Tour of the heart of Cambodia
Many of Cambodia's classic highlights are relatively close together. This has a big advantage: during this trip you will stay in the same hotel almost everywhere for several nights. This brings peace and quiet to the itinerary, giving you more time and energy to make the most of day trips and excursions. You travel largely by car, but the distance between Siem Reap to Battambang takes you off in a private boat.
You will visit the most beautiful temple complexes, and will see how diverse they are. But also the start-up route and the surroundings are always different. Angkor Wat is very accessible on the outskirts of Siem Reap, and is set to attract large numbers of visitors. On other days you are surrounded by dense jungle, or walk through a village where cows roam freely and children play on the steps of the temple.
A bike ride past villages, over narrow dikes between rice paddies and along the banks of a river leads to unpredictable encounters. Step off to see a fisherman bring his fresh catch ashore, pause at a local bar, or look over the shoulder of a basket braider.
Tips & tops Cambodia's classic highlights:
- At Koh Trong,island in the Mekong River, you will go by boat to search for the rare Irrawaddy dolphin. You will explore the picturesque island further by bike or by horse-drawn carriage, and get acquainted with the typical Cambodian rural life. You won't find cars here!
- Monkeys will keep you company as you climb the endless steps of Mount Phnom Santuk. The reward: huge Buddha statues carved into the rock face at the pagoda at the top, and a phenomenal view of the landscape.
- The more than 100 temples of Sambor Prei Kuk are scattered in the jungle. An extraordinarily beautiful environment to wander around for hours.
- No less than four nights you stay in Siem Reap. A comfortable starting point to see the magnificent Angkor Wat and many other temples in the area.
- Beng Mealea has only been made accessible fairly recently, and raked paths are completely missing. Get up for an adventurous trek to the most raw version of a 'jungle overgrown temple'.
- Completely different is the sight of the Banteay Srei temple,the 'Citadel of Women'. Let your eyes wander over the refined bas-reliefs in pink sandstone.
- You'll travel by private boat across Lake Tonlé Sap and