IMMERSION IN KHMER CULTURE 12 DAYS

Meet your guide and driver at Siem Reap airport and transfer to the city center to check-in at your hotel. Siem Reap, the gateway to Angkor temples, is considered as the “tourist capital" of Cambodia, travelers staying there for the millennial temples, a must-see. The rest of the day will be free for you to discover Siem Reap at your leisure.

Hop on a tuk tuk (motorized tricycle, carry up to three passengers) and follow the river to reach by the west the famous temple of Angkor Wat. Have lunch in a local restaurant then head to the temple of Angkor Thom (Great City). Entering the southern gate, admire the famous Bayon dating from the 12th and 13th centuries, and the 11th century Baphuon, dedicated to Brahmanism (ancient Hinduism). Proceed with the Elephant Terrace or the Leper King Terrace.

This day trip is first focused on the visit of Kbal Spean (River of a Thousand Lingas), at about 30 km (1-hour drive) north of Angkor. Next, head to Phnom Kulen Sacred Mountain (487 meters above sea level). You will reach it after a 45 minutes hike through a dense rainforest. Then, explore Banteay Srei temple (Citadel of Women), dedicated to Shiva, whose architecture and pink sandstone sculptures are a Khmer masterpiece. The temple turns a beautiful shade at sunset, a sight not to be missed.

After breakfast, a short transfer will show you the surroundings of Siem Reap along a beautiful country road. Venture into Roulos, the oldest temple complex in Angkor, called "Roluos Group", located 12km east of Siem Reap. These temples are the remains of Hariharalaya, which was for 70 years (and under four successive kings) the first Khmer capital.
●    The Preah Kô is dedicated to Jayavarman II, first king and founder of the kingdom of Angkor
●    Bakong is by far the largest temple of the Roluos group and the first "state temple" supposed to mark the center of the capital
●    The remains of Lolei, four dilapidated brick towers laid on a two-level basement
Continue your journey to Kampong Khleang, a lakeside village. After lunch at a local’s home, hop on a traditional wooden boat. Cruise gently on the river and the great Tonle Sap Lake, discover the lakeside Khmer life: everybody’s fishing, 70-year-old women and 6-year-olds included! Transfer to Kampong Thom.

After breakfast, start your day exploring Nokor Kuhak Temple and the complex of Sambo Prei Kuk (former capital of Chenla) which was erected in the 7th century. Then continue your journey to Phnom Penh, the capital of the country. Stop along the way to take a look at the Skun Market, better known as the Insect Market, where the adventurous ones will dare taste unusual specialties much appreciated by Cambodians: cicadas, spiders, grasshoppers, grilled crickets… At your arrival in Phnom Penh, check-in and stay overnight at the hotel.

In the morning, visit all the Royal Palace monuments: Chan Chhaya Pavilion, the Silver Pagoda and the National Museum, which has the world's finest collection of Khmer sculptures. Discover the monument of Independence, which is shaped according to the central tower of Angkor Wat, and was erected in 1958 to commemorate the country's independence from France in 1953. Proceed with the visit of Wat Phnom Daun Penh - pagoda built by lady Daun Pen, in 1372, on a small hill. Wat Phnom remains today the highest artificial hill in Phnom Penh and the center of many entertainments.

Your driver will transfer you to Kep. Upon arrival, enjoy some free time to rest and explore the surroundings at your own pace. Overnight at the hotel

Today, you’ll leave the small town of Kep, whose fishermen are protected: a statue of a woman waiting for the return of her husband is erected on the port. Don’t forget to make a morning visit to the seafood market, before breakfast. Then board a fast boat for a sea transfer to Koh Rong. Overnight at the hotel.

Two seaside days to discover the island of Koh Rong with brilliant white sand, endless turquoise sea and unspoiled jungle: a marvelous postcard landscape.

Two seaside days to discover the island of Koh Rong with brilliant white sand, endless turquoise sea and unspoiled jungle: a marvelous postcard landscape.

In the early morning, fast boat to Shihanouk city then transfer to Phnom Penh. Installation at your hotel.

Free time then transfer to the airport for your return flight.