Grand Tour of Cambodia – 18 days

Beyond the magnificent Angkor Temples, the entire country offers so many beautiful places to be explored. Trek with elephants along barely-trodden jungle trails, clamber through remote temples, discover the laidback charm of the Khmer and visit Colonial-era beachside towns. You will certainly get away from the regular tourist trail and experience parts of Cambodia far less visited, but deeply worthwhile.  Enjoy a voyage of discovery on this Grand Tour of Cambodia.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Uncover the tragedies of Cambodia in Phnom Penh
• Unique experience the Bamboo Train in Battambang
• Elephant ride around the unspoiled villages in Mondulkiri
• Marvel at the iconic temples of Angkor
• Experience rural village life in North-East Cambodia
• Soak up the tropics in Kep

ITINERARY

Day 1:  Phnom Penh Arrival
Day 2:  Toul Sleng & Cheung Ek, Phnom Penh City Tour
Day 3:  Phnom Penh – Battambang
Day 4:  Battambang Walking Tour – Bamboo Train
Day 5:  Battambang – Siem Reap
Day 6:  Angkor Wat Tour
Day 7:  Banteay Srey – Tonle Sap
Day 8:  Siem Reap – Kampong Thom
Day 9:  Kampong Thom – Kratie
Day 10: Kratie – Ratanaki – Banglung
Day 11: Ratanaki
Day 12: Ratanaki – Mondulkiri – Sen Monorom
Day 13: Mondulkiri
Day 14: Mondulkiri – Phnom Penh
Day 15: Phnom Penh – Kep
Day 16: Kep
Day 17: Kep
Day 18: Kep – Phnom Penh Departure

DAY 1:             PHNOM PENH ARRIVAL (D)

Upon arrival in Phnom Penh, you will be met by local guide transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is free at leisure. The city was once considered one of the most beautiful cities in the Orient and despite its recent turbulent history it still retains much Colonial charm. Enjoy the Welcome Dinner!

Overnight in Phnom Penh.

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DAY 2:             TUOL SLENG & CHEUNG EK TOUR, PHNOM PENH CITY TOUR (B, L)

The morning, gain insight into Cambodia’s recent dark history on a visit to the remarkable Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum of Genocidal Crimes and Cheung Ek, better known as the “Killing Fields”, housed in the former school that was taken over by the Khmer Rouge and used as its main detention and torture center named ‘S-21’.

In the afternoon visit the Royal Palace, situated on the site of the former citadel and built by King Norodom in 1966, the Palace still serves as the King and Queen’s residential quarters. Also within the walls of the Palace is the Silver Pagoda, so called because of five thousand silver tiles that line its exquisite floor. Afterwards, we visit the National Museum, which houses the world leading collection of Khmer art and sculpture, and Wat Phnom the founding site of the city.

Our trip concludes by 01 hour boat cruise on Mekong River to explore night life of local.

Overnight in Phnom Penh.

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DAY 3:             PHNOM PENH – BATTAMBANG  (B, L)

Morning departure in a north-west direction, stopping just an hour out of the capital at Phnom Oudong, the former royal capital of Cambodia. Upon arrival at Oudong, climb the stairs to the top of Oudong Mountain and enjoy outstanding views across the surrounding plains below. Continue to Kampong Chhnang, known for its traditional pottery. Take the time to stop at the small pottery village of Angdong Russey and the stone marble carving village in Pursat.

Complete your journey to Battambang. This is Cambodia’s second largest city and, not so long ago, was within target range of a stronghold of the erstwhile Khmer Rouge and was therefore off-limits to most travelers. Upon arrival, having checked-in at your hotel, the remainder of your day is at leisure.

Overnight in Battambang.

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DAY 4:             BATTAMBANG WALKING TOUR, BAMBOO TRAIN (B, L)

Start your morning with a leisurely walking tour to explore the city’s architectural highlights. First stop is Psar Nath, the central public market was built in 1936 by the French engineers who build the central markets in Phnom Penh and Ho Chi Minh City. Walking through the market lined with vendors selling heaps of the freshest catch and harvests gives you an indication of the rich natural resources from Battambang’s countryside. Past the central market, more well-preserved colonial shop houses line the street fronting the Sangker River. Along this stretch one can also find an inconspicuous 150-year-old Chinese temple, the oldest structure in the conservation area, and an exquisitely preserved corner French-style villa converted into a bank.

Continue walking to the beautiful Post Office, built from 1907 to 1926, to drop some postcards, before heading to the Provincial Museum, inaugurated in 1968, which houses archaeological finds from across Battambang province including Phnom Banan temple. Artifacts on display in the small museum include large statuary and intricately carved lintels. The last stop on our walk is one of the city’s colonial jewels: Sala Khaet, or the Lord Governor’s Palace, built within the fort during the final years of the Thai occupation (1795 to 1907), when Battambang was ruled by six generations of the Chavfea Baen family appointed by the Thai King.

