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Post date: Aug 4, 2014 10:05:21 AM
DAY 1 - PHNOM PENH (L,D)
Upon arrival at Phnom Penh Airport, you will be welcomed by your local English speaking guide who will accompany you to your hotel for check in.
Phnom Penh was once considered as one of the most beautiful cities in the Orient, and despite its recent turbulent history, it still retains a colonial charm. Cambodia’s capital is a bustling city, majestically located at the confluence of the mighty rivers of the Mekong and Tonlé Sap. Wide tree-lined boulevards and many colonial-era buildings reflect the glorious days and add to the allure of the city, where Asian and Western traditions meet in a fascinating way.
First of all, you will be treated to a relaxing lunch at Khmer local restaurant the first time. After this break, you will be greeted by a driver who will take you on a tour to the most remarkable sights of Phnom Penh in a Cyclo, an original Phnom Penh means of transportation and a fun way to explore this lively city.
First, head to the Royal Palace. This palace dates back to 1866 and houses the Silver Pagoda, named for the over 5000 heavy silver tiles that cover its floors. Its original name is Wat Prakeo, meaning Temple of the Emerald Buddha. In this temple you will view a collection of Buddhas in gold, silver, crystal, and bronze.
Your next stop is the National Museum, built in traditional Khmer style. It houses the world's foremost collection of ancient Khmer artistic, archaeological, and religious artifacts from the 4th to the 13th centuries. Over 5,000 pieces are on display, constituting the repository of the Kingdom's cultural wealth. In addition, the roof space is home to a large bat colony!
Return to your hotel, where you will have some time at leisure. Tonight, you will be treated to a delicious Khmer welcome dinner at Romdeng, a lovely charity restaurant where former street children are taught the principles of hospitality. The restaurant is located in a restored colonial building with an atmospheric garden right in the city centre.
Overnight in Phnom Penh.
DAY 2 - PHNOM PENH - KEP (B,L,D)
Awake to a delicious French breakfast at your hotel. Today, you will leave Phnom Penh in a southern direction for Takeo Province. From there, you will start your day of cycling with a ride to the charming seaside town of Kep.
The riding is on tarmac roads through local villages humming with the buzz of day to day life in Cambodia towards the turquoise blue of the Gulf of Thailand. Near the sleepy village of Tani, you will be treated to sweeping vistas of dramatic lime stone hills. Enjoy a local picnic lunch in the shade of a palm tree before moving on.
Arrive in Kep in the afternoon. Cambodia’s prestigious beach resort of the 1960s is now awakening to its former glory. A fascinating mix of a small calm beaches and reminders of the past glories in the form of derelict villas shade themselves in the undergrowth.
The last bit you push on up the hill to Veranda Natural Resort with a very distinct Robinson Crusoe feel. Veranda Natural Resort has an unmatched view of the ocean and surrounding islands as you stroll around its multiple platforms you cannot help but be enchanted by the appeal of this tree house like structure.
In the evening, enjoy a dinner of local and international fare with sweeping sea views at your hotel and relax in the rustic charm of your surroundings.
95km bike.
Overnight in Kep.
DAY 3 - KEP - REAM NATIONAL PARK - SIHANOUKVILLE (B,L,D)
After a great breakfast at the hotel, transfer by mini van to the charming riverside town of Kampot (duration 45 mins.) made famous by Parisian chefs for its exquisite pepper. From here, start today’s cycling to Ream National Park.
The park was established in 1993 on a 210 km² area on the Gulf of Thailand that includes thick pristine jungle, mangrove forests and off-shore coral reefs. It's a nature lovers paradise with nearly 200 bird species, many kinds of monkeys and it is also the habitat of the pangolin. Lunch will be served at a local restaurant that offers stunning views of the gulf.
After lunch, go on a short trek around the base of the mountain through the jungle to a nearby fishing village. Your guide keeps a watchful eye out for notable reptiles, birds and wildlife.
At late afternoon you will be transfer to Sihanoukville to check in at Hotel.
Enjoy you dinner at local restaurant.
Overnight at Sihanouk Ville.
DAY 4 - SIHANOUKVILLE - REAM NATIONAL PARK - TREK & BOAT (B,L,D)
Awake to a fresh sea breeze and a hearty breakfast at your hotel.
