Fascinating Cambodia

• Day 1:

  Upon arrival in Phnom Penh, meet your guide and transfer to your hotel for check-in. Overnight in Phnom Penh. Accommodation in Phnom: (4*+) La Rose Suites Hotel (Junior suite room) (two nights)

• Day 2:

  After breakfast at the hotel, you will explore the stunning Royal Palace complex, home to the Cambodian royal family. Continue walking nearby to visit the Silver Pagoda, named after the 5,000 silver tiles covering the floor, each weighing about 2 pounds. Inside is a delicate emerald Buddha made of baccarat crystal, which gives the temple its Khmer name of Wat Preah Keo (Temple of the Emerald Buddha). You will then head for the former colonial quarter for a look at the gorgeous French colonial-era buildings that have been restored near the Post Office. Next, transfer to visit Toul Sleng, a former high school that the Khmer Rouge turned into a center for interrogation, torture and death. Today it’s a museum of torture and reminds visitors of the terrible atrocities that came to pass in Cambodia. In the mid-afternoon, take a short transfer to the boat quay to board a motorboat and visit the mighty Mekong River to Mekong Island. The island is famous for silk weaving, agriculture, and aquaculture (85% of residents earn their living from these industries). Stop to see the silk weavers at work in the village, where you can purchase some of the local products if you wish. As you wander the village, explore a Buddhist temple and floating fish farms, see fields of rice and morning glory and enjoy local Khmer snacks at a family home. After, return to your boat to enjoy the sunset from the water at the junction of the Tonle Bassac, Tonle Sap, and the mighty Mekong. See the distinctive architecture of Cambodia, with Khmer-influenced buildings such as Wat Ounalom, the Royal Palace, and the Silver Pagoda, as well as French colonial buildings - some renovated, some ravaged by neglect and the war. Then you will return to your hotel.

• Day 3:

  After breakfast at your hotel, you will meet your tour guide and depart for a “Khmer traditional dancing workshop” by Cambodia Living Arts. You will get personal insight into the Khmer culture by experiencing a Cambodian traditional dance, dress up in traditional costumes and interact with local artists. With your 90-minute workshop, you will learn more about Cambodian dance, transform yourself from audience to dancer and chitchat with artists and have fun. This workshop is tailored so that you will not forget your experience in Cambodia. Next, take a short flight to Siem Reap city (additional charge applies). Upon arrival, you are welcomed by the tour guide and driver who will take you to your hotel for check in. The rest of your day is at leisure. Accommodation in Siem Reap: (5*) Victoria Angkor Resort (Superior room) (four nights)

• Day 4:

  After breakfast, start a very special and busy day as you explore more Angkor’s beautiful temples by local Tuk Tuk. You will visit the West Gate of Angkor Thom – undiscovered by mass tourist. • The ancient capital of Angkor Thom (12th century) • See the South Gate, Bayon Temple, unique for its 54 towers decorated with over 200 smiling faces of Avolokitesvara • The Royal Enclosure, Phimeanakas • The Elephant Terrace and the Terrace of the Leper King You will continue to visit the fabulous Ta Prohm embraced by the roots of enormous fig trees and gigantic creepers. Ta Prohm was built in the 12th century. It’s a Buddhist temple dedicated to the mother of King Jayavarman VII. Next is the mighty temple of Preah Khan or 'Sacred Sword', built by King Jayavarman VII in the late 12th century. Sister temple to Ta Prohm, the cruciform corridors here are impressive and there are some wonderful carvings adorning the walls, including the spectacular hall of dancers. You then continue to the elegant curves of Neak Poan. This petite temple is the ultimate ornamental fountain, its series of elaborate spouts including the heads of lions and elephants. In the afternoon, take a short transfer to the rustic countryside of Siem Reap and enjoy cooking class with Khmer Chef in the village. You will be greeted by chef who will bring you to visit the local farm, vegetable garden and tell you the story of Cambodian cuisine. He will give you the cooking demonstration for your dish today and it’s a chance to enjoy learning to make your own food in the private area of a local home.