Lunch is at Jaan Bai, a kindness restaurant run by CCT (Cambodia Children Trust), helping to provide vocational training for orphan’s and street children from the Battambang area.

In the afternoon, experience one of the highlights in Battambang, the Bamboo Train, an original means of transportation on the old train tracks. Then continuing to Phnom Banan where, having climbed the 358 steps to the summit, you will discover a sandstone and laterite temple, with distinctive five towers, that was built between the mid-11th and 12th centuries.

Overnight in Battambang.

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DAY 5:             BATTAMBANG – SIEM REAP (B, L)

Today, you will embark on one of the most stunning boat trips in Cambodia, as you will be taken from Battambang to Siem Reap by a comfortable private boat (please note that between March and July this journey may have to be made by land if the water level is especially low). Picnic lunch will be served on board. The journey will take around five hours up to eight hours in low water. Throughout the day you will have the chance to observe the daily lives of the Cambodians living both next to, and on, the waterways nicknamed the ‘life blood of Cambodia’.

Continuing out on to the Tonlé Sap ‘Great Lake’, you will pass by floating villages, crocodile farms and through the water lanes of a flooded forest (possible only in high water). Arrive at Siem Reap port in the afternoon and transfer to your hotel. Free evening at leisure.

Overnight in Siem Reap.

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DAY 6:             Angkor Wat Tour (B, L)

Visit South Gate of Angkor Thom and the marvelous of the eerie Bayon, Baphuon, Phimeanakas, Terrace of Elephant, Terrace of Leper King, Royal Enclosure. Also visit Ta Prohm Temple. Afternoon visit the famous of Angkor Wat, built for king Suryavarman II in the early 12th century as his state temple and capital city – first Hindo, then Buddhist-since its foundation, trip conclude by experience sunset view at Angkor Wat.

Overnight in Siem Reap.

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DAY 7:             SIEM REAP – BANTEAY SREY – TONLE SAP – SIEM REAP (B, L)

After breakfast at the hotel, we drive to Banteay Srey. The so-called “Citadel of the Women” displays some of the finest examples of classical Khmer art as this small temple is noted for its truly remarkable fine bas-reliefs, depicting Hindu god Shiva. Banteay Srei is unique in that it is constructed of pink sandstone, which is seen nowhere else in Angkor. 

We also visit Banteay Samre, built in the third quarter of the 12th century. It consists of a central temple with four wings preceded by a hall and accompanied by two libraries, the southern most of which is remarkably well preserved. 

This afternoon we will enjoy a boat ride on the Tonle Sap Lake. This is the largest permanent fresh-water lake in South East Asia and flows into Tonle Sap River, joining the Mekong in Phnom Penh. We will see a fishermen’s “floating village” with floating schools, floating police station, etc. It is same as a big village floating on the lake, and the “village” move from place to place following water levels and current.

Overnight in Siem Reap.

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DAY 8:             SIEM REAP – KAMPONG THOM – SAMBOR PREY KUK (B, L)

After breakfast, leave Siem Reap for Kampong Thom Province (3,5 hours drive). Upon arrival, check in hotel and having lunch at local restaurant.
 
In the afternoon, we visit Sambor Prei Kuk, one of the most important pre-Angkorian sites in the country that is enlisted to potentially become Cambodia’s next UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Sambor Prei Kuk was built in the Chenla period between the 6th and 7th century and there are over 100 well preserved temples scattered in the forest. The three main sites are linked by small and shady tracks. Enjoy a beautiful walk through the jungle with breathtaking views.

Overnight in Kampong Thom.

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DAY 9:             KAMPONG THOM – KRATIE (B, L)

Departure for Kampong Thom Province (5h drive). On the way, stop at Phnom Santuk Mountain and climb the 980 steps to the top to visit the pagoda and for the great views over the countryside. Upon arrival in Kratie, check into your hotel on Koh Trong Island, only a short 10 minutes boat ride away from Kratie. The rest of the afternoon is free at leisure.

Overnight on Koh Trong Island.

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DAY 10:           KRATIE – RATANAKIRI – BANLUNG (B, L)

After breakfast, process to Banlung, Ratanaki, a sparsely populated province, it is renowned for its unique natural beauty and wealth of natural resources. The physical and environmental characteristic of the province forms an impressive range including undulating hills and mountains, a level plateau, watershed lowlands, crater lakes, rivers and waterfalls.

