Circuit exploitation in Cambodia

Phnom Penh arrival / visit and rest (D)

Arrival in Phnom Penh (the Kingdom of Cambodia)
You are welcomed at Phnom Penh airport before your transfer and check-in at the hotel.

Rooms are available from 2 PM.

Bordered by the Mekong, Phnom Penh is a surprising city, with abundant vestiges and a fascinating history. Visits begin at the National Museum. This red monument is a spectacular example of Khmer architecture. Sculptures, statues, costumes, and many other representations of Khmer art, which belonged to famous sites, bear witness to Cambodia's rich history.

At Vat Phrom, erected on a small artificial hill, you will discover relics of various origins. Legend has it that 600 years ago, after discovering Buddha statues washed ashore on the banks of the Mekong, an old lady named Penh erected the hill to build the temple that would house these statues. The city's name is said to be due to her; literally, Phnom Penh means the Hill of Penh.

Welcome Lunch or Dinner at a local restaurant, depending on your arrival time. Overnight at a hotel in Phnom Penh.

Phnom Penh - Tonlé Bati / walks and visits - Phnom Penh (B,L)

Breakfast at the hotel.
Meet at 08:00 AM for departure in the morning towards the site of Tonlé Bati, about thirty kilometers from Phnom Penh. Jayavarman had the Ta Prohm temple built there in the 12th century. This small Buddhist temple is extremely well preserved, and in each of the five rooms of the main sanctuary, a statue or a Shiva lingam welcomes the visitor.

In the immediate vicinity is the small Yeay Peau temple within the enclosure of a modern place of worship.

Return to Phnom Penh for lunch.

In the afternoon, discovery of the Royal Palace built in 1866 by King Norodom, a remarkable work typical of Khmer art. The palace houses the Silver Pagoda known for its 5000 silver tiles covering the floor, as well as for its impressive Buddhas, including a replica of the Emerald Buddha, and another solid gold Buddha, covered with 9584 diamonds.

You will also visit the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum. This former high school, transformed into a prison, was the scene of acts of extreme violence against opponents of the regime. The photo gallery of prisoners, the torture chambers, the cramped cells reveal the horror of the Khmer genocide. This visit may be upsetting for some travelers, so it is optional.

Dinner at leisure and overnight in Phnom Penh.

Phnom Penh - Kampong Cham / visits - Kompong Thom (B,L)

Breakfast at the hotel.

Departure towards Kampong Cham (125km - about 2h30 drive), to visit Hanchey, a complex of three temples nestled on a hill bordering the Mekong. A stroll through the colonial quarter of Kampong Cham is on the program.

You will finally reach Wat Nokor, a 12th-century temple, which abounds in numerous sculptures.

The Kampong Cham region is renowned for traditional silk and cotton weaving. Also, a weaving workshop will open its doors to allow you to observe the artisanal techniques used by women. You will have lunch in Kampong Cham before continuing the journey to Kompong Thom (130 km - about 2h30 drive).

You arrive in Kompong Thom in the late afternoon and spend the night there.

Dinner at leisure and overnight at the hotel.

Kompong Thom / visits - Sambor Prei Kuk - Kompong Khleang / walks and discovery - Siem Reap (B,L)

Breakfast at the hotel.

Early morning departure about thirty kilometers from Kompong Thom to visit Sambor Prei Kuk, an ancient pre-Angkorian capital dating from the 7th century. This archaeological site in the middle of the forest is very different from the architectural style of the Angkor temples. It represents a complex of about a hundred temples.

You then explore the floating village of Kompong Khleang. It is in this village, still far from tourist circuits, that you are welcomed for lunch with a local family.

A walk through the village allows you to meet the villagers, observe their way of life, and appreciate their smiling and benevolent welcome.

A surprising stop at a house where crocodiles are raised.

Then, departure for an excursion on Tonlé Sap, through the canals, the floating houses, and to the rhythm of the life of the lake's inhabitants.

The day ends with a car ride to reach Siem Reap (50 km - about 1 hour drive). Dinner at leisure and overnight at the Siem Reap hotel.

