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| Tour Title: The Hidden Civilization (8 Days / 7 Nights) |
TOUR OVERVIEW:
For a century the name Cambodia invoked a deep sense of awe and mystery. An exotic kingdom with magnificent wonders hidden in a tropical jungle; an enigmatic pearl of exploration and adventure. Like its slogan ‘Kingdom of Wonder’ Cambodia offers the visitor much to marvel at. Just as Angkor is more than its wat, Cambodia is more than its temples.
Discover a country steeped in heritage and tradition with many pockets of unexplored or newly explored treasures still to be found. Cambodia, once known as the “Pearl of Asia”, was considered to possess some of the finest French-built cities and provincial towns in Indochina from the 1920s to the 1950s.
This program is crafted with an enthusiastic to let you delve into the heart of Cambodia on an independent program through a lush land steeped in history, spirituality and warm hospitality. Begin in Phnom Penh, Cambodia’s capital since French colonization. Journey next to Battambang, crossing the scenic countryside to Cambodia’s second-largest city. Meander through the charming town, its streets lined with French colonial buildings and Khmer-style statues. Visit a winery and see the production of red wine and rosé. Visit a local produce market and a pro hok (fish paste) factory to learn about a product for which Cambodia is famous.
End the journey in Siem Reap, the gateway to the temples of Angkor. Over the next four days, discover in-depth the glorious temples of the long-gone Khmer empire — from the well-known structures, such as the sprawling Angkor Wat, Bayon Temple and jungle-engulfed Ta Prohm, to lesser known sites, including Beng Mealea and the newly discovered Koh Ker temples. Visit the workshop Artisans d’Angkor for a glimpse at the country’s rare and beautiful handicrafts, and cruise Tonle Sap Lake to experience local life. Ease into the relaxed atmosphere of this charming town by visiting its central market and exploring the Rolous Group of temples, the oldest examples of relics that make up the Angkor Wat region.
Your itinerary is kept flexible to ensure that you will have a great time and enjoy the magnificent surroundings of each city without following the tourist masses and in a comfortable and leisure manner.
ITINERARY IN DETAIL
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Day 01: Arrival Phnom Penh & Sightseeing |
  
Welcome to Phnom Penh !
Arrival at Phnom Penh International airport; after clearing all entrance formalities, met and greeted by your local English speaking guide and thereafter transferred by a private vehicle to your hotel for check-in. The transfer time is approximately 30 minutes.
After lunch, your sightseeing begins with a visit to the The Royal Palace. The structure you will be see today was constructed earlier this century on the site of the Banteay Kev, a citadel built in 1813. Visitors are only allowed to go inside the Palace's Silver Pagoda and its surrounding compound. The Silver Pagoda, also known as Wat Preah Keo, was given its name because of over 5,000 silver tiles weighing 1 kilogram each that cover the floor.
Continue to the National Museum, house of Khmer Art and Archaeology, otherwise known as "Musee des Beaux-Arts" or "Musee Albert Sarraut". This museum is considered to be one of the finest museums of classical Cambodian art. End the morning sightseeing at a spiritual Wat Phnom.
Overnight in Phnom Penh
Meal Plan: No meal
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Day 02: Phnom Penh & Sightseeing |
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Followed your breakfast at the hotel, witness the dark side of Cambodia by visiting Tuol Sleng Museum was originally a local high school, which was taken over in 1975 by the Khmer Rouge security apparatus and converted into Security Prison 21 (S - 21). During the three years of Khmer Rouge brutality the prison became synonymous with terror. Over 17,000 people held at Tuol Sleng were interrogated and tortured before being sent to the killing fields at Choeung Ek for execution, while those who died during torture were buried in mass graves in the prison grounds.
Continue drive to outskirt of Phnom Penh to visit the Killing Fields of Cheung Ek lies approximately 30 minutes from the city and is the site of the infamous "Killing Fields" of the Khmer Rouge. Here, tens of thousands of people, including some foreigners, were executed and thrown into mass graves. In 1980 the remains of over 8,900 victims were exhumed while an estimated 43 mass graves (of a total of 129) have been left untouched. A solemn memorial - a stupa with glass panels encasing over 8,000 skulls (arranged by age and sex) - was erected in 1988 to commemorate the victims of this period of madness.
This afternoon, enjoy a city tour to visit French Quarter and Art deco of Central Market. Built in 1937, Central Market is a masterpiece of Art Deco design - perhaps one of the finest examples of this era in Southeast Asia. The building features a huge central dome with four wings. As the renovation has just finished I look more attractive. In the market, you will see many things from food, handicraft, cloths, to antique jewelry.
Then enjoy sunset cruise on the Mekong River (1hour) to see Phnom Penh at dusk.
Overnight in Phnom Penh
Meal Plan: Breakfast
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Day 03: Phnom Penh - Battambang (By Land) |
After breakfast, drive to Battamban city, the Cambodia’s second biggest city, located about 291 Kilometers from Phnom Penh and takes approximately 5-hour drive. The road condition is very good.
Battambang is a charming city, sitting on the Sangker River, and also the heart of Cambodia's 'rice bowl', and it maintains an untouched, bucolic feel complement with nearby ancient temples, remarkably well-preserved French colonial buildings and traditional Cambodian.
En-route, it's worth to stop by at Kampong Luong, the well know silver craft village in Cambodia.
Arrive in Battambang, proceed to hotel for check in for check in. Balance of the day free at leisure and relax.
Overnight in Battambang
Meal Plan: Breakfast
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Day 04: Battambang & Sightseeing |
  
