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Asia

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

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

We shall meet you at the airport (see Visa requirements) and bring you to your chosen accommodation.

As soon as you have checked in and feel ready we set out to experience the hustle and bustle (mayhem) of the City, its famous traffic (!) and the cultural highlights. We begin with Royal Place built in 1866 by King Norodom and the Silver Pagoda. The Silver Pagoda gets its name from the floor, composed of over 5,000 silver tiles. Also notice the solid gold Buddha.

We then head to the National Museum. This houses the world's finest collection of Khmer art, especially sculptures. We then climb the small hill within the city to see the temple of Wat Phnom 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

After breakfast we head 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.

After lunch at a local restaurant or at your hotel we take a boat on the Mekong river to visit Okgna Tei village, 15 km north of Phnom Penh. The villagers' income derive mainly from the weaving of scarves and Sarongs. All the production is based on individual family styles. This 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 your 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 Chenla 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 eventually gave birth to the mighty Angkor dynasties, eventually controlling much of Southeast Asia including the greater parts of modern day Thailand, Vietnam and Laos.

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

Day 5 - Explore Kompong Town - return to Phnom Penh

Day 6 - Phnom Penh to Mondulkiri (Hill tribes)

Day 7 - Mondulkiri

After an early Cambodian breakfast we shall visit a local market before going to the Potang tribal village. There we can meet the tribal leader in his house and gain an insight into his home life and that of the villagers.

If you are feeling a little tired of walking let the elephant do the work as we climb on and go treking through the jungle to a beautiful waterfall for a picnic lunch.

The early evening in Photang allows us to witness a tribal performance before returning to our guesthouse and dinner.

Day 8 - Mondulkiri

We begin today with a visit to the Dokramom mountain to learn the history of the Phong people. We can then take the opportunity to visit Domnak Sdach waterfall and on to the interesting Oromi farm where the owner has introduced hydrology most successfully. Return to the guesthouse for lunch

In the afternoon we can visit the Pholugn village to gain further insight into the lives of local subsistence farmers.

Day 9 - Mondulkiri - Phnom Penh - Siem Reap

Day 10 - Rolous Group, Temples of the grand circuit

We then make a 12km 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 9th Century. The main three temples are Preah Ko, Lo Lei and the beautiful Bakong, the first temple mountain. As the earliest Angkor capital this is a good place to start by understanding 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 11 - Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom, Bakheng sunset

After breakfast we head (back) to Angkor Wat, recently 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.

In the afternoon we start to 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, see Bayon, the Terraces of Elephants and Leper King, and the 'golden' Palace, Phimeanakas with its beautiful Royal baths.

Day 12 - Bantey Srei, Temples of the small circuit

Day 13 - Kulen Mountain, Beng Mealea and rural Cambodia

We begin today with the lengthy drive through fascinating rural Cambodia 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 pick up some lunch locally.

In the afternoon we travel further East to Beng Melea. The temple has only recently opened to visitors and is still semi-immersed in the jungle. It is large but quite run down and thought to be a forerunner (blueprint) for Angkor Wat. It provides 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 14 - 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.