Cambodia Safari Holiday Tour (14 Days) - NEW

Arrival in Siem Reap

Transfer from airport to Hotel, Siem Reap.In the afternoon, visit magnificent Angkor Wat to view its architecture. This temple is the largest religious buildings ever constructed and is truly one of the wonders of the world. Believed to have been undertaken as a temple and mausoleum for King Suryavarman II at the peak of the Khmer empire in the first half of the 12th century, Angkor Wat is the best-preserved of the Angkorian temples. Enjoy sunset submit from Phnom Bakheng. Return to hotel. Overnight Siem Reap.

Siem Reap

In the morning, travel to Phnom Krom for a cruise on the Tonle Sap, visiting floating villages. In the afternoon, visit to Banteay Srei built by a Brahman in the 10th Century; this temple was dedicated to Shiva. The famous pink sandstone structure bears a series of beautiful sculptures, lintels, pediments and friezes. These it is said must have been carved by women as the detail is too fine for the hands of a man. This gives us the origin of the Khmer name, Fortress of the Women. While it may be a small temple complex, the beauty of Banteay Srey is found not in the scale but the detail. Some say the bas-relief work is the best example of Khmer classical art remaining. Return to hotel. Overnight Siem Reap.

Siem Reap

This morning, visit to jungle-clad Ta Prohm. This temple was a monastery built by Jayavarman VII as a residence for his mother. Ta Prohm has been controversially left to the destructive power of the jungle by French archaeologists to demonstrate the awesome power of nature. It has been largely consumed by the jungle and as you climb through the dilapidated stone structures you see many giant trees growing out of the top of the temple itself. At every turn you expect to see Indiana Jones or Lara Croft step out from behind a fallen pillar. As such it is one of the most regularly visited temples, with visitors often arriving during the middle of the day to take advantage of the protective canopy the forest spreads above the temple. Ta Prohm looks as many of the monuments did when European explorers first saw them. Onwards, to visit to Bantey Kdei a temple also constructed by king Jayavarman VII during the12th and 13th centuries. Onward to Srah Srang, the royal pool situated opposite the East gate of Banteat Kdei know as the "King's bathing pond".

In the afternoon, continue to visit the sites of Angkor Thom. This Royal city was first built under the reign of Udayadityavarman II in the 11th Century. It was destroyed when the Chams from Vietnam rose up against the Khmers and invaded, sacking the city, and was subsequently renovated by King Jayavarman VII at the end of the 12th Century. Its vast walls, some 6m wide, 8m high and 13km in length contain many monuments. Continue to visit Victory Gate, the Bayon, and this temple mountain, built by Jayavarman VII, and is situated in the centre of the city of Angkor Thom. It is a three-tiered pyramid with its entrance facing east. The central shrine is surrounded by 54 towers all crowned by gigantic faces, representing Avalokite-shvara but with the features of Jayavarman VII. Next stop is Baphuon, Phimean Akas, Terrace of the Elephants and the Terrace of the Leper King. Late afternoon, return to Angkor Wat for sunset photographs. Return to hotel. Overnight Siem Reap.

Siem Reap - Beng Mealea - Svay Leu - Koh Ker

This morning, leave Siem Reap at 8am for Beng Mealea, travelling on the Phnom Kulen road. Arrive Beng Mealea at 10am and visit the temple for one hour. Leave Beng Mealea for Angkor quarry on the road to Svay Leu. Stop in Svay Leu for an early lunch. Leave Svay Leu around 12.30pm for Siyong. Continue to Koh Ker, arriving about 3.00pm. Accomodation at Hanuman Safari Tent, Koh Ker. (Lunch and Dinner)

Koh Ker - Kulen - Tbeng Meanchey - Preah Vihear

See sunrise at Koh Ker and take some more time to explore the temple in proper detail. Leave Koh Ker and head to Tbeng Meanchey in time for an early lunch. We then continue Preah Vihear temple where the team will set up camp for the night. Enjoy sunset from this stunning mountaintop temple with immense views of the Cambodian plains below. (Lunch and Dinner)

Preah Vihear - Anlong Veng - Siem Reap

Sunrise at the temple and another look around for photo opportunities in the morning light. Then hit the road about 8am before the rest of the tourists start arriving. Lunch in Anlong Veng and back to Siem Reap by early evening. Return to hotel for accommodation at Hotel, Siem Reap. (Lunch)

Day 7

Siem Reap- Phnom Penh- Kampot

Transfer to jetty for normal speedboat to Phnom Penh, arrive in Phnom Penh transfer directly to Kampot, your base for a visit to the abandoned hill station of Bokor.