Breakfast at the hotel
Today is a full day of Battambang orientation to visit includes Banan temple, the five sandstone Towers on the top of the hill and enjoy the magnificent view, located some 25 km south of Battambang. On the way back, take a stop for a short look grape yards and vinery of the local people such as Rosé and Brandy. Tasting is not compulsory. If it's still available, board the local 'bamboo train' for an exhilarating ride through the rice fields about 30 minutes and along as you enjoy.
In the afternoon, visit Phare Ponleu Selpak (PPS), meaning “the brightness of art”, originated in 1986 in Site 2 Refugee Camp on the Thai border, to observe the drawing, music, dance and circus students practising and see an exhibition of students' art. Phare Ponleu Selpak, a multi-arts centre for disadvantaged children, puts on circus shows and dance performances. You also have an opportunity to make donation at the Center.
For the next stop at Cambodian cultural village to visit the Khmer Ancient houses which was build during the French colony 1907. Return to city and enjoy this charming town with its numerous colonial buildings and provincial museum.
Overnight in Battambang
Meal Plan: Breakfast
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Day 05: Battambang - Siem Reap (By Land) |
  
Followed your breakfast, transfer to the pier to board al local wooden boat for about 6-hour journey across the Tonle Sap and along the Sangker River. It's a picturesque and impressive trip. The boats in no way meet international safety standards. But it's comfortable and interesting way to discover the fragile eco-system of the Tonle Sap lake. (available in wet season from September to February). (In case the boat trip is not available, you will be transferred by overland for a 2.5-hour drive to Siem Reap. The road condition is very good.
Siem Reap is the hub for the Angkor Archaeological Park, Designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, which encompasses dozens of temple ruins including the legendary Angkor Wat whose archaeological significance and visual impact sets it amongst other wonders of the world, such as the Pyramids, Machu Pichu and the Taj Mahal. The province also contains a vibrant capital city boasting many luxury hotels, beautifully-aged colonial buildings, a buzzing Pub Street, silk farms, markets, and much more.
Arrival Siem Reap's pier met by your local English speaking guide and then transferred to your hotel for check in.
Your afternoon tour will begins at the “crowning jewel” of Khmer architecture, Angkor Wat. Constructed under the reign of Suryavarman II in early 12th century, Angkor Wat is one of the largest religious structures in the world. The five towers of Angkor Wat are the representation of the five peaks of Mount Meru, home of the gods and centre of the Hindu universe. The temple’s greatest sculptural treasure is its 1 mile long bas-relief that wraps around the walls of the outer gallery along with the 2000 figures of Khmer Devas and Apsaras. Angkor Wat is stunning at any time of the day, but sunrise and sunset are especially beautiful times to watch the play of light on the stones.
Overnight in Siem Reap
Meal Plan: Breakfast
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Day 06: Siem Reap & Sightseeing |
  
Breakfast at the hotel
Your sightseeing begins at Angkor Thom, the heavily fortified city built in the 10th century by the greatest of the Khmer rulers, King Jayavarman VII (1181 - 1201). With a population in excess of one million inhabitants, Angkor Thom covered an area of 10 square kilometres and was larger than any city in Europe at the time.
From Angkor Thom's southern gateway on the back of an elephant continue to visit the Bayon Temple. The structure is staggering in its construction and most Angkor specialists agree that it is one of the finest examples of classic Khmer architecture. Its third level is stunning; its 49 towers are adorned with 172 smiling faces of the omnipresent Avalokitesvara. Constructed during the reign of King Jayavarman VII, this temple marks the exact centre of Angkor Thom, thus it is the most venerated of the city's temples and also the most mysterious.
Leaving the Bayon take a brief stop at the Royal Enclosures to see the Elephant Terrace, the terrace takes its name from the exceptional depiction of elephants and of an elephant hunt, which takes up the majority of the frieze. A little north of the main terrace is another, known as the Terrace of the Leper King after a statue found above it.
Continue to visit Ta Prohm while there are fewer tourists around - a unique jungle temple which is captivated by the large trees and vines that have grown over it. For the majority of visitors, it is the most romantic experience of Angkor and even Historians have noted its mystical charm. This temple has been featured in several Hollywood movies such as Tomb Raider, Indiana Jones and Two Brothers.
Remaining of the day, walk through Angkor Silk Farm where you can witness the entire process of silk creation from growing and harvesting mulberry as food for the silk worms, the breeding process and life cycle of the silk worm to the spinning the silk and the dying process.
Artisan Craft School - a local woodworking and stone carving workshop/gallery which aims to reintegrate young Cambodians from rural areas to the creation of traditional cultural artworks. Observe the students practicing age old carving and finishing techniques
Lastly visit Psah Chas “Old Market”, the lively market located on the riverside of the old French Quarter. The market has a wide variety of souvenirs, handicrafts, textiles, statues and curries. The area around the old market is burgeoning with shops, galleries, restaurants, bars and more.
Overnight in Siem Reap
Meal Plan: Breakfast
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Day 07: Siem Reap & Sightseeing |
  
