities. Arriving at the Village, we meet our host family for the day. This tour program provides them with a sustainable stream of income, and creates opportunities for the entire village. Life in a Cambodian village revolves around the seasons. Rice planting makes way for harvest and then rice sorting and husking. For the next few hours we help the host family complete their daily tasks. We head to a local school and Pagoda. This is a great chance to meet some very friendly children and give them the chance to practice their English skills! The tour of the Pagoda provides an interesting insight into Buddhism and its role in the daily lives of the Khmer people. We embark on Ox cart to visiting the Khmer Village and enjoy view of the rice field and a lots of palm trees with great fresh air. We board on boat in Tonle Sap Lake. Here, enjoy a brief cruise past floating villages complete with schools, restaurants, and hospitals.
Day 10 : Siem Reap Departure (B,L)
Today we have a long journey west to the Beng Melea district. Beng Mealea lies at the foot of the southern cliff of Phnom Kulen, 40kms east of Angkor, on the road to the great Preah Khan. It was the starting point of canal which led to the great lake, “Tonle Sap Lake”, which probably used to float the sandstone blocks from nearby quarries downstream to build many of the Angkorian monuments. On the way we take motorbike about twenty-minute ride into the bamboo forest from the village is a series of Angkorian reliefs carved into the southern cliff of Phnom Kulen, the quality of the work and their preservation is remarkable and the danger of inevitable of the site makes them all the more precious. It is undiscovered tourist site in Angkor areas. We continue to visit Beng Mealea temple, this 12th century temple is enclosed by a moat that is nearly the size of Angkor Wat, but utterly subsumed by jungle. Many of the carvings have recently been plundered due to the temple’s isolation, but that doesn’t detract from the atmosphere.
Transfer to Siem Reap airport for departure to next destination. Say goodbye to your Cambodian guide and driver. Goodbye Cambodia!!!!
Arrive Phnom Penh by afternoon flight, 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.
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.
Day 2 : Phnom Penh - Angko Borei - Kompot (B,L,D)
This morning you leave Phnom Penh and head south initially visiting Tonle Bati where you can explore the small yet picturesque Angkorian temple of Ta Prohm. On the banks of the nearby river are a line of bamboo shacks with hammocks, a great place for a relaxing drink. We get on our car to the quiet town of Takeo before taking a short cruise to Angkor Borei town, located just a few kilometer navigation from the Vietnam border. There is a small museum which displays several reproductions of sculptures from the nearby ruins and few artifacts dating as far back as the 4th century. After seeing this pleasant place, we continue our boat trip to visit a pre-Angkorian style temple of Phnom Da and a nearby temple of Asram Maharosei. The steep path over some big rocks makes Asram Maharosei different from other temples in Cambodia. You then continue south following the picturesque drive to KEP. The southern coast of Cambodia, edging the border with Vietnam, once served as a glamorous seaside resort for the French in the early 1900s. Evocative of the French Riviera towns along the Mediterranean coast; the towns of Kep, Sihanoukville and Kampot have tree-lined, wide roads fringing the ocean, large statues, luxury villas, casinos and even a palace overlooking the Gulf of Thailand. Overnight in KOMPOT.
DAy 3 : Kompot - Sihanouk Ville (B,L,D)
- Kompot town, situated on the Teuk Chhou River (also called Prek Thom River) at 5 kilometers from the sea, is the capital of Kampot province.
- Off the tourist track, it has the charm of a small provincial town with colonial style houses. The French called it the 'Perle de la Cote d'Agate'.
- Kampot is the durian growing region of Cambodia. It has the best durian of Cambodia, Thailand or Vietnam, but there are plentiful of other fruits available, such as mangosteen, rambutan, Mak Prang, pineapple, grapefruit, custard apple and coconut. It is also the centre of the Cambodian pepper culture. Kampot’s Chamkar Mrich or pepper farms are renowned for producing one of the world's finest peppers.
