Around Cambodia

CLASSIC TOUR¦ 15 Days ¦ PHYSICAL LEVEL 1

SIEM REAP – BATTAMBANG – PHNOM PENH – KAMPOT – PHNOM PENH

Spend two weeks exploring Cambodia’s complicated history and fascinating heritage. Cover all the highlights of the kingdom, from cultural classes to cultural shows, dinner cruises, and–of course–the majestic temples of Angkor

• Be inspired by magnificent Angkor • See local life in Tonle Sap • Enjoy the artistic PHARE circus • Explore colonial Battambang • Discover captivating Phnom Penh • Kick back in coastal Kampot • Taste the world-famous Kampot pepper

Around Cambodia tour inclusions:

 All accommodation

 All meals

 All sightseeing and entrance fees

 All transportation and transfers

 English speaking National Escort (if your group is 10 or more passengers) or local guides

 Visa fees for UK and EU passport holders

 Specialist advice from our experienced travel consultants

 Comprehensive travel guides

 Safe and secure with ABTA, ATOL and IATA

Extras:

Please ask our sales agent to price the International Flights

The only thing you may have to pay for are personal expenditure e.g. drinks, optional excursions or shows, insurance of any kind, early check in or late checkout and other items not specified on the itinerary.

ITINERARY AROUND CAMBODIA

Day 1-2: Siem Reap

You will be met at Siem Reap in the arrivals hall by your Local Guide or National Escort from Wendy Wu Tours. Together with all other group members who may be arriving at a similar time, travel to your hotel for check in.

Destination Information

Siem Reap

● A bustling tourist destination due to its proximity to both the ancient Khmer national capital city of Angkor as well as Tonle Sap Lake. Angkor Wat is one of the main attractions and is the world's largest religious monument, in addition to being the spiritual and cultural heart of Cambodia.

Day 3: Siem Reap

Spanning from the 9th to 15th century, the Angkor complex with over 1,000 temples was the seat of the thriving Khmer Empire. UNESCO manages the complex and, to enter, your group will drive approximately 6km out of town to the main entrance gate to get your entrance passes, which you must carry with you. If you choose to climb at any site, you must be able to climb and descend without assistance. Begin at the city of Angkor Thom and the enigmatic Bayon, the Elephant Terrace and the Terrace of the Leper King before continuing to the temple of Ta Prohm, enveloped in a labyrinth of jungle. This afternoon is devoted to the fascinating and awe-inspiring Angkor Wat. In the evening, relax on board a boat on Angkor Thom’s moat and enjoy a refreshing beer as the sun sets.

Please note: The Central Tower of the Angkor Wat complex is closed on Buddhist holidays and on all other days has a limited number of visitors allowed at any given time, under regulations from UNESCO. If you wish to climb this tower, you will be required to wait in the queue alongside all other visitors. The ability to do this will be determined upon the groups’ schedule.

Destination Information

Angkor Thom

● This fortified city is flanked by a row of 54 stone figures on each side, which leads you through a 23-metre imposing stone entrance gate to the various temples inside.

Bayon

● Beautifully crafted central towers, decorated with four opposing faces representing King Jayavarman VII. Bayon’s stone galleries display extraordinary bas-reliefs incorporating over 11,000 figures.

Elephant Terrace and Terrace of the Leper King

● Giant viewing platforms used for public ceremonies, which served as a base for the King's grand audience hall.

Ta Prohm

● Swallowed by the jungle where Strangler Figs and Kapok Trees have entwined themselves around the ruins. Undoubtedly, the most atmospheric ruin at Angkor with several towers, closed courtyards and narrow corridors to explore.

Angkor Wat

● Surrounded by a 190-metre moat and taking 30 years to build, Angkor Wat represents the Khmer civilisation at its grandest. With its fascinating decorative flourishes, extensive bas-relief and multiple tiers, it is the best-preserved temple within the complex.

