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- Overland Expeditions
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- Jewels of Khmer

Jewels of Khmer
- Itinerary :Phnom Penh - Tonle Bati - Phnom Penh -Siem Reap
- Tour Id :
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- Price : Contact us
This overland trip captures the grandeur of historical kingdoms and the beautiful countryside. Heading out of Phnom Penh, you travel by roads though the rural lands of Cambodia, Kampong Cham and Kampong Thom to Siem Reap. There are plenty of enjoyable stops to see the local villages and hidden temples. You see the sunrise at Angkor Wat, wander the crumbling ruins of Ta Prohm, marvel at the intricate bas-reliefs of Banteay Srei and visit a floating house on Tonle Sap Lake.
DETAILED ITINERARY
Day 1: Arrival - Phnom Penh
On arrival at Po Chen Tong Airport , you are met by our guide and transferred to hotel. The capital of Cambodia, Phnom Penh lies near the confluence of the Mekong and Tonle Sap Rivers. This riverside town still maintains considerable charm despite its recent turbulent history. An afternoon city tour acquaints us with some major sights of Phnom Penh. The private quarters of the Royal Palace are now home to the royal family and are therefore very close to the public. At the northern area of the palace grounds is Silver Pagoda, the most sacred temple in the country. We climb up a small hill to visit the legendary Wat Phnom and catch a fantastic view over the surrounding areas. O/N in Phnom Penh.
Day 2: Phnom Penh - Tonle Bati - Phnom Penh
Today we continue seeing this delightful town with the National Museum. This mansion is exclusively dedicated to Khmer art and sculpture. The majority of the exhibits are from the Angkor period from 9th to 15th century, but some date from as early as the 4th century. The next stop is one of the city's lively open markets, Psar Toul Tom Pong, all called the "Russian Market". We enjoy a walk around this bustling trading center and see plenty of local handicrafts and artifacts. The painful bloody rule of the Khmer Rouge still can be seen at the Tuol Sleng Prison Museum and the notorious 'Killing Fields' of Choeung Ek. We visit these infamous sites before heading south to explore the complex of Tonle Bati with Ta Prohm and Prasat Yeay Peo Temples. O/N in Phnom Penh. (B)
Day 3: Phnom Penh - Kampong Cham - Kampong Thom
The overland expedition begins as we depart Phnom Penh and drive past Cambodia's biggest growing rubber area. The deep contrast of lush vegetation and red surface of basaltic soil is incredible all along the way. On arrival in Kampong Cham we visit the beautiful French colonial architecture and the famous Wat Nokhor containing the ancient temple and modern style pagoda. The following destination is Kampong Thom. Along the way we make stop over at Phnom Pros and Phnom Srei, two hills whose names were translated as the 'man hill' and the 'woman hill'. After checking into hotel we visit some nearby villages and climb 980 steps to the top of Phnom Santuk for an impressive sunset view over the surrounding areas. O/N in Kampong Thom. (B)
Day 4: Kampong Thom - Siem Reap
The archeological site of Sambor Prei Kuk is our next stop. This mysterious ruin is dotted with hundred pre-angkor styled temples. The road conditions are very poor, but the spectacular scenery , with a mixture of temples and forest makes the hardship all worthwhile. We continue traveling by roads to Siem Reap and pass the charming Khmer countryside. There are plenty of stop opportunities to visit some roadside villages and make fun with waving kids. On arrival in Siem Reap we stroll around to catch a first glimpse. This tranquil town is our base for visiting the world famous temples of the ancient city Angkor , which is home for the capital of the powerful Khmer Empire dating from 802 AD to 1350 AD. This stunning and extensive site sprawls over an area of 60 square miles in dense jungle. O/N in Siem Reap. (B)
