PEARLS OF CAMBODIA

DAY 1 : ARRIVAL SIEM REAP

Upon arrival in Siem Reap and immigration formalities you will be met by your own personal tour guide at the international airport and driven to your hotel. Rest of the day leisure.

Overnight in SIEM REAP

DAY 2 : SIEM REAP (B / - / -)

After breakfast you take your first temple visits with the pre-Angkorian temples of the Roluos Group: Lolei, Preah Ko, Bakong. There are a few other smaller temples in this area, but they are not developed for tourism. Then go for about 40 km away small temple of Banteay Srei, built in the year 967. This richly decorated temple dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva and is with its red sandstone ornaments as one of the most beautiful temples in Cambodia.

On the way back to the mid-12th century temple of Banteay Samre built is visited, which was built during the reign of King Suryarvaman II.

Your tour guide will then take you to several temples of the 10th century: Eastern Mebon, Pre Rup and Prasat Kravan.

Overnight in SIEM REAP

DAY 3 : SIEM REAP (B / - / -)

In the morning together with your guide to visit in one of the typical motorized companion that you can find in almost every country in Asia - a Tuk Tuk - the temple of the ancient royal city of Angkor Thom, the last capital of the Great Khmer Empire under the reign of Jayavarman VII.

The city is surrounded by an 8 foot wall, which is 4 km long on each side, forming a perfect square. You enter the area by the impressive south gate, are chiselled a stone gate in the 4 giant faces and elephants. On each side there are 54 gods or demons holding the sacred Naga snake. From here you get to the Bayon temple, which is located right in the middle of the city. A special feature of this monument is the 54 towers representing the 54 provinces of the Great Khmer Empire. Each tower has four faces.

From here you can go to the Bayon Temple, which is located right in the middle of the city. A special feature of this monument from the 12th century is the 54 towers with 4 faces representing the 54 provinces of the Great Khmer Empire. Your route then leads on to the terrace of the elephants next to the Terrace of the Leper King.

We continue your sightseeing trip to temples of the 11th century Baphuon, Phimeanakas, North and South Khleang.

Once you have photographed the trees of the jungle temple of Ta Prohm, which was known for the film Tomb Raider with Angelina Jolie as the rotation backdrop, explore Angkor Wat.

Built in the early 12th century under Suryavarman II, Angkor Wat is to represent the summit of Mount Meru, home of the gods. A masterpiece of Khmer architecture and probably the most amazing temple complex in the world with an incredible extent. Inside the temple you will find beautifully decorated walls and carvings depicting the Hindu mythology. Furthermore, Angkor is famous for its nearly 2000 date inscribed Apsaras "Celestial Dancers", which can be seen throughout the temple, while none of the other compensates.

Your temple visits end with a sunset over the temples of Angkor Wat. Then go into your Tuk Tuk back to Siem Reap.

Overnight in SIEM REAP

DAY 4 : SIEM REAP (B / - / -)

Today you will start after your breakfast to take a trip in an open jeep to the jungle temple of Beng Mealea, which was built in the first half of the 12th century.
Beng Mealea appeals to visitors who like to explore overgrown temples in an isolated environment. Only the chirping of birds can be heard here, the call is messages from tree to tree. Beng Mealea is an unrestored temple in the Angkor Wat style, is located about 40 km east of the main group of temples and is still largely overgrown by the jungle. You cannot visit you on even paths as in Angkor him, so is definitely sturdy shoes recommended.

Then you go on to Koh Ker, in the heed times as Lingapura (City of lingas) or Chok Gargyar (City of gloss) for a few years the capital of the Khmer empire had been. Covering an area of about 80 square kilometres 180 monuments have been discovered, many of which are hidden in the forest. The sparsely populated area was heavily mined by the Khmer Rouge, but several temples can be visited. The secluded location, the Hindu buildings, most of which were built around the year 928, under the reign of King Jayavarman IV were not changed in later years with Buddhist elements. Jayavarman IV. He was an ardent devotee of Shiva, which is confirmed by inscriptions and shrines in the area. During subsequent Khmer kings - who no longer resided in Koh Ker and the capital laid back to Angkor - turned toward Buddhism and could make the appropriate changes to the temples remained, Koh Ker thanks to its remote location largely unaffected by these interventions.