Take a very short transfer by minivan to the start point for your next adventure through the jungle and mangroves of Ream National Park. Weave your way through the sandy trails that meander through the jungle as your local guide leads you to the mangrove swamps on the Northern side of the reserve.
Take a break under the shade of the lush canopy as you savor the sights and sounds of this steaming humid jungle. Onwards through large sandy clearings, fallen logs and curious locals until we find a boat keeper’s house situated on the northern most extremity of the National Park.
Embark on a traditional sampan to explore the mangroves. Watch Twany Kites soar over head in the mid afternoon heat as we cruise 11km towards a remote fishing village established in 1985 by Khmer Rouge separatists.
Disembark and refresh your senses with some sweet coconut juice served from a local shack, then set off once agin into the jungle for the final 3km leg of the day, then transfer back to hotel.
Dinner at local restaurant
14km trek
Overnight at Sihanouk Ville.
DAY 5 - REAM NATIONAL PARK - ANDOUNG TUEK - CHI PHAT (B,L,D)
Early morning transfer by minivan to the sleepy roadside town of Andoung Tek (duration 1h). Here we begin the next chapter in our adventure, where a boat man will be waiting to take you 30 km up river through the meandering mangroves to the remote village of Chi Phat (duration 1h). Chi Phat has got one of the last remaining tracts of natural rain forest that remains to date in Indochina. The area is prized for its bio-diversity and abundance of wildlife. This unique place is not often visited by tourists but the income provided by tourism directly funds the community development project in the area. After checking into your local home stay and being introduced to your host family, sit back and enjoy a local lunch in the Community Based-Ecotourism (CBET) Office.
The remainder of the day is packed full of adventure as we set off on our bikes to explore the wilds of Chi Phat. We will explore where nomadic indigenous tribes once roamed the jungle and stumble upon one of their sacred burial sites wedged in the cliff face.
Through rivers and over fallen logs up and down challenging terrain from soft and sandy to wet and muddy – this place is a perfect playground for any biking enthusiast of any level. Take in the sweeping vista of the jungle canopy below as you watch the sunset over one of Cambodia’s last great wilderness sites.
Retire to the rural comfort of your homestay to freshen up before a sumptuous dinner provided by the local community at the CBET office.
22km bike.
Overnight at homestay in Chi Phat.
DAY 6 - CHI PHAT - 4 RIVERS FLOATING LODGE (B,L,D)
After waking to the sound of the Khmer village and a satisfying breakfast it is your turn to give back to the community with a tree planting ceremony.
After a lunch at a local restaurant, the boat man waits for you to re-embark for the journey back down river to Andoung Tuek. A short transfer will take you to the starting point of another leisurely boat ride along the mangrove lined river to 4 Rivers Floating Lodge where you will stay overnight in a luxurious tent floating on the tranquil river. A culinary delight is already waiting for you for dinner.
Overnight at 4 Rivers Floating Lodge.
DAY 7 - BOAT TRIP TO TATAI WATERFALL (B,L,D)
After a late breakfast, today is a day to truly enjoy all that the 4 Rivers Floating Lodge has to offer. This is a chance for you to sit back and take in the lush and exotic surroundings, or be active and explore the area by kayak. Lunch at the lodge.
After a leisurely morning, you can take a boat to the nearby Tatai Waterfall. Enjoy a picnic lunch served on the edge of the falls while bathing in its many bubbling pools. Spend the afternoon in the warm Cambodian sun while absorbing all the rustic charm of this unique and seldom visited location.
Tonight, enjoy a champagne sunset boat cruise before dinner and relax in the tranquil surroundings.
Overnight in 4 Rivers Floating lodge.
DAY 8 - 4 RIVERS FLOATING LODGE - PHNOM PENH (B,L,D)
Enjoy the morning at your leisure before taking a transfer back to Phnom Penh after lunch (duration 5hrs). Check into your hotel and spend the day at leisure. A delicious Khmer dinner will be served at Baithong Restaurant.
Option: Massage
After an adventure trip to the South Coast, a relaxing massage at Bodia Spa can do wonders. Massage for health and relaxation is a time-honored tradition throughout Southeast Asia and you will feel completely rejuvenated.
