Discovery & Mystery Holidays Dreams
Tour
ARRIVAL IN PHNOM PENH, THE « PEARL OF ASIA »
DAY # 1
Upon your arrival at Phnom Penh International Airport, you will be greeted by your guide who will accompany you in a private car to your hotel for installation. You have a free day at leisure to relax.
Indulge yourself in a one hour session of Khmer massage to relax and reset your body clock.
DISCOVERY OF PHNOM PENH, THE CAPITAL CITY
DAY # 2
In the morning, we invite you to visit the Throne Hall and the Silver Pagoda, located within the compound of the manucured gardens of Royal Palace where are kept all the Treasures of the Crown: admire its floor paved with tiles in pure silver and the Emerald Buddha.
Note: Visitors to the Royal Palace should cover the shoulders and wear appropriate clothing such as long pants or long skirt as to cover the knees.
Then, admire the thousand-year old artifacts from the pre-Angkor and Angkor periods at the National Museum, one of the richest museums in the region in term of ancient sculptures, and relive the Glorious Age of the Khmer Empire through the contemplation of these artifacts.
After your lunch break, continue your City Tour for the visit of Wat Phnom, the City landmark and a man-made hill and be told by your accompanying guide of the Legend of Dame Daun Penh whom the capital City took its name from! It is here that, according to legend, Lady Penh recovered four bronze Buddha images along with a statue of Preah Noreay (Vishnu), found in a tree trunk floating on the water, following a severe flooding. Then, continue your Phnom Penh tour passing by the Independence Monument and the French colonial quarter.
We will then suggest a romantic evening with an hour sunset cruise on the Tonlé Chatomuk with the upper and lower Mekong River to Tonlé Sap and Tonlé Bassac to have another perspective of the capital Phnom Penh, also known as “The Pearl of Asia” and contemplate the magnificent sunset if time permits.
A DAY DEDICATED TO RESPONSIBLE TRAVEL AND IMMERSION INTO THE RECENT HISTORY
DAY # 3
Your morning is dedicated to the solidarity visit of the Apsara Arts Association School which supports the Art Activity foe disadvantage children. Then meet with the French association «For a Smile of Child (PSE / Pour un Sourire d’Enfant)», founded 15 years ago to help and educate street kids who used to once collect the Garbage at the City Garbage dumping site, visit classes and activities (on weekdays and class days only). These two associations which activities are to offer a moral and material support to disadvantaged children have almost the same purpose to overcome poverty and raise awareness of a proper education. For a contribution in supporting PSE working for a better future of the children, have then lunch at the association’s Training restaurant.
Then after lunch, we suggest you to delve into the recent history of Cambodia. This is regime of the Khmer Rouge (1975-1979) where the Khmer people lived an inhumane tragedy that somehow still takes its toll on today’s generation. Your visit to Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, a former high school that served as a prison during this "Dark Years" and also known under the codename S-21, will help you witness the “suffering” of the Cambodian people, and also to understand their very “resilience” and spirit of survival of the Khmer people.
ROAD TO KRATIE VIA KOMPONG CHAM
DAY # 4
Departure by road to Kampong Cham (124 km and approx. a 2-hour drive), and on the way, enjoy a short stop at the picturesque crossroad town of Skun to discover a local culinary “delicatessen” for those adventurous enough to venture into new tastes: the “Deep-fried Spiders”!
Then, visit the temple of Nokor Bachey built under King Jayavarman VII, the Great Khmer Builder King at the end of the 12th century. Pass over the Kizuna Bridge and stop at Chup rubber plantation.
Arrival in Kratie, continuation to Kampi Village and boat trip on the Mekong River to Prek Kampi where it is still possible to see some freshwater river dolphins. After the boat trip, have a tasting of the local specialty of this city - the sticky rice "Krolane", the glutinous rice and grated coconut, cooked in bamboo tubes.
Then, crossing of the Mekong River on a local ferry to spend a night at Koh Trong, a small island in front of the town of Kratie
OX CART OR BIKE RIDE ON THE SHADY TRAILS OF KOH TRONG ISLAND
DAY # 5
In the morning, take a bike ride or horse cart ride (about 2hr30 visit) on a relaxing and shaded track (9km circuit) to discover the local rural life. Afterwards, you may join the Reforestation project activities in Wat Ty Pram Kbal Koh Trong Pagoda. In there, plant a tree and put your name on a wooden plaque next to your planting. In the future, you will be able to return to the island to see the progress of your tree!
