Complete Cambodia

Day1: A single, magical day at the temples following our well researched  itinerary, including Ta Prohm of ‘Tomb Raider’ fame, the forest to lightly visit of Ta Nei, Mountain temple of Ta Keo known as the ” Bronze Peaks” admire its five-tired pyramid structure, Angkor Thom: Terrace of the Elephants, Terrace of the Leper King, Preah Palilay, Phimeanakas, Baphuon, and the Bayon with its captivating stone faces. After your Angkor tours enjoy a wonderful local lunch break.

Evening: You’re magical and trek up to Sunset View with a leisurely from Phnom Bakheng [Mountain] and view hidden elements of the ancient Khmer water systems, relaxing in hand and accompanied by the sound of birds, songs and villagers.

Day 2: Beyond the temple lies a rural landscape which is often little changed since the days of Jayavaman VII. To depart Siem Reap having seen only the temples ruins is to miss contemporary Khmer culture, and a living history of rice and fishing subsistence culture. As infrastructure and technology encroaches upon the countryside this opportunity will soon be lost forever. This morning I will take a journey of discovery by boat, Buffalo -cart and on foot to visit villages little changed since the days of Jayavarman VII. Few get to see this side of the real Cambodia. After you will visit a colorful contemporary pagoda to understand more of the importance of Buddhism in these rural communities and seek a Water Blessing ceremony by monk said to bring good fortune for the journey ahead. Local lunch 

Then further drive to the great Tonle Sap Lake is the richest fresh water fishing ground in the world, a national treasure producing an ever-changing landscape. The communities that live around the margins of the lake cope with huge seasonal variations in water levels by building their homes on floating bamboo rafts or 30ft stilts,* Village/Floating/Markets/School – for an understanding of contemporary lake life.

Day3: Angkor Wat sunrise and Exploration, Rising at the crack of dawn, we journey out to the Mother of all temples, Angkor Wat. Believed to be the world’s largest religious building, this temple is the perfect fusion of symbolism and symmetry and a source of pride and strength to all Khmer’s. Built in the 12^th century by King Suryavrman II; this is the most famous temple at Angkor. As the crowds return to their hotels, we venture into Angkor Wat to enjoy its magnificence in peace and quiet. We begin by unravelling the mysteries of bas – reliefs that tell tales from Hindu mythology and of the glories of the Khmer empire.

Then after local breakfast break travel across ancient reservoirs (long since devoid of water), through pretty villages and paddies to Banteay Srei [AD967], This beautiful pink sandstone temple is well-known for its intricate carvings, of which hardly any space is left untouched and it’s in perfect state of preservation.

Day4: Road by private air-condition vehicle a long the National Road6 and up the National Road5 to Battambang, the center of agriculture in Cambodia’s fertile southwest. There is an opportunity to stop at several places along the way as we pass the villages, markets and rural scenery, including Preah Netpheah to learn more about Cambodia craft of stone carving. Evening enjoy the beautiful scenery with journey before Sunset by visiting the “Bat Army.” Thousands of bats fly out of their caves.

Day5: In the morning explore some of the local markets and the French Colonial architecture around Battambang town, before a ride on the famous bamboo train. This afternoon visit and see how fish paste and rice paper are made.

Day6: Explore the villages, markets and rural scenery along National Road No 5 by private car on your journey to Phnom Penh. Your tour guide and driver will stop at your request at some of the villages and towns producing traditional and modern Khmer crafts, including the famous marble work of Pursat, and the ceramics of Kompong Chhnang.

Day7: Weaving through Phnom Penh’s colorful streets, markets explore some of our favorite hidden gems. In the morning take in the shimmering spires of the Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda. This afternoon we endeavor to provide some insights into Cambodia’s recent tragic history under the Khmer Rouge with visits to the Killing Fields and Tuol Sleng (S-21) Prison. Later visit Wat Phnom to learn how the city got its name.

Day8: Depart Phnom Penh in the morning to drive to the town of Kratie, located in east-central Cambodia, in order to spot Irrawaddy Dolphins on the Mekong River. En route you will pass through scenic countryside and stop in the small town of Skoun to see (perhaps dare to try?) deep fried spiders.

Day9: Take a boat out onto the Mekong to try your luck at spotting an Irawaddy Dolphin. Continue on to Sen Monorom in the province of Mondulkiri in the mountainous region of northern Cambodia that borders Vietnam.

Day10: Today is all about elephants with a visit to ELIE (Elephants Livelihood Initiative Environment), a center for elephants rescued from various trades. An hour drive and short trek through the emerald jungle brings you to your destination where you will meet the magnificent creatures.

Day11: Discover the beautiful area of the Northern Highlands of Seima Protected Forest with a local guide who knows the area well. There are several different treks covering different parts of the forest depending on the season and catering to differing levels of fitness. In the afternoon visit Bousra Waterfall, one of Cambodia´s most impressive falls.

Day12: Visit a local market this morning before your drive back to Phnom Penh where the rest of the day will be at leisure for you to further explore the capital.

Day13: Private transfer by car to the delightfully sleepy coastal town of Kep, a fashionable seaside resort in the 1960s. Explore some of the examples of modernist French and Khmer architecture, which are in various states of disrepair. In the afternoon, explore the local fish market and have some delightfully tasty fresh crabs. Then travel by car along the coast, visiting the nearby town of Kampot, a charming riverside town and the surrounding pepper plantations where the famed Kampot pepper is grown.

Day14: Private transfer by road to Sihanuk Ville  and boat to the untouched pristine Koh Rong Island or other  with a stunning sunset backdrop for your luxurious hideaway.

Day15 &16: Free & easy at leisure on Cambodia Island. Optional activities include watersports, snorkeling or visits to other islands. 2 full days to relax and views over the Gulf of Thailand.

Day17: Transfer to Phnom Penh airport for your departure flight.