Explore Cambodia and glorious Angkor 13 days by Mekong Delta Travel
Travel to Cambodia with excursion of its main capital. Continue to
Siem Reap by scenic river cruise and tour around the Angkor Wat, Angkor
Thom (Bayon), Rolous Group and Tonle Sap Lake.
Itinerary
Day 1: Phnom Penh Arrival
On arrival at Po Chen Tong Airport , you are welcome and transferred
to hotel. The capital city of Phnom Penh was once considered the
loveliest city of Indochina. Despite its recent turbulent history, it
still maintains considerable charm. A city tour acquaints us with some
major sights of Phnom Penh. The private quarters of the Royal Palace are
now home to the royal family and are therefore very close to the
public. At the northern area of the palace grounds is Silver Pagoda, the
most sacred shrine in the country. We visit both structures as well as
the legendary temple of Wat Phnom, which provides an interesting view
over the surroundings. Overnight in Phnom Penh.
Day 2: Phnom Penh Sightseeing Tours (B)
The sightseeing tour of Phnom Penh continues 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 this afternoon, exploring Psar Toul Tom Pong, also called the “
Russian Market”, where anything and everything is for sales. Overnight
in Phnom Penh.
Day 3: Phnom Penh – Rattanariki ( B/L/D)
Today we board a short flight to Banlung, the capital city of
Rattanakiri Province. After checking into hotel we drive to Wat Phnom
Soui to catch our first view over the plateau and Banlung Town. We
follow this with a trip to Cha Oug Waterfalls and Yeak Laom Park, a
protected area, which is looked after and managed by the regional
authority .The main attraction of this area is Yeak Laom Lake, a
volcanic crater lake believed to have been created about 700,000 years
ago. Surrounded by forest up to the crater rim, the spectacular lake is a
beautiful oasis and a great place for a refreshing swim! We will walk
along the lake – side and visit the simple visitor center, which
exhibits different tools from the various tribes. Overnight in Banlung.
Day 4: Banlung – Tampolum – Banlung ( B/L)
Heading out of the town , we make our way to Voeune Say which is one
of the main villages by the Se San River. The road conditions are rough
in this region and the travel is somewhat arduous. We arrives at Voeune
Say and are sure to attract attention since this part of the country
receive very few tourists. After a short walk through this village, we
will embark on a traditional wooden long boat navigating on the scenic
Se San River which gives us a taste of adventure and an enjoyable visit
to the Tampoun, Kroeng and Brou minority people. They are very poor but
have rich and interesting culture. Overnight in Banlung.
Day 5: Banlung – Kroeung Territori – Banlung( B/L)
The journey northwards begins as we depart the town and pass various
scenic landscape changing from the volcanic lava field of Veyrum Plang
to the village of Kroeung. The Kroeung people have the curious custom of
erecting bachelor houses standing on long bamboo poles. These houses
will remain so till the young man finds a wife. After a short walk
around this seldom visited village we continue driving to the Bai Srog ,
an impressive waterfall with seven levels in the middle of the forest. A
swim in the clean and refreshing mountain water is highly recommended.
Overnight in Banlung.
Day 6: Banlung – Stungtreng (B)
The morning market of Balung also attracts a wide array of hill tribe
people who converge from the surrounding the mountainsides to trade
their goods. After an enjoyable walk around this congregation we set off
on a rough but scenic drive to Stungtreng. These back roads are a great
way to explore the real Cambodia. We see very few other travellers,
mostly rural dwellers who are just as interested in finding out about
our lives as we are of theirs. On arrival in Stungtreng we have time to
stroll around this outpost town. There is not many thing to see
Stungtreng apart from the countryside and few temples. Overnight in
Stungtreng.
Day 7: Stungtreng – Kratie ( B/L)
Upon leaving Stungtreng, we board a local boat navigating down stream
on the Mekong River to Kratie, a lovely riverside town. The pace is
very relaxed, a perfect way to observe the rural life close up. After
checking into hotel in Kratie 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. The next stop of our trip is Phnom Srey and Phnom Pros. 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.
Day 8: Banlung – Kompong Cham ( B/L)
The river dolphins and the many old architectural structures are a
highlight of Kratie although conditions are very basic. We explore this
charming town when we walk along the roads spotted with many charming
Khmer houses and make fun with waving kids. Afterwards we embark again
on a local boat for a tranquil paced trip to Kompong Cham. This town has
plenty of interesting sights, some of which are old colonial buildings
and Wat Nokhor, containing the ancient temple and modern style pagoda.
We then spend the rest of today on our own. There are few little bars by
the riverside, all ideal places for visitors to sample local foods and
explore the local life. Overnight in Kompong Cham.
Day 9: Kompong Cham – Kompong Thom (B)
The following destination of our trip is Kompong Thom. We drive past
Cambodia ‘s biggest growing rubber area. The deep contrast of lush
vegetation and red surface of basaltic soil is incredible. Along the way
we make stop over at Phnom Pros and Phnom Srei, two hills whose names
were translated as the ‘man hill’ and the ‘woman hill’. On arrival in
Kompong Thom, we visit some nearby villages and climb 980 steps to the
top of Phnom Santuk for an impressive sunset view over the surrounding
areas. Overnight in Kompong Thom.
Day 10: Kompong Thom – Siem Reap (B)
An early morning departure 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
ruins, with a mixture of temples and forest makes the hardship all
worthwhile. We then continue our journey to Siem Reap. This town is our
base for visiting the world famous temples of the ancient city Angkor,
home for the capital of the powerful Khmer Empire , which is dated from
802 AD to 1350 AD. This stunning and extensive site sprawls through the
dense jungle, over an area of 60 square miles. Overnight in Siem Reap.
Day 11: Siem Reap – Angkor Temples (B)
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.
Overnight in Siem Reap.
Day 12 Siem Reap – Angkor Temples (B)
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. Overnight in Siem Reap.
Day 13: Siem Reap Departure (B)
There is free time for you own exploration of the town and strolling
around the shopping areas. The trip ends after your transfer to Siem
Reap Airport for departure.
GroupCost: US$ per pax |
1 pax |
2 pax |
3 – 4 pax |
5 – 9 pax |
10 – 14 pax |
Standard |
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Superior |
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Deluxe |
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Tour includes
- Hotel accommodation in Siem Reap (Angkor)
- Daily Breakfasts and lunch and dinner as mentionned
- Transport ( car and boat as showed on program)
- All Internal/domestic air tickets per program
- Tours and excursions as described
- English speaking guide
- All Entrance Fees
Tour excludes
- International Airfare
- Insurance
- Airport tax & personal expense
- Cambodia visa fee (Visitors can obtained visa upon arrival at US$ 20 with 2 photos)