Cambodia Southbound , 12 days

On arrival at Siem Reap  Airport, you are greeted by our guide and taken to your hotel by private transfer.  You may have free time to relax and catch your first glimpse of Siem Reap Town, a gateway to the ruins of Angkor Temple Complex, which is regarded as the largest religious structure in the world. . This archeological site stretches over an forested area of some 400 square kilometers and contains the magnificent remains from the different capitals of the Khmer Empire between  802 AD and 1350 AD. They range from stunning architectural marvels to ordinary edifices full of rubble and will make for an exciting exploration in forthcoming days. No activity planned for this afternoon, you have some time free to  explore Siem Reap Town at your leisure. This urban center has grown up from a relatively small backwater town into the fastest growing settlement in Cambodia. The vibrant downtown is tightly packed with small eating spots, shop houses, luminous bars, and bustling old market, offering an interesting exploration. Today you can take an optional visit to the Angkor National Museum, a showpiece on the Khmer civilisation and the majesty of Angkor. The rich collection of Angkorian artifacts remains a very useful experience for first-time visitors, putting the story of Angkor and the Khmer empire in context before exploring the temples. This optional activity is not included; however, your guide is in hand to provide you with some suggestion. 

The sightseeing tour  will unveil the rich history of the Khmer Empires. We visit the Roluos Group, an early capital of the powerful  Angkorian-era Khmer Empire. This ancient capital was established by Jayavarman II and  served as the Khmer royal city for over 70 years under four successive kings. There are several remaining temples, including  Lo Lei, Preah Ko and Ba Kong, which are  mostly built by end of the ninth century.  The oldest temple of Preah Ko was dedicated to the Hindu gods Shiva and Vishnu while Lo Lei was built in an artificial island, to honor the ancestors. We have a look at these two small temples before we pay a visit to Ba Kong, the first large mountain temples in Angkor. We leave the Rolous Group for Angkor Thom,  an epic collection of striking structures encompassed in quadrangle area. The best preserved South Gate comes in view with a causeway fringed with 54 demons and 54 gods pulling a giant snake. This scene is focusing on a famous Hindu story in bygone time. We walk through two ranges of status on a cosmic scale to the gate tower with colossal human faces carved in stone. The walkway draws a line for our exploration of  the Royal Enclosure where remains some  mysterious ruins, including the Royal Palace, Phimeanakas Temple and  Royal Terraces. These structures built from perishable materials have long vanished. The memorable climax of our visit is Bayon Temple  built in the centre of Angkor Thom. This enigmatic complex contains  54 towers, each topped off with the four faces of  Compassion Buddha.

Today, we get back to the archeological zone, walking to see  Prasat Kravan with a line of five brick towers and Srah Srang, which is a large pond used for the royal baths and the ritual bathing. Nearby is Banteay Kdei Temple, a monastic complex of  enclosure walls,  concentric galleries and towers. We follow it with the famous Ta Prohm Temple, which was once hidden by the jungle overgrowth for many centuries. The temple was constructed with flat rectangular walls surrounding the central sanctuary. There are enormous fig trees and creepers which embrace themselves from the stone foundation to the corridors of this tower temple, giving it a distinctive feature. The sightseeing also includes  Neak Pean, which is originally designed for the medical purposes, with four connected pools representing water, earth, fire and  wind. We head towards Preah Khan, a good counterpoint to Ta Prohm Temple.  The large ruin of Preah Khan was all but partly destroyed by the climate impact. However, it is till interesting to walk around, exploring the legends, towered enclosures, and shoulder hugging corridors. The architectural masterpiece of Angkor Wat would not to be missed. This iconic structure was built in the 12th century and reflects a perfect fusion of symbolism and symmetry, bringing the pride and strength to all Khmers. The distinctive five towers of this temple are now emblazoned on the Cambodian flag. We stroll around this massive monument, unraveling the mysteries of the bas-reliefs from Hindu mythology to the glories of the Khmer empire. The footsteps lead through the upper levels of the inner sanctuary to the sacred heart of Angkor Wat, a blend of spirituality and symmetry.

Heading out of the town, we drive beyond the towering Angkor Wat  through  Preah Dark Village to Banteay Srey Temple. This intricately carved temple despite the lack in size is still a jewel in the crown of Angkor-era sculpture. The architecture style features a mixture of the archaic concept and the innovative materials since Banteay Srey Temple  was largely built from sandstone in pinkish hue, with brick and laterite used for the enclosure walls and some structural elements. We stroll around this beautiful landmark and admire the marvelous sculpture at every step. Upon leaving Banteay Srey Temple, we continue our drive towards the Kbal Spean River, where water and sculpture intertwine to make for the secret treasure of “ River of a Thousand Lingas”. This mysterious site has been largely reclaimed by the jungle of Kulein Mountains; however, it involves a walk through the luxuriant forest to catch a view of numerous lingas covering the surface of a sandstone riverbed rock. The carving motifs are mainly myriads of lingams and yoni. There are also many sculptures depicting Hindu mythological scenes and symbols, including Gods Shiva, Vishnu, Brahma, Lakshmi, Rama, Hanuman, and  animal images. We travel by roads back to Siem Reap Town, with stopover at  Banteay Samre, a temple containing both Hindu and Buddhist depictions. This structure is adorned with striking relief depicting the scenes of Vishunu and  Krishna legends.

