Northern Cambodia Adventure

Siem Reap, Battambang, Sra Em, Preah Rumkel, Stung Treng, Banlung, Sen Monorom, Phnom Penh

From $3,091 AUD pp (2 pax)

Sightseeing in Angkor The crowning jewel of Khmer architecture, Angkor Wat is the national symbol and the highlight of any visit to Cambodia. The largest, best preserved, and most religiously significant of the Angkor temples, Angkor impresses visitors both by its sheer scale and beautifully proportioned layout, as well as the delicate artistry of its carvings. To approach the temple, first cross the vast moat, continuing along a broad causeway lined with naga balustrades. After entering the main building, ascend through a series of galleries and courtyards before reaching the central sanctuary, which offers beautiful views back over the causeway and across the surrounding countryside. On the way, stop to enjoy the intricate stone carvings that adorn nearly every surface, with some 1,700 Apsaras, or celestial dancers, sculpted into the walls. Along the outer gallery walls run the longest continuous bas-relief in the world, which narrates stories from Hindu mythology, including the famous Churning of the Ocean of Milk. Angkor Wat is stunning at any time of the day, but sunrise and sunset are especially beautiful times to watch the play of light on the stones.

The fortified city of Angkor Thom covers an area of 10 square km. Enclosed by the walls and wide moat, the city includes many of Angkor’s most popular sights. Enter by the monumental South Gate over a causeway lined on either side by statues of demons and gods, each carrying a giant naga. Continue to the Terrace of the Elephants and the Terrace of the Leper Kings, former spaces for public ceremonies, both adorned with dramatic bas-reliefs. Visit the ruined Baphuon, Royal Enclosure and Phimeanakas before continuing to the mysterious Bayon Temple. In this temple, one of the most popular and compelling in Angkor, explore the galleries of beautifully preserved bas reliefs and ascend narrow stairs to reach the central sanctuary, where you will find giant stone faces smiling enigmatically down at you from every angle.

Visit Ta Prohm one of the most popular attractions of Angkor as much of the jungle has not been cleared and it looks very much as most of the Angkor monuments would have appeared when European explorers first stumbled across them.

Watch the sunset over the Cambodian countryside from the upper terraces of an ancient Angkorian temple.

Sightseeing in Battambang
Visit Wat Ek Phnom Wat Ek Phnom is a small 11th century ruin built as a Hindu temple, located 15 km or half an hour away from Battambang.

Visit Battambang Museum Battambang Museum is located along the street 1, south of Nat marke around 600m, next to Neak banh Teuk garden. It shows ancient things related to the value of religious architecture, Khmer arts, drawing pictures, Kolalakpeach (things made by clay such as pots, jars, bowl), Buddhist statuses, sculptures, temple-breaking stones, and other things leave from pre-history as well.

Explore ancient Khmer wooden house and local life in Battambang Begin with observing Cambodian families who produce traditional products such as rice noodle making; rice paper making and fish paste making. Rice noodle in Khmer call “Nhum Banchuk” is a favourite everywhere in Cambodia for breakfast lunch or dinner. Then learn about rice paper making. The rice paper which is famous and delicious for spring rolls. Next visit Krolan making the sticky rice in Bamboo cake. Finally explore the Cultural Village which contains models of ancient wooden houses of Khmer design, and is based in Wat Kor Village.

Excursion to Preah Vihear Temple Perched on a dramatic mountain crest, the stunning temple complex of Preah Vihear dates from the reign of Suryavarman I. Once an important pilgrimage site, the temple is a series of five gopura, or gateways, connected by causeways that lead to the central sanctuary located on the edge of the cliff. The climb to the top of the mountain is approximately two hours on shaded but steep mountain paths; alternatively, it is possible to ascend the mountainside by local truck. At the peak, visitors are rewarded with spectacular views over the plains below, stretching as far as Phnom Kulen in the distance.

Homestay Experience in Preah Rumkel Village You will begin your trip off the main road about 40 KM to Preah Rumkel Village through the green forest and fresh atmosphere of the country. This time you will experience the rural lifestyle at the village with local people. Upon arrival, you will get a very warm welcome from the community people come along with welcome drink. After check-in the homestay. After a chit-chat with the villager, cycle to see the village, pagoda and health care and how is the people live in this small isolated island. Come back to the village and enjoy your dinner at homestay before head off to your homestay.