Siem Reap / visits and discovery of Banteay Srei - Sras Srang - Ta Prohm - Siem Reap (B,L)

After breakfast,
Meet at 08:00 AM with the guide and you begin your visit of Angkor with the temples of the Grand Circuit.

You will discover temples dating from the 10th century to the end of the 12th century: Pre Rup, East Mebon, a Hindu temple, located on the central islet of East Baray, the Buddhist temple Ta Som at the end of the 12th century; Neak Poan (entwined nagas) formed by a square basin surrounded by four small basins and Preah Khan (sacred sword), overgrown with vines and young trees that add to the charm of the site.

After lunch, visit Banteay Srei, a temple built in the 10th century. Dedicated to Shiva, also known as the Citadel of Women, it is renowned for the delicate pink sandstone sculptures depicting Apsara dancers or scenes from Hindu mythology.

On the way back, visit Sras Srang, the "Basin of Ablutions" and the Buddhist temple Ta Prohm, where nature reclaims its rights and giant roots embrace the monuments.

Dinner at a local restaurant with a traditional Apsara dance show.

Overnight in Siem Reap.

Siem Reap / visits and discovery of Angkor Thom and Angkor Wat temples - Siem Reap (B,L)

Breakfast.

The morning begins with a visit to Angkor Thom, the Great City. Conceived and built during the reign of the Buddhist king Jayavarman VII, this architectural splendor abounds in symbols.

The four gates representing the cardinal points in the guise of Hindu kings and the 108 statues depicting gods and demons are examples of these symbols.

There are numerous monuments to see, among others, the Bayon, the Terrace of the Elephants, the Terrace of the Leper King, Philmean Akas, or the Celestial Palace, this pyramid representing Mount Meru and countless sculpted figures. The grandeur and foundations of Khmer civilization are summarized in this extraordinary and mythical place.

In the afternoon, you visit the most emblematic temples of Angkor Wat. Its construction began during the reign of Suryavarman in the 12th century. The complex extends over nearly 210 hectares, revealing to visitors all the majesty and beauty of its impressive architecture.

In the late afternoon, departure to Phnom Bakheng to attend a show.

Lunch included and dinner at leisure. Overnight in Siem Reap.

Siem Reap / walks - Battambang / visits and walks (B,L)

Breakfast at the hotel.

Transfer in the morning to Chong Khneas, a village located 12 km away, for a cruise on the Tonlé Sap by private traditional boat. The duration of this cruise on the Tonlé Sap is approximately 6 hours. Through the floating villages, stilt houses, schools on the water, there are many discoveries awaiting you during this cruise. Life flows peacefully to the rhythm of this nourishing lake.

Picnic on board the boat.

The boat sails to the Sangkè River, crossing the floating village of Bkk Prea, the ancient temple Chheu Khmau. You then visit a floating village and its crocodile farm.

Cruise on the Sangkè River to reach Battambang in the late afternoon.

Transfer and check-in at the hotel in Battambang. Lunch included and dinner at leisure.

Battambang / walks - Phnom Penh (B,L)

Breakfast at the hotel.

You leave Battambang to reach the last stage of your circuit in Cambodia: Phnom Penh. The landscapes crossed are magnificent: rice fields, sugar palms, villages with stilt houses, etc.

A stop is planned in the small town of Pursat, which has established its reputation on its marble carving activity and supplies many regions of Cambodia with Buddha statues and other decorative objects. 

The road continues for another hour to Kompong Chhnang. This stop is popular for its floating villages. The infrastructures are comparable to cities established on dry land: school, infirmary, grocery stores,... nothing is missing.

The visit to Kompong Chhnang is followed by the discovery of pottery villages where all kinds of everyday objects or ornaments are made.

After this stop, your road continues towards Phnom Penh (2h30).

Lunch included and dinner at leisure. Overnight at the hotel in Phnom Penh.

Phnom Penh / free - Departure (B)

Breakfast at the hotel.

Free time before transfer to Phnom Penh airport for your departure flight.