The secrets of Khmer culture - 9 Days - CAM04

Arrival at SiemRiep airport. Welcome and transfer to the hotel. The hotel room is only available from 14:00. Free time to discover for yourself the pretty town of Siem Reap.Overnight at the hotel.

This day dedicated to exploring the Siem Reap region: legendary city, which is obviously the most important archaeological site in the country. In the morning, visit Angkor Thom (Great City) starting with the South Gate, the famous Bayon of the 12th and 13th centuries, Baphuon (11th century) dedicated to Brahmanism (ancient Hinduism), the Elephants' terrace or the Leper King's terrace.

Continue your visit with the wonderful Angkor Wat Temple, a World Heritage Site. After visiting Angkor, visit an exceptional private art gallery: Theam's House. A true haven of peace, the place is soothing and above all the works are extremely varied and refined. Return to your hotel to spend the night. 

Day trip to Kbal Spean (the Mille lingas river) located 30 km north of Angkor (transfer by car, 1 hour drive). Arrival at the entrance, 45 minutes’ walk through a lush tropical forest to reach the site. Then, you will continue your day by visiting the temple of BanteaySrei(Citadel of Women), dedicated to Shiva whose architecture and pink sandstone sculptures present a masterpiece of Khmer art. Then, exploration of the temple of BanteaySamré, completely restored before the Indochinese war. This site gives a good idea of what old Angkor might look like.  On the way back, visit the BanteaySreay Butterfly Centre (BBC) - the largest butterfly exhibition in Southeast Asia. It is a peaceful park where hundreds of butterflies dance around among the many plants. Overnight at the hotel.

After breakfast, transfer to the pier of Chong Kneas. Excursion by local sampan on the lively rivers as well as on the large Tonle Sap Lake to reach the city of Kampong Fluk.Discovery of the daily life of Cambodian fishermen.Lunch in a restaurant by the lake.In the afternoon, transfer to Kampong Thom. On the way, visit the traditional Cambodian villages and stop at the Naga Bridge, an old Angkorian bridge still in use. Overnight at the hotel.

- Transfer time and distance by car: 150km/3h30

- Boat time: 2h30

In the morning, we visit the SamboPreikuk complex, the ancient capital of Chenla dating back to the early 7th century. Ancient Ishanapura is home to Cambodia's most impressive group of pre-Angkorian monuments, with more than 100 temples scattered among the lush forest. Road to Kratie. Transfer by ferry to KohTrung Island. Overnight at a local inn.

- Transfer time and distance by car: 250km/5h

After breakfast, a few hours ride in a horse-drawn cart, oxen or bicycle to discover the superb landscapes of this island. Stops in some picturesque places, such as the KbalKoh pagoda, the old stupa of the abandoned pagoda, the Vietnamese pagoda but also the floating Vietnamese village where you can even have a drink in a small rustic floating bistro! Depending on the season, you will see people planting rice, vegetables or building boats. Transfer by car on a road along the Mekong River to reach Kampong Cham. Night at the hotel

- Transfer time and distance by car: 2h30/120km

Kampong Cham is one of the most important cities in Cambodia. Various cultural visits are planned: the Koh Pen bamboo bridge, WatNokor pagoda, Mount Phnom Bros and PnomSrey. Lunch then, drive to Phnom Penh. On the way, stop in the village of Skun to take a look at a special market where villagers sell many varieties of insects.Overnight at the hotel.

- Transfer time and distance by car: 3h/130km

Day devoted to exploring the country's capital. You begin your visit by discovering the Royal Palace, whose architecture is typically Khmer. Composed of various buildings and pagodas covered in royal yellow. This palace is the residence of the King of Cambodia and is also used for religious and royal ceremonies. Then, you will pass through the Silver Pagoda located on the south side of the Palace and admire Buddha statues in gold and stone that are part of the national treasures. After lunch, visit the infamous TuolSleng prison. Key visit to understand the mentality of the country and the Khmers. Then transfer to visit Phnom Oudong north of Phnom Penh. This was the former capital of the Kingdom in the 17th century founded by King Soryopor and now remains only retakes. You will discover the Oudong pagoda and also the Hill of three stupas and its panoramic view.

Overnight at the hotel.

- Transfer time and distance by vehicle: 3h/100km

- Note: In TuolSleng, the images shown may offend the sensitivity of children. Not recommended for younger explorers. 

Free time until your transfer to the airport.

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