Cambodia Nature 15 day tour

Destination: Siem Reap/Anlong Veng/Preah Vihear/Koh Ker/Beng Mealea/Kompong Thom/Phnom Penh/Chiphat/Sihanoukville

Description: It might be before you land in Siem Reap that you realize how interesting your Cambodia holiday is going to be! After some days visiting Siem Reap with Angkor Complex, you’ll drive to Anlong Veng, known as Khmer Rouge Cultural Site, Preah Vihear, Koh Ker, Beng Melea, Kompong Thom with stunning view en-route. Toward to Phnom Penh with much attraction, visiting Chiphat and Sihanoukville.

B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner, G=Guide

Day 1: Siem Reap arrival (G)

On arrival at the airport, you’ll be met and transfered to your hotel for check in.

Take a short break before we head to visit Angkor Wat ruins,which is one of the major reasons so many Indochina travel fans go all the way to this laid-back country. Ta Prohm, one of the area’s most beautiful temples. Neak Pean, a fountain built in the middle of a pool, Ta Som, built in late 12th century C.E. the most distant temple on the grand circuit, small but classic. Preah Khan Temple, Built by the King Jayavarman VII. Visit the unique interior brick sculptures of Prasat Kravan, Srah Srang, Banteay Kdei (surrounded by 4 concentric walls) and Ta Keo, constructed in late 10th early 11th century. Have lunch in a nearby restaurant and then we will go back to Siem Reap.

In the afternoon, enjoy your free time in the town.

Stay overnight in Siem Reap.

Day 2: Siem Reap (B, L, G)

Cycling trip to visit Angkor Wat is always for those Cambodia tour makers with the zest for new experience. Today, the 45-minute cycling will take us to Angkor Thom South Gate, Bayon, Baphoun, Elephant Terrace, Basei Chamkrong, Leper King Terrace, Royal Enclosure, etc. have lunch in a nearby restaurant.

In the afternoon, visit Angkor Wat, then contemplate the glorious sunset from the top of Phnom Bakheng Hill. Drive back to Siem Reap.

Stay overnight in Siem Reap.

Day 3: Siem Reap (B, L, G)

Early morning we start witness sunrise over Angkor Wat temple with bird twittering over the ancient land of Angkor area. We walk to nearby pagoda and offering alms to monks. Spend your own time talking to the monk and nuns to exchange the culture or relieve. Have breakfast in a local restaurant. Later, we will pay a visit to the most beautiful temple of Angkor Wat: Banteay Srei. It’s almost every Cambodia tour maker’s favorite site. The special charm of this temple lies in its compact size, remarkable state of preservation, and the excellence of it decorative carving. Banteay Samre follows up, and its rose-colored sandstone walls are decorated with carvings and bas-reliefs, which are among the most accomplished Angkor has to offer.Have lunch in a local restaurant.

In the afternoon, we board on boat in Tonle Sap Lake. Here, enjoy a boat ride passing by floating villages completed with schools, restaurants, and hospitals. We will be back to Siem Reap before sunset.

At night, we will attend a traditional Apsara dance. Known as Khmer Ballet, this art form nowadays is evolving around the lore of the apsaras, these celestial courtesans who may be found carved in the stones in Angkor Wat.

Stay overnight in Siem Reap.

Day 4: Siem Reap/Anlong Veng/Preah Vihear (B, L, G)

This morning, we will drive toward Anlong Veng, it’s known as Khmer Rouge Cultural Site, the last stronghold of Khmer Rouge leaders. We will visit the house that once was owned by former Khmer Rouge Commander Ta Mok (1979 – 1997) some remaining statues describe the way the rebels lived and how they arranged their troops during their bloody struggle again the government. We will take a half an hour to walk to a pile of tires which is believed to be the funeral pyre and burial site of Pol Pot, the leader of the Khmer Rouge. Then we continue to Preah Vihear by new branch road. If time permits, we will drive up Preah Viear Mountain to observe the sunset over the ancient land of Khmer empire.

Stay overnight in Preah Vihear.

Day 5: Preah Vihear/Koh Ker (B, L, G)

Early morning we wake up early for sunrise, then we continue to Koh Ker, the remnant of the capital city of the Khmer Empire from 828 AD – 944 AD of a unique period in the Age of Angkor. We will get around in Koh Ker temples area such as Rahal Baray, Balang temple, Thneng temple, Linga Shrin, Prasat Andong Kok, in which big lingas still in place. Enjoy a bird’s eye view from the top of Prasat Thom (big temple) that overlooking Dangrek Mountain range and surrounding forest. We will continue to explore the many temples at this incredible site, including the beautiful Prasat Krahom, covered by jungle, and some of the smaller structures such as Prasat Neang Khmau. Have lunch in route.

