Cambodia Discovery - 10 days

Early morning, enjoy the Tuk Tuk to the jungle-covered temple of Ta Phrom - that had nearly disappeared into the jungle and remains overgrown, an oddly haunting and exotic scene. The magnificent roots of a tree, pushing between the huge stone blocks of the temple in a sort of embrace, evoke feelings that you may remember forever. Come back to hotel for breakfast before a full Angkor temple tour. Start with Angkor Thom, the South Gate of Angkor Thom, Bayon Temple, built from the late 12th century to the early 13th century by King Jayavarman VII and consists of 54 towers, the Royal Enclosure, the Phimeanakas, the Elephants Terrace and the Terrace of the Leper King. In the afternoon, spend your time for Angkor Wat, the largest temples in world and covers an area of 200 hectares and surrounded by moat and an exterior wall measuring 1300 meters x 1500 meters.

Today you drive to the most remote and ruin temples of Boeng Mealea which is a temple located 60 km east of the main group of temples at Angkor Wat and built during the reign of King Suryavarman II in the early 12th century. Its primary material is sandstone and it is surrounded by moats. The basic layout is three enclosing galleries around a central sanctuary. There is extensive carving of scenes from Hindu mythology, including the Churning of the Sea of Milk and Vishnu being borne by the bird god Garuda. Causeways have long balustrades formed by bodies of the seven-headed Naga serpent. Smaller in size than Angkor Wat, the king’s main monument, Boeng Mealea nonetheless ranks among the Khmer empire’s larger temples. Continue to Peurng Kumnou carving on the foot of Kulen Mountain and then lunch box will provide in the deep jungle, return to Siem Reap in the late afternoon.

Early morning, take a 4 - 6 hour boat trip to Battambang along the Stung Sang Ker river. You can enjoy the wonderful landscape, the floating villages, as well as the daily life along the river. Arriving in Battambang, check in hotel and then walk through the town to discover its beautiful colonial architecture. Visit the Provincial Museum which displays some interesting pieces, such as carved lintels from surrounding temples, and stone or wooden Buddha statues.

(Note: If water levels are low, the journey from Siem Reap to Battambang will be by car. The Tonle Sap Lake is at its lowest level at the end of the dry season in March and April)

After breakfast, you drive 12 km to Phnom Sampov. This mountain is the site of two caves which were formerly places of torture and killing by the Khmer Rouge. A memorial holding some of the victims' remains has been created there. From this place of such brutality, one can enjoy an ironically spectacular view of the countryside. Afterward, you go to Phnom Bannon, and climb the 337 steps to the top to the 12th century Prasat Bannon Temple. There you can enjoy another outstanding view of the surrounding plains. Continue to a natural cave located down the hill. A real life experience on the one-of-a-kind Bamboo Train will provide an unforgettable experience. Then it is an 11km drive along the Sang Ker River to Wat Ek Phnom, which was built by Suryavarman I in the 11th century.

You will depart Battambang in the early morning on a beautiful drive through the Cambodian countryside to Phnom Penh, the capital of Cambodia. Check in hotel and visit Wat Phnom (Central of the City): is a treasured place of respect for all Khmers and is the namesake of the capital. Continue with National museum, displays inside more than 5,000 works of art, ranging from the 7th to the 13th century. Treasures include sculptures, 19th century dance costumes, royal barges and palanquins. You can rest by the peaceful, palm-shaded central courtyard and lotus ponds and contemplate one of Asia's riches cultures.

Situated at the confluence of the Mekong and Tonle Sap Rivers, the Cambodia's capital city look like a big village - town where French colonial influences can still be seen in old buildings restored. Start your city tour with a visit to Royal Palace. The Palace was opened in 1870 under King Norodom, and now contains the Royal Residence, the Throne Hall, the Silver Pagoda, and other buildings. The Silver Pagoda (Wat Preah Keo Morokat) is one of the city's most visited sites and offers a display of priceless Buddhist and historical objects. Afternoon, you visit to Toul Sleng museum (S-21) and the killing field of Choueng Ek, which is about 35kim away from the city. These places are grim reminders of Cambodia's bloody past under Pol Pot. It is almost inconceivable to confront the nature of true evil here in this gentle land, but the Buddhist memorial at Choeung Ek, commemorates the 1.7 million victims of the 1975-79 Pol Pot regime. This excursion may prove distressing for some.

This morning your guide will meet you at your hotel and take you to the coastal village of Kep. This quiet fishing village is the ideal place to relax at the end of your holiday. En route, stop to visit Phnom Tamao wildlife sanctuary. This zoo was established to preserve and rescue rare and endangered local species from poachers and smugglers. It is home to 70 Sun bears and Asiatic bears that have been rescued with the help of the NGO Free the Bears. Arrival in Kep, check in your hotel and free time.

This morning, take the boat trip to Kor Tonsai (rabbit Island). The beach is typical tropical island settings. Long and lined with coconut palms. The sand isn’t as white as other beaches but the water is crystal clear and the jungle covered mountains provide a nice back drop to the coconut palms. Swimming or hiking are good ideas for you. Return Kep in the later afternoon and spend the rest day at your leisure.

Today is your departure day, so no activities are planned. Transfer back to Phnom Penh for your departure flight. End of the tour. Thank you for using our service.