We then travel by roads along the southern coast towards Sihanouk Ville, which has long been a place of relaxation for Cambodians.
Enjoy a pleasant day away from the crowds in Ream National Park, just 30 minutes away from Sihanoukville. Here, take a boat trip through the stunning mangrove forest and on to a beautiful stretch of tropical sand beach in the National Park area. Relax for a bit over here and take in the natural beauty of this place, before continuing to Sihanouk Ville. Overnight in Sihanouk Ville.
Day 4 : Sihanouk Ville - Phnom Penh (B,L,D)
To day we have a half day free for relaxation. Off the beach you can rent a boat to explore the nearby coastal islands or the Ream national park which is well known for the mangrove forest and the eco-system. These optional activities are not included, however our guide will be on hand to advise you with valuable information. In the early afternoon we depart Sihanouk Ville for Phnom Penh and traverse the spectacular rural landscape.
Day 5 : Phnom Penh City Tour (B,L,D)
Visit Tuol Sleng prison (Genocide Museum) was the most secret organ of the Khmer Rouge regime. S-21 stands for "Security Office 21." was Angkar's premier security institution, specifically designed for the interrogation and extermination of anti Angkar elements. Continue to visit Choeung Ek museum, between 1975 and 1978 about 17,000 men, women, children and infants detained and tortured at S-21 prison were transported to the extermination camp of Choeung Ek. Then shopping at Toul Tompong Market (called Russian Market), so-named because of the prevalence of items from the Eastern Bloc in past times, the Russian Market today is a treasure trove for tourists, that you will feel a bustling daily life of local people with Cambodian’s special character through local specialties, their houses, their face.
We will enjoy a cruise for view sunset on the Mekong and Tonle Sap River (1 hour). Situated at the “Four Arms” where the Mekong meets the Tonle Sap River before splitting into tow branches, Phnom Penh offers the ideal location to discover the mighty Mekong. Board a nicely restored wooden boat for a day cruise, enjoy the unspoiled landscapes along each bank and visit the traditional villages with their old pagodas on the islands.
Day 6 : Phnom Penh - Kompong Thom - Siem Reap (B,L,D)
This morning, drive to Skuon town for a sampling of sautéed spiders, a local delicacy. On the way you will visit Sambor Prei Kuk. Sambor Prei Kuk – which is dotted with hundred Pre-Angkor styled temples. The site, part of the Chenla Kingdom, includes an area of nearly 1000 acres enclosed by double walls, and hundreds temples and towers; its construction predates Angkor Wat by several centuries. The road conditions are very poor, but the spectacular scenery, with a mixture of temples and forest makes the hardship all worthwhile. After seeing this landmark we make our way towards Siem Reap and pass through various Khmer traditional villages. On the way visit archeological “Naga Bridge” at Kompong Kdei.
Day 7 : Siem Reap - Angkor Wat (B,L,D)
Early morning we start witness sunrise over Angkor Wat temple and listening singing birds over the ancient land of Angkor area. We walk to nearby Pagoda and offering food to monks. After monks finished breakfast we start enjoy our breakfast box on the ground floor of pagoda, jasmine tea will be served in the peaceful of pagoda. Spend your own time talk to the monk and nuns to exchange the culture or relieve.
- We continue to visit the fabulous Ta Prohm embraced by the roots of enormous fig trees and gigantic creepers
- Prasat Kravan – with its unique brick sculptures
- Srah Srang – The Royal Baths" was once used for ritual bathing
- Banteay Kdei – Surrounded by four concentric walls
- Thommanon and Chaosay Tevorda temple
- 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 it 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.
Day 8 : Siem Reap - Angkor Wat (B,L,D)
We start on our bike and cycle (45 minutes for cycling) to world heritage areas on the roads less travelled. Ride among the jungle passing local village and local shop. It’s a very special and acting 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 Mont Meru
- The Royal Enclosure, Phimeanakas
- The Elephant Terrace and the Terrace of the Leper King
The tour start with the visiting to 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, we embark on Elephant ride up Bakheng hill and visit Bakheng Temple and enjoy a romantic sun set view form Bakheng hill.