Arriving in Banlung in time for a late lunch, having checked in and refreshed after the drive, join your guide for the drive to the stunning crater lake of Yeak Lom, surrounded by lush tropical forest. If time permits, visiting some remote gem mines close to an ethnic Tompuon village.

Overnight in Banlung.

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DAY 11:           RATANAKIRI (B, L)

After breakfast, travel to the remote district of Andong Meas – approx. 80km from Banlung. Continue by foot to a nearby Jarai village to meet the local people and learn about their way of life.

Continuing by foot along the banks of the San River as far as a Jarai cemetery; surrounded by forest and complete with many ancestral tombs. From here you will have to cross the water to visit an isolated Jarai community before heading further downstream, this time by boat, as far as Andong Meas. After lunch return to Banlung, stopping en to visit a gem mine. The afternoon is free at leisure.

Overnight in Banlung.

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DAY 12:           RATANAKIRI – MONDULKIRI (B, L)

Early in the morning pick up from your hotel and drive to Mondulkiri. The drive to Mondulkiri’s Province climbs gradually through some of Cambodia’s most beautiful countryside, known for its high waterfalls, river gorges, pristine jungle, pretty fruit and vegetable orchards, and refreshing micro-climate, which makes a welcome change to Cambodia’s hotter areas. The region also produces the finest coffee in Cambodia.

Upon arrival transfer directly to your hotel at the procial capital of Sen Monorom. The rest of your day  is at leisure.

Overnight in Sen Monorom.

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DAY 13:           MONDULKIRI (B, L)

Morning departure for Poutang Village, a Bunong tribal village. Having arrived at the village you may have time to observe how this remarkable tribe lives, From the village, you can choose to walk with or ride the elephant, sitting up high in the howdah, enjoy a very different view of the surrounding countryside. The morning journey will take approx 90 mins of leisurely ride or walk along the bank of the valley, passing the Bunong’s season farms, then heading downhill as far as the bottom of the valley, where you and your elephant will both take a break. Enjoy swimming and washing the elephant in the rapids, with help from the mahout (elephant carer), then enjoy a picnic lunch in the hut near the water.

In the early afternoon, get back in to your howdah and continue along the valley, passing the fields, farms, and lush lawns until you finally arrive at Klel Village – another tribal village – where you will meet your driver for the journey back to Sen Monorom.

Take some time to explore Sen Monorom’s town centre, before driving up to Samut Chheu to enjoy the views across ‘Sea Forest’, as the sun sets over Mondulkiri.

Overnight in Sen Monorom.

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DAY 14:           MONDULKIRI – PHNOM PENH (B, L)

On the way out of Sen Monorom stop to visit the village of Putang, another Phnong village where your guide can further explain traditions. Continue driving to Phnom Penh. Travel time will be 7-8 hours to the capital including stops en route for having lunch at Kampong Cham. Arrive into Phnom Penh in the late afternoon.

Overnight in Phnom Penh.

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DAY 15:           PHNOM PENH – KEP (B)

This morning you will transfer to Kep, where you will enjoy the last days in Cambodia. Kep is Cambodia’s prestigious seaside resort of the 1960s is now awakening to its former glory. The small town offers reminders of the past and a growing choice of activities including island trips, a national park and the famous crab market.

Free day at leisure.

Overnight in Kep.

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Day 16:           KEP – RABBIT ISLAND (B, L)

After breakfast, your driver will transfer you to Kep Port where you will board a boat for the 45 minute boat ride to Koh Tunsay (Rabbit Island), a quiet and unspoiled island.

Upon arrival, disembark and having explored the small village, spend the remainder of the day relaxing on the beautiful sandy beach. A BBQ lunch will be served on the beach. Return to Kep in the late afternoon.

Overnight in Kep.

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Day 17: KEP (B)

Your day is at leisure.

Overnight in Kep.

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Day 18: KEP – PHNOM PENH DEPARTURE (B)

Your day is at leisure until your transfer back to Phnom Penh for your onward flight.

SERVICE INCLUDED

• Shared accommodation in twin/double room with daily breakfast
• Tours as per itinerar with local speaking guide
• All transfers and transportation with air-con vehicles
• All entrance fees as program
• Meals (B: Breakfast; L: Lunch; D: Dinner) as indicated in the program
• A bottle of mineral water per day tour

SERVICE EXCLUDED 

• Drinks
• Mineral water beyond that supplied
• Tips
• Personal expenses and tips
• Visa to Cambodia
• Airfares (international and domestic)
• Meals (other than mentioned in the program)
• Airport taxes  
• Early check in or late check out
• Insurances
• Optional excursions and activities
• Additional transfer required due to any emergency situation
• Items of a personal nature (Phone calls, laundry, beverages…)
• Peak season surcharges if any
• All not mentioned above