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Asia

Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom, Bayon, Ta Prohm, Killing fields - Phnom Penh and Siem Reap based tours of the most important Cambodian temples, Angkor and pre-Angkor sites + Tonle Sap water villages, Kulen Mountain and Beng Mealea.

Day 1 - Arrive Phnom Penh, Silver pagoda, Royal palace, National Museum

As soon as you feel ready we set out to experience the hustle and bustle (mayhem) of the City, its famous traffic(!) and the highlights. We begin with Royal Place built in 1866 by King Norodom and the Silver Pagoda located within the Royal Palace compound. The Silver Pagoda is so named due to the floor being composed of over 5,000 silver tiles.

We then head to the National Museum which houses the worl'd best collection of Khmer art, especially sculptures. We will then climb the small hill within the city to see Wat Phnom Temple and learn how the city got it's name.

Day 2 - Killing fields of the Khmer Rouge, River trip to weaving village, travel to Siem Reap

We shall begin by heading out of the town to take a sobering look at the Killing Fields and Tousleng Museum. You will learn the history of the events surrounding Pol Pot and the Khmer Rouge.

In the afternoon we take a boat on the Mekong river to visit Okgna Tei village, 15 km north of Phnom Penh. The villager's incomes derive mainly from the weaving of scarves and Sarongs. All the production is based on individual family styles. There is an excellent opportunity to pass from house to house and gain an insight into rural Cambodian living. The people are very welcoming of visitors and genuine in their approach.

Day 3 - Phnom Da, Angkor Borei

Day 4 - Phnom Penh - Kompong Thom

Check out of the hotel in Phnom Penh and drive northwest to Kompong Thom. Upon arrival check in at Stung Sen hotel. After lunch, drive toward Sambor Prei Kuk, about 35 km north of Kompong Thom town to visit the ruins of the 6th century temples (3 groups of temples pre-Angkor period were collectively known as Ishanapura). We learn how as the Funan delta state declined, due to changes in trading patterns with Rome and China, a new power grew inland called Chenla. This was to be the civilisation which gave birth to the mighty Angkor dynasties, eventually controlling much of Southeast asia.

in Late afternoon, come back to Kompong Thom town. Overnight in Kompong Thom, eating at a local restaurant.

Day 5 - Explore Kompong Town - onward to Siem Reap

Day 6 - Rolous Group, Temples of the grand circuit

We make the short drive to see the Rolous group of temples to the East of Siem Reap.

Hariharalaya was the first Angkor capital in region, built by Jayavarman II (the first God King) in the ninth Century. The main three temples here are Preah Ko, Lo Lei and the beautiful Bakong, the first temple mountain. As the earliest Angkor capital this is a logical place to start. It is also a quiet place to sit and understand the background to the Angkor dynasty.

After breakfast we will show you the temples of the grand circuit: Preah Khan, Ta Som, East Mebon, Neak Pean, and Pre Rup.

Day 7 - Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom, Bakheng sunset

After breakfast we shall head (back) to Angkor Wat, ranked number 2 of all the 'wonders of the world'. Angkor Wat is the largest religious monument ever built. The moat alone is 200m wide and 5.5km long. Aside from the imposing scale and fine architecture, the temple boasts many important bas-reliefs depicting Hindu mythology and Angkor history.

After lunch we shall explore Angkor Thom, in its time the largest city in the world, with over a million people, and the political capital of King Jayavarman VII. We enter by the South Gate and see Bayon, the Terraces of Elephants and Leper King, and the 'golden' Palace, Phimeanakas with its beautiful Royal baths.

Day 8 - Bantey Srey, Temples of the small circuit

Day 9 - Kulen Mountain, Beng Mealea and rural Cambodia

After breakfast we take the lengthy drive to the sacred Kulen Mountain; the first holy city of Jayavarman II, the God King and the founder of the Angkor Period in 802 AD. In a river on the mountain we can see extensive river carvings. Thousands of Shiva’s Lingams were carved into the river bed in early 9th century to purify the water that runs over them. We can also climb to see a large Buddha statue (3m x 8m) carved into the mountain top. This dates from around the 16th century when Buddhism became popular in Cambodia. We will lunch locally.

In the afternoon we travel further to Beng Melea. The temple has only recently opened to visitors and is still semi-immersed in the jungle. It is a large temple but quite run down and thought to be a forerunner (blueprint) for Angkor Wat. It gives a good feel for what the temples where like on their rediscovery by the French in the mid 19th century.

This day also provides an excellent opportunity to see and experience the Cambodian countryside. Rice paddies, sugar date palms and oxon make up a patchwork of beautiful images.

Day 10 - Tonle Sap water villages, Local carvings and silk weaving, free time

Early start for a Tonle sap boat trip to visit the floating villages and see the surprising cultures of the people living there. It can be very photogenic at the lake, especially at day-break.

On our return to Siem Reap we would recommend visiting the Artisan's Center. There, poor and disabled people are trained for 3 years in the traditional skills of textile manufacture, stone and wood carving, after which they are able to make and sell high quality pieces for the international market and must return to their own villages to practice their art.

The rest of the day, until your departure is yours explore with or without your guide as you prefer. Either browse around the local markets or return to your favourite temple.

Private transfer to the airport for your departure.