Day 4: Siem Reap

Enjoy a traditional Cambodian cooking class with a local, learning about the flavours that go into Khmer cuisine. This evening, after an early dinner, watch a performance by the PHARE Cambodian Circus, an NGO which teaches street children to become internationally renowned circus artists.

Destination Information

Kbal Spean

● Located in the Cambodian jungle, Kbal Spean is a spectacularly carved riverbed. Lingas have been intricately carved into the rock, as are several carvings of gods and animals.

Day 5: Siem Reap

Today explore the less-visited Beng Mealea, a mysterious temple completely overrun by the jungle where you will explore on foot for approximately an hour and half.

In the high-water season, you will also visit Kompong Khleang, a unique village on stilts. In the lower water season, you will visit Chong Kneas floating village.

Return to Siem Reap via a Cambodian artistry assembly (Les Artisans D’Angkor) before arriving back at your hotel this evening. Tonight, enjoy dinner while watching an Apsara dance performance.

Destination Information

Beng Mealea

● Dating from the 11th century, this sprawling temple covers over one square kilometre. Largely overrun by vegetation and constructed in a distinctly Angkor Wat-style, Beng Mealea precedes and may even have served as a 'prototype' for Angkor Wat.

Artisans D’Angkor

● Established in 1998, this community workshop teaches the unique arts of painting, silk weaving, wood and stone carving in traditional Cambodian style to local young people.

Day 6: Siem Reap – Battambang

Travel 3 hours to Battambang, stopping en route in the Puok District to visit the National Silk Centre. Continue to Battambang and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.

Destination Information

National Silk Centre

● A fascinating way to learn about Cambodian silk. Here you will witness silk creation and the growing and harvesting of mulberries.

Battambang

● Cambodia’s second largest city. Situated on the banks of the Stung Sangke River, Battambang possesses some of the grandest and best-preserved colonial architecture and scenic countryside.

Day 7: Battambang

Climb to the top of Phnom Banan to reach the Prasat Banan Temple and admire the breathtaking view. Return to the town and walk through the village of Wat Kor. In the afternoon, visit ‘La Maison de Coco’ and learn how to make rice paper before heading to visit Bat Cave at Phnom Sampov.

Please note, rice paper making is seasonal; when this is not available, you will still see the rice paper as well as visiting a tailors’ workshop.

Destination Information

Prasat Banan Temple

● Located on the top of a small hill, the temple was built in the 11th century and consists of 5 towers.

Wat Kor

● Gain an insight into the traditional Khmer life when visiting the village of Wat Kor. Known for its Khmer heritage houses, built from now rare hardwoods and surrounded by orchard gardens.

La Maison de Coco

● A non-governmental organisation which runs projects to give skills and support to the local people.

Day 8: Battambang – Phnom Penh

Head south today as you begin the drive to Phnom Penh. Stop en route for a couple of hours to explore Udong and Kampong Chhnang Province to see traditional handmade pottery, and climb Touch Hill to admire the surroundings. There are approximately 415 steps to climb to reach the top of Touch Hill. Continue to Phnom Penh and enjoy the remainder of the afternoon at leisure. Driving time today will be around 6 hours.

Destination Information

Udong

● Udong (also Oudong) was the ancient capital during the later stages of the Khmer Empire. It offers spectacular views of the surrounding countryside with innumerable sugar palm trees and 18 ancient stupas.

Phnom Penh

● The capital of the Kingdom of Cambodia is built around four river arms formed by a sharp curve in the Mekong River near the junctions of the Bassac and the Tonle Sap tributaries. This charming city has an atmospheric blend of oriental and colonial architecture, but reminders of a troubled past are also evident.

Day 9: Phnom Penh Cyclo Tour

Enjoy a short morning cyclo tour before sightseeing in Phnom Penh today, sightseeing will be around 3 hours of leisurely walking this morning. Explore sites such as the Royal Palace, Silver Pagoda and the National Museum.