Return to local ferry to the town of Kratie and continuation of the road to Banlung (246 km/approx. 4 h), the capital of Rattanak Kiri province, nicknamed the "red city" because of the omnipresent laterite red soil.
WATERFALLS, HILL TRIBES’ VILLAGES AND YEAK LAOM LAKE
DAY # 6
It is up north that we go so far, in the direction of Laos and the village of Taveng. We are first experiencing the curious expanse of volcanic rocks of Veyrum Plâng: a clearing opens in the forest, it is made of lava blocks, and a few steps from this clearing is a small waterfall (in rainy season only) surrounded by the Tigers’ Caves. We then stop in some very pretty “Kroeung” Hill tribes’ villages located in the forests along the road. Then, let's take a look at a village of weavers followed by a walk at Yeak Laom Lake, a superb expanse of water and perfectly round shaped lake surrounded by forest for a swim at the end of the day.
IMMERSION INTO THE TRIBES’ LIFESTYLE AND VISIT OF THE “CHINESE” KACHOK VILLAGE
DAY # 7
To the northwest direction, we will cross the bamboo forests before arriving at Voeune Saï Village on the left bank of the Sé San River. The views of this Chinese village across the river are especially pretty. This place is almost a Chinese enclave in Cambodian territory, most of the villagers, who have been there for generations do indeed not even speak Khmer. Upstream of the Sé San River to Kaoh Peak lies the village Kachok which inhabitants are still practicing the funeral statuary rites.
ROAD TO PREAH VIHEAR
DAY # 8
Departure by road to Preah Vihear province (353 km/approx. 7 hours drive). This journey will allow you to contemplate the landscape of Cambodia and the vast expanse of the ricefields in the Cambodian countryside. Lunch will be taken en- route. You will reach the hotel and you will have a rewarding dinner that awaits you prepared with the local products from the region
VISIT OF PREAH VIHEAR TEMPLE, A UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITE
DAY # 9
Morning departure for the visit of the Preah Vihear temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, located on the northern border of Cambodia with Thailand. The site consists of a series of sanctuaries linked by a series of pavements and staircases. The temple was erected in the first half of the 11th century but its history dates back to the 9th century. The site overlooks a cliff offering a stunning panorama over the plain. It is perfectly adapted to the natural topography, and is being considered as a divine guidance of the temple. Moreover, the halo of fog surrounding the temple, reinforces this impression of supernatural, and the local people in the area talk about a “would-be paradise”.
Then, you will continue the road journey to Beng Mealea (285 km/approx. 4 hours). Upon arrival, have a must-see visit of Beng Mealea, an abandoned temple since the 11th century, located some 60 km from Siem Reap through the bucolic landscapes of the Cambodian countryside. Built on the model of Angkor Wat and still buried in the jungle, you will experience here in this temple, the very emotion of early explorers. This temple served as set venue for Jean-Jacques Arnaud’s film, "Les 2 Frères / Two Brothers". You will afterwards continue the road to Siem Reap (60 km/approx. 1 hour) to get to your hotel for installation.
DISCOVERY OF THE ANGKOR ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITE WITH THE ROLUOS GROUP OF TEMPLES
DAY # 10
Morning: visit the pre-Angkorian site and site of the ancient capital of Jayavarman II, Hariharalaya; the "Roluos" group is made up of three major temples: Preah Ko, Bakong and Lolei. Enjoy a stop at the centre of Krama YuYu weaving Centre to do some purchases of superb "Kramas" (traditional Khmer scarves and constituting the Khmer identity par-excellence)!
Afternoon: after lunch, you will now get into an in-depth tour of Angkor Wat, THE masterpiece of Khmer arts at its glory. It is the most famous temple and largest religious structure in the world, as well as the most impressive of all the Angkor monuments, which five towers, with a golden rosé color, became the emblem of all the successive regimes of Cambodia.