This morning, your guide will take your through the eyes of the local people and away from tourist crowds and head deep to hidden Beng Mealea, around 65 km from Siem Reap. Enjoy a short walk through the dense jungle and feel like an explorer when you discover the completely overgrown temple. The remains of Boeng Mealea, which are still partly buried under vegetation, consist of perfectly squared-off sandstone building blocks. The outstanding decoration dates from the first half of the 12th century.
Undiscovered for centuries, Beng Mealea has only recently been made accessible and remains unrestored. It is one of the very few temples that actually give the opportunity to climb through it giving a very 'Indian Jones' feel to the experience. Picnic luncheon boxes will be provided.
On the way back, you will be visiting Banteay Srei temple (45 Km from the town), a 10th century unique temple dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva, which was discovered in 1914. The name Banteay Srei literally means “Citadel of women” and is built of pink sandstone with beautiful ornate stone carvings. Seemingly miniature in comparison to the other Angkor temples, Banteay Srei is considered to be the jewel of classical Khmer art. Built in pink sandstone, the walls are covered in exquisitely preserved carvings of unusual delicacy. You will also have an opportunity to meet local villagers and see how they produce their commodities.
End the day at the monuments of Rolous, the site of the ancient Khmer civilization of Harharalaya that flourished in the late 9th and 10th centuries. They stand among the earliest large, permanent temples built by the Khmers and mark the beginning of the classic period Khmer art. The three remaining Hindu sanctuaries at Rolous are Bakong, Preah Ko and Lolei.
Overnight in Siem Reap
Meal Plan: Breakfast
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Day 08: Siem Reap - Departure |
Early bird special that early risers may be inspired to take an early morning to witness the beautiful sunrise over the wonderful ruins of Angkor Wat. Imagine centuries ago the markets and temples coming alive with the dawn of a new day. This is a glorious example of classical Khmer architecture, which is regarded by many as the quintessential Angkor experience. Enter from the eastern gate and exit at west gate to experience Angkor Wat another perspective and avoid crowds at the same time.
Return to your hotel for breakfast. Remainder of this morning is free at leisure.
Transfer to Siem Reap International airport for your departure flight to next destination.
Meal Plan: Breakfast
*** End of Services ***
TERMS & CONDITIONS
| Tour Title |
: The Hidden Civilization |
| Tour Code |
: BAT-CS008 |
| Duration |
: 8 Days / 7 Nights |
| Tour Operate |
: All Year Round / On Demand |
| City |
:Phnom Penh (2nt), Battambang (2nts), Siem Reap (3nts) |
| Tour Price |
: Available Upon Request |
Since rates vary frequently, please contact us (enquiry@boundlessasia.com) to get the best possible price based upon your travel period and specific touring needs.
The Price Includes:
- All arrangements/activities as per outlined the itinerary
Accommodation based on a shared Double/Twin room including breakfast (Click Here to find recommended hotel list that best to you)
- Meals as mentioned (B= Breakfast, L= Lunch, D= Dinner)
- Local English speaking guide (for other languages and a national guide supplements apply)
- Tours and airport transfers as mentioned by private air conditioned vehicle
- Entrance fees for mentioned visits
- Daily drinking water (2 bottles/person/day) and cold towels on vehicle
- Prevailing government and accommodation taxes and service charge
The Price Excludes:
- Other meals than mentioned
- Other services than mentioned
- All international and domestic air tickets and departure airport taxes
- Laundry, telephone calls and expenditure of a personal nature
- Visa for Cambodia (Visa issued on arrival, USD20/pax, please bring 1 passport photo)
- Camera/video entrance fees – if any
- Early check in, late check out and room upgrade
- Tips, Travel insurance
SPECIAL NOTE
- All above itinerary is flexible, depending on arrival or departure flights of passengers
- Boundless Asia Travel (BAT) reserved the full right to amend or adjust itinerary to match with real situation without prior notice
- In case the hotel was fully booked, we will use other similar hotel
- The prices shown are Net Rates – Non-commissionable in U.S. dollars per person, based on double occupancy, and subject to availability. Prices quoted for land arrangements are subject to increase without notice. Once we have received your deposit, land prices are guaranteed.
Do It Your Way by Customizing Your Personalized and Unique Touring Experiences:All the touring itineraries on Boundless Asia Travel’s website have been well crafted by our in-country expert teams and represent a series of experiences we can certainly recommend. However, we understand that each traveler has his/her own unique and individual travel experience. Our consultants are waiting to hear from you so that we can tailor or custom design a Cambodia tour to your individual specifications. ENQUIRY
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