Destination Information The Royal Palace

● Built in 1866 by the French these ornate buildings are the official residence of the reigning Cambodian royal family and King Sihamoni. Silver Pagoda

● This concrete and marble structure includes a floor with over 5,000 silver tiles each weighing 1kg. Famous artefacts include a 90kg solid gold Buddha made in 1907 and an Emerald Buddha said to be made of baccarat crystal. National Museum

● Housing the world’s finest collection of Khmer pottery, bronzes and sculptures dating from the 4th century. Wat Phnom – A hilltop temple and the namesake of the city. Locals flock here to pray for good luck and success. Destination Information

Tuol Sleng Museum

● This former school was used by the Khmer Rouge as a detention and torture centre in the late 1970s. Today this building houses paintings and photographs of the victims. You can see the crude cells built in the classrooms and the torture devices used to extract confessions by the regime.

Killing Fields

● The emotional Killing Fields of Cheung Ek, made famous by the film of the same name. More than 17,000 civilians were killed and buried in mass graves here, making this place a chilling reminder of the brutalities of the genocidal Khmer Rouge regime.

Day 10: Phnom Penh Past & Present

Reflect on the history of the city with a visit to the Tuol Sleng Museum and Killing Fields. Tuol Sleng, a former detainment centre, is now a museum commemorating the atrocities that occurred during the regime of Pol Pot.

The transfer south-west to the Killing Fields will take 30 minutes. You will spend about 1 hour here on foot for a harrowing insight into Cambodia’s tumultuous past. Many people find it quite emotional so you will be given time to explore on your own. Later, visit the city’s craft brewery for a tour and beer tasting, and consider how this reinvigorated capital is moving forward.

Day 11: Kampot

Head south, driving 2 to 3 hours, to the coastal town of Kampot. Stop en route at Tonle Bati before travelling to a pepper farm to learn about the renowned Kampot pepper. Enjoy a walking tour of Kampot and take in the colonial architecture.

Please be aware your accommodation in Kampot will be a simple facility, but is clean and comfortable and one of the best options in the area.

Destination Information

Tonle Bati

● View the ancient temples at Tonle Bati, built in the late 12th century by Jayavarman VII. Kampot

● The former port city of Kampot is an enchanting small town best known for its sleepy, relaxed atmosphere and its salt and pepper production. Wander the town and admire the dilapidated French Colonial architecture.

Day 12: Day Trip to Kep

Enjoy a trip along the coast to the beach town of Kep, starting with a barbecue lunch at the sailing club. This afternoon is at leisure to explore independently, perhaps heading to the Kep Crab Market, a heaven for those who love seafood. Return to Kampot.

Destination Information

Kep

● From the turn of the century to the 1960s, Kep was Cambodia’s premier holiday destination. You can view the ruins of the luxurious villas from those days dotted by the seaside. Modern Kep is now known for its relaxed atmosphere, fresh seafood and oceanfront crab shacks.

Day 13: Return to Phnom Penh

Drive back to Phnom Penh. Relax in the afternoon before enjoying a farewell dinner cruise on the Mekong river.

DAYS 14-15: Depart Phnom Penh

Any time before your flight is free is at your leisure today. You will be transferred from the hotel to the airport, according to the departure time of your overnight international flight.

Please note: Only breakfast is provided on the group’s day of departure

VISAS

A visa is required for entry into Cambodia. Standard visa processing service is included in your tour cost. We will require your passport, completed visa application forms, and 2 passport photos, taken within the last 6 months, to process your visas. We will require all this information 8 weeks prior to departure. As per our standard visa processing service, we will have your passport for at least 4 weeks. In rare cases, you may be required to provide further information or documentation to the Cambodian Embassy. If this is the case we will notify you as soon as possible.

 

Dates

 30/01/23 & 20/02/23 & 13/03/23 & 30/10/23 & 13/11/23 and many more for 2024