Cambodia Experience

Today we continue seeing Phnom Penh with the Royal University of Fine Arts, where the young Cambodians learn the ancient arts of their ancestors. A view of numerous children practicing the graceful movements of the beautiful national dances is impressive. The next stop of our trip is the National Museum, exclusively dedicated to Khmer art and sculpture. The majority of the exhibits are from the Angkor period from 9th to 15th centuries, but some date from as early as the 4th century. Heading out of town we visit the Tuol Sleng Prison Museum and the notorious ‘Killing Fields’ of Choeung Ek, which will give us a deep insight into the painful bloody rule of the Khmer Rouge. We have time for an exploration of Psar Toul Tom Pong, also called the “Russian Market”, where anything and everything is for sales.

Overnight in Phnom Penh.

Transfer from Phnom Penh to Kratie via Kampong Cham by private car and English speaking guide. This is a real outpost town on the banks of the San River just off the Mekong. The tranquility in the region shows us an authentic and remote “face” of Cambodia. There is not many things to see in this town apart from the country side. We will arrive in Kratie after 6 hours drives. Check in at hotel for the night.

Overnight in Kratie.

Spend your full day in a small colonial town along Mekong River, a lovely riverside town. The pace is very relaxed, a perfect way to observe the rural life close up. We transfer out to explore a complex of temple, containing Phnom Sambok and Kampi, which boast the major sights in this region. A view over the surrounding area from the temple is impressive. A part of the pleasure of travelling in Kratie is the simple joy of catching a glimpse of the endangered Irrawaddy Dolphin and seeing the dramatic sunset over the river.

Overnight in Kratie.

We explore this charming town as we walk along the roads spotted with many charming Khmer houses and waving kids. We then take the trip to Kampong Cham by private car or van. You will enjoy very much the beautiful view of the countryside along the way. The next stop of our trip is Phnom Srey and Phnom Pros. Kampong Cham has plenty of interesting sights, some of which are old colonial buildings and Wat Nokhor with its ancient temple and modern style pagoda.Then we will drive to Kampong Thom for overnight.

An early morning start to drive to the archeological sight of Sambor Prei Kuk , which is dotted with hundred pre-angkor styled temples. The road conditions are very poor, but the spectacular scenery of this ancient ruin, with a mixture of temples and forest, makes the hardship all worthwhile. We travel by roads to Siem Reap, passing the charming Khmer countryside. The town of Siem Reap is our base for visiting the world famous temples of the ancient city Angkor, which is home for the capital of the powerful Khmer Empire dating from 802 AD to 1350 AD. This stunning and extensive site sprawls through the dense jungle, over an area of 60 square miles. O/N in Siem Reap.

Today we spend a full day exploring the wondrous ancient ruins with the South Gate of Angkor Thom, which is famous for its series of colossal human faces carved in stone, the impressive Bayon Temple, the Royal Enclosure, Phimeanakas, the Elephant Terrace, the Terrace of the Leper King and the largest as well as the most complete temple of Angkor Wat. This architectural masterpiece was constructed in the 12th century and covers an area of about 210 hectares. We stroll around this massive edifice, seeing the many galleries with columns, libraries, pavilions, courtyards and ponds full of water reflecting the towering temple. O/N in Siem Reap.

The jungle covered temple of Ta Prohm is an incredible sight. There are enormous fig trees and gigantic creepers which embrace themselves in the stone foundations of the structure giving the impression of man's creation being reclaimed by the powerful forces of nature. We explore this masterpiece as well as some of the surrounding temples including Banteay Kdei, Sra Srong, Ta Keo, Thommanon and Chau Say Tevado. The grand circuit with Preah Khan, Kravan, Neak Pean, Krol Ko, Ta Som, East Mebon and Pre Rup Temples, is also visited this afternoon before we walk up to Phnom Bakheng Hill for a view of the spectacular sunset over these sandstone monuments. O/N in Siem Reap.

Today, we drive to Kulen Mountain “Sacred Mountain” exploring the birthplace of the Khmer Empire, where an ancient king proclaimed universal rule over the lands. A morning drive brings you through scenic landscape to Phnom Kulen. Upon arrival, ascend the hilltop to see the country’s largest reclining Buddha. At 1,500 feet (487 m), this peak and its sanctuary mark the end of a pilgrimage for many Khmer people, and the tremendous views across the forested plateau help illustrate why. Cutting through the area is the ‘River of 1,000 Lingas,’ where, just under the water’s surface, over 1,000 centuries-old carvings were sculpted into the sandstone riverbed. Downstream, visit the ruins of a 9th century temple and the cascading waterfalls and natural pools that create a lush mountainside oasis. Return back and visit to Banteay Srei temple (10th ce lntury), regarded as the jewel in the crown of classical Khmer Art. Then continue your visit to Banteay Samre, build in the third quarter of the 12th century. Overnight at hotel

After breakfast, we embark on a short cruise on Tonle Sap Lake, Cambodia’s biggest natural water body (If time permits). The experience is wonderful as we pass by floating village, friendly children in small boats and fishermen at work.

In the afternoon, transfer by road from Siem Reap to Battambang via Sisophon a city nearby the border of Thailand. It will take about 4 hours drive to reach a charming city of Battambang.

Your private tour continue to walk around this colonial styled town and visit some outlaying hilltop temples as well as the infamous cave, which used as execution field under the Khmer Rouge rule. There are also some opportunities to take a drive along tiny winding tracks into some small villages where tourists hardly ever venture. Visit to market place and many Angkorian as well as post Angkorian sites, some of which are Wat Ek and Wat Toul Bassaet, Phnom Sampov, the BAT CAVE and the Khmer Villages. Overnight in Battambang.