This morning, travel to the dolphin pool and Preah Nimeth Waterfalls, a beautiful waterfalls rarely visited by tourists. After breakfast, you will take a boat ride along the Mekong River to visit the Great Mekong Waterfalls (Preah Nimeth Waterfalls). You’ll journey by boat for about 25 minutes, then disembark and continue with a short 30 minute easy trek to the Waterfalls. Along the way take in the natural beauty of the area and relax and enjoy the beautiful scenery before returning back to your homestay for lunch.

Excursion to Yeak Loam Lake and nearby waterfalls Yeak Loam Lake is a beautiful crater lake lying in the remains of a volcano that erupted over 4,000 years ago. Nearby is a display of local handicrafts and information on local tribal life. On the way back to Banlung, visit many of the lovely waterfalls that dot the region (not always visible in dry season), as well as the Banlung Market.

Visit Eisan Ratanaram Pagoda (Reclining Buddha) The Wat Rah-Tahn-Ah-Rahm (Reclining Buddha) in Ratanakiri is complemented by the presence of Phnom Svay. The Rah-Tahn-Ah-Rahm (Reclining Buddha) is also known as the Wat Aram, which sits at the foot of the Eisey Patamak Mountain about 1 km east of the Ratanakiri town. Travelers can follow the road past the temple, or Wat and scale up the mountain. Just below the crest, is located the large statue of the reclining Buddha amongst a striking view of the neighboring countryside.

Excursion to Ta Vaeng From Banlung, travel by 4WD to Ta Veang and visit many of the different minority villages in the area. Groups include the Jarai, Tumpoun, Krueng, Kra Chok and Kavet.

You’ll depart from Banlung the capital of Ratanakiri to Sen Monorom (Mondulkiri) via Lumphat which is Located in the northwestern provincials of Mondulkiri and Ratanakiri province. Lumphat Wildlife Sanctuary contains range of mountains, a mix of forests and lowlands. This is interspersed with prairies, ponds and water channels from Tonle Sre Pok River. Passing through the beautiful view of the forest, before you reach Sen Monorom, you’ll also pass by Koh Nhek where is a rest stop on the new Ratanakiri/Mondulkiri highway. This new road was constructed as the final frontier as far as Mondulkiri goes, this village in the far north of the province is a strategic place on the overland route between Sen Monorom and Ratanakiri Province. As well as making it easier for travelers to get from Ban Lung to Mondulkiri.

Excursion to Bou Sra Waterfall From Sen Monorom, travel on adventurous country roads to Bou Sra Waterfall, a spectacular double-tiered waterfall and the largest in Cambodia. In total, the upper and lower tiers drop from a height of 35 metres. On the way back, visit a small Phnong Village.

Elephant Adventure in the Jungle In the morning set off from Sen Monorom. In the village of Pu Loung stop to buy some tasty bananas for the elephants. Meet your guide, Phnong, and together set off on a trek through the jungle. As you walk, Phnong will explain about the life of the elephants and the correct way to feed them. When you reach the elephants, take some time to relax, and then, along with the mahouts stroll with the elephants through the forest. Walking alongside, rather than riding, is a much better way to bond with, and understand these gentle giants. Enjoy a freshly prepared Khmer lunch served in a banana leaf, the same way that the local tribes eat. After lunch, walk to a waterfall near the river. Relax and cool off in the refreshing water as you help to wash the elephants. Then say goodbye to your new friends before heading back to town.

Dinner Cruise aboard Kanika Boat Take part in a unique dining experience on the luxury Kanika boat which floats on the Mekong River near Phnom Penh. Relax and enjoy the delicious dinner and drink with wonderful views of the river and the city.

Sightseeing in Phnom Penh Explore Phnom Penh, a chaotic, energetic and always fascinating city. Graceful tree-lined boulevards and riverfront promenades are reminders of bygone eras; today they teem with life and activity, as motorcycles weave in and out of traffic, vendors hawk their wares, and pedestrians go about their business. Start the tour with an insight into Cambodia’s cultural heritage with a visit to the Royal Palace, still the official residence of King Norodom Sihamoi and the adjacent Silver Pagoda, also known as the Pagoda of the Emerald Buddha. Continue to the elegant National Museum, which contains a comprehensive collection of Khmer Art. Finally, explore the modern-day city, visiting one of Phnom Penh’s two great markets, the Central Market, located in a distinctive domed Art Deco building or the sprawling Russian Market, a labyrinth of stalls selling everything from CDs and DVDs to silks, crafts, jewellery and more.