The ruins of Angkor
Phnom Penh - Siem Reap - Angkor
Duration: 7 days
Réf : CCR07J-PNHRP
DAY 1
Phnom Penh - Home
Welcome at the airport by our private driver. Transfer to the hotel and free time! Check-in at the hotel of your choice. Overnight in Phnom Penh.
DAY 2
Discovery of the capital of Phnom Penh (Lunch)
Meet our English-speaking guide. Departure by vehicle to discover the capital city of Phnom Penh. This morning, you'll visit the Royal Palace. It was originally located in Oudong and was soon moved to present-day Phnom Penh in 1863. Then, visit the Silver Pagoda, which houses more than 5,000 silver tiles paved on the floor, and the Emerald Buddha statue encrusted with approximately 2,000 diamonds, including one weighing 25 carats. It represents the future Buddha, nicknamed Maitreya, in 90 kg of gold. Continue strolling through the Central Market, renovated thanks to a donation from France. A magnificent art deco-style building built by the French in the 1950s. Lunch is provided at the restaurant on the banks of the Mekong River; it's time to freshen up before resuming your sightseeing activities. Continue your visit to the National Museum of Fine Arts, formerly known as the Albert Sarraut Museum, whose Khmer artifacts, statues, and art pieces come from all over Cambodia. Next door, you'll continue with a visit to the Ounalom Pagoda, built in 1443 and the largest pagoda in Phnom Penh. Pass through the Colonial Quarter: the Grand Hotel, the Post Office, the Bank of Indochina, the Police Station, the Superior Residence, the Treasury Bridge, the Chamber of Commerce, the Library, and the Railway Station. Next, visit Wat Phnom, a false pagoda built on the hill, approximately 27 meters high. This pagoda was renovated in 1926. At the foot of the hill is a bas-relief honoring the Franco-Siamese treaty, sculpted by Théodore Rivière. Around 5:00 p.m., enjoy a short cruise on a private boat along the quays, passing by the confluence of the Mekong River. Depending on the season, weather, and time of day, you'll be treated to a beautiful sunset over the Royal Palace and the capital. Overnight in Phnom Penh.
DAY 3
Phnom Penh - Silk Island or Mekong Island
Accompagné de votre guide francophone, embarquez pour une traversée du Mékong en bac local vers l'île de la soie, appelé en khmer Koh Dach. Plongez dans l'atmosphère paisible de ce village traditionnel où vous pourrez observer les artisans tisser de magnifiques étoffes en soie, visiter des maisons sur pilotis et découvrir la vie quotidienne des habitants. Déjeuner libre. De retour à Phnom Penh, explorez le marché russe animé, un véritable paradis pour les amateurs de souvenirs et d'artisanat local. Puis, plongez dans l'histoire tragique du Cambodge en visitant le musée du Génocide S-21, un ancien lycée transformé en centre de détention et de torture sous le régime des Khmers rouges. Retour et temps libre à l’hôtel. Nuit à Phnom Penh.
DAY 4
Heading to Siem Reap via Skun
Without a guide. In the morning, depart by private car for 320 km on the road towards Siem Reap. On the way, you will make a typical stop in Skun, known for its spiders and tarantulas. In Cambodia, eating tarantulas is very popular. Don't hesitate to try them! These animals are also used in traditional medicine. Then, visit the Hindu temple Wat Kukhak Nokor, dating from the first half of the 11th century and built by King Suryavarman I. Along the road, you can see Khmer houses built on stilts. A primary school is located outside the temple. If you have pencils, this is the perfect place to give them to the students. Lunch at your leisure. Then, before arriving in Siem Reap, transfer to Tonlé Sap Lake, located 60 km from the city center. You'll take a private boat tour to see the unique and fascinating fishing villages of Kampong Kleang. During the dry season, you'll stroll through the village to observe scenes of daily life and impressive stilt houses. Fewer tourists here! Check-in and free time at your booked hotel. Overnight in Siem Reap.
DAY 5
Siem Reap - Visit Kbal Spean and Banteay Srei temple
With a qualified English-speaking guide for days 5, 6, and 7 This morning, accompanied by an experienced English-speaking guide, set off by private car to explore the sacred site of Kbal Spean, also known as the River of a Thousand Lingas. After a hike of approximately 1.5 hours through the heart of the jungle, marvel at the linga and yoni sculptures adorning the riverbed. Lunch at your leisure. Continue your journey to the magnificent Banteay Srei Temple, the Citadel of Women, famous for its exceptionally fine pink sandstone sculptures. If time permits, you can also explore Banteay Samre Temple, a lesser-known architectural gem. Overnight in Siem Reap.
DAY 6
Angkor - Discovery of the small circuit (Dinner show)
You'll meet your guide at the hotel. In the morning, depart by private car to visit the magnificent Khmer temples on the short circuit: Prasat Kravan, Prasat Banteay Kdei, Prasat Ta Prohm, and Prasat Takéo. If time permits, you may also visit Prasat Thommanon and Prasat Chao Say Tevada. In the afternoon, continue your visit to the famous Angkor Wat. Then, head to Phnom Bakheng to watch the sunset. In the evening, you'll head out to attend an "Apsara" dinner show with your guide at the Amazon Angkor restaurant. Optionally, for a small additional fee, if you don't like crowds and prefer a higher-quality show, enjoy the Apsara Theatre restaurant: Please let us know! • Tapas Menu: $26 per person • Traditional Menu: $28 per person • Vegetarian Menu: $26 per person Return to the hotel by car! Nights in Siem Reap
DAY 7
Angkor - Discovery of the Grand Circuit
In the morning, meet your guide at the hotel reception. This day is reserved for visiting the ancient capital of Angkor Thom! The temples of Angkor Thom include: South Gate, Prasat Bayon, Prasat Baphuon, Terrace of the Elephants, the former Royal Palace, Terrace of the Leper King, Prasat Phimeanakas, and Prasat Preah Palilay. Lunch at leisure. Continue your visit to Prasat Preah Khan and Prasat Neak Poan. Transfer to the airport according to your flight schedule. End of the trip.