Day 5: Siem Reap - Angkor Temples
Heading out of the town we drive towards the archeological area and visit the South Gate of Angkor Thom which is famous for its series of colossal human faces carved in stone, the impressive Bayon Temple, the Royal Enclosure, Phimeanakas, the Elephant Terrace and the Terrace of the Leper King. The largest as well as the most complete temple of Angkor Wat is not to be missed. This architectural masterpiece was constructed in the 12th century and cover an area of about 210 hectares. We stroll around this massive structure, seeing the many galleries with columns, libraries, pavilions, courtyards and ponds full of water reflecting the towering temple before we embark on a walk to Phnom Bakheng Hill for a view of the spectacular sunset over these sandstone monuments. O/N in Siem Reap. (B)
Day 6: Siem Reap - Angkor Temples
The jungle covered temple of Ta Prohm is an incredible sight. 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. We explore the well known Ta Prohm and some nearby temples including Banteay Kdei, Sra Srong, Ta Keo, Thommanon and Chau Say Tevado. They almost belong to the small circuit according to the archaeologists division. Upon leaving this area we visit various famous temples of the grand circuit such as Preah Khan featuring fabulous carved stone lanterns and impressive sculptures, Kravan, Neak Pean, Krol Ko, Ta Som, East Mebon and Pre Rup with a great view over the peaceful countryside. O/N in Siem Reap.(B)
Day 7: Siem Reap - Departure
The temple exploration is not only activity in Siem Reap. We visit the famous Tonle Sap Lake on a boat trip out. This shallow lake boats the largest natural fresh water body in Southeast Asia and flows into the Tonle Sap River which joins the Mekong River in Phnom Penh. The traditional boat navigates along a small river towards the gigantesque lake, giving us a chance to explore floating village, local life style, friendly children in small boats and fishermen pulling in morning catch close up. This excursion is all depending on your departure time. The trip ends after your transfer to Siem Reap Airport for departure. (B
INCLUSIONS: Transportation in private air-conditioned vehicle with driver + Meal as mentioned: B = breakfast, L = lunch, D = dinner + Accommodation: twin sharing room at mentioned hotel or similar one + English or French speaking guide + Entrance fee to indicated sights + Boat trip on Tonle sap Lake
EXCLUSIONS: Other meals, tip, drinks, airport tax, single room supplement, personal expenses, travel insurance, visa, flight in/ out of Cambodia, any optional additional tours or activities during free time, surcharge for peak season, local holiday days and gala dinner
TRIP NOTES
-CAMBODIA IS A DEVELOPPING COUNTRY WHOSE INFRASTRUCTURE MAY DIFFER FROM WHAT YOU EXPECT FROM YOUR HOME LAND. THE ROAD CONDITIONS ARE POOR AND THE ACCOMMODATION IS VERY SIMPLE IN REMOTE AREAS.
-THE ITINERARY IS CORRECTED AT THE TIME OF VIEWING. OCCASIONALLY, THE PROGRAMME CHANGES AS WE MAKE IMPROVEMENT STEMING FROM OUR PAST TRAVELLERS' COMMENTS AND OUR OWN RESEARCH OR DUE TO LOCAL CONDITIONS OR CIRCUMSTANCES BEYOND OUR CONTROL. THIS INCLUDES FESTIVAL, PUBLIC HOLIDAYS, WEATHER AND FLIGHT DELAY,.. THAT MAY EFFECT THE ITINERARY.
-THE TRIP INCLUDES SOME MEALS AS MENTIONED AT THE ITINERARY HOWEVER OUR GUIDE WILL BE ON HAND TO ADVISE YOU AS FAR THE AVAILABLE RESTAURANTS WHERE YOU CAN ENJOY LOCAL FOOD AT YOUR OWN BUDGET. THE MEAL COST IS ALL DEPENDING ON YOUR CHOICE OF EATING PLACE. THE PACKAGE TOUR WITH FULL BOARD MEAL IS ARRANGED UPON REQUEST .
-THE DRESS STANDARDS ARE CONSERVATIVE THROUGHOUT ASIA. LOOSE , LIGHTWEIGHT, LONG CLOTHING ARE ALL RESPECTFUL COOL IN ASIAN HOT CLIMATE. IN ADDITION TO YOUR ITEMS OF PERSONAL CLOTHING, WE SUGGEST YOU TO BRING TRAINER OR SNEAKER SHOES, TORCH/FLASH LIGHT, HAT, RAIN COAT FOR WET SEASON, SUN CREAM, SUNGLASSES, DAYPACK, TOILETRIES AND SMALL TOWER, INSECT REPELLENT.