15 Day Private Tour of the Kingdom of Wonder

Day 1) Siem Reap

We start our tour with a bang at fabulous Angkor Wat. Entering the Western Gopura we are greeted by the long causeway flanked by Nagas that leads to the Temple itself. After touring the site we go a short distance to the former capital, Angkor Thom, to see the many faces of Bayon. The wall enclosing the site is particularly interesting and noted for the bridges and gates that provide entrance. We will take a break for lunch, then visit Ta Prohm. This temple came to international recognition by being featured in the film Tomb Raider. Much of the site has been left overgrown, with trees taking over the walls and temple itself, the area is much less manicured than many Angkorian sites. Your guide will then return you to your hotel for the night.

Day 2) Siem Reap

It's an early start today so that we can get to Angkor Wat for the sunrise. This is an experience you you will always remember. We will then get some breakfast before heading to the impressive temple group of Pre Rup, then on to Banteay Srei. This is known as the Temple of Women because its intricate carvings are thought to be to delicate to have been carved by men. The pink sandstone used here is unusual and allowed the fine detail to be accomplished in the carving. From there we go to Preah Khan. This is an extensive site with a large moat, and encircling wall, a library, and many other buildings whose purpose is unknown, in addition to the temple itself. Much of the area has not been extensively restored and is instead managed to limit decay. Return to your hotel for the night.

Day 3) Siem Reap

Today we are going to explore one of the Floating Villages of the lake Tonle Sap. The villages have everything that regular villages have, the difference is that they are built on the water. The lake size varies dramatically between the wet and dry seasons, building on the water enables the fishermen to have year round access to the lake. After visiting the village your boat will bring you out onto the lake itself where you will stop at a floating restaurant for a snack, or lunch if you wish. From there we will go back to Siem Reap and and you will have lunch there if you did not eat at the lake. You may then have a rest if you wish, or we may procede directly to Artisans Angkor. Here you can see traditional Wood and Stone Carving as well as Silk processing and Weaving. Their Stonework has been used to refurbish some of the sculptures at Angkor. Return to your hotel for the night.

Day 4) Travel to Sra Aem, Visit Prasat Preah Vihear

We head north to Anlong Veng, the last holdout of the Khmer Rouge before their final surrender, to see the house of Ta Mok who was the leader of the National Army of Democratic Kampuchea. Straight east then following the Dângrêk Mountains which form the border between Cambodia and Thailand. We arrive at the mountaintop temple of Preah Vihear. With sheer drops from the summit, the views are fantastic here. The temple is reached by a series of gated courtyards and a stone causeway. You ascend ever higher until you reach the temple itself in the smallest courtyard. Because of its (somewhat) remote location it is relatively little visited, you won't be among a sea of people at this wonderful site. We will check into a hotel in the small town of Sra Aem for the night.

Day 5) Travel to the Mekong at the Laos border

We head east to see the mighty Mekong at Sopheakmit Falls which form the border with Laos. The river is split into many channels here and encompasses an incredible number of waterfalls and cascades. From there we board a small boat to explore the Flooded Forest, this unique environment provides a habitat for many different species, including some that are endangered. Tonight we will stay and eat with a family in the Preah Rumkel Eco Community.

Day 6) Kratie

After breakfast in the village we follow along the Mekong to the city of Kratie, located on its left bank. With its French Colonial architecture and gorgeous sunsets this will be our home for the night. After checking in, and a brief rest, we go about 30 minutes away to the village of Kampi, from there we board a small boat to explore the deep pools which are the home to the Irrawaddy Dolphin. There is a small population here, and after becoming extinct in neighboring Laos this may be the only area on the Mekong that still harbors them. We return to Kratie in time to see the sunset. You may sit or stroll along the riverbank, or have a cool drink and dinner at one of the bars with a view. 

Day 7) Kratie, Travel to Phnom Penh

We start the day with a walking tour of the historical buildings and the main market. This is a great way to see how local people go about their day, you can join them for a coffee, or pick up a snack on the street, fried bananas are popular. Leaving Kratie on our way to Phnom Penh we stop in Kampong Cham to see the Bamboo Bridge to the island of Ko Pen. This bridge is rebuilt every year during the dry season. Next stop is the village of Skuon, where you can try the local dish of deep fried Tarantula. Finally arriving in Phnom Penh in late afternoon, your guide will get you into your hotel, then bring you to the riverside for a private sunset cruise on the Mekong.

