THE MYSTERIOUS OF CAMBODIA 4DAYS

Day 1: Phnom Penh arrival

Arrive Phnom Penh by morning, 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. Cambodia’s harrowing history under the brutal Khmer Rouge routine, whilst deeply upsetting, is something that should not be ignored. For those who can handle it, we offer a visit tothe S‐21 (Tuol Sleng) prison campfor an in-depth account of the atrocities that occurred, followed by a trip toChoeung Ek. Known as “The KillingFields”, this seemingly peaceful area located 17km from Phnom Penh was for everyone entering the site the end of the line. Nowadays it is home to a memorial stupa containing over 5000 skulls, which allows the Khmer people to return and honor their ancestors who died by the Pol Pot regime.Overnight in Phnom Penh.

Inclusion: Transfer, guide, entrance fee, breakfast, hotel

 

Day 2: Phnom Penh – Siem Reap

Firstly, 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. 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.

Today you travel by road from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap. En route you will have a chance to stop on the way to take photos and witness the everyday lives of Cambodians as you pass through interesting provincial towns, bucolic villages, and delightful scenery. This is no ‘freeway dash’ as you will often slow down to let cows and water buffalos wander across the road, pass horses drawn carriages, and school kids walking and cycling to/from school. We may choose to stop at Skun, also known, as ‘Spider ville’ due to the deep fried tarantula that is the local delicacy, are you adventurous enough to try one?

You may wish to stop off in Kompong Kdei, to look at Spean Pratos – an ancient Angkorian bridge.Overnight in Siem Reap.

Inclusion: Transfer, guide, entrance fee, breakfast, hotel

 

Day 3: Angkor Thom & Angkor Wat

After meeting our tour guide, then we drive to Angkor Thom that was the masterpiece of King Jayavarman VII. Following the occupation of Angkor by the Chams from 1177 to 1181, the new king decided to build an impregnable fortress at the heart of his empire. The scale is simply staggering and we are immediately overwhelmed by the audacity of Jayavarman on arrival at the city’s gates. We begin to visit Bayon Temple. At the exact center of Angkor Thom, this is an eccentric expression of the creative genius and inflated ego of Cambodia’s most celebrated king. Its 54 towers are each topped off with the four faces of Avalokiteshvara (Buddha of Compassion), which bear more than a passing resemblance to the king himself. These colossal heads stare down from every side, exuding power and control with a hint of compassion, just the mix required to keep a hold on such a vast empire.

We continue to visit Terrace of the Leper King. This intricately carved platform was the royal crematorium and the statue that was originally thought to be the leper king is now believed to be Yama, the god of death. We continue along the Terrace of Elephants, originally used as a viewing gallery for the king to preside over parades, performances and traditional sports. At the southern end lies the Baphuon, once of the most beautiful temples at Angkor, dating from the reign of Uditayavarman 1 in the 11^th century. It has undergone a massive renovation by the French and is now once again open for viewing.

You'll break for lunch at a local restaurant before the 15-minute drive to Ta Prohm, the monastery-temple of Tomb Raider fame. Left as it was ‘discovered’ by French explorer Henri Mouhot in 1860, the tentacle-like tree roots here are slowly strangling the surviving stones.You'll break for lunch at a local restaurant before the 15-minute drive to Ta Prohm, the monastery-temple of Tomb Raider fame. Left as it was ‘discovered’ by French explorer Henri Mouhot in 1860, the tentacle-like tree roots here are slowly strangling the surviving stones. We journey out to the Mother of all temples, Angkor Wat. Believed to be the world's largest religious building, this temple is the perfect fusion of symbolism and symmetry and a source of pride and strength to all Khmers. Built in the 12^th century by King Suryavarman II, this is most famous temple at Angkor. We venture into Angkor Wat to enjoy its magnificence in peace and quiet.

We begin by unraveling the mysteries of the bas-reliefs that tell of tales from Hindu mythology and of the glories of the Khmer empire.Overnight in Siem Reap.

Inclusion: Transfer, guide, entrance fee, breakfast, hotel

 

Day 4: Siem Reap departure

We will transfer to Tonle Sap Lake for taking boat trip to visit at Kompong Pluk, where we will have the opportunity to learn about life on the lake. On the way, we will pass floating houses and impressive flooded forests, portraying life on the water. Return back in town, we will go to visit Artisans d’Angkor. In there, we can take a tour through the workshops and watch students as they learn how to create silk fabrics and garments, stone and wood carving, lacquer ware, polychrome products, silver plating and silk paintings.

Transfer to SIEM REAP airport for departure to next destination. It’s time to say goodbye, we thank you for traveling with us and warmly welcome you to come again. 

Inclusion: Transfer, guide, entrance, breakfast.

 

COSTS: US$350/person, group from 4 people

Costs are $US NET, 3% surcharge if pay by credit card.

Exclusion: Visa, Insurance, drinks, personal expenses, others not mentioned in details, Tips!

 

ORGANISATION

Tour guide: English speaking guide with graduated and experienced.

Hotel: We use 3 hotels in the package. Check-in time is after 14:00, check out time is before 12:00pm (local time).

Car/Van Quality: Using new AC car or van depending on your group size

Meals: Local and Indian foods. If you have any allergies, special requests or if you are on a special diet please let us know. We will arrange it for you in advance.

WÚhat to Bring: Passport, change of clothes, sunglasses and hat, toiletries, sunblock, insect repellent, flashlights, good sport shoes, personal first aid kit and medicines, small local notes for buying drinks. If you feel the need then sleeping bags and a cable lock for your bags is recommended

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