Code:	CAL01
Routes:	Phnom Penh - Tonle Bati - Kompong Cham - Kompong Thom - Sambor Preikuk - Siem Reap - Angkor Wat - Angkor Thom - Tonle Sap Lake
Duration:	7 Days

Itinerary in brief

Day 1:  ARRIVAL - PHNOM PENH
Day 2:  PHNOM PENH - TONLE BATI - PHNOM PENH
Day 3:  PHNOM PENH - KOMPONG CHAM - KOMPONG THOM
Day 4:  KOMPONG THOM - SIEAM REAP
Day 5:  SIEM REAP - ANGKOR TEMPLES
Day 6:  SIEM REAP - ANGKOR TEMPLES
Day 7:  SIEM REAP - DEPARTURE

An overland trip that captures the grandeur of historical kingdoms and the beautiful countryside. From Phnom penh, we across the rural lands of Cambodia and the charming town of Kompong Cham before arriving at the magnificence of Angkor Temples . The road conditions are difficult at times, but it is an interesting adventure since this part of the country receive very few visitors.

Detail Itinerary
 

DAY 1: ARRIVAL - PHNOM PENH

Morning arrival at Phnom Penh Airport. Transfer to your hotel (room may not be ready until begining afternoon). With your professional guide and prived car we start to visit Phnom Penh . 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. We will first go to see Wat Phnom Temple.Then we will visit the Royal Palace and the Silver Pagoda . The Palace is a magnificent example of Khmer architecture, it was built in 1866. You will see the Throne Hall and the Napoleon III Pavilion. Silver Pagoda is one of the richest shrines in the world . The floor is made of 5.000 silver tiles.
Afternoon, visit of the National Museum, a Khmer red pavilion, which is dedicated to Khmer art and sculpture. The majority are from the Angkor period (9th to 15th century), and some from the 4th century. If you would like to see, you will visit Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and we will enjoy a boat cruise on the Mekong River to see Phnom Penh from the river, and watching the sunset over Phnom Penh. O/N in Phnom Penh.

DAY  2: PHNOM PENH - TONLE BATI - PHNOM PENH

The sightseeing tour of Phnom Penh begins with a visit to the National Museum, which is dedicated exclusively to Khmer art and sculpture. The majority of the exhibits are from the Angkor period from 9^th to 15^th century, but some date from as early as the 4^th century. We continue to one of the city’s lively open markets, Psar Toul Tom Pong, all called the “ Russian Market”, where anything and everything is for sales! The Tuol Sleng Prison Museum and the notorious ‘Killing Fields’ of Choeung Ek are not to be missed. A visit to these sights provides a deep insight into the painful bloody rule of the Khmer Rouge. Heading out of town we visit the Tonle Bati with Ta Prohm and Prasat Yeay Peo Temple. O/N in Phnom Penh. (B)

DAY  3: PHNOM PENH - KOMPONG CHAM - KOMPONG THOM

The overland expedition begins as we depart the town and pass through Cambodia’s biggest growing rubber area to Kampong Cham. 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 Wat Nokhor containing the ancient temple and modern style pagoda. The following destination of our trip is Kongpong 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 Kompong Thom. (B)

DAY 4: KOMPONG THOM - SIEAM REAP

An early morning start to drive to the archeological sight of Sambor Prei Kuk , which is dotted with hundred pre-angkor styled temples. The road conditions are very poor, but the spectacular scenery of this ancient ruins, with a mixture of temples and forest, makes the hardship all worthwhile. We travel by roads to Siem Reap, passing the charming Khmer countryside. The town of Siem Reap 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 through the dense jungle, over an area of 60 square miles. O/N in Siem Reap. (B)

DAY  5: SIEM REAP - ANGKOR TEMPLES

Today we spend a full day exploring the wondrous ancient ruins with 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, the Terrace of the Leper King and the largest as well as the most complete temple of Angkor Wat. This architectural masterpiece was constructed in the 12^th century and covers an area of about 210 hectares. We stroll around this massive edifice, seeing the many galleries with colums, libraries, pavilions, courtyards and ponds full of water reflecting the towering temple. 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 this masterpiece as well as some of the surrounding temples including Banteay Kdei, Sra Srong, Ta Keo, Thommanon and Chau Say Tevado. The grand circuit with Preah Khan, Kravan, Neak Pean, Krol Ko, Ta Som, East Mebon and Pre Rup Temples, is also visited this afternoon before we walk up to Phnom Bakheng Hill for a view of the spectacular sunset over these sandstone monuments. O/N in Siem Reap. (B)

DAY 7: SIEM REAP - DEPARTURE

After breakfast, we embark on a short cruise on Tonle Sap Lake, Cambodia’s biggest natural water body ( If time permits). The experience is wonderful as we pass by floating village, friendly children in small boats and fishermen at work. The trip ends after your transfer to Siem Reap Airport for departure. (B)

 

 

HOTELS USED ON  THIS TRIP
CITY/ AREA	Standard  Class	First Class	Superior Class
Phnom Penh	Diamond hotel, Princess hotel, La Parranda hotel, Queen hotel	Juliana hotel , Bayon hotel, Monorom Holiday Villa,	Cambodiana hotel , Royal Phnom Penh hotel , Sunway hotel
Kompong Thom	Stung Sen hotel
Siem Reap	Salina hotel, Neak Pean hotel, Nokor Phnom hotel,	City Royal hotel, Angkor hotel,Ta Prohm hotel, City Angkor hotel	Angkor Century hotel, Apsara Angkor hotel
HOTEL NOTES	+ The higher hotel category in Siem Reap and Phnom Penh can be arranged  upon request. + The hotels in Kompong Thom do not match tour classification since some of them may be simple but remember that Cambodia is a developing country.