Siem Reap & Phnom Penh: Taste of Cambodia

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All ABOUTAsia tours feature crowd avoidance routes to ensure you experience the best of the country, and our own special "spice notes"...

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Tour Summary

Spend your time in Siem Reap and Phnom Penh to experience alternative aspects of the country with a seven day tour featuring our unique 'spice notes' - the special added extra touches that other tours don't include.

Day 1	Arrive in Siem Reap; begin touring at Banteay Kdei before a relaxing sunset drink
Day 2	Photograph the iconic temples of Bayon and Ta Prohm, & the city of Angkor Thom
Day 3	Enjoy the sunrise at majestic Angkor Wat, later visiting exquisite Banteay Srei temple and Banteay Samre
Day 4	Visit the stilted fishing villages of the Tonle Sap Lake and explore the beautiful ruins of Beng Mealea
Day 5	Road transfer to Phnom Penh, taking in the towns and countryside of Cambodia
Day 6	Take in the tragedy of the Khmer Rouge and the grandeur of the Royal Palace
Day 7	Visit the National Museum, and the neighbouring galleries of St. 178 before departing

Daily Details

Day 1 - Arrive in Siem Reap

Morning:
We meet you from your flight with a private transfer to your chosen hotel. You may wish to consider our VIP arrival option and be whisked past the queues of tourists who wait in line for their Visas with our fast-track visa and baggage collection process.

Afternoon:
In the afternoon you will have your first taste of the Angkor temples. Explore the sprawling labyrinth of Banteay Kdei with the Hall of the Dancing Girls. Then enjoy sunset drinks with a leisurely boat ride on the moat of Angkor Thom and view hidden elements of the ancient Khmer water systems, relaxing with G&T in hand and accompanied by the sound of bird song.

Day 2 - Temples of the Forest

Morning:
Rise early and beat the crowds at the photogenic Ta Prohm temple of "Tomb Raider" fame. Coordination with the driver allows you to wind your way through temple sites without having to retrace your steps. Undisturbed by crowds of tourists you can better appreciate the interplay of man and nature at this magical site. Following mid morning coffee at the temples walk through the forest to the seldom-visited Ta Nei temple before ending the morning on top Ta Keo, an imposing temple mountain with challenging steps.

Afternoon:
After lunch and perhaps a swim or massage, enter the ancient city of Angkor Thom at the Victory gate before uniquely walking along the 8m high wall through the forest to the seldom visited Death Gate. Passing behind the terraces of Elephants and Leper King walk though the shaded parkland to Phimeanakas and Baphuon temples, learning about the trees and fruits used locally. Impressive Bayon temple rounds off your afternoon with its iconic carved faces.

Day 3 - Angkor Wat Sunrise and Exploration

Morning:
You can opt for an early start for breath-taking sunrise exploration of Angkor Wat, one of mankind's architectural gems. Take advantage of the relative cool and tranquility of the morning to explore the central complex and surrounding bas-reliefs, taking either a local breakfast or returning to the hotel. Optionally you may feed the elephants with bananas for their breakfast.

Afternoon:
In the afternoon travel across ancient reservoirs (long since devoid of water), through pretty villages and rice paddies to the beautiful pink sandstone temple of Banteay Srei, well-known for its intricate carvings. On your way back to town, visit Banteay Samre. Take a walk along the old causeway and be welcomed by the stone lions and Naga balustrades, as the temple looms above.

Day 4 - Hunter/gatherers on Tonle Sap to earliest Angkor capital

Morning:
Travel by car through the Cambodian countryside to the photogenic village of Kompong Khleang (depending on the season). A world away from the touristic Chong Kneas floating villages, this largest stilted village in Cambodia sees few visitors. Climb up into a house to see how a subsistence fishing family lives. Then enjoy a private picnic lunch in your own stilted house.

Afternoon:
Drive on to explore the mysterious jungle-clad Beng Mealea thought to be a blueprint for Angkor Wat and built under the control of Suryavarman II. This temple is in a much collapsed state and is still largely overgrown by the jungle, creating an impressive atmospheric feel as a result- perfect for an afternoon photography session.