Overnight in Phnom Penh.
DAY 9 - PHNOM PENH - KRATIE (B,L,D)
Awake to a savoury breakfast and an early morning transfer (duration 5h) through the rolling countryside and villages to the riverside town of Kratie. After lunch at a local restaurant with sweeping views of the mighty river, continue along the banks of the Mekong. Near the village of Kampi is the best spot to view the rare Irrawaddy Dolphins along the Mekong. Get on board a local boat that will take you to the preferred places of these interesting creatures. As soon as you will have spotted the first dolphin, your boat driver will turn the engine off and you will follow the dolphins silently in order to not disturb them.
After this memorable experience, continue to cycle along the banks of the Mekong until you reach Wat Sorsor Mouy Roy in the village of Sambour. The vihara of the so-called ‘100 Pillars Pagoda’ is an important historical and cultural building and quite famous for its legend involving a princess and a crocodile. The local youngsters are trained here in playing traditional musical instruments, an art that was on the verge of being forgotten after the Khmer Rouge regime. The kids will be happy to show their talent and perform for you.
After finished your visit today we will transfer to Kratie pier, where you will take a short ferry ride to Koh Trong.
30km bike.
Overnight in Koh Trong, Kratie.
DAY 10 - KRATIE - KAMPONG CHAM (B,L,D)
An early start with a breakfast of fresh fruit and hot coffee complimented by a riverside view. Our adventure starts with a transfer and a ferry tip across the Mekong. Disembark to the bustle of the busy ferry port of Chhlong before escaping down the dusty meandering back roads. Down meandering trails with flashes of effervescent green and rich red earth abound from the fields; the fragrant smell of lotus blossom from Buddhist shrines excites your senses. We stop for a well-earned rest in the shade of palm trees. The many French colonial houses in this town are amongst the most beautiful in Cambodia.
From Chhlong west and onwards to the village of Stung Trong. 50km of lush rural scenery abounds. Through the bustling villages Mosques appear with miniature minarets breaking the tops of the leafy canopy that covers the road side. Enjoy the diversity of these small Muslim communities in contrast to the colourfully adorned Buddhist pagodas.
The second ferry crossing of the day will take you 12km to the quite village of Phnom Han Chay. This small hilltop pagoda houses an 8th century pre-Angkorian temple that sits on top of one of the best vantage points overlooking the vast expanse of the Mekong and surrounding low lands. Take in this awe inspiring vista as you enjoy a delicious picnic lunch of fresh fruit and local produce.
On the final leg of the day enjoy the luxury of a tarmac road leading through the rubber plantations and roadside villages as you ride into the setting sun. Enjoy a dip in the pool at your hotel before sampling the local culinary delights.
95km bike.
Overnight in Kampong Cham.
DAY 11 - KAMPONG CHAM - KAMPONG THOM (B,L,D)
Your romance with the Mekong ends today with a ride to Kampong Thom. Transfer along the Mekong and eventually head for a quiet secondary highway towards Kampong Thom.
Pass through the industrious road side town of Bos Khnor en route, busy with the hum of motor bikes as the locals come to trade spare parts and service their machines in the many roadside mechanic shops. See how overloaded trucks rumble by along with the weird and wonderful vehicles of every description.
Stop to enjoy a refreshing picnic lunch in one of the many beautifully adorned pagodas hidden amongst the shade of sugar palm trees.
Onwards to Kampong Thom. This quiet town is situated between Siem Reap and Phnom Penh and hosts the magnificent temple site Sambor Prei Kuk, built in the 6th and 7th century. Take some time to relax before enjoying dinner at a local restaurant.
90km bike.
Overnight in Kampong Thom.
DAY 12 - KAMPONG THOM - SIEM REAP (B,L,D)
Today, you head towards the rarely visited Sambor Prei Kuk (transfer 45 mins), one of the most important pre-Angkorian sites in the country that is enlisted to potentially become Cambodia’s next UNESCO World Heritage Site. Sambor Prey Kuk was built in the Chenla period between the 6th and 7th century and there are over 100 well preserved temples scattered in the forest. The three main sites are linked by small and shady tracks. Enjoy a beautiful walk through the jungle with breathtaking views. Your visit supports a community-based tourism project.