The temple exploration is not only activity in Siem Reap Town. We spend this morning on a boat trip out, to discover Tonle Sap Lake, one of the largest natural fresh water bodies in  Southeast Asia. The traditional boat navigates along a small river towards this large lake, giving us a chance to see friendly children on small boat, many vendors making a shift floating market, and fishermen pulling in day catch. Along the way we anchor to visit a floating village where are everything from schools, shop houses to police station. The village life goes on as it would anywhere else in Cambodia. This enjoyable stop gives a good insight into the lifestyle of local people who call this grand lake their home and mostly rely on the lake for their livelihood. They may move from a place to place following the water level and current of Tonle Sap Lake. We leave Siem Reap this afternoon and travel by road to Kampong Thom. This small town is strategically set on  the main artery of trade, which links Siem Reap and Phnom Penh Capital City. The rice fields stretch out in the distance and surround sleepy villages, making for an interesting view. On arrival at Sombor Village,  we check in a local house and  stroll around to discover this rural community. The guide will introduce you to the local villagers and their homestay facilities. The conditions are  simple, but this is a fantastic opportunity to experience everyday life in rural Cambodia. Tonight we will be hosted as the guests of a Khmer family and enjoy a traditional  dinner with your host family.

The early light begins washing the night away, unveiling the mysterious ruin of Sambor Prei Kuk. This temple complex contains over hundred pre-angkor styled structures in different size, which are scattered throughout the forest in an area of 5sq km. They are just nearby Sombor village and well worth a visit. Today we can get up early to explore the calm morning around and the archeological site where many structures are just mere remnants of their original building. We bid a farewell to our villagers and set for Kampot in western coast. The green rice fields fringed by rising sugar palm trees continue along your drive, giving a beautiful appearance to the landscape of this region and reminding you that Cambodia is still a mostly agricultural economy. En route we make stop at Skuon, an important junction for  Kratie and Stung Treng in eastern direction and Kampong Thom  in northern turn. This small town is famous for  the tasty spiders that are sold around your stop. The spiders were first used by locals against the rife starvation under the Khmer Rouge regime. You can have a look at food stands and sample an eight-legged snack. Upon leaving Skoun, we keep on our journey to Kampot Town. This riverside town has gotten a makeover as many crumbling buildings in the old French quarter are being restored. The traffic is minimal in place, bringing the easiness to get around the wide streets on foot, bicycle or motorbike. On arrival in Kampot, we check in hotel and have free time to explore at leisure.

Today, we venture into the outskirts of Kampot Town where the rice fields gives way to the pepper plantation.  We make stop at a famous farm to see how local people grow peeper and make it acknowledged by international chefs as the world’s best pepper. The rural life is an amazing scene rarely found in modern life as we watch many locals doing their daily works, funny children with their bike, and ducks grazing on roadsides. They give a fantastic chance to learn the new ways of making a living and the  authenticity behind the stories that make up the country. The trip pace completely changes as we board a local boat for a short excursion to  Rabbit Island, a small tropical hideaway off Kep Town. This undeveloped island has no modern comfort but is still a popular daytrip destination. The surrounding coves also offer some snorkeling opportunities. You can take an optional snorkeling activity or simply enjoy lazing and  swimming at nearby pristine beach. Upon leaving Rabbit Island, we get back to the main land and visit the salt fields where the salty sea water is brought from 5km away into prepared clay fields, and left to evaporate until salt crystals form. The local workers rake the salt and carry it off in heavy baskets, making for an interesting scene. This exciting day trip ends up with a drive back to  Kampot Town. You have free time to explore at your leisure or try a traditional massage provided by the blind masseurs or masseuses. There are no  social security in Cambodia  so many blind Cambodians  have been trained by the social centre, to support themselves with dignity.