Return to Siem Reap during the afternoon.

Overnight in SIEM REAP

DAY 5 : SIEM REAP (B / - / -)

At around 8:30 clock Today they are picked up at your hotel and take a bike trip to Kampong Kleang, one of the floating villages (Floating Villages) on the Tonle Sap. About red-coloured dirt roads, we pass small Khmer villages. On today's tour, if possible, the arteries are shunned and most secondary roads that are often not paved used. Enjoy your tour through rural Cambodia. You keep your ride at a local fish market where you can watch the traditional daily fish trade.

After an initial short rest and a drink your journey takes you further with a visit to one of the most impressive floating villages in Cambodia: Kampong Khleang. You will board a boat to explore the village before sharing your typical Khmer lunch in one of the houses on stilts along with friendly locals. After lunch, you will board the boat again to reach a pagoda on an island.

Experience there a school that is run by monks, and watch the monks in their daily chores around the pagoda. Then you will visit one end of the floating village of Kampong Kleang, which is inhabited by a Vietnamese minority. You can see very well the difference between minorities then: this part of the village is not on stilts, but was built as a moving part.

Depending on the direction of flow moves this part of the village, which also has a floating school, a small hospital and local shops, and extends partially into extending into the lake.

The way back to Siem Reap is then taken up by bus (minivan). Past numerous other villages is again held in another village of minorities, where you have the opportunity to take pictures and to study the country life of the population.

Overnight in SIEM REAP

DAY 6 : SIEM REAP - BATTAMBANG (B / - / -)

In the morning, overland transfer from Siem Reap to Battambang.

Along the way you will stop to visit the impressive ruin site of Banteay Chhmar Temples, visit the main and surrounding temple, depend on time available can visit through the village and visit Silk Center. Afterward continue the tour to Battambang

In Battambang, the French left probably their most beautiful colonial architecture in Cambodia. Discover this picturesque city, the second largest city in the country, with its small temples and market places and enjoy a city tour of the quiet provincial town atmosphere with Cambodian flair. If you are early, we can have a short stroll with young local guide enjoy a city orientation tour, the local guide will guide through this small colonial town and highlight the fact of each interesting buildings

Overnight in BATTAMBANG

DAY 7 : BATTAMBANG (B / - / -)

Full day tour in and around Battambang with Tuk Tuk: In the early morning you obtained your local Tuk Tuk driver and guide from the hotel and take a full day exploring Battambang.

The Battambang province is famous for its rice fields, orchards and typical landscape. Visit different villages and see how local’s rice paper, Prahoc (a traditional fish paste), Grolan (sticky rice in bamboo) and other Khmer specialties produce. On today's tour you will get to taste some of these specialties. Afterwards visit Wat Ek Temple and, if time permits, the Wat Somrong Knong with a touching memorial for the victims ofg the Khmer Regime.

Then proceed to Phnom Banan, built in the 11th century, on a 400m high hill, with a beautiful panoramic view. The next stop will be at Phnom Sampeau. This route marks the front line of the Khmer Rouge. On the mountain there is the so-called Killing Cave, the cruel witness to the turbulent past of Cambodia. You can stay until sunset to enjoy the breathtaking view of thousands of bats leaving from the caves to hunt their dinner.

Overnight in BATTAMBANG

DAY 8 : BATTAMBANG – PHNOM PENH (B / - / -)

Today you leave Battambang, the second largest city of Cambodia, and travel via Pursat and Kampong Chhnang to Phnom Penh.

Along the way you stop at some small local production places of pottery and silversmith ware. All of these products are also sold in the markets of Siem Reap, Phnom Penh and many other places. In the course of the afternoon reach the Cambodian capital Phnom Penh. After check in at your hotel you have free time.

Overnight in PHNOM PENH

DAY 9 : PHNOM PENH (B / - / -)

In the morning city tour and visit to Wat Phnom, the Royal Palace, the Silver Pagoda and the National Museum.

In the morning you start your city tour with a visit to Wat Phnom, an artificial hill on which a pagoda is located. Legend has it that the town was named after a lady named Mrs. Penh, the Buddha statues found in the river. To celebrate they built this pagoda. Today this is a place where the locals dare an elephant ride or simply express a few good wishes by letting birds free.

Then explore the Royal Palace. This palace dates from 1866 and is the last palace which was built during the French colonial period. The same complex houses the Silver Pagoda, named after the more than 5,000 heavy silver plates that adorn the floor. Its original name is Wat Prakeo, meaning "Temple of the Emerald Buddha." In this temple you can see a collection of Buddha in gold, silver, crystal and bronze.

Next you run a few meters away from the National Museum, which was designed by George Groslier and the Ecole des Arts Cambodgiens. The museum houses the world's leading collection of ancient archaeological, religious and artistic artefacts from the 4th to the 13th centuries. Over 5,000 exhibits show the cultural wealth of the kingdom. In addition, the roof is home to a colony of bats!

The afternoon is at leisure.

In the evening you will start a one-hour sunset boat tour with a scenic look on life along the Mekong River. You will be picked up on time for your sunset cruise (no dinner included).

Overnight in PHNOM PENH

DAY 10 : PHNOM PENH (B / - / -)

Today you travel into a dark chapter in Cambodian history. Visit Tuol Sleng, the notorious prison where thousands were tortured opponents of the regime of the Khmer Rouge and the "Killing Fields" of Choeng Ek. Approximately 17km outside of Phnom Penh is Choeung Ek, which has gained 1975-1979 notoriety as one of 400 Killing Fields in Cambodia. The original Chinese cemetery was used as a place of execution of thousands of Cambodians and foreigners also by the Khmer Rouge.

Many of the executed were here before, in Toul Sleng torture, which is also known as S21. Before 1975 this place was a school and today houses the Genocide Museum.

After exploring the modern history of the country, you will take a 2-to-3-hour cyclo tour. This gives you the opportunity to get to know Phnom Penh from a different perspective and use one of the old local transportation ways in Southeast Asia. In each pedicel always sits just one guest.

A stop will take you to Phsar Thmey, known as Central Market, with its unique colonial style building and its dome built in 1937th. The Art Décor building was extensively renovated by formerly colonial empire France a few years ago. The four wings of the building symbolize the Chaktomouk (the 4 rivers).

Overnight in PHNOM PENH

DAY 11 : PHNOM PENH – KOH KONG (B / - / D)

After breakfast proceed overland to Koh Kong, for your stay at a high-end but eco-friendly resort located amidst the untouched rainforest. Enjoy your days on the river in the middle of a fantastic nature, away from tourism.

Program organized by the Cardamom Tented Camp:

Disembark from Trapeang Rung Resort Pier at 14.00, on a 30 minute boat ride down the Preak Tachan River to Cardamom Tented Camp.
On arrival you will get a brief introduction on the conservation and protection work of Wildlife Alliance and an explanation of how the camp guests’ money is spent to protect the area from logging and hunting.

Settle into your comfortable safari-style tent.

You can go on an exploratory hike in the jungle around the camp, kayak or swim in our pristine river or enjoy our zip-line across the river.

Relax at the riverside restaurant as the sun sets over Botum Sakor. Dinner and overnight stay at Cardamom Tented Camp.

Overnight in KOH KONG

DAY 12 : KOH KONG (B / L / D)

After an early breakfast embark on a kayak to the old ranger station, where you explore trails before walking back to the camp in time for lunch. The entire trip takes 3.5 to 4 hours.

Afternoon is at your leisure, you can zip-line, explore trails close to the camp, swim in our beautiful river, or take a kayak along shady tributaries of the river.
Dinner and overnight at Cardamom Tented Camp.

Overnight in KOH KONG

DAY 13 : KOH KONG – PHNOM PENH (B / - / -)

Enjoy breakfast at your leisure. If you are an early riser, go on a self-guided hike on the trails around the camp or take a coffee on a misty morning kayak.

At around 10.00am board the boat back to Trapeang Rung.

Today we say goodbye to the fascinating country of Cambodia, the Kingdom of Wonder. Transfer (without guide) to the airport in time for your flight from the International Airport Phnom Penh.

Your flight should be in the late afternoon or evening.

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