The seven villages around the temple complex still practice the ancient art of craft making, using materials such as bamboo and rattan. You will have the chance to visit and contribute to the sustainability of the people’s livelihood as the local community will prepare a simple but very tasty lunch for you near the temples.
After lunch follows a transfer towards Siem Reap (duration 3h) and have you dropped off at Roluos Pagoda. From this beautiful pagoda you set out to explore the scenic back roads that lead you through the Roluos Temple group.
Roluos is the site of an ancient center of Khmer civilization known as Hariharalaya. It was the first town built by the Angkorian kings in the 8th and 9th century and consists of three main temples: Bakong, Lolei and Preah Ko. The surrounding countryside with its paddy fields and sugar palm trees is very typical for Cambodia.
Late afternoon, arrive in Siem Reap and check into your hotel. A typical Khmer dinner will be served at Sugar Palm Restaurant.
96km bike.
Overnight in Siem Reap.
DAY 13 - SIEM REAP - ANGKOR THOM, TA PROHM (B,L,D)
After a relaxing morning at your leisure and lunch at Asian Square restaurant, saddle up again, visit the ancient city of Angkor Thom, the last capital of the Great Khmer Empire under the reign of Jayavarman VII. This city is surrounded by an 8 m high wall, drawing a perfect square. Enter the city through the ancient South Gate, an impressive stone gate carved with Elephants and four giant faces. On each side of the entrance path a row of 54 gods or demons is holding the sacred Naga snake.
From here, continue to Bayon Temple in the exact center of the city. This 12th century masterpiece is a study in grandeur and is well-known for its 54 towers with enigmatic faces representing the 54 provinces of the Great Khmer Empire. The Terrace of the Elephants and the Terrace of the Leper King are also must-visits as they are both known for their intricate bas-reliefs.
In the late afternoon, explore the overgrown ruins of Ta Prohm, the ‘’Tomb Raider Temple’’ made famous by the Hollywood movie of the same name.
After a refreshing break at your hotel enjoy dinner at The Nest Angkor this evening, serving contemporary Khmer dishes in a comfortable modern setting.
15km bike.
Overnight in Siem Reap.
DAY 14 - SIEM REAP - BANTEAY CHHMAR (B,L,D)
Get up early this morning for a transfer to Banteay Chhmar (duration ca. 5 hours). You will stop on the way as much as you like.
Welcome to Banteay Chhmar and enjoy lunch at the community center. Then head out to visit Banteay Chhmar, a place of exceptional atmosphere which gets very few visitors. A notable feature of this temple that is applying for UNESCO World Heritage Site status is the magnificent bas reliefs on the outside of the inner sanctuary walls. Almost every step within this vast ruin; gives another fabulous picture of stone being consumed by nature. It is a spectacular sight with its Bayon Style towers, walls and enclosures cloaked with vegetation. Late afternoon take a local transport similar to a tractor called ‘kuyon’ to the Banteay Top temple to see the sunset. A fun way to travel Khmer style amongst some lovely scenery!
In the evening enjoy a simple but memorable dinner at the temple.
Overnight in a homestay in Banteay Chhmar.
DAY 15 - SIEM REAP - BATTAMBANG (B,L,D)
After breakfast, visit the local market in Banteay Chhmar and experience a typical Khmer village. Your local guide will explain about some of the traditional life that takes place, including fishing, beekeeping, weaving and rice farming.
From here, continue to Battambang province. Battambang is Cambodia’s second largest city and, not so long ago, was within target range of a stronghold of the erstwhile Khmer Rouge and was therefore off-limits to most travellers.
However, like the remainder of this beautiful gentle country, Battambang has recently re-opened to the outside world. One fortuitous result of its isolation and lack of development is that Battambang has some of the most well preserved colonial French buildings in the country. You will find local people here to be extremely friendly. They have not been exposed to many foreign visitors and they will be as interested in you as you are in them! Battambang was formerly the rice bowl of Cambodia although these days the production of rice is augmented by large orange and jute plantations.