Bokor

After breakfast, drive to Bokor Hill Station and enjoy a picnic at Popokvil Waterfall. Bokor is a one of the most atmospheric places in Cambodia, a 1000m high plateau of steaming jungle, shy wildlife and abandoned buildings. Built by the French as a casino resort in the 1920s, it was redeveloped by Sihanouk in 1959 before being abandoned to the elements in 1970. Off-limits until recent years, the empty buildings and majestic views give it a haunting, romantic quality. Nearby Popokvil Falls are impressive in the wet season. After visiting the abandoned hill station and taking in the views, walk to the waterfall for a picnic. Later return to Kampot for a sunset cruise on the river.

Kampot - Sihanoukville

Depart Kampot for Sihanoukville, visiting some pretty fishing villages along the way. Once at Sihanoukville, time is free to enjoy the beach.

Sihanoukville

Beach safari to the island of Koh Rong for a private tropical island experience, using the same luxury tents as the temple safari segment earlier. (Lunch and Dinner)

Sihanoukville

Return to Sihanoukville and accommodation at SOKHA BEACH RESORT

Sihanoukville-Phnom Penh

Morning free on the beach. Later drive from Sihanoukville to Phnom Penh by road with your guide. Arrive in Phnom Penh transfer to hotel, overnight Phnom Penh.

Phnom Penh

This morning, head to the magnificent Royal Palace, home to Cambodia's King Sihanouk. The palace has only recently been opened to the public and its imposing golden spires and glittering throne room make it an impressive spectacle. Adjoining the palace is the Silver Pagoda, which is fronted by Italian marble and houses an emerald Buddha. You can spend as much time as you please in the palace complex, marvelling at the buildings, walking through the landscaped gardens or studying a vast mural depicting the ancient Hindu epic the Ramayana.

Afterwards you visit the National Museum. Built in traditional Khmer style in 1917 it houses some fine sculpture and an extensive collection of artefacts from the Angkorian period. The morning ends either with a visit to Wat Than where victims of the country's civil war are taught new skills enabling them to survive with their disabilities in modern day Cambodia. In the afternoon, free at leisure. Overnight Phnom Penh.

Phnom Penh-Bangkok

After breakfast, transfer from hotel to the airport.

Amanjaya Pancam Hotel, Phnom Penh
Amanjaya offers the highest standards of western comfort combined with the style and elegance of traditional Khmer décor. Located on the famous Sisowath Quay in the heart of the city, Amanjaya has stunning views of the Tonle Sap river and Mekong delta, and is surrounded by the gems of the capital's art and culture - the Royal Palace, National Museum and Silver Pagoda are all within a few minutes' walk, along with a wide range of restaurants, bars and shops.

Sokha Beach Hotel, Sihanoukville
The hotel is located in the beach town of Sihanoukville in the Kingdom of Cambodia. With sweeping panoramas of the Gulf Of Thailand, this first International Class, 188 rooms Beach Resort is set amidst an expansive 15 hectares of gloriously manicured beach front garden and fronting 1.5 Km of white sandy beach. The best available in Sihanoukville.

Royal Angkor Resort, Siem Reap
Royal Angkor Resort consists of a 5 hectares compound that is located in a beautiful landscape surrounded by a tree lined tropical garden. Inspired by the early 20th century architectures, the resort has its own unique theme with traditional Khmer decoration and handmade colonial style furniture. Royal Angkor Resort offers 202 beautifully decorated rooms divided in to seven categories. Superior, Deluxe, Sakura which is decorated in Japanese style, Cabana, Executive suite, Executive bungalows and Presidential Villas.

The tents are fully water-proofed, have two layers complete with mosquito and insect protection. The tents are large enough for 2 custom-designed camp beds. There are small square tables inside for suitcases or rucksacks and two chairs and a table under the veranda awning for morning tea and coffee and meals. There is a dedicated team to set up camp, which also comes equipped with additional toilet and shower tents to ensure maximum privacy in the middle of nowhere.

All meals are included and our partners source as many of the basic foodstuffs as possible, such as rice and vegetables, from local people in remote villages, to ensure they have a stake in tourism development in their community. However our partners supply their own meat and treats to assure hygiene and comfort every step of the way, including a major water supply, both for drinking and bathing.