Angkor to the Beach Tour

DAY 1 – SIEM REAP ARRIVAL

Upon arrival in Siem Reap, our driver and local English speaking guide will be waiting to provide transport to the city for hotel check in.

Begin the Angkor explorations with a visit to the iconic Angkor Wat via ‘remork’ (similar to the Thai ‘tuk tuk’). Built in the early 12th century, Angkor Wat was built to symbolise Mount Meru, the home of the gods. Inside the temple, the walls are covered with stone carvings, bas-reliefs, and more than 2,000 Apsara dancers. Construction is thought to have taken around thirty years of intensive labor to complete. Enjoy a sunset over Angkor Wat- one of the most beautiful (and less crowded) times to visit.

This evening, enjoy a welcome dinner at Mahob Restaurant, a culinary hotspot that takes traditional Khmer cuisine to a new level. Using only locally produced ingredients, this beautiful restaurant serves up some of the best local delicacies that Siem Reap has to offer. Located in a traditional Khmer wooden house in a peaceful cosy garden setting (away from the busy Pub Street area), Mahob provides you with a truly genuine Khmer experience.

Overnight in Siem Reap.

DAY 2 – SIEM REAP CITY

Begin the morning with a visit to the Roluos group, the site of an ancient center of Khmer civilization known as Hariharalaya. It was the first town built by the Angkorian kings in the 8th and 9th century and consists of three main temples: Bakong, Lolei and Preah Ko. Enjoy a cruise through the surrounding countryside of paddy fields and sugar palm trees in an ox cart ride- a fun way to get in touch with rural Cambodia and its friendly people. The final destination is Roluos Pagoda, where Buddhist monks will perform a private blessing ceremony, wishing health and a safe journeys.

After the ceremony, head to Tonlé Sap, Southeast Asia’s largest freshwater lake. Board a local boat and visit Kampong Phluck, a village where houses are built on stilts to combat the wet season in Cambodia (when Tonle Sap swells to four times its size.) En route to the visit, take note of the floating houses and impressive flooded forests, portraying a unique life on the water. Take a break by disembarking for a tasty packed lunch served in a floating house; enjoy the views as the local community goes about its daily life.

(Note: Due to low water levels during the dry season, the boat trip is only possible from June to March. However an alternative floating village at Chong Kneas can be arranged instead).

After lunch, enjoy some down time along the water before returning by boat and car to Siem Reap.

The rest of the day is at leisure.

Overnight in Siem Reap.

DAY 3 – SIEM REAP CITY

Start the morning temple exploration at the most illustrious of the Small Circuit Temples, Ta Prohm. This temple is unique in that it has been left largely as it was found: overgrown by jungle trees and vines, with many parts of the temple crumbling to the ground.

Continue with a visit to the ancient city of Angkor Thom, the last capital of the Great Khmer Empire under the reign of Jayavarman VII. This city is surrounded by an 8 m high wall, drawing a perfect square. Entering the city through the ancient South Gate, take note of the giant carved elephants, four giant faces and row of 54 gods or demons holding the sacred Naga snake.

From here head to Bayon Temple, sitting in the exact center of the city. This 12th century masterpiece is a study in grandeur and is well-known for its 54 face-carved towers, Terrace of the Elephants, and Terrace of the Leper King.

After the temple visits, return to the hotel for some down time. Enjoy lunch (at own expense) and perhaps relax by the pool.
In the evening, enjoy dinner with traditional Khmer dance show.

Overnight in Siem Reap.

DAY 4 – SIEM REAP – SIHANOUKVILLE

After breakfast, take some time to explore the Old Market. The riverside market has dozens of souvenir stalls offering a fairly wide range of souvenirs. The opposite side of the market carries items of interest primarily to locals, and also harbors dozens of delicious small food stalls. The central aisle, where fruits, vegetables and meat are sold, is colorful and potentially very photogenic. The Old Market is also an important landmark as several restaurants, hotels, bars and shops are in the area.

Transport will be provided to the airport for an afternoon flight to Sihanoukville.

Upon arrival, transfer will be provided to the hotel for check in. Enjoy the remainder of the day free at leisure for swimming and relaxing on the beach.

Overnight in Sihanoukville.

DAY 5 – SIHANOUKVILLE

Breakfast at the hotel.

Spend the day at leisure or enjoy one of the following optional tours:

Ream National Park (Sihanoukville)

The park was established in 1993 on a 210 km² area on the Gulf of Thailand, including thick pristine jungle, mangrove forests, and off-shore coral reefs. It’s a nature lovers paradise with nearly 200 bird species, many kinds of monkeys, and the elusive pangolin. Transport will be provided to one of Ream’s most scenic isolated beaches, called Koh Sampouch; enjoy lunch at local restaurant on the beach.

Three Islands tour (Sihanoukville)

Depart at 9am on a boat cruise exploring the three islands of Koh Chaloh, Koh Tres and Koh Ta Kiev. Spend the day swimming, relaxing, or snorkeling through the colorful corals and exotic fish. Koh Ta Kiev Island is particularly enjoyable for snorkeling or swimming, with crystal clear waters and long, yellow sandy beach. Indulge in a BBQ seafood lunch at Koh Ta Kiev Island before returning to Sihanoukville in the afternoon, arriving 4-5pm.

Overnight in Sihanoukville.

DAY 6 – SIHANOUKVILLE

Breakfast at the hotel.

Enjoy the day at leisure.

Overnight in Sihanoukville.

DAY 7 – SIHANOUKVILLE – PHNOM PENH – DEPARTURE

Breakfast at the hotel.

This afternoon, transport will be provided (driver only) back to Phnom Penh (Note: For an early departure time a supplementary charge will apply).