Arrive in Battambang in the late evening and check into your charming boutique hotel in a French colonial villa. Enjoy dinner tonight in the atmospheric restaurant of your hotel.
Overnight in Battambang.
DAY 16 - BATTAMBANG (B,L,D)
Battambang’s countryside is what makes this pleasant river town a real treat. The town is situated along the Sangker River, a quiet and small body of water that finds its way through Battambang Province. It connects the Cardamom Mountains with Tonle Sap Lake and feeds the paddy fields on the way, which results in Cambodia’s best rice and plentiful fruit orchards that can be found here.
First of all, head to the Bamboo Train station. The Bamboo Train has been set up by the villagers in order to facilitate the transportation of goods and persons as there are no regular trains running any more. The “train” itself is very basic: one bamboo platform on 4-wheels is activated by a small motor. Sitting on the platform (we will provide some cushions for your comfort), you will travel the 8 km to the next station through beautiful landscape and rice paddies (depending on season of visit). A true rollercoaster ride without loops! Return to your hotel for lunch and a relaxing break.
This afternoon, you will be taken to some of the many cultural villages around Battambang, where you will learn how the locals produce rice paper, prahoc (typical Cambodian fish paste), grolan (sticky rice stuffed in bamboo), and other Cambodian treats. You will also visit a weaving and handicraft centre in another village.
Tonight, a special visit awaits you at Phare Ponleu Selpak. School of Music, Visual & Performing Arts - Phare Ponleu Selpak combines the Arts to provide education, support and entertainment to the poor communities. This project is a success story of how humanitarian aid work can turn into a display of zest for life, genuine warmth and creativity, against all odds. A visit to one of their circus shows will leave you with a lasting memory of the wonderful Cambodian people and should not be missed when in Battambang! After the show head into Battambang for dinner at a local restaurant.
(Note: The circus performance is only performed regularly on each Monday & Thursday. On other days private performances are available on request and for a supplement).
Overnight in Battambang.
DAY 17 - BATTAMBANG - SIEM REAP (B,L,D)
Today, you will embark on one of the most stunning boat trips in Cambodia, as you will be taken from Battambang to Siem Reap by boat. (Note: This boat trip is only possible in the high water period from July to December as water levels are too low during the dry season and transfer times can be extremely long. From January to June alternative transfer by road.)
The largest freshwater lake in Asia, Tonlé Sap Lake, is an exceptional water system as it is swelling to almost five times its size during the raining season. The water of its main drainage, Tonlé Sap River, is being pushed back from the Mekong, carrying an incredible amount of water from the rains, causing the river to reverse its direction and thus causing the lake to overflow, flooding nearby fields and forests and supporting an extraordinarily rich and diverse eco-system. The Lake is also an important breeding ground for fish, providing more than half of the amount of fish consumed in Cambodia. The particular water system requires the people living of the lake to adapt to the living conditions. You will see many villages on the way where people live on stilted or entirely floating houses.
Arrive in Siem Reap mid-afternoon, the gateway to the majestic temples of Angkor and a charming little city. After checking into your hotel, set out for a delicious lunch at Sala Bai, a school training young Cambodians from poor family backgrounds in the principles of hospitality in order to give them a future. You will have plenty of opportunities to talk to the students as they will go on a tour of the school after the meal.
This afternoon, a local tuk tuk will take you to one of the definite highlights of your trip to Cambodia: The legendary Angkor Wat. Built during the reign of King Suryavarman II in the early 12th century, Angkor Wat is constructed following the model of the temple mountain symbolizing Mount Meru, the home of the gods. Inside the temple, the walls are covered with stone carvings and bas-reliefs depicting Hindu mythology and the wars Suryavarman II fought during his reign. Angkor Wat is well known for the more than 2,000 Apsara dancers decorating the temple. Construction is thought to have taken around thirty years of intensive labor. Today, Angkor Wat is figured on Cambodia's national flag as the temple symbolizes the soul of the Khmer people.
Enjoy some time at leisure in the evening until your Khmer farewell dinner at Viroth’s Restaurant.
15km bike.
Overnight in Siem Reap.
DAY 18 - SIEM REAP DEPARTURE (B)
Enjoy the day at leisure until the transfer to the airport for your individual departure flight.
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