Classic option from £1335* PP
Trip code: CRB-C-14 |
Group size: Max 16, Avg 12
START Phnom Penh, Sihanoukville, Kampot, Kep, Takeo, Kampong Thom, Tonle Sap Lake, Temples of Angkor, Siem Reap, Battambang FINISH
An exploration deep into Cambodia reveals the intriguing and little-visited south. Uncover the charms of the colonial port town of Kampot, and discover stretches of uncrowded beaches at Sihanoukville. A trip through the jungle in darkness to unveil the majestic temples of Angkor in dawn’s first light is an experience that will stay with you forever. Stop at a local market in Dom Deak en route to remote Boeng Mealea and discover the little-visited Battambang with some of the best-preserved colonial architecture in Cambodia. This journey will lay open parts of exotic Cambodia not often visited by tourists.
Availability
01865 268 940
2013
DAYS 1-2: PHNOM PENH
On arrival in Phnom Penh, transfer to your hotel and meet your tour leader and group for welcome drinks. Whilst in Phnom Penh, gain an insight into the contrasts of Khmer history during visits to the Royal Palace, National Museum, Tuol Sleng and the Killing Fields. Jump aboard a cyclo for an exciting trip to the city’s namesake, Wat Phnom, and then learn about the plight of local street children and what you can do to help at the ChildSafe Centre.
Hotel: Cardamom Hotel
DAY 3: SIHANOUKVILLE
Head into the beautiful countryside towards the south coast, passing lush green rice paddies lined with swaying sugar palms. Sihanoukville is Cambodia’s premier beach resort and the ideal place to relax. Feast on fresh seafood and laze on the pristine beaches and uncover the mangroves of nearby Ream National Park.
Hotel: White Beach Hotel
DAYS 4-5: KAMPOT
Travelling towards Kampot, stop at the abandoned French hillstation of Bokor Hill, then an interesting visit to a pepper farm to see how the famed local pepper is produced. Find peace on a sunset river cruise. A morning walk reveals a local market. Discover a nearby cave temple on the way to Kep. At days end, watch the sunset from King Sihanouk’s former villa.
Hotels: Diamond Hotel
DAYS 6-7: TAKEO & KAMPONG THOM
Experience the real Cambodia staying with a delightful family in Takeo, before rushing across the narrow canals nearby on an exhilarating speedboat trip. Take in the pre-Angkorian town of Angkor Borei, and climb the steps of nearby Phnom Da to discover the ancient temple that sits on top. Try the local delicacy at Skuon, fried spiders, and then travel on to an informative Silk Farm in Santuk, before enjoying incredible views from Santuk Mountain and spending the night in Kampong Thom.
Hotels: Home-stay, Sambor Village Hotel
DAYS 8-10: SIEM REAP
Explore the ruins of an ancient capital at Sambour Prei Kuk, where the 7th century temples ruins sit amidst lush jungle. Continue to Tonle Sap Lake and cruise past the floating villages, before arriving in Siem Reap, gateway to the temples of Angkor. Rise before dawn to steal through the jungle by torchlight and experience the spires of Angkor Wat emerge from surrounding darkness with dawn’s first rays, an unforgettable sight. Tour the main temple complex, including the impressive stone faces of the Bayon by tuk-tuk and venture off the tourist trail to jungle-covered Boeng Mealea. In your free time, seek out some bargains in the Old Market.
Hotel: Royal Empire Hotel
DAYS 11-14: BATTAMBANG & SIEM REAP
A delightful drive brings you past a rice paper village and the abandoned Pepsi factory, on your way to the charming French-colonial architecture of Battambang. Take a stroll along the banks of the Sangker River in this charming bohemian town. Stop at a rural winery and sample some Cambodian wine, then visit Banan temple and take a fun ride on the bamboo train. Return to Siem Reap for your departure transfer.
Hotels: Stung Senke Hotel, Royal Empire Hotel
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