At the end of your day, in order to reflect on your discovery of the day, we suggest a pleasant moment to admire and contemplate the sunset over the Angkor Thom moat with a gondola cruise (Kongkear Angkor - www.greenearth.com.kh) on the Tonlé Oum from the Western Gate of Angkor Thom back to the Southern Gate.
DISCOVERY OF THE “HEART OF ANGKOR” AND THE CAMBODIAN COUNTRYSIDE
DAY # 11
Your exploration starts in the morning with the visit of Angkor Thom (the Great Angkor/City) and to get started with the monumental Southern Gate lined on both sides with the Gods and the Giants; it is one of the five gates leading to the Bayon Temple and Center of the Khmer Empire, so you may understand the strategic structure of the first Angkorian King from the XIIth century who embraced Mahayana Buddhism as the State religion. Carry on your discovery to the recently restored Baphuon and its huge Reclining Buddha, then stroll within the compound of PhimeanAkas, the ancient Royal Palace to finally reach the Elephant Terrace and then end with the Leper King Terrace.
You'll continue the tour by the Interpretation Centre of the Khmer Habitats located in the heart of the Angkor Archaeological Park built in the view to share and promote the richness of Khmer architecture from the pre-Angkorian period.
After lunch, have a nice ride by an ox-cart from the village of Srah Srang North where you can witness the still lively activities of woodcarving and Cambodian way of life - almost immutable – since the old days. Furthermore, upon the entry of the village, before starting your hike, you can enjoy a real scene of the daily life of the Cambodian people in the countryside: the local market of Srah Srang. You can also contemplate (in season), the various shades of green rice fields during the trip, and where you can even stop for "giving a hand at transplanting rice with «the people of ricefield»! A definite immersion in the daily life of the Khmer people! The oxen cart ride will take you to Ta Prohm Temple gate, then be amazed by the “temple in the jungle”! Your end of the afternoon will be devoted to admire this unique work. One of the most extraordinary works of nature is concentrated here in this temple where huge cheese makers extend their roots through stones lifting them, and gradually disrupting the original configuration of this temple
Enjoy a late afternoon sunset contemplation over Srah Srang to reflect on your day!
DISCOVERY OF BANTEAY SREY AND FLIGHT TO SIHANOUKVILLE
DAY # 12
Early departure in the morning for the visit of the Classical Khmer Art Gem with the visit of the Banteay Srey Temple, considered as the jewel of the Classical Khmer Arts. Cleared from the creeper plants and trees that invaded it, Banteay Srei - which means “the Citadel of Women” - is indeed of an absolute and rare beauty and fineness. Every single detail of this sculpted pink sandstone temple is a real enchantment to the human eyes!
Then transfer for your flight to SihanoukVille in the afternoon to get to the seaside area of Cambodia.
LAZY DAY AT THE WHITE SANDY BEACH
DAY # 13
After your late morning wake up, spend your entire day at the beach. Do not miss to taste the fresh seafood during your meals at the restaurant, the feet in the water!
A DAY AT KOH RONG SAMLOEM, THE WHITE SANDY BEACH PARADISE!
DAY # 14
Take a private boat, and you will reach one of the most beautiful island off SihanoukVille where you can go swimming, snorkeling, sunbathing or just spend a relaxing time on the white sandy beach: a true earthly paradise!
A LEISURY DAY ON THE ISLAND
DAY # 15
Spend your last day of these “Absolute Idleness by the Beach Dream” holidays on the island and take in the pure air and carve inside you the images of the much acclaimed Cambodian Beach and labeled one of "The Most Beautiful Bays of the World”!
Then, celebrate the end of your holiday by the sea and why not with a bottle of Champagne?
ROAD BACK TO THE REAL WORLD AND PHNOM PENH BY NIGHT
DAY # 16
Embark on the boat to return to SihanoukVille and then continue by car to Phnom Penh (230 km/approx. 4 hours). You will arrive at your hotel late in the afternoon. You may want to discover the Capital of Cambodia for its lively night life scene and or indulge in a shopping spree that will surely give you an entirely different vision of this Kingdom “with a heart”!
DEPARTURE FROM PHNOM PENH
DAY # 17
According to your departure time, you will then be transferred to Phnom Penh International Airport for your departure flight.
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Do indulge yourself in the “Discovery & the many splendored Mysteries” of an “Absolute Cambodia Holidays”!