Day 5 - By road to Phnom Penh (optional alternative: flight)

Morning:
Explore the villages, markets and rural scenery along the road to Phnom Penh. Your driver will stop on request and at points of interest. Kompong Thom is a large and colorful market town, home of the Sambor Prei Kuk temple ruins; stop in Skuon to see (try?) the deep fried spiders.

Afternoon:
After checking in to your Phnom Penh hotel, relax and enjoy a private boat cruise on the Tonle Sap and Mekong rivers to watch the sunset.

Day 6 - Khmer Rouge & Jewels of Phnom Penh

Morning:
A tough start to the day, with visits to the Choeung Ek Killing Fields and Tuol Sleng (S21) Prison, where only 7 survived from 1000s incarcerated. You will make more sense of modern Cambodia with a familiarity of the events of the late 1970s and how the country continues to recover from this tragedy.

Afternoon:
Continue to the Royal Palace built in 1866 by King Norodom, and the Silver Pagoda with the floor of over 5,000 silver tiles. Then head to the small hill within the city to see Wat Phnom and learn how the city got its name.

Day 7 - Day of Departure

Depending on your time of departure, take a tuk tuk to explore local markets; Russian and Central Markets for typical souvenir shopping or visit the National Museum which houses the world's foremost collection of Khmer art and the surrounding shops of street 178 for a glimpse of the contemporary art scene, selling all kinds of painting, carving and sculpture.

Private transfer to your onward flight.

Pricing

As part of your private, luxury itinerary, we personally visit and hand-pick the best hotels so that you can tour and relax in style. Uniquely, our hotel research is conducted on a room by room level, ensuring that within any given price category you'll get an excellent room.

We work with a wide-range of hotels and will recommend alternatives as part of your own tailor-made quote. Contact us today for your personalized hotel recommendations across Cambodia to suit your tastes and needs.

Prices valid until September 2013

Siem Reap Hotel	Phnom Penh Hotel	May-Sep (US$)	Oct-Apr (US$)
Amansara (suite) Deluxe discreet boutique	Raffles Le Royal (suite) Central colonial charm	3897	4229
Raffles Grand Hotel (State room, pool view) Refined classic colonial style	Raffles Le Royal Central colonial charm	1483	1663
Sofitel Angkor Phokeethra (Superior room) Lush resort hotel	Sofitel Phokeethra Phnom Penh Sleek and modern chic	1222	1337
Victoria Angkor (Superior room) Colonial grandeur	Amanjaya Pancam Stunning spacious suites	1059	1162
Tara Angkor (Superior room) Excellent value	The Plantation Secluded boutique feel	823	889

Different room categories may be requested.

Prices are per person, based on twin shared accommodation with breakfast, all taxes, entry fees & touring with an English speaking guide included, and transfers as noted. No surcharges guaranteed. Additional low season may become available, and group rates may apply. All offers subject to availability.
Peak Season supplements may be applied at some hotels (typically over the Christmas and New Year period).
Our Terms and Conditions.

What's Included?

Transportation and transfers in private air-conditioned vehicle with dedicated driver or remorques as noted
Accommodation including all taxes and breakfast
All entry fees to sights visited
Private boat tours (if applicable)
Government tax and service charge
Luggage handling
Drinking water and refreshing towels for touring
24/7 support from the ABOUTAsia Team

What's Excluded?

International air tickets to/from Cambodia
Insurance of all kinds
Meals aside from those specifically included
Additional tour required beside specified sights
Tips, drinks, personal expenses

Optional: Substitute road travel between Siem Reap and Phnom Penh with a one-way domestic flight - add US$95 pp.

Travelling Alone?

We can arrange your individual personalized itinerary for Cambodia and recommend hotels. Contact us for a quote today.

Booking Information

To book your tour, we require email confirmation of a final itinerary a minimum of 10 days prior to arrival. We accept credit card (Visa or MasterCard) or cash payment (USD) on arrival for the total amount, unless if we book domestic flights for you, where we will require a 1/3 deposit 1 month prior to your arrival. If you would like to pay by credit card, there is an additional 2.1% transaction charge we are required to add.

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