Soaking up the riverside charms of Phnom Penh, you travel overland through the stunning countryside and the small town of Kampong Cham to Mondulkiri. The mountainous areas are home of some ethnic groups and various stunning waterfalls dispersed in secluded jungle. You enjoy an elephant ride through the jungle and continue to Battambang. Following the river crossing is the interesting visit to the complex of Angkor Temples with Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom, Banteay Srei.

DETAILED ITINERARY

Day 1: Arrival - Phnom Penh
On arrival at Po Chen Tong Airport , you are met by our guide and transferred to hotel. The capital of Cambodia, Phnom Penh lies near the confluence of the Mekong and Tonle Sap Rivers. This riverside town still maintains considerable charm despite its recent turbulent history. An afternoon city tour acquaints us with some major sights of Phnom Penh. The private quarters of the Royal Palace are now home to the royal family and are therefore very close to the public. At the northern area of the palace grounds is Silver Pagoda, the most sacred temple in the country. We climb up a small hill to visit the legendary Wat Phnom and catch a fantastic view over the surrounding areas. O/N in Phnom Penh.

Day 2 : Phnom Penh - Kampong Cham
Today we continue seeing this delightful town with the National Museum, which is exclusively dedicated to Khmer art and sculpture. The majority of the exhibits are from the Angkor period from 9th to 15th century, but some date from as early as the 4th century. Afterwards we drive to the Royal University of Fine Arts, where the young Cambodians learn the ancient arts of their ancestors. A view of numerous children practicing the graceful movements of the beautiful national dances is impressive. The next stop is one of the city’s lively open markets, Psar Toul Tom Pong, all called the "Russian Market". We enjoy a walk around this bustling trading center before going to the Tuol Sleng Prison Museum and the notorious 'Killing Fields' of Choeung Ek. The painful bloody rule of the Khmer Rouge still can be seen at the infamous sites. Afterwards we make our way to Kampong Cham past the scenic countryside. O/N in Kampong Cham. (B)

Day 3: Kampong Cham - Mondulkiri - Sen Monorom
The sightseeing tour begins with Wat Nokhor containing the ancient temple and modern style pagoda. There are also many beautiful French colonial architecture still standing in Kampong Cham Town as we wander through the streets. Upon leaving Kampong Cham we make our way across the Japanese built bridge and venture into Mondolkiri Province. The winding route follows the Sam Leng logging road and gradually rises from the Tonle Sap delta into the high plateau. The deep contrast of lush vegetation and red surface of basaltic soil is incredible all along the way. We reach Sen Monorom Town by mid or late afternoon depending on traffic and road conditions. O/N at Sen Monorom . (B)

Day 4 : Sen Monorom - Elephant Ride
The mountainous areas around Sen Monorom Town are home of some ethnic groups and various stunning waterfalls dispersed in secluded jungle. The local weather is rather cool at certain high elevation. Heading north of town we travel by roads for 7 Km to Phulung Village and embark on an exciting elephant ride past a beautiful part of the jungle. This excursion is hard at times but still a funny experience and a good way to explore the countryside very different to anywhere else in Cambodia. The elephants trek for few hours before reaching a beautiful waterfall. This is an enjoyable stop to have lunch near the cascade and enjoy leisurely swimming in fall pool. By mid afternoon we meet up with our waiting vehicle and drive back to complete a super day. O/N at Sen Monorom. (B,L)

Day 5 : Sen Monorom - Bu Sra - Sen Monorom
The exploration of Bu Sra is a part of sightseeing in Mondulkiri. Today we drive for 37 km along two rivers towards Bu Sra. The road conditions are very poor; however the scenic mountain backdrop combined with lush vegetation makes for an interesting journey. En route we stop to see some sleepy villages of the Phnong people who have settled there long time ago and make for the main local population. These minority people are very friendly and welcoming. On arrival at Bu Sra we enjoy a walk through the verdant countryside dominated by the coffee plantation towards Bu Sra waterfall, one of the largest falls in Cambodia. The waterfall tumbles over multi tiered limestone formations into the cool and clear pools ideal for anyone seeking an enjoyable escape. O/N at Sen Mondukiri. (B,L)

Day 6 : Sen Monorom - Prey Veng - Phnom Penh
Today we spend a full day driving back Phnom Penh. These back roads are a perfect way to explore the real Cambodia . We see very few other travellers, mostly rural dwellers who are just as interested in finding out about our lives as we are of theirs. Along the way we can make stop as you please, to stretch your legs and catch some wonderful shootings. We cross the Mekong River by ferry at near Prey Veang and continue our expedition to the capital city. The ideal way of spending your last evening in Phnom Penh is to relax in a café by the riverfront O/N in Phnom Penh. (B)

Day 7: Phnom Penh - Battambang
The second largest city in Cambodia is Battambang which is located on both the highway and railroad linking Phnom Penh with Thailand. Apart from the scenic countryside, this lovely town has a vibrant market place and many Angkorian as well as post Angkorian sites, some of which are Wat Ek and Wat Toul Bassaet. Today we travel by roads for 5 hours through the scenic countryside to Battambang Town. On arrival, we enjoy a walk around this colonial styled town and visit some outlaying hilltop temples as well as the infamous cave, which used as execution field under the Khmer Rouge rule. There are also some opportunities to catch a drive along tiny winding tracks into some small villages where tourists hardly ever venture. O/N in Battambang. (B)

