You are here: China kindness tour >> China Southeast Asia discovery tour

SEA-11 Cambodia – Beyond Angkor

Day 1: Arrival Phnom Penh D

Morning arrival in Phnom Penh, via Bangkok and check-in to a small, comfortable, downtown hotel close to the historic riverbank quarter. Time to relax and a leisurely afternoon walk taking in the Central Market, Wat Phnom and the old French district.

Overnight in Phnom Penh

Day 2: Overnight in Phnom Penh B/L

For first time visitors a day tour of some of the sites of Cambodia’s fascinating capital city; the infamous Killing Fields site and the highly moving Khmer Rouge Genocide Museum at Tuol Sleng, the Russian Market and finishing perhaps with sundowners at the famous Foreign Correspondents Club? Or…… Day trip to the scenic and fascinating silk weaving island of Koh Dach. The tranquil island lies in the Mekong River just a few kms, but a world away, from bustling Phnom Penh. We’ll explore the island’s quiet lanes by bicycle or on foot and check out the centuries’ old methods of silk weaving still employed by the local villagers.

Overnight in Phnom Penh

Day 3: Phnom Penh - Siem Reap B/L

Departure overland, via the famous ‘spider village’ of Skuon (tasting not compulsory), and the 7th century ruins of Sambor Prei Kok, former capital of the Chenla civilization.– a little known, but attractive site in a forest setting. Lunch by the Tonle Sap Lake before continuing on to Siem Reap.

Overnight in Siem Reap

Day 4: Siem Reap B/L

Day at Angkor: for first time visitors a tour of some of the main sites such as Angkor Wat and Bayon can be arranged, otherwise we propose a day’s hiking along the ancient city ramparts and amongst the jungle of Angkor Tom.

Overnight in Siem Reap

Day 5: Siem Reap B/L

Trek along Phnom Kulen Plateau. Lying some 30 miles north of the main Angkor temples, Kulen was the site of the first Angkorian capital and is considered sacred to the Khmer people. We’ll begin our hike at the foot of the mountain with an ascent by the ancient ‘Pilgrim’s Way’ path. Continuing through tall forest via the Kulen waterfalls and famous River of a Thousand Lingas, we’ll make our way to Preah Kral Monastery, the plateau’s highest point and our overnight camping site.

Overnight at camping site

Day 6: Siem Reap - Anlong Veng Town B/L

Early morning departure north along the new and excellent road to the Thai border and Anlong Veng Town – last stronghold of the Khmer Rouge and only finally ‘liberated’ in 1998. Our tour of this remote town includes visits to Pol Pot’s grave, the border market, Pol Pot and Ta Mok, (aka ‘The Butcher)’s villas – now grim concrete shells but spectacularly located on the edge of the steep Dandrek Escarpment marking the border between Thailand and Cambodia - and the strange ‘lake of dead trees’ created by a Khmer Rouge dam project. Continue eastwards with a scenic drive along the foot of the Dandreks to Preah Vihear Temple. Recently declared a World Heritage Site, this 10th-12th century Hindu temple has certainly the most dramatic setting of any Khmer temple, rising in a series of steps from Thailand’s Khorat Plateau to culminate in a sheer 400 meter drop-off overlooking the plains and forests of Northern Cambodia.

Overnight in Anlong Veng Town

Day 7: Anlong Veng Town - Siem Reap B/L

At leisure in Siem Reap – relax by the pool; check-out the markets or a visit to the unusual landmines museum. Also for those interested a one day Khmer cookery class option can be organized.

Overnight in Siem Reap

Day 8: Siem Reap - Battambang B/L

Departure across the Tonle Sap Lake by boat. Our scenic route will take us past the floating village of Prek Toal and surrounding bird sanctuary before continuing down the picturesque Sangker River past traditional fishing villages to the town of Battambang. Afternoon ride through the paddy-fields on Battambang’s famous ‘bamboo train’.

Overnight in Battambang

Day 9: Battambang - Kompong Chnang - Phnom Penh B/L

Morning drive to the fascinating river port town of Kompong Chnang. Tour of the bustling town and markets on foot and by boat – since half the town is actually floating on the Tonle Sap River! In the afternoon we’ll continue south, via the hilltop pagodas of Udong – former capital of Cambodia, to Phnom Penh.

Overnight in Phnom Penh

Day 10: Phnom Penh - Kep-sur-Mer B/L

Morning visit to the fascinating Phnom Tamao wildlife rehabilitation centre run by Wildlife Alliance in conjunction with organisatiosn such as ‘Free the Bears’. The forested centre is a refuge for numerous speices of animals, local and ‘exotic’, that have been rescued from hunters, liberated from private zoos or destined for the wildlife trade. ‘Residents’ include Chuok the 3-legged elephant and some 150 bears, (both Asian black and sun-bears), but also now houses a large population of wild monkeys anw birds such as storks and rare adjutents. An extremely interesting and worthwile visit! In the afternoon we’ll continue south, wioth a stop at the picturesque cave temples of Kompong Trach, to the coast and the delightful scenic coastal town of Kep-sur-Mer. Relax by the pool or a stroll along the waterfront to visit the famous crab market

Overnight in Kep-sur-Mer

Day 11: Kep-sur-Mer - Rabbit Island B/L

Boat trip to the nearby unspoilt Rabbit Island for some beach and swimming time or a hike around the island for the energetic. Time at leisure– relax by the pool or hone your photographic skills on the fishing boats or abandoned French villas.

Overnight in Rabbit Island

Day 12 : Rabbit Island - Phinm Penh and departure B

Return drive to Phnom Penh via the well preserved 12th century temple of ta Prom Tonle Bati, and end of tour.

KKKwww.Chinakindnesstour.com