• Day 5:

  After breakfast, you will start to explore Angkor complex with Banteay Srei, nearly everyone’s favorite site. The special charm of this temple lies in its compact size, remarkable state of preservation, and the excellence of its decorative carving. Next is Banteay Samre. Its rose-colored sandstone walls are decorated with carvings and bas-reliefs, which are among the most accomplished Angkor has to offer. This afternoon, visit Angkor Wat temple, the largest temple in the world, with a volume of stone equaling that of the Cheops pyramid in Egypt. It is unlike all the other Khmer temples in that it faces west, and is inspired by 12th Century Hinduism. Its symmetrical towers are stylized on the modern Cambodian flag. Conceived by Suryavarman II, Angkor Wat took an estimated 30 years to build. It is generally believed to have been a funeral temple for the king. It has been occupied continuously by Buddhist monks and is well preserved. Intricate bas-reliefs surround Angkor Wat on four sides. Each tells a story. The most celebrated of these is the Churning of the Ocean of Milk, which is located on the east wing. In it the Naga serpent, is twisted by demons and gods to spurt out the elixir of life. In the late afternoon, you will end the day with countryside sunset tour (recommended for 4:30 PM). Your guide and driver will pick you up from the hotel and transfer you to Krobei Riel village, about five miles southwest of Siem Reap town. Upon arrival, enjoy an insightful stroll through the village, interact with the locals and learn about the village life and custom. As you approach an eco home, you will be welcomed by a host family – who are shy, but humble and excited to have you as their valued guests. Enjoy the sunset view followed by the local snacks and free flow of drinks (local beer, soft drinks, and sodas). (House wine & champagne are available on request with a supplemental fee.)

• Day 6:

  After breakfast, transfer to the floating village on Tonle Sapa Great Lake (best time from August to February). Pass through pretty rice fields and local villages before reaching the port. Upon arrival, embark on the wooden local boat, visit a floating village and observe a fisherman's life on the lake. Later, you will drive to the Silk farm located in Puok district (about a 20-minute drive Siem Reap) where you will understand more details on the mulberry trees, silkworm farming, cocoon unwinding, preparation of the silk threads, ikat technique (tie-dyeing of the threads), silk weaving and you will be impressed by the dexterity of our artisans with silk threads. The rest of your day is at leisure. Optional: Blessing Ceremony at Khmer Pagoda By coming to Cambodia (the country of Buddhism and temples), more than just visiting the famous temples of World Heritage Site, you have chance to deeply understand and feel the culture, historical, and spirit values of the country by coming to the pagoda and be offered by the monks. Located in the heart of Siem Reap town, Wat Preah Prom Rath is one of the most beautiful pagodas in town with French colonial architecture reflecting its history and a large garden filled with statues. Participate in a private good luck blessing ceremony, performed by local monks who reside at the temple. Sit on carpets while the monks chant blessings and sprinkle holy water and flowers on you – a traditional way which is believed to pass on the good luck of the gods. Afterwards, a sacred thread will be tied around your wrist. This will protect you from any evil spirits or accidents. Then say goodbye to the monks and head for the next destination or back to hotel. Includes: Transfer, tour guide in your language, donation and offerings to the monks.

• Day 7:

  After breakfast at the hotel, you have some free time until the driver transfers you to the airport for your flight.

May 01 – September 30, 2020 (Except for public holidays)

Per Person Sharing:      $1,299

Single Supplement:       $  579

Inclusions:

• Hotel accommodation with daily breakfast as mentioned or similar
• Transfer services in private air-conditioned vehicle
• Complimentary visa assistance service at airport upon arrival (see below note)
• Entrance fees to all the mentioned sites
• Boat fees where applicable
• Meals listed in the itinerary (if any)
• Cambodian traditional dancing workshop
• Sunset tour in Siem Reap with drinks and snack
• Cooking class and lunch in Siem Reap
• Boat trip on Tonle Sap great lake
• English-speaking local guide in each city
• Bottled water on coach during transfer
• Government tax

Exclusions:

• International and domestic flights, along with airport taxes, unless otherwise mentioned
• Hotel upgrades
• Meals not mentioned
• Drinks at meals and mini-bar in hotel room
• Insurance
• Gratuities for guides and drivers
• Surcharge for public holidays and/or peak periods (if applicable)
• Any compulsory meal by the hotels (during Christmas and New Year)
• Compulsory gala dinner on Christmas Eve or New Year’s Eve (if applicable)
• Visa stamp fee (30USD per passport)  Note: fee is subject to change
• All other services not stated in the program

PLEASE NOTE

Standard hotel check-in time is 14:00 and check-out time is 12:00 (Early check-in time or late check-out time is subject to availability and with additional charge.)

In order to expedite the entry for guests upon initial arrival at the airport, visa assistance will be offered by Phnom Penh Airport.  Upon entering the arrival terminal, look for a representative who will be holding a signboard with your name on it.  After completing the entry visa form, you will hand the documents (visa form, original passport, visa stamping fee) to the representative.  The procedures at the Immigration Desk will be handled by the representative.  After the visa stamp is received, you will be escorted to the baggage claim area to pick up your luggage and then you will meet your tour guide.  An approval letter for the Cambodia visa is not required though you will pay the stamping fee of USD30.