Description
Highlights of this safari:
– Phnom Penh Palace & Silver Pagoda
– Angkor Wat
Short overview:
Day 1: Arrival in Phnom Penh
Day 2: Phnom Penh
Day 3: Siem Reap
Day 4: Siem Reap
Day 5: Siem Reap
Day 6: Departure Siem Reap
Program & Route:
Day 1: Arrival in Phnom Penh
Welcome to Cambodia. Upon arrival in Phnom Penh obtain your Cambodia visa, if you haven’t already. Clear Immigration and Customs and proceed into the arrival area. You will meet your private driver who will transfer you to your hotel. Enjoy the day free at your own leisure.
Day 2: Phnom Penh, Patio Hotel
After breakfast, depart on traditional cycle tour through the heart of Phnom Penh. Cycle to the holy site of Wat Phnom where a 14th century stupa and a small pagoda stand. Continue along the riverside promenade, stopping at the Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda. This is one of the best places in all of Cambodia where objects embodying the brilliance of the Khmer civilization can still be viewed. Lunch will be at the Friends Restaurant, which provides underpriviledged street children with the opportunity to gain first-hand experience of the hospitality business. This afternoon make a trip to visit the Tuol Sleng Prison, housed in a high school, to glimpse the devastating horrors that prevailed during Cambodia’s ultra-radical Marxist movement. This excursion may prove distressing for some, It is however an important piece of Cambodia’s recent past. After, take an excursion to Choeng Ek, also known as the “killing fields,”- located just outside the city.
Day 3: Siem Reap, La Niche Hotel
This morning you will be picked up for your drive to Siem Reap. Along the way, stop briefly at Skuon where the local specialty is fried spiders sold on the roadside. You will also visit Sambor Prei Kuk. Sambor Prei Kuk was the capital of the Chenla Kingdom, which predates Angkor by several centuries. The ruins are spread out over a vast distance and Sambor Prei Kuk gets very few visitors. You will visit the three main temple complexes Prasat Sambor, Prasat Tor and Prasat Yeah Puon on foot, enjoy the beautiful ruins in peace and quiet. After your wonderful tour you will have a traditional Khmer picnic lunch in front of the temples.
Day 4 & 5: Siem Reap, La Niche Hotel
This morning visit to the South Gate of Angkor Thom and the temples of Bayon, Baphoun, Phimean Akas, The Royal Enclosure, Terrace of Elephants and Leper King. The whole afternoon is set aside for a visit to the main temple, Angkor Wat. Angkor Wat is one of mankinds greatest achievements, and the intricate carvings at the temple of Angkor Wat demonstrate the skill of the Khmer builders. It was constructed in the jungle in the early 12th century, then – two centuries later – was mysteriously abandoned by the Khmer civilization. The jungle soon overwhelmed Angkor Wat, hiding it for several centuries with thick tropical foliage. There was little left to see except an occasional protruding building stone. In 1861 a French naturalist accidentally came across the jungle-veiled ruins. Now Angkor Wat is the main reason tourists come to visit Cambodia.
Day 6: Departure
This morning, after breakfast, you will be picked up and transferred to the airport for your onward flight.
