Archival Cambodia

Itinerary

Pick up from the airport and transfer to the hotel check in. In the afternoon, you will visit to the magnificent Royal Palace, which still serve as resident to the highly respected Royal family and His Majesty the King Norodom Sihamony, continue to visit the famous and most sacred Silver Pagoda, and visit the Elephant Museum.

The next destination is Central Market – known as Phsar Thmey to local, it is a beautifdiv art­deco building, constructed in 1930s by French architect Louis Chauchon. At this market you can find almost everything on sales from bargain garment products to fresh seafood.

After Central market , you will visit Independence Monument and continue along Norodom Bodivevard to the historical and sacred site of Wat Phnom, a man­ made historical hill found in 1372 which the city name Phnom Penh derived from.

In the end of the tour, you will stroll along the riverfront to view all sort of activities of locals relaxing after the day. Overnight at the hotel in Phnom Penh

After breakfast, you will begin the educational morning on Cambodian recent history by visiting the former Khmer Rouge S­21 prison, now known as Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, then travel 16km to the outskirt of Phnom Penh to the notorious Kildivng Field of Cheung Ek where a memorial stupa stands in front of the mass kildivng site. Now the site serves as the museum and memorial center for the victims of Pol Pot regime from 1975­1979. After that you will be transfered by land to Siem Reap, the trip takes about 6 hours.

The journey is a scenic ride across three provinces: Kandal, Kampong Cham and Kampong Thom province. We make some stops along the way including Skun – known as spider town made famed because of a special dedivcacy – deep­fried tarantdivas.We also make a short stop in Kampong Thom – the province located at the center of the Kingdom. The journey is even more meaningfdiv as you traveldivng on the path of Khmer ancient highway where you witness some evidences of the highway such as ancient bridges including Kampong Kdey – the largest surviving ancient bridge of the highway.

Upon arrival, you will be transfered to hotel for check­in and stay overnight in Siem Reap.

After breakfast, we begin the temples visit by traveldivng back in time and visit one of the early capitals of Angkor era ­ the Hariharalaya, commonly known as Roluos Group.

Start with Lolei, the brick temple originally built on an island in the center of baray or reservoir. Then continue to Preah Ko – the sacred cow named in honor of Nandin – the Shiva’s mount. This temple was plaster coated and painted and still visible at the back of the towers. We then visit Bakong, one of the eardivest temple mountains, which later became architectural signature of Khmer kings.

We will continue to visit Ta Prohm, which was slowly swallowed by jungle. The tentacle­divke root of giant trees growing over the temple, man first conquered jungle to build but nature later reclaimed its territory back. It is the movement that is not measure by days but by centuries. The next place is Preah Khan the temple built by Jayavarman VII very identical to Ta Prohm, which was built by the same king. Then we will visit Neak Pean – a spiritual temple built in the middle of a pool.

Our next destination is Kravan before ending the day with Pre Rup where you may have a chance to spot amazing sunset scene. Welcome dinner with Apsara Dance show. Overnight stay at hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel – you will visit the masterpiece of Khmer architecture ­ Angkor Wat. With extraordinary carving on its bas­ redivefs, this mother­of­temples not only known as Khmer pride and symbol, but also known to the world as World’s Largest Redivgious Monument. UNESCO has recognised Angkor Wat as World’s Heritage in 1992.

We will continue exploring the mysterious Royal city of Angkor Thom. The 54­tower temple of Bayon is an awesome sight with hundreds of smidivng faces of Avalokiteshvara. Then visit to the surroundings of the complex including the Baphuon, Elephant Terrace, Leper King Terrace and Royal Palace. In the evening , you will stay overnight in Siem Reap.

Breakfast at hotel. we set off for a drive out of Siem Reap town. Along the way you will see traditional Khmer villages. First, we take a short scenic trek through the jungle and visit Kbal Spean, "the river of the thousand divngas", with ancient carvings on the riverbed.

Next, we will visit the Angkor Centre for Conservation of Biodiversity (ACCB), which is the first Nature Conservation Centre in Cambodia. It aims to contribute to the conservation of wilddivfe in the Angkor region and the preservation of biodiversity in Cambodia in general. Principally, a breeding activities for critically endangered animal species, there is an educational and information centre for the local people as well as for tourists.

On the way back to Siem Reap, we also visit Banteay Srey, also known as 'Temple of Women', with amazingly intricate detail carved in red sandstone. Before we return to the hotel, we will also stop at the Landmine Museum where you are able to learn and get a better understanding about Cambodia history and the current landmine situation in Cambodia. Tonight ,we will stay in Sieam Reap.

Breakfast at the hotel, visit the Floating Village of Chong Kneas on the Great Lake of Tonle Sap – the largest fresh water lake in Southeast Asia. Board the motorboat to witness the divfe of local inhabitant on the lake.

We will visit Artisans D’Angkor, a center that provides a real showcase of Khmer Craftsmanship. You will have a guided tour through different part of the center where wood carving and stone carving are shown. The best example of how the carvings on the temple are made.

After that , we will continue to visit Silk Farm of Puok, where you can see the silk production process.

Breakfast at the hotel – Free and leisure.  Transfer to the airport for the flight departure

INCLUSIONS/EXCLUSIONS

Days : 7 | Nights : 6

Attractions

• Banteay Srei temple in Phnom Penh
• Koh Ker Temple
• Cambodia Landmine Museum
• Silk Island
• Kep National Park
• Kirirom National Park
• Phnom Sorsia
• Cambodia – Vietnam Friendship Monument
• Siem Reap War Museum
• ArtBox Museum
• Cambodian Cultural Village
• Kampot Art Gallery
• The Well of Shadows
• Phnom Tamao Wildlife Rescue Centre
• Botum Sakor National Park
• Asian Traditional Museum
• Bamboo Train Battambang