10 DAYS – 9 NIGHTS   PHNOM PENH - SIEM REAP – BATTAMBANG – PHNOM PENH  [Code: C10-PP-SR-BT-PP]

« ROYAL PALACE, INSIGHT ANGKOR, COLONIAL ARCHITECTURE  »

  

DAY 1 PHNOM PENH

Arrival at Phnom Penh International Airport. Meet your private English speaking guide and transfer with private A/C vehicle to your hotel. Overnight in Phnom Penh. (-/-/-)

 

DAY 2 PHNOM PENH

After breakfast, visit the historical Tuol Sleng Museum (S 21 Prison). This former school was used as a prison by Pol Pot’s security forces and became the largest center for detention and torture during the rule of the sadly notorious Khmer Rouge. At noon you are invited to a typical and friendly lunch nearby the striking Mekong River. In the afternoon, visit the Royal Palace, built by King Norodom in 1866 and the Silver Pagoda, made up of 5,000 silver tiles. The treasures found inside include a solid gold Buddha weighing 90 kilograms and a small 17th century emerald and baccarat crystal Buddha. End your afternoon with a visit to Wat Phnom, founded in 1373, built to house Buddhist relics washed ashore by the river. At sunset, embark upon and enjoy a private Sunset Cruise on the Tonle Sap and Mekong Rivers. Overnight in Phnom Penh. (-/L/-)

 

Breakfast   Mékong

Royal Palace

Private sunset cruise on the Tonle Sap and Mekong Rivers

 

DAY 3 PHNOM PENH - SIEM REAP

Early morning breakfast at the hotel and departure to Siem Reap. On the way, pause at Skun, a small village well-known for its unique culinary art of fried spiders. Approaching Siem Reap, you admire Spean Praptos, the longest and one of the last 12th century corbeled stone-arch bridges. You arrive in Siem Reap and embark upon a fascinating panoramic cruise on lake Tonle Sap with a visit to Chong Khneas Floating Village where you can meet local fishermen.  The boat takes you through the flooded forest and its unique landscape. Visit a small, authentic and family owned crocodile farm where the most adventurous can hold the baby crocs! Back to town, wander in Siem Reap and visit its colorful market, its small restaurants, local craft shops or even have a massage*. In the evening, enjoy a wonderful dinner with an Apsara dance show and a huge buffet of Cambodian specialties. Afterwards, return to your hotel in a tuk-tuk. Overnight in Siem Reap. (B/-/D)

 

Chong Khneas floating village

 

 

DAY 4 SIEM REAP

Today, after breakfast, you explore the most fascinating spots of Angkor site. You come across traditional rural life whilst your chauffeur drives you trough the countryside to Banteay Srei, the "City of Women", a jewel of pink sandstone dedicated to Shiva which has been beautifully restored by the French “Ecole Française d’Extrême Orient”. On your way back, visit the Banteay Samre temple and its exceptional ornamentation; continue on to the Prasat Kravan temple. The afternoon is devoted to the crowning jewel of Khmer architecture, Angkor Wat, national symbol and highlight of any visit to Cambodia. The 12th century masterpiece is considered by art historians to be the prime example of classical Khmer art and architecture. Angkor Wat impresses visitors both by its sheer scale and beautifully proportioned layout, as well as the delicate artistry of its carvings. Enjoy the intricate stone carvings that adorn nearly every surface, with some 1,700 Apsaras, or celestial dancers, sculpted into the walls. Along the outer gallery walls run the longest continuous bas-relief in the world, which narrates stories from Hindu mythology, including the famous churning of the ocean of milk. You witness the magic silhouettes of Angkor Wat in the mid-afternoon and sunset from Mount Bakheng. Two exiting activities can be experienced: an elephant ride* and a balloon flight over the archaeological site*. Overnight in Siem Reap. (B/-/-)

 

Banteay Srei                                           Mount Bakheng

  

 

