Royal Angkor And Beach Vacation

For your first introduction to the Archeological Heritage of Angkor, visit one of the most ancient sites of the region: the Roluos Group of temples. Begin your trip with the impressive ninth century temple, Bakong, then visit Preah Ko and Lolei, which now houses a small monastery. Situated in a separate area, this group of temples is less visited than others belonging to the classic Grand and Small Circuit, making their visit rather quiet and pleasant. Their proximity to local communities also give them a special feel.

The Angkor Archeological Park is not just about temples, it is also about the story of men conquering nature and nature conquering men. It is about glories, prides, spirituality and hard labor. Today you are going to discover the magnificent temple of Angkor Wat, a world heritage site with soaring towers and incredible bas reliefs. It is one of the most extraordinary man-made monuments and largest religious building in the world. Erected in the 12th century in honour of Vishnu, this temple has survived destruction by invaders and time to become a national symbol. In the afternoon, leave for Banteay Srei to see one of Khmer art’s most impressive jewels. Erected in the 10th century, the “Citadel of Women” is a small pink sandstone temple that contains some exceptionally well-preserved sculptured lintels. André Malraux made this famous at the beginning of the 20th century when in 1923 he returned some of the Apsara heads he had previously removed. On the way home, visit the ancient monastery Ta Prohm, where immense roots have taken hold in the stones. Beyond this impressive vegetation you will find some splendid sculptured Devatas and an atmosphere befitting this temple and all temples built during the reign of Jayavarman VIIl. For many, Ta Prohm is one of their favourites of all Angkor temples.

Leave in the early morning for a floating village about an hour from Siem Reap. Not yet discovered by mass tourism, Kompong Kleang is one of the most remarkable villages because of the height of its stilt houses. You can walk in the village to meet its people and stop in a house where the family raises crocodiles. Then, by local boat and if the season allows it, cruise along canals to another part of the lake that is home to some displaced Vietnamese people. Return to Kompong Kleang and enjoy a picnic lunch at home with a village family. After lunch, visit the Great City of Angkor Thom, beginning at the southern gate’s famous Bayon temple built in the 12th and 13th centuries and dedicated to Buddhism. Bayon comprises 54 gigantic towers featuring 216 smiling faces of Avalokitesvara. Then visit the 350-meter-long Elephant Terrace, which was used as a giant reviewing stand for public ceremonies and served as a base for the king’s grand audience hall, and the raised terrace of the Leper King, built in the 12th century and presenting many of the city’s most admired Apsara sculptures.

In the morning, travel to Kompong Thom. You’ll pass by a number of villages on the way to visit the pre-Angkorian temples of Sambor Prei Kuk, the old capital of Chenla, a kingdom preceding the Angkorian era. The site consists of  of more than 100 structures scattered through the serene forest. Enjoy a picnic lunch en route. On your return, you’ll drop in at the very colorful monastery, where monks take in children from poor families and teach them traditional music. Continue the way to Phnom Penh. Check in to the hotel.

Discover the city of Phnom Penh, the capital of Cambodia, situated at the confluence of the four arms of the Mekong River. Visit the Monument of Independence, which commemorates the end of the French protectorate as well as honoring those who fought for their country’s freedom. Afterward, continue learning about the city’s origins by visiting Wat Phnom, which will acquaint you with the story of Madam Penh. A number of monkeys have made this their home. A few minutes from here you’ll find the National Museum, a splendid example of Khmer architecture, which was officially inaugurated in 1920. Here, you’ll see a great range of sculptures dating from different periods in Cambodia’s history. Then visit the Royal Palace, built in 1866 by King Norodom and comprising different structures which group together in one area the remarkable art of the Khmer. The Silver Pagoda features major works, including a massive golden Buddha encrusted with 9,584 diamonds and weighing 90 kg, and a Buddha of emerald and Baccarat crystal dating to the 17th century. Move south to understand another period of history: that of the Khmer Rouge. At your visit to the Apsara Arts Association, you will see street children who are learning the art of dance and traditional music. On your return to the city, experience a change of pace with a visit to the Russian markets, known locally as Tuol Tumpoung, where you can stroll among all the stalls and vendors, trying your hand at bargaining. Here you’ll find fabrics, jewels, jewellery, crockery, handicrafts -- all kinds of goods.

Our driver will take you on a beautiful road to Sihanoukville (or Kompong Som), a seaside resort 230 km away from Phnom Penh (a four to five hour drive) through villages, markets and pineapple fields. Sihanoukville is a beautiful and charming city surrounded by the sea. There are seven beautiful tropical beaches with clear water and white sand, decorated with beautiful rock formations. With warm water and quiet atmosphere, these beaches are ideal for swimming, sunbathing or to take a well deserved rest after sightseeing. This place attracts both domestic and international tourists. Arrive around noon at your downtown hotel, then enjoy free time at the beach.  No guide will be provided. Meals on your own. Overnight at the hotel.

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel. Spend the day free at your leisure without a guide or driver. Meals on your own. Overnight at the hotel.

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel. Spend the day free at your leisure without a guide or driver. Meals on your own. Overnight at the hotel.

Spend the morning at the beach. Lunch on your own. In the afternoon, return to Phnom Penh by car and transfer directly to the airport for your departure flight.