Insight of Cambodia

Welcome to Phnom Penh – the city retains its traditional Khmer and colonial styles with French villas and large tree-line sidewalk. Upon arrival in Phnom Penh, pick up by our local tour guide from the airport and transfer to check in hotel. This afternoon, we visit the impressive colorful Khmer-style royal palace complex build in 1866 by the Predecessors of King Norodom. Nearby is Silver pagoda (the emerald Buddha temple), where contain plenty of Buddha Statues decorated and made by gold, diamond, gemstone and silver. Continue visiting the National museum; a beautiful Khmer architecture building contains more than 5000 art antiques made by bronze, wood, gold, silver, copper, sandstone and others.

We pass through the river-front park where 4 rivers met at a junction include mystical Mekong. Walk up to sacred hill Phnom Daun Penh – also the name of a pagoda and name of the capital nowadays. Last visit Central Market, a large market constructed in 1937 in the shape of a dome with four arms branching out into vast hallways with countless stalls of goods. Initial design and layouts are from French architect Louis Chauchon. Overnight in Phnom Penh.
 

This morning we depart to Kratie Province via Kampong Cham passing by many rubber plantations on the way, make a break at Chhup rubber plantation where you can observe the havesting and production. After that check out the ancient temple complex of Wat Nokor dating back from 11th Century built originally  during the last years of the reign of King Jayavarman II. The monument was built out of sandstone and laterite and it is composed of a central tower surrounded by four laterite wall-enclosures. People believe that this temple used to be the the headquarters of Jayavarman II for a time, from where he extended his influence over nearby principalities. 

Upon arrival in Kratie, a small colonial-style town located by the Mekong River bank, we visit Wat Phnom Sambok on the mountain top to see the reclining Buddha, meditation centre and Buddhist monastery. From the hilltop, enjoy the stunning panoramic view of the Mekong River and lush green landscape. Later of the day, transfer along the countryside road heading North to a pier where you can embark on the boat on Mekong River to view the rare freshwater Dolphin also called Irrawaddy. Enjoy the sunset over the river while the boat taking you back. Transfer back to the town and boarding a local boat or ferry to Koh Trong island in the middle of the river where you can reach in 10 minutes. Upon arrival, check in Rajabori Villas. Spend your night at the tranquil village.
 

Enjoy your breakfast at the hotel. This morning take a loop around the island on the oxcart or bicyle through the paved road passing by the lush gardens of pomelos and traditional Khmer Houses. This is also the great chance to experience the daily routine of the people living in this small island. We stop to visit some Wats on the way. Here you also can join a meaningful activity: planting a tree. This project was initiated by a local famer in order to cover the island by a green of dense forest as it used to be. This is really a good deed to leave behind on the island. Continue your tour to visit Vietnamese floating village at the southern tip of the island.

Afternoon, relax at your property. Overnight in Koh Trong.
 

Breakfast at your hotel. Check out and take the ferry/boat back to Kratie where your driver awaits to transfer you back to Siem Reap. On the way, stop to visit  Wat Nokor Bachey a home to pagoda, built within the walls of an antique Khmer temple. A prime example of the changing nature of holy places in Cambodia over the centuries. The pagoda built in 19th Century with its typical tiled roof of Khmer architecture abuts the ruins of the Angkorian temple devoted to Mahayana Buddhism and built during the reign of Jayavarman VII (12th Century – 13th Century) in the concentric design common to temples of that era.

Arrival in Siem Reap in the late afternoon, check in your hotel and have a short time to relax. In the evening enjoy the dinner with Apsara dance show, a traditional dance of Khmer people. Overnight in Siem Reap.
 

After breakfast, gear up the exploration of Angkor complex temples, the UNESCO World Heritage by first visiting the ancient capital of Angkor Thom starting with the South Gate of Angkor Thom which is famous for its series of colossal human faces carved in stone. Bayon Temple - unique with its 54 towers decorated with over 200 smiling faces, Baphuon temple located in the North of Bayon represented of holy Mount Meru the residence of the gods in Hindu tradition. Finishing the visit at this ancient city by going around The Royal Enclosure, Phimeanakas, the Elephant Terrace and the Terrace of the Leper King. Continue visiting the jungle covered temple of Ta Prohm. 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. This temple is famous by being chosen for major activities of Tomb Raider acted by Celebrity Angelina Jolie.

Afternoon, visit Angkor Wat, highlighted by the longest continuous bas-relief in the world, carved on the walls and tell the stories of Hindu legends. This architectural masterpiece was constructed in the 12th  century and covers an area of about 210 hectares. Strolling around this massive edifice, seeing many galleries with Colums, libraries, pavilions, courtyards and ponds full of water reflecting the towering temple. 
End of the day, visit Pre Rup Temple where you can calmly relax and enjoy sun set view. Return to Siemreap downtown. Overnight in Siem Reap. 
 

After breakfast we continue exploring other Angkor temples including The Preah Khan, built by King Jayavarman VII to dedicate to his father, was a Buddhist temple at the original time and Takeo temple, a mountain temple built in pyramid shape to represent Mount Meru, the mountain of centre of the world in Hindu mythology. We then visit Thommanon - small attractive temple in very good condition, built at the same time as Angkor Wat; Chau Say Tevoda built during the second quarter of the 12th century opposite of Thommanon, it was dedicated to Shiva and Vishnu. Continue the visit to Banteay Kdei set in a peaceful and quiet place, serving as a Buddhist temple. Its name means Citadel of Chambers. Then continue to Srah Srang – the Royal bathing pool which was once used for ritual washing. 

Afternoon, drive to explore the less visited temples at the remote places including Banteay Samre which is believed to be built around the same time as Angkor Wat, because the architecture is of the classic art of the same period though not much inscription has been found for this temple. Banteay Srei or the Citadel of Women, a temple boasts a remarkable preservation of excellent stone carvings in pink color. Drive to Homestay Bongthom, an unique community-based tourism site which captures the essence of village life in the heartland of Cambodia. You will check in Khmer Traditional Hall and stay overnight there. Your dinner will be served at the home stay place. (a private room/villa is available upon request).
 

Breakfast at home stay and then start our day with a visit to Preah Dak Village, one of the famous villages of Sugar palm to see the local people produce sugar palm from the palm juice and other kitchen stuff from the palm tree before take Oxcart ride through village, catching up with the local people. After that experience the work of the local people and learn how to plant rice on the paddy filed. This is the common and traditional way of Cambodian in producing the rice and still in apply up to now. After doing the work of a farmer, you will test the sticky rice cooked in the bamboo stick. We will also pay a visit to a local household to learn how to make Cambodian Noodle as it is the famous food in Cambodia. 

After lunch at the homestay, participating in an volunteering activity at the local school in the village. Here you will help paint the school and interacting with the local students by teaching them English or drawing,…
Drive back to Siem Reap and check in hotel. Your time at leisure until evening, picked up for Phare Circus show. Dinner at the local restaurant. Overnight in Siem Reap.

Please note: Planting Rice activity should be confirmed at least 2.5 months in advance to prepare the logictic locally.
 

Breakfast at the hotel. Your time at leisure to relax and enjoy the services at the hotel or strolling around to visit  Siem Reap Town, shop the souvinirs at the market before going home. Check out and transfer to the airport to board the onward flight back home. Say goodbye to Cambodia. (the check out time is 12:00pm).