Day 8: Battambang - Tonle Sap Lake - Siem Reap - Angkor Temples
The following destination of our expedition is Siem Reap via a river trip. No express boat therefore we travel by local boat navigating along a large river system and small canals before arriving on Tonle Sap Lake. The journey is long, but very interesting since we pass by floating villages, friendly children on small boats and fishermen at work. Once reaching Siem Reap pier you are greeted by our guide and transferred to hotel. This tranquil town is our base for visiting the world famous temples of the ancient city Angkor, which was the capital of the powerful Khmer Empire from 802 AD to 1350 AD. We drive towards the archeological area and visit the South Gate of Angkor Thom, famous for its series of colossal human faces carved in stone, the impressive Bayon Temple, the Royal Enclosure, Phimeanakas, the Elephant Terrace, the Terrace of the Leper King and the architectural masterpiece of Angkor Wat. O/N in Siem Reap. (B)

Day 9: Siem Reap - Angkor Temples
The jungle covered temple of Ta Prohm is an incredible sight. There are enormous fig trees and gigantic creepers which embrace themselves in the stone foundations of this structure giving the impression of man's creation being reclaimed by the powerful forces of nature. We explore the well known Ta Prohm and some nearby temples including Banteay Kdei, Sra Srong, Ta Keo, Thommanon and Chau Say Tevado. They almost belong to the small circuit according to the archaeologists division. Upon leaving this area we visit various famous temples of the grand circuit such as Preah Khan, Kravan, Neak Pean, Krol Ko, Ta Som, East Mebon and Pre Rup. We round off our exciting day with a walk up to Phnom Bakheng Hill to admire the spectacular sunset over these sandstone monuments. O/N in Siem Reap.(B)

Day 10: Siem Reap - Angkor Temples - Banteay Srei
Heading out of town we drive beyond the Angkor Complex through the Preah Dark village to the intricately carved and well preserved Banteay Srei Temple. We stroll around this beautiful landmark which was designed to leave no space undecorated. The roads begin to deteriorate but it is still fascinating to drive past the rolling mountain scenery towards Kbal Spean. This interesting site locally named the river of 1000 Lingars, has been largely reclaimed by the jungle; however it invovles a walk to catch a view over its riverbed carvings. The next stop is Banteay Samre which is adorned with striking relief depicting the scenes of Vishunu and Krishna legends. Today we also have a chance to explore the ancient Khmer civilization site of Hariharalaya which flourished in the late 9th and earlier 10th centuries. These are the earliest temples in the Angkor area and are referred to the Rolous group. O/N in Siem Reap. (B)

Day 11: Siem Reap - Departure
The sightseeing tour also includes Les Chantiers Ecole, a handicraft center located in the center of Siem Reap. This art school was founded in 1992 and aims to revive the ancient art of Khmer workmanship as it gives young people the opportunity to learn the art of stone and wood carving, silk weaving methods and polychromic technique. If time permits we pay a visit to this school and the market in town. The trip ends after your transfer to Siem Reap Airport for departure. (B)

INCLUSIONS: Transportation in private air-conditioned vehicle with driver + Meal as mentioned: B = breakfast, L = lunch, D = dinner + Accommodation: twin sharing room at mentioned hotel or similar one + English or French speaking guide + Entrance fee to indicated sights + Boat trip Battambang - Siem Reap

EXCLUSIONS: Other meals, tip, drinks, airport tax, single room supplement, personal expenses, travel insurance, visa, flight in/ out of Cambodia, any optional additional tours or activities during free time, surcharge for peak season, local holiday days and gala dinner 

TRIP NOTES

-CAMBODIA IS A DEVELOPPING COUNTRY WHOSE INFRASTRUCTURE MAY DIFFER FROM WHAT YOU EXPECT FROM YOUR HOME LAND. THE ROAD CONDITIONS ARE POOR AND THE ACCOMMODATION IS VERY SIMPLE IN REMOTE AREAS.

-THE ITINERARY IS CORRECTED AT THE TIME OF VIEWING. OCCASIONALLY, THE PROGRAMME CHANGES AS WE MAKE IMPROVEMENT STEMING FROM OUR PAST TRAVELLERS' COMMENTS AND OUR OWN RESEARCH OR DUE TO LOCAL CONDITIONS OR CIRCUMSTANCES BEYOND OUR CONTROL. THIS INCLUDES FESTIVAL, PUBLIC HOLIDAYS, WEATHER AND FLIGHT DELAY,.. THAT MAY EFFECT THE ITINERARY.

-THE TRIP INCLUDES SOME MEALS AS MENTIONED AT THE ITINERARY HOWEVER OUR GUIDE WILL BE ON HAND TO ADVISE YOU AS FAR THE AVAILABLE RESTAURANTS WHERE YOU CAN ENJOY LOCAL FOOD AT YOUR OWN BUDGET. THE MEAL COST IS ALL DEPENDING ON YOUR CHOICE OF EATING PLACE. THE PACKAGE TOUR WITH FULL BOARD MEAL IS ARRANGED UPON REQUEST .

-THE DRESS STANDARDS ARE CONSERVATIVE THROUGHOUT ASIA. LOOSE , LIGHTWEIGHT, LONG CLOTHING ARE ALL RESPECTFUL COOL IN ASIAN HOT CLIMATE. IN ADDITION TO YOUR ITEMS OF PERSONAL CLOTHING, WE SUGGEST YOU TO BRING TRAINER OR SNEAKER SHOES, TORCH/FLASH LIGHT, HAT, RAIN COAT FOR WET SEASON, SUN CREAM, SUNGLASSES, DAYPACK, TOILETRIES AND SMALL TOWER, INSECT REPELLENT.

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