UK
Journey through Cambodia
14 days from £3445 per person
Route: Siem Reap – Battambang – Phnom Penh – Kep
Successor to the powerful Khmer empire, modern-day Cambodia is a magical, mysterious land blessed with great cultural antiquity, a tranquil capital city and spectacular rural landscapes. Starting in Siem Reap, three full days are spent exploring the exceptional remains of Angkor Wat and Angkor Thom as well as the less visited temples of Banteay Srei and Ta Prohm. From here travel by boat on a picturesque journey to colonial Battambang before then spend time in the capital Phnom Penh before ending your time in Cambodia relaxing by the beach in the laid-back coastal town of Kep.
ITINERARY HIGHLIGHTS
Ta Prohm is the most atmospheric of the Angkor temples. Swathed in thick vegetation and jungle creepers, the complex has changed little since it was re-discovered in the 19th century.
Founded in the 11th century, Battambang is an important commercial hub. The city benefits from some of the best preserved French colonial and art deco architecture in the country.
Located on the banks of the Tonle Sap and Mekong River, Phnom Penh has been the national capital since 1867. There are many surviving French colonial buildings along the grand boulevards.
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Pettitts guide to price for this itinerary would be £3445 per person
The exact cost of this itinerary will vary depending on the season of travel, standard of accommodation, flight class, activities included and the date the booking is made. Please speak to one of our experienced travel specialists who will create a completely tailor-made and personalized quotation based on your requirements and budget.
** The above price is based on two adults travelling together in economy, sharing accommodation, travel based on low season for this destination and advance booking approximately nine months prior to travel**
Itinerary: Journey through Cambodia
Accommodation in Siem Reap: Jaya House River Park (or similar)
Upgrade option: Belmond La Residence d’Angkor
Alternative upgrade option: Raffles Grand d’Angkor
After breakfast depart for a day of temple exploration with your guide. Visit Angkor Thom, the spacious walled capital of Jayavarman where highlights include the temple ruins of Bayon, Baphoun and Phimeanakas and the Elephant Terrace and the 12th century Terrace of the Leper Kind. Opt to enjoy lunch at Marum, a local restaurant that provides a hospitality training school for disadvantaged and underprivileged children. After lunch, head to Angkor to visit the awe-inspiring Angkor Wat; discover its extraordinary architecture and beautiful sculptures which adorn this ancient monument. Departing Angkor Wat, travel to Pre Rup, a pyramidal temple surrounded by lush rice paddies. This lesser-known and quieter temple offers visitors a peaceful setting to catch the beautiful evening light and watch the sun set behind the impressive structure. (B)
Accommodation in Siem Reap: Jaya House River Park (or similar)
Upgrade option: Belmond La Residence d’Angkor
Alternative upgrade option: Raffles Grand d’Angkor
Today visit the Roluos group of temples which are situated away from the main Angkor complex. Over 1,100 years old, the Roluos temples are extremely well preserved and are sculpted with guardian spirits and human figures. Built by Indravarman and his son Yashovarman, these sanctities later became one of Jayavarman's capitals. Return to Siem Reap and enjoy the rest of the day wandering through the craft markets of Siem Reap or relax at the hotel pool. Alternatively take an authentic tour to Tonle Sap Lake where you have the opportunity to learn about local life. Discover the stilted houses on the lake, pass the boats and nets used by fisherman and meet locals who inhabit Tonle Sap’s floating villages. (B)
Accommodation in Siem Reap: Jaya House River Park (or similar)
Upgrade option: Belmond La Residence d’Angkor
Alternative upgrade option: Raffles Grand d’Angkor
This morning travel to Banteay Srei, a 10th century temple which is much smaller than many of the neighbouring complexes. The site is dedicated to Hindu god of Brahma and contains some of the region's best-preserved decorations and statues. Later travel to the atmospheric remains of Ta Prohm which remain enveloped by thick jungle undergrowth and creepers. That afternoon join a group of local mothers and learn how these women turn rubbish into colourful handmade arts and crafts – this social enterprise business supports fighting poverty and reducing plastic waste. In the evening embark on Siem Reap’s ‘Dining for a Cause’ culinary tour where you can enjoy excellent nibbles, cocktails and dinner at four social enterprise restaurants throughout city. (B/D)
Accommodation in Siem Reap: Jaya House River Park (or similar)
Upgrade option: Belmond La Residence d’Angkor
Alternative upgrade option: Raffles Grand d’Angkor
Accommodation in Battambang: Bambu Hotel
Alternative accommodation: Maisons Wat Kor
Today you will have a full day to explore Battambang. Take a ride on the eccentric 'Bamboo Train' – a simple wooden platform on wheels that follows a railway track through beautiful Cambodian countryside stopping to drop off locals, cargo and animals to rural villages along the way. Explore one of these remote villages before returning to Battambang for a walking tour of the town's historic centre. Highlights of the tour include the grand French Governor's residence, the ancient Wat Ek temple and the hilltop Wat Ban Non, the latter offering excellent views at sunset. Delight your taste buds this evening with dinner at Jaan Bai, a social enterprise restaurant which provides training and employment for local youths, with all profits going to the overall sustainability of the Cambodian Children’s Trust. (B/D)
Accommodation in Battambang: Bambu Hotel
Alternative accommodation: Maisons Wat Kor
Accommodation in Phnom Penh: Palace Gate Hotel (or similar)
Upgrade option: Raffles Hotel Le Royal
Today explore this riverside city and its surrounds with your guide. In order to understand the country’s harrowing history, travel out of the city to the Choeung Ek killing fields and Toul Sleng Museum which recounts the horrors of the notorious Khmer Rouge regime. Once back in the city visit the National Museum which is home to a fantastic collection of ancient Khmer archaeological, religious, and artistic artefacts, the French-built Royal Palace complex, the Silver Pagoda and the city's oldest shrine, the mystical Wat Phnom. (B)
Accommodation in Phnom Penh: Palace Gate Hotel (or similar)
Upgrade option: Raffles Hotel Le Royal
Accommodation in Kep: Samanea Beach Resort (or similar)
Alternative in Sihanoukville: Six Senses or Alila Villas
Accommodation in Kep: Samanea Beach Resort (or similar)
Alternative in Sihanoukville: Six Senses or Alila Villas
**KEY: N = No meals, B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner
What's included
- International flights from the UK
- Private car and driver
- Sightseeing with local English speaking guides
- Hotel accommodation and taxes
What's not included
- Cost of visas
- Travel Insurance
- Expenses of a personal nature
Guide to Price
The above price is based on two people travelling together and sharing accommodation in low season. The price is only a guide and can vary according to selected airlines, hotels and date of travel. If you wish to travel with your family, friends or on your own we will be very happy to assist you with your arrangements.