Enjoy 1hour foot massage & walking at busy pub street where you can find many bars for cool drink or shopping at Angkor Night Market.
Day 9 : Siem Reap - Tonle Sap Lake (B,L,D)
Today, this is a chance to make a difference and see so much more. Your chance to really see what real life is like in a Cambodian Village. We start our trip early toward a local village by driving through local villages, pass rice plantations and herds of cows or buffalo. We are happy to stop along the way allowing you to capture some great photo opportunities. Arriving at the Village, we meet our host family for the day. This tour program provides them with a sustainable stream of income, and creates opportunities for the entire village. Life in a Cambodian village revolves around the seasons. Rice planting makes way for harvest and then rice sorting and husking. For the next few hours we help the host family complete their daily tasks. We head to a local school and Pagoda. This is a great chance to meet some very friendly children and give them the chance to practice their English skills! The tour of the Pagoda provides an interesting insight into Buddhism and its role in the daily lives of the Khmer people. We embark on Ox cart to visiting the Khmer Village and enjoy view of the rice field and a lots of palm trees with great fresh air. We board on boat in Tonle Sap Lake. Here, enjoy a brief cruise past floating villages complete with schools, restaurants, and hospitals.
Day 10 : Siem Reap Departure (B,L)
Today we have a long journey west to the Beng Melea district. Beng Mealea lies at the foot of the southern cliff of Phnom Kulen, 40kms east of Angkor, on the road to the great Preah Khan. It was the starting point of canal which led to the great lake, “Tonle Sap Lake”, which probably used to float the sandstone blocks from nearby quarries downstream to build many of the Angkorian monuments. On the way we take motorbike about twenty-minute ride into the bamboo forest from the village is a series of Angkorian reliefs carved into the southern cliff of Phnom Kulen, the quality of the work and their preservation is remarkable and the danger of inevitable of the site makes them all the more precious. It is undiscovered tourist site in Angkor areas. We continue to visit Beng Mealea temple, this 12th century temple is enclosed by a moat that is nearly the size of Angkor Wat, but utterly subsumed by jungle. Many of the carvings have recently been plundered due to the temple’s isolation, but that doesn’t detract from the atmosphere.
Transfer to Siem Reap airport for departure to next destination. Say goodbye to your Cambodian guide and driver. Goodbye Cambodia!!!!
Inclusions
- 09 nights hotel accommodation with daily breakfast
- Meal: Full board at local restaurant as mention in program
- Airport transfers & Transport by air con. vehicles as per program
- Sightseeing and entrance fees as specified
- Boat trip as mention in program
- Local English speaking guide as per program
- Bike & 1 hour foot massage
- Elephant ride up Bakheng Hill (one way)
- Cold water and towel during tours
Exclusions
- Visa fee: 25$
- International air ticket in-out Cambodia
- Other meal, drink
- Personal expenses, tip
Hotels
3 Star Hotels :PHNOM PENH : Katari Hotel (3*)
KOMPOT : Borei Bokor Hotel (2*)
SIHANOUK VILLE : La Reserve Hotel (3*)
SIEM REAP : Ladear Angkor Hotel (3*)
4 Star Hotels :
PHNOM PENH : Frangipani Royal Palace Hotel (4*)
KOMPOT : Borei Bokor Hotel (2*)
SIHANOUK VILLE : Sokha Beach Resort (5*)
SIEM REAP : The Aviary Hotel (4*)
5 Star Hotels :
PHNOM PENH : Palace Gate Hotel (5*)
KOMPOT : Borei Bokor Hotel (2*)
SIHANOUK VILLE : Sokha Beach Resort (5*)
SIEM REAP : Angkor Village Hotel (5*)
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