7 Nights & 8 Days Phnom Penh BATTAMBANG SIEM REAP Tour Package

A discovery tour of Phnom Penh. At 8:00am you will be met by your driver and guide. Gain insight into the recent dark history of Cambodia at the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum – a former school converted to a detention center during the Khmer Rouge. Equally as harrowing are the Killing Fields of Choeung Ek. These are tough visits but important for learning about the country’s history. The rest of the day is much lighter, visiting the Russian Market, the largest in Cambodia, where everything is sold from carvings to jewelry, clothes and souvenirs. We then enjoy lunch at a local restaurant for Khmer delicacies. In the afternoon, we visit Wat Phnom, a beautiful hilltop temple with manicured gardens, followed by the Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda, name for the 5,000 silver tiles that cover the pagoda’s floor, known for its collection of gold, silver, crystal and bronze Buddha statues. The day winds down with a sunset cruise on the Mekong River before returning to your hotel.

This morning you will take a private transfer to Battambang city. The journey will take approximately 5 hours, depending on the traffic. Along the way you will stop by Kampong Chhnang Pottery Making. Most families here produce the pottery in their houses and any will be happy for you to stop by. Also we go to see the best organized co-operative workshop at the foot of the hill, called Phnom Meas. On arrival at Battambang we check into the hotel. Please note standard check-in time is at 14:00pm. In the afternoon, visit Phnom Sampov which means 'Ship Mountain' because its peculiar shape reminds people of a ship. This legendary 100-meter-high mountain, topped by Wat Sampeou, contains 3 natural caves lined with Buddhist shrines and statues: Pkasla, Lakhaon and Aksopheak. Pkasla cave is full of uprooted stones and is considered important because Sampeou inhabitants go there to celebrate after a marriage. Some caves were used by the Khmer Rouges as killing caves. Refreshments with fresh coconut, and snacks are provided and around 18:00pm a million bats evacuate the caves at the bottom of the hill, creating a dark, fluid ribbon through the sky. Dinner at local restaurant before back to hotel. ‘Battambang is a province in northwestern Cambodia. It is bordered to the west with Thailand. The capital of the province names Battambang, meaning ‘lost staff’, refers to the legend of Preah Bat Dambang Krahoung. Battambang is the leading rice-producing province of the country. As with much of Cambodia, French Colonial architecture is a notable aspect of the city, with some of the best-preserved examples in the country.

This morning we do Remork tour (TukTuk) around the village from one place to other to explore local products such as; rice paper—a fundamental ingredient in Asian cuisine, dried bananas and Rice wine a sweet and smooth homemade liquor. Experience a norry or nori ride which is an improvised rail vehicle from Cambodia. You are on a fun and adventurous Bamboo Train ride along a newly created railway track where you will see very nice rice fields, local villages…… Lunch at local restaurant. Then last stop at Banan temple where the architecture of mid-11th century and the end of 12th century merge. The temple was first built by king, Ut Tak Yea Tit Tya Varman II (1050-1066) and then completed by the king, Jarvarman VII (1181-1219). The temple is located on the top of an approximately 400-meter high mountain. You will then return to your hotel for an evening of leisure.

In the morning, you will move into Siem Reap City by private transfer. It takes approximately 3 hours. Upon arrival at Siem Reap city, directly go for check-in. Please note that standard check in time is at 14:00. ‘Siem Reap is located in northwest Cambodia and is the closest city to the world famous, must see, temples of Angkor. The provincial capital is also called Siem Reap and is located in the South of the province on the shores of the Tonle Sap Lake, the greatest sweet water reserve in whole Southeast Asia. It's a laid-back, lovely place to stay while touring the temples and offers the best of both worlds between observing Cambodian life and enjoying the amenities of modern services and entertainment. Although the Temples are the main ‘draw’ in this area there is much more to experience by travelling a little further in this region

At 8:00am, pick you from your hotel for the day’s tour. Your first visit is the South Gate with its huge statues depicting the churning of the ocean of milk and see the ancient capital of Angkor Thom built in the late 12th century before we head onwards to Bayon temple which is unique for its 54 towers decorated with over 200 smiling faces of Avolokitesvara. Baphuon is like an artificial mountain that recently re-opened after years of restoration. Following, you may visit the Royal Enclosure, the Elephants Terrace and the Terrace of the Leper King. Then continue to the popular temple of Ta Prohm which is the modern name of the temple at Angkor, built in the late 12th to early 13th centuries. However, probably more famous for being the location where they filmed the Tomb Raider movie. Lunch is a Khmer feast served at a local restaurant. After lunch we continue to the magnificent Angkor Wat Temple, Angkor park’s most revered temple and the largest religious monument in the world. Inside the temple, the walls are covered with stone carvings and bas‐reliefs which are absolutely breathtaking. Your guide will explain the stories from the exquisite details and provide you with ample time to explore the inner and outer grounds of the temple. As a special final evening in Siem Reap, we will go to see a show of Cambodian Traditional Circus. More than just a circus, Phare performers use theater, music, dance and modern circus arts to tell uniquely Cambodian stories; historical, folk and modern. The young circus artists will astonish you with their energy, emotion, enthusiasm and talent.

This morning, you will experience the art of Khmer cuisine with a hands-on Cooking Class. Start the day with a guided tour through the local food market where your chef will explain the Cambodian fruits, vegetables and spices. Back at the cooking school and with the guidance of your chef, you will observe. Then practice Khmer cuisine techniques creating your own dishes for lunch! This afternoon, we set off to Tonle Sap Lake where you will discover different aspects of the floating village activities from crocodile farming to fishing farms, traditional medicine shops, boat shops, spirit houses, floating schools, and more. Afterward, you will be transfer to the 500 year old Wat Preah Prom Rath which is a modern-looking temple and monastery located in the heart of Siem Reap.

Enjoy your final breakfast at the hotel. Take a walk or get some last-minute souvenirs before your check out at midday. Your driver will meet you to assist with luggage and take you to the airport for your departure flight.