Day 1: Phnom Penh Arrival (-/L/-)

Phnom Penh - Airport: 12km, ~35min drive

Upon arrival in Phnom Penh airport, you will be met and transferred to hotel by our guide and driver. After making sure of your successful hotel check-in, they will be pleased to leave you free time at leisure to recover after the long flight.

After lunch at a local restaurant, we visit the Victory Monument, and the National Museum, also called Musee des Beaux-Arts. A French archaeologist and painter, Georges Groslier, designed it in Khmer style in 1917. The museum contains a collection of Khmer art - notably sculptures - throughout the ages. Our next destination is the Royal Palace, built by King Norodom in 1866 on the site of the old town, and the Silver Pagoda. Located within the Royal Palace, the Silver Pagoda is so named because of its floor, which is made up of 5000 silver tiles. The treasures found inside include a solid gold Buddha encrusted and weighing 90kilograms and a small 17th century emerald and baccarat crystal Buddha. We will end our afternoon with the visit of the Wat Phnom Temple, Phnom Penh's namesake, from where you can enjoy views over the tree-lined avenues of Phnom Penh during sunset.

Meals Included: Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel in Phnom Penh

Day 2: Phnom Penh - Tonle Bati – Phnom Chisor (B/L/-)

After breakfast at hotel, we carry out an excursion to discover the Tonle Bati Lake - a small lake about 30 km south of Phnom Penh. Close to the lake, there is Ta Prohm, a temple built in 12th century by Jayavarman VII and 20 minutes south of the lake there is another temple called Phnom Chisor, a pre-Angkorian Brahmin temple of Suryagiri (10-11th century) that sits on top of the hill (503 steps) and offers fabulous view over the surrounding plains. We drive back to hotel in Phnom Penh for overnight.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel in Phnom Penh

Day 3: Phnom Penh - Kampong Cham – Kompong Thom (B/L/-)

Phnom Penh - Kompong Thom: 200km, ~3h55min drive

After breakfast at hotel, we drive towards Kompong Cham. En route, discover Phnom Pros and Phnom Srei Khmer temples (better known as the Killing Fields during the Khmer Rouge era) before visiting Wat Nokor, a 12th century Angkorian temple housing a contemporary and colorful pagoda. Enjoy a city orientation of Kompong Cham to discover its elegant colonial architecture. Lunch at a local restaurant in Kompong Cham. Continue towards Kompong Thom, stopping on the way at Wat Kohar Nokor, built in the 11th century during the reign of Suryavarman I, and the monastery of the nearby village. We will also visit Phum Prasat to see its pre-Angkorian tower located within the complex of the village’s pagoda. Upon arrival in Kompong Thom, check-in your hotel.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel in Kompong Thom

Day 4: Kompong Thom - Siem Riep (B/L/-)

Kompong Thom - Siem Riep: 197km, ~3h30min drive

After breakfast at hotel, we discover Sambor Prei Kuk, the ancient capital of Chenla (early 7th century). Originally called Ishanapura, Sambor Prei Kuk shelters the most impressive group of pre-Angkorian monuments with more than 100 temples scattered throughout the lush forest. Have a picnic lunch on site before continuing to Siem Reap. En route, we visit traditional Cambodian villages and stop at Naga Bridge, an ancient Angkorian bridge which is still in use today.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel in Siem Riep

Day 5: Siem Riep - Rolous Group – Angkor Wat (B/L/-)

Breakfast is served at hotel. We then start our day by visiting Roluos Group of temples built between 877-889, situated 13km from Siem Reap. They were constructed when the ancient Khmers created their first settlement in the Angkor region. There are 3 temples: Bakong is the most impressive temple, much older than Angkor Wat with beautiful carvings on its lintels that are still in good shape. Preahko temple is close to the main temple Bakong and consists of 6 elegant brick towers with exquisite decoration and statues of Nandi, Shiva's sacred bull. Lolei temple constructed in 893, is an island temple dedicated to members of the royal family and the Hindu God Shiva. 

In the afternoon, we continue our visits to Angkor Wat (early-mid 12th century) dedicated to the Hindu god Vishnu. This huge temple-mountain, built by King Suryavarman II is considered as the masterpiece of Khmer architecture and art. The temple complex covers 81 hectares and is comparable in size to the Imperial Palace in Beijing. Its distinctive five towers are emblazoned on the Cambodian flag and the 12th century masterpiece is considered by art historians to be the prime example of classical Khmer art and architecture. Angkor Wat's five towers symbolize Meru's five peaks - the enclosed wall represents the mountains at the edge of the world and the surrounding moat, the ocean beyond. Sunset at Angkor Wat.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel in Siem Riep

Day 6: Siem Riep - Banteay Srei – Angkor Thom (B/L/-)

After breakfast, we drive through country side towards the famous temple of Bantey Srey “the Citadel of Women”. This small pink sandstone temple (late 10th century) is considered to be the jewel in the crown of classical Khmer art because of its delicate carvings. We then back to visit Banteay Samre temple in the Angkor Wat style.