The sunlight brings new energy and glow color to this charming town. Today we can stroll along the riverside to catch our last image of Kampot riverside town before we head towards Sihanoukville beach town. The road trip is short in length, but it is still one of our beautiful drives as we hug the coastline, passing by the Thailand Gulf and the Cardamom Mountain which is famous for the Bokor Hill Station. This hill retreat has had a glory past once being a luxury resort for the French colonial residents to escape the unbearable heat. However, it is now a gambling place rather than a tourist attraction. We travel past small beaches and fishing communites, some of which produce fish sauce, an important condiment in local cuisines. En route, we make some stops to visit villages and meet local people who are very friendly and welcoming. The journey continues to Sihanoukville, the premier seaside playground in Cambodia. This seaside resort jutting into the Gulf of Thailand contains several tropical white-sand beaches running along the pristine and warn water. The main beaches offer their  own character, from the busy and popular Ochheuteal Beach to the secluded chill-out far end of Otres Beach. They are also lined with thatch roofed restaurants  and open air bars for people to enjoy foods and drinks. We check in our hotel and have free time to unwind and explore the town at leisure.

The emerald water lapped against sandy seashores looks inviting; however, many inshore islands also make for a tropical getaway. These islands are just a short boat ride away from Sihanoukville Town and fringed with pristine and gorgeous beaches. The majestic jewel is Koh Rong Island, a dreamy tropical paradise with long white-sandy shores and abundant captivating activities, including  wind surfing, snorkeling, scuba diving,  kayaking, fishing, biking, and jungle trek. They are worth spending a day trip out or staying long. The nearby laidback place away from the honking horns and motorbikes in town is Bamboo Island where the tranquil atmosphere makes your rest like being on the desert island of Robinson Novel. The popular attraction in Sihanoukville

Is the Ream National Park which is ideal for adventure lovers. This protected area contains mangroves, fresh water marshes, forests, the Prek Toeuk Sap estuary, beaches, coral reefs and seagrass beds. Today you spend this free  day  to simply relax and laze among swaying palms and  white sand beach or participate in one of optional activities, including wind surfing, snorkeling, scuba diving kayaking, cruising out to a nearby islands, riding a bike to explore the Kbal Chhay Waterfalls or  eco trekking in  the  Ream National Park. These optional activities are not included; however, our guide is in hand to provide you with valuable advisory

Today, you have a free morning  to relax and explore at your leisure. The pristine  beach will be left behind as we leave Sihanoukville this afternoon  and make our way to the capital city of Cambodia, Phnom Penh. The roadside  villages and  rice fields dotted sugar palm trees make for some fantastic views along the way. We arrive in Phnom Penh by mid or late afternoon depending on roads and traffic conditions, and check in our hotel. This bustling metropolis favorably located at the confluence of the Mekong, Tonle Sap, and Tonle Bassac Rivers has long remained little more than a large village. However, it became the permanent capital of Cambodia since 1866 and had developed into a sizeable, largely French designed city, once known as the Pearl of Asia. The crossroads of cultures, peoples and worlds have made Phnom Penh on the edge of everything. We can find the Cambodian elements together with the Chinese and French influences in the gleaming temples, sidewalk coffee,  vibrant markets, and colonial structures and tree lined boulevards amidst the monumental Angkorian architecture. The cityscape undergoes rapid changes from the ashes to take its place among the hip capitals of the region, with an alluring cafe culture, bustling bars, world-class food scene and international chains of hotel.

The sightseeing tour will acquaint us with  some major sights of Phnom Penh. The stunning Royal Palace complex is now home to the royal family, therefore  it is very close to the public. We walk across the beautiful royal gardens to see the Throne Hall where the king coronation  and the royal receptions are often  held.  The magnificent Silver Pagoda set at the northern palace ground would not to be missed. This country most sacred pagoda  is named  after some 5000 silver tiles covering the floor,  each weighing 1kg. Nearby this complex is the National Museum of Cambodia, a graceful terracotta structure inspired by temple architecture. This exquisite masterpiece with an inviting courtyard garden concentrates various incredible sandstone sculptures and intricate bronze objects from the pre-Angkor, Angkor and post-Angkor periods. The following stop is  Wat Phnom which dominates the skyline of Phnom Penh and  has an interesting legend about this city name. We come face to face with the horrific crimes of the Khmer Rouge as we visit the Tuol Sleng Museum, a former high school turned into a centre for interrogation, torture, and death by the Khmer Rouge. Heading out of the town, we follow the same route of Tuol Sleng  prisoners  to the notorious ‘Killing Fields’ of Choeung Ek that is  an extermination camp for political prisoners. The painful bloody rule of the Khmer Rouge still can be seen at the memorial stupa.  We round off our day with a walk around  the Central Market, a showcase of the local product richness. This flagship trade center of Phnom Penh was built in shape of a dome with four arms branching out into vast hallways crammed with countless stalls of goods.

The holiday comes to an end with a transfer to Phnom Penh Airport for  your departure. There are no activities planned for the final day. You may have free time to continue your exploration of Phnom Penh City, do your last shopping or simply look back upon your trip images before your airport transfer.