The rest of your day is free at leisure.

Stay overnight in Koh Ker.

Day 6: Koh Ker/Beng Mealea/Kompong Thom (B, L, G)

Today we have a long journey west to the Beng Melea district. Beng Mealea lies at the foot of the southern cliff of Phnom Kulen, 40kms east of Angkor, on the road to the great Preah Khan. It was the starting point of canal which led to the great lake, Tonle Sap Lake. On the way we will take a motorbike ride into the bamboo forest. It is undiscovered tourist site in Angkor areas. We continue to visit Beng Mealea Temple, this 12th century temple is enclosed by a moat that is nearly the size of Angkor Wat, but utterly subsumed by jungle. After this, we will enjoy the scenic ride all the way to Kompong Thom. Check in upon arrival.

Stay overnight in Kompong Thom.

Day 7: Kompong Thom/Phnom Penh (B, L, G)

We will leave Kompong Thom to the archaeological sight of Sambor Prei Kuk, which is dotted with hundred Pre-Angkor styled temples. The site, part of the Chenla Kingdom, includes an area of nearly 1000 acres enclosed by double walls, and hundreds temples and towers; its construction predates Angkor Wat by several centuries. The road conditions are very poor, but the spectacular scenery, with a mixture of temples and forest makes the hardship all worthwhile for your real experience Cambodia tour. Have lunch in a local restaurant.

In the afternoon, we will drive through the humble villages to Phnom Penh. Check in upon arrival.

Stay overnight in Phnom Penh.

Day 8: Phnom Penh (B, L, G)

After breakfast, we will start a city tour visiting Royal Palace, Silver Pagoda, Raung Damrei Museum and National Museum of Fine Arts, ending the day in the Independence Monument.

Stay overnight in Phnom Penh.

Day 9: Phnom Penh (B, L, G)

If you didn’t grab it all yesterday of this Cambodia holiday in Phnom Penh, today’s your chance to learn more about this amazing city and its mind-provoking history. Today we will travel a little bit further from Phnom Penh. Enjoy the landscape on our way to Kampong Thom. Wandering around in some local villages to encounter different lifestyles, later you will find yourself immersed in the idyllically peaceful life. Make short visit to Kuk Hak Nokor for pagodas. Have lunch in a local restaurant.

In the afternoon, we will pay a visit to the infamous Killing Fields of Choeung Ek. Prisoners from Tuol Sleng followed this same route to their fate. Despite the horrors of the past, it is a peaceful place to go and a tranquil spot to reflect on the tragic events that engulfed Cambodia and its people.

Stay overnight in Phnom Penh.

Day 10: Phnom Penh/Chiphat (B, L, G)

Transfer from Phnom Penh to Chiphat. Arrive at Andoung Teok where we will catch local boat upstream journey along the Preak Piphot River. During this journey through mangrove forests, as well as witnessing typical river edge villages and homes, be on the lookout for birds and mammals coming to the waters edge to drink.

You will arrive in Chiphat district in the afternoon. Check in and have some free time in this natural setting.

Stay overnight in Chiphat.

Day 11: Chiphat (B, L, G)

Have breakfast with the sunlight and twittering, and then we will start trekking to O’Chonleas Pran (Refugee River) by passing small stream and meadow. Arrive at Damnak Kos where we set for lunch. We get on traditional row boat along the Stoeng Prat River (Cattle Skin Cord) and long river enjoy birds watching. Arrive in Chiphat, relax yourself.

Stay overnight in Chiphat.

Day 12: Chiphat/Sihanoukville (B, L, G)

Farewell to Chiphat and we will depart for Sihanoukville. Check in hotel and rest time. The lovely beaches of Sihanoukville are some of the most unspoiled in all of South East Asia despite of the fast growing of tourism. There are some 10 km of beach stretching the whole length of the town and dozens of small islands just a short boat ride away, which makes for a perfect tropical getaway, with facilities for swimming, snorkeling or scuba diving, This free day will provide you some great opportunities to soak up the sun and sea as much as you want by spending your time swimming or lazing on a beach.

Stay overnight in Sihanoukville.

Day 13: Sihanoukville (B)

Enjoy your free day in Sihanoukville!

Day 14: Sihanoukville/Phnom Penh (B, G)

Today we have a half day free for relaxation. Off the beach you can rent a boat to explore the nearby coastal islands or the Ream National Park which is well known for the mangrove forest and the eco-system.

In the early afternoon we depart Sihanoukville for Phnom Penh and traverse the spectacular rural landscape. Free and leisure after check in at your hotel.

Stay overnight in Phnom Penh.

Day 15: Phnom Penh departure (B)

Your time will be your own until the driver comes and takes you to the airport for your departure flight!