Our afternoon is spent to visit the ancient capital of Angkor Thom: the South Gate, the Bayon with its 54 towers of enigmatic smiling faces of the compassionate Boddhisattva, the nearby temple-mountain of Baphuon, the Royal Enclosure with the Phimeanakas temple, the Elephants Terrace and the Terrace of the Leper King.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel in Siem Riep

Day 7: Siem Riep - Petit Circuit – Grand Circuit (B/L/-)

Morning after breakfast at hotel, we visit to the “Small Circuit” group of temples including: Ta Prohm embraced by the roots of enormous fig trees. This is one of Jayavarman VII's first major temple projects dedicated to his mother, Thommanon built at the same time with Angkor Wat and Chau Say Tevoda temple, Banteay Kdei – surrounded by four concentric walls, Srah Srang – “The Royal Baths" was once used for ritual bathing and Ta Keo known as “ The mountain with golden peaks” dedicated to Hindu God Shiva.

The afternoon is spent for visiting the “Grand Circuit” including: Pre Rup- a temple-mountain with beautiful bas reliefs and excellent views of the surrounding countryside, East Mebon- a large temple – mountain dedicated to Shiva in honor of the king’s parents, Tasom- the most distant temple of the Grand Circuit, Neak pean a small island temple originally dedicated to Buddha and the Preah Khan dedicated to Jayavarman VII's father.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel in Siem Riep

Day 8: Siem Riep - Beng Mealea (B/L/-)

After breakfast, we start our morning by visiting Beng Melea temple located 60km to the East of the city (2 hour drive). The temple was constructed in same age and style with Angkor Wat. It is hidden in the middle of lush jungle, an ideal place for those interested in getting some adventure off the beaten track in Cambodia. Picnic lunch on the way. We then transfer to visit Koh Keh - used to be the most remote and inaccessible Angkor temple complex  but thanks to the reconstruction, the road now is in good condition.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel in Siem Riep

Day 9: Siem Riep - Battambang (B/L/-)

Siem Riep - Battambang: 172km, ~2h55min drive

After breakfast, we drive 120 km towards the northwestern province of Banteay Meanchey. Before reaching Banteay Chhmar, we stop on the way to visit the village of Puok, home to the Artisans d’Angkor Silk Farm established to revive the Cambodia's beautiful silk production. Discover every step of the production. Then visit the isolated Banteay Top, a magnificent ancient temple. Arrival at Banteay Chmar in the late morning and discover the temple of Banteay Chhmar, meaning “Narrow Fortress”, dating from the late 12th to the early 13th century . It is thought to have been built by Jayarvarman II and was later rebuilt by Jayarvarman VII as a funerary temple for his sons and four generals who had been killed in a battle repelling a Cham invasion in 1177. In the afternoon, take a tour around the village to discover the daily life of Khmer people, and pass through some beautiful rice paddies before continuing the road to Battambang. We will arrive Battambang in the late afternoon.

Optional:

Boat cruise from Siem Reap to Battambang during the high water level season.
Note: From March to June / July, the water level may be too low to navigate and therefore this tour may not be operated.

After breakfast, we drive to the fishing village of Chong Kneas and board a traditional wooden riverboat for a 6 to 7-hour cruise towards Battambang. First, cross Tonle Sap Lake to reach the Sangker River and then, sailing upstream discover the Prek Toal Biosphere Reserve, a migratory bird sanctuary, and see the floating villages where traditional fishing methods are still preserved. Have a picnic lunch on board. Upon arrival in Battambang transfer and check-in hotel.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel in Battambang

Day 10: Battambang (B/L/-)

After breakfast, we visit the traditional house at Phum Wat Kor then drive along the Sanker River through the charming country side until Wat Ek Phnom Temple (11th century). On the way back, we visit Wat Slaket Pagoda, and Prahok Market (Prahok is the Cambodian fermented fish paste). In the afternoon, experience a 2-hour sightseeing tour aboard a bamboo train, the old means of transportation. Enjoy the beautiful village landscapes, rice fields and then return to Battambang to visit the Provincial Museum and stroll through the town center with your guide and admire its colonial architecture and Chinese shop-houses and colorful temples.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel in Battambang

Day 11: Battambang - Kompong Chhnang – Phnom Penh(B/L/-)

Battambang - Phnom Penh: 294km, ~5h5min drive

After breakfast, we drive towards Kompong Chhnang through the fertile rice fields of the western Cambodia, known as the granary of the country. En route, we take a boat trip to the floating village of Kompong Luong. Visit the pottery villages around Kompong Chhnang the “Port of the Pottery”, located at the confluence of Tonle Sap Lake and Tonle Sap River.

After lunch at a local restaurant, we continue driving towards Phnom Penh. En route, we will stop at the abandoned royal city of Oudong (early 17th century) and visit the temples and stupas that cover the hills. Upon arrival in Phnom Penh, check-in hotel.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel in Phnom Penh

Day 12: Phnom Penh - Departure (B/-/-)

After breakfast at hotel, you can visit the Russian Market if time permits before our driver meet and transfer you to Phnom Penh airport for your departure flight.  End of services!

Meals Included: Breakfast