Day 8) Phnom Penh, The Killing Fields, Royal Palace

We will start the day at the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, originally built as a secondary school, the Khmer Rouge utilized it as a prison and detention centre. Political prisoners were tortured and made to 'confess' to crimes, then they were usually sent to the Killing Fields. You are able to see the cells, and some of the torture instruments on display here, as well as thousands of photos of the detainees. On to the Killing Fields at Choeung Ek, previously a mango orchard this site became a mass grave for for prison S-21. Today it is a quiet place of reflection with trees and lawns. There is a memorial Stupa on the grounds with glass sides showcasing more than 5000 human skulls recovered from the site. On our way back to the city we will stop for lunch, then visit the Royal Palace. One of the main attractions here is the Silver Pagoda with its murals of the Cambodian epic poem the Reamker, and Buddha statues in gold and crystal. Then to the National Museum of Cambodia which houses items from across the country. There are ancient everyday goods and bronzes, ceramics, and stone carvings, including many items from Angkor Wat.

Day 9) Phnom Penh, Travel to Kampot

Today we say goodbye to Phnom Penh and drive to Kampot. On our way we will stop for lunch at La Plantation Pepper Plantation. Here you will see how pepper is grown and processed, then enjoy an excellent lunch at their restaurant. Prior to the Cambodian Genocide Kampot Pepper was the Pepper of choice for the tables of France. Then to your hotel in Kampot in the mid afternoon.

Day 10) Kampot, Bokor Mountain, Kep

Up to the top of the 1000 metre high Bokor Mountain this morning. Originally developed as a hot season hill retreat by the Colonial French, its cooler climate and stunning views over the islands have continued its popularity. Visit the remains of the old Catholic Church, Le Bokor Palace Hotel, and the casino. Tour the current Wat Samprov Pram, and the grand statue of Lok Yeay Mao. The view from the cliffs behind the old church are especially good. Leaving the mountain we go back through Kampot on our way to Kep. Here we will visit the Crab Market and have a delicious lunch of Seafood right off the boat. After lunch you can go for a stroll or a swim along the lovely beach there, then see some of the Colonial era buildings. 

Day 11) Kampot

Today we start out with a visit to the Salt Pans. Sea Salt has been harvested here for a long time, beginning with flooding shallow artificial ponds with seawater. The sun slowly evaporates the water concentrating the salt, which can then be harvested. Lunch will be at Veha sitting atop a mountain surrounded by Rice Paddies and lakes, it has fantastic views and tasty food. From there we go to the Bat Cave on the lake. Thousands of bats roost here during the day in a cave on an island in the lake. Here there are a series of interconnected caverns with Buddhist shrines. The lake itself is rich in plants and wildlife.

Day 12) Kampot, Travel to Koh Rong

Today we travel to Sihanoukville to board the ferry for Koh Rong. The ferry leaves at 12:00, and you will be in your guesthouse on the island around 14:00, at which time you have the rest of the day to yourself.

Day 13) Koh Rong

This is a free day to enjoy as you please. Swim, relax, walk around the island 

Day 14) Koh Rong

Today your morning is free, then we have a snorkeling trip after lunch. You will be on your own private boat for a snorkeling trip to one of the small uninhabited islands off Koh Rong. Enjoy the beautiful waters and abundant marine life. 

Day 15) Koh Rong, Travel to Phnom Penh

You will catch the ferry back to Sihanoukville, then drive to Phnom Penh. Depending on your next destination you may be on the morning or afternoon return. We can of course arrange other transportation for you. For instance there is a new service linking Sihanoukville and Thailand by boat that follows the coast passing many islands along the way.

Included

• English Speaking Guide
• All Transportation
• Entrance fees
• Local Taxes
• Bottled Water
• All Accommodation including Homestay in Preah Rumkel

Not Included

• Food and Drinks
• Travel Insurance

What to Bring

• Hat
• Comfortable Shoes
• Light Jacket
• Swimming Clothes