DAY 1: The Sights of Phnom Penh
We begin this Cambodia trip with a visit to Wat Phnom,
symbol of the city. After lunch, we visit the impressive
National Museum, the Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda and sobering
Tuol Sleng Museum. The capital is our base for three nights.
DAY 2: Phnom Baset and Oudong
We head to Phnom Baset and Prasat Srei Krub Laak, then
the former capital of Oudong to visit the royal tombs, enjoying
a picnic lunch in the countryside. We return to Phnom Penh for a
spot of shopping at the lively local markets.
DAY 3: Takeo and Phnom Da
We head south to Takeo to take a boat to Phnom Da and
the Asaram Moha Russei before having a picnic lunch. After lunch
we visit Angkor Borei. We return to Phnom Penh stopping to visit
the mountain-top temple of Phnom Chisor.
DAY 4: Kampong Cham
We head to Kompong Cham to visit a rubber plantation.
After lunch in Kompong Cham and a look at the colonial heritage,
we visit the 12th century Angkorian temple of Wat Nokor. We stay
in Kompong Cham for dinner and overnight.
DAY 5: Kampong Thom and Sambor Prei Kuk
We head to Kompong Thom to visit the pre-Angkorian
temples of Sambor Prei Kuk. En route, we visit Prasat Guha Nokor
and the hilltop temple of Phnom Sontuk, with its many Buddha
images. Dinner and overnight in Kompong Thom.
DAY 6: Kampong Thom to Siem Reap
We visit Prasat Andet near Kompong Thom on the journey
to Siem Reap. We enjoy a picnic lunch in Kompong Kdei, home of
one of the largest Angkorian-era bridges in Cambodia. We
continue to Siem Reap, our base for the duration of the Cultural
Cambodia tour
DAY 7: Roluos and Ta Prohm
We begin with a visit to the earliest temples of the
Angkor period at Roluos, including Preah Ko, Bakong and Lolei
for a useful chronological perspective on Angkor’s development.
Later we visit the jungle-clad temple of Ta Prohm and the
unfinished 10th century temple of Takeo.
DAY 8: Grand Circuit and Small Circuit
In the morning, we visit the grand circuit temples of
Neak Poan, Krol Kor and Ta Som. After lunch, we visit Prasat
Kravan, Sra Srang and Banteay Kdei.
DAY 9: Preah Khan and Sunset over Angkor
Wat
In the morning, we visit the Eastern Mebon, Pre Rup,
and the never-ending corridors of Preah Khan, After lunch, we
visit the atmospheric temple of Tanei, and the twin temples of
Thommanan and Chao Say Tevoda. We watch sunset over Angkor Wat.
DAY 10:Banteay Srei and Kbal Spean
We begin today with an early morning visit to Angkor
Wat to watch sunrise, before continuing to the elegant temple of
Banteay Srei and well-preserved Banteay Samre. We take a picnic
lunch in the countryside before walking through the lush jungle
to visit the riverbed carvings and scenic waterfall at Kbal
Spean.
DAY 11: Pilgrimage to Phnom Kulen
Today, we make an all-day jouney to the sacred mountain
of Phnom Kulen to explore the riverbed carvings, temples and
waterfall. We enjoy a picnic lunch at the waterfall and visit
the reclining Buddha.
DAY 12: Angkor Wat and temples of Siem
Reap
We start today with a visit to magnificent Angkor Wat
to view its architecture and bas reliefs. After lunch, we visit
Wat Thmei, Wat Leur and Wat Athvea in Siem Reap.
DAY 13: Temples of Angkor Thom
Today we enter the walled city of Angkor Thom to view
the highlights of Victory Gate, the Bayon, Baphuon and the
Kleangs. After lunch, we visit Phimean Akas, the Terrace of the
Elephants and the Terrace of the Leper King.
DAY 14: Phnom Krom and the Floating
Village
In the morning, we travel to Phnom Krom for a cruise on
the Tonle Sap, visiting floating villages. After lunch, we visit
Les Artisans D’Angkor, a workshop to redevelop traditional
Cambodian artisan skills and the Western Baray. Guests can
alternatively choose to revisit their favourite temples at
leisure.
DAY 15: Shopping in Siem Reap
We visit the handicraft markets for shopping. Later, we
transfer to airport for the onward flight.