DAY 5 SIEM REAP

Breakfast at the hotel. The day is devoted to the most amazing temples of the site. Discover the fortified ‘Great City’ of Angkor Thom, dating from 9th to the 13th century. Enter by the monumental south gate over a causeway lined on either side by statues of demons and gods, each carrying a giant Naga. Visit the enigmatic and famous Bayon, one of the most compelling temples in Angkor, explore the galleries of beautifully preserved bas-reliefs and ascend narrow stairs to reach the central sanctuary, where you will find giant stone faces smiling enigmatically down at you from every angle. Visit the ruined Baphuon and the Royal Enclosure. Continue with the Terrace of The Leper King and the Terrace of The Elephants, former spaces for public ceremonies both adorned with dramatic bas reliefs. Then, discover Thommanon, Ta Keo and Ta Prohm, lost temples in lush vegetation, and smaller temples Neak Pean and Preah Khan, not to mention the Great Baray. Later, according to availability –and your inspiration- visit the workshops of Artisans d’Angkor and discover the practice of silk weaving which was introduced to Cambodia back in the 13th century thanks to the Silk Road. You are also shown the traditional art of wood and stone carving. Back to Siem Reap and transfer to your hotel. Overnight in Siem Reap. (B/-/-)

 

The Bayon

Ta Prohm

 

 

DAY 6 SIEM REAP

After breakfast at your hotel you discover the stunning Banteay Kdey, Pre Rup, Preasat Khleang and the Oriental Mebon temples. Then you make your way to the famous Group Of Roluos which served as the capital of Indravarman I, among the earliest large, permanent temples built by the Khmers: Bakong, Preah Ko and Lolei. Back to Siem Reap and transfer to your hotel. Overnight in Siem Reap. (B/-/-)

 

Banteay Kdey                                      Bakong, Preah Ko  

      

 

 Roluos

 

DAY 7 SIEM REAP – BATTAMBANG

Subject to the season, the area of Lake Tonle Sap varies from 2,500 to 14,000 km². Typically, the height of the water is very low in the dry season from February to May.

-If the high-water permits, you board a boat and go up the Sangker River to Battambang. It’s a very pleasant journey of 8 hours, crossing the flooded forest, passing the reserve of Prek Toal bird sanctuary; the boat traverses through a floating village where one can meet local fishermen.

-If the water is too shallow, embark for a small cruise on Lake Tonle Sap between stilt houses of Kompong Pluk village. You enjoy calm and beautiful scenery. In the afternoon, depart by road to Battambang.

Overnight in Battambang. (B/-/-)

 

DAY 8 BATTAMBANG

This is the Cambodian town where the colonial architecture is the most preserved. Enjoy an excursion up the Sangker River amidst lush greenery to Prasat Banon, a beautiful temple perched on top of a hill with 368 steps to climb. Transfer to the "Bamboo Train" station invented by the villagers to facilitate the transport of goods. Seated on a platform of bamboo, you travel through peaceful rice fields and landscapes. Observe the life in the countryside and visit a traditional brick factory. Many outstanding edifices like residential villas and significant public buildings were constructed in Battambang during the French colonial period. Battambang is renowned for the preservation of this style of architecture. Stroll along the riverside and discover the charm of the colonial houses. Overnight in Battambang. (B/-/-)

 

Prasat Banon

Bamboo train

Traditional brick factory

 

DAY 9  BATTAMBANG – PURSAT – KAMPONG CHNANG – PHNOM PENH

Today is a day filled with a range of memorable sights and experiences with the visit to Kompong Luong in a small motorboat. This amazing floating city moves along the lake. You continue your journey through Kompong Chnang, famous for its pottery. You visit Oudong, Ancient Royal Capital until 1866 and a village of silversmiths. Overnight in Phnom Penh. (B/-/-)

 

Kompong Luong - Floating city

 

DAY 10 PHNOM PENH

Breakfast at the hotel. You discover Wat Phnom, founded in 1373, built to house Buddhist relics washed ashore by the river, where you can burn an incense stick. You visit the National Museum, also called Musée des Beaux-Arts. A French archaeologist and painter, Georges Groslier, designed it in Khmer style in 1917. The museum contains a stunning collection of Khmer art throughout the ages. At lunch time, you visit Friends, an association devoted to street children. You can even support them by having lunch at their restaurant that provides a good cuisine. Transfer to your hotel, then to Phnom Penh International Airport for your departure flight. (B/-/-). End of our services.

 

Possible extension:

Phnom Penh – Kep – Sihanoukville – Phnom Penh 5 DAYS - 5 NIGHTS  [Réf : CEX-05-PP-SIH]

Phnom Penh – Kratie – Mondulkiri – Phnom Penh 5 DAYS - 5 NIGHTS [Réf : CEX-05-PP-MON-PP]


 

HOTEL CATEGORY

From the list below, choose the category of hotel and your favorite hotel. If you do not specify a hotel we will endeavor to book the best for you, subject to availability. We always patronize “hotels de charme.”

 

 

Destination

Category

Hotel

Web site

Room

PHNOM PENH

STANDARD

Asia Palace hotel 3*+

www.asiapalacehotel.com.kh

SUPERIOR

Imprévu (bungalow)

www.hotelimprevu.com

SUPERIOR

Blue river hotel 4*

www.hotelblueriver.com

DELUXE

SUPERIOR

Cambodiana Hôtel 4*

www.hotelcambodiana.com

SUPERIOR

Bougainvillier Hôtel 4*

www.bougainvillierhotel.com

DELUXE

Sunway Hotel 4*

phnompenh.sunwayhotels.com

DELUXE

FIRST CLASS

Intercontinental 5*

www.intercontinental/phnompenh

DELUXE

Raffles le Royal 5*

www.raffles.com

DELUXE

SIEM REAP

STANDARD

Neak Pean 3*

www.neakpeanhotel.com

DELUXE

Auberge Mont royal 3* 

www.auberge-mont-royal.com

STANDARD

Ta Prohm 3*

www.taprohmhotel.com/index.htm

STANDARD

SUPERIOR

Somadevi Angkor 4*

www.somadeviangkor.com 

SUPERIOR

Pacific Hôtel 4*

www.pacifichotel.com.kh

SUPERIOR

Royal Angkor Resort 4*+

www.royalangkorresort.com

SUPERIOR

FIRST CLASS

Borei Angkor 5*

www.boreiangkor.com

DELUXE

Angkor village

www.angkorvillage.com

COTTAGE

Sokha 5*

www.sokhahotels.com

DELUXE

BATTAMBANG

STANDARD

Stung Sangke 3*

www.stungsangkehotel.com

DELUXE

Golden Palace 2*

www.goldenpalacehotels.com

SUPERIOR

SUPERIOR

La Villa

www.lavilla-battambang.com

STANDARD

Stung Sangke 3*

www.stungsangkehotel.com

DELUXE

FIRST CLASS

La Villa

www.lavilla-battambang.com

SUPERIOR

Stung Sangke 3*

www.stungsangkehotel.com

SUITE

 

 

 

BREAKFAST - HALF BOARD – FULL BOARD

Except the day of your arrival, American and/or continental breakfasts are always included in our programs.

 

- If you have chosen the option half board or full board, your are given the choice of your favorite restaurant during the entire journey. All you have to do is to choose – within a list - the restaurants which suit your personal tastes. On your arrival, your guide will give you the list of restaurants to choose from, depending on your booking category: Standard, Superior or First Class.

- If you haven’t chosen the option half board or full board, you can, if you wish, refer to that list to suit your budget and your personal tastes.

In both cases, your guide will advise you on the spot.

 

 

ALL PRICES ARE INCLUSIVE OF

Airport transfers, transportation listed in the program, A/C vehicle and private chauffeur, professional English speaking guide, hotels according to the category of your choice, all breakfasts except the day of your arrival, entrance to sites and museums, boat trips on the program, a relaxation massage, 1 FOC for every 20 full fare pax. All prices are net per person, inclusive of VAT, service charge.

 

PRICES DO NOT INCLUDE

International flights, lunches and dinners except those listed in the program, activities not included in the program, tips, cleaning services and extra drinks, visa fees, departure tax, airport insurance.

 

* Some activities not included in our service can be suggested in the program.

 

CHILDREN

Less than 2 years: totally free. The child sleeps with his parents. Meals are not provided.

2 to 12 years for the first child: 50% of the cost price. For second child: 75% of the cost price. In both cases, the child sleeps in a bed. These conditions are valid for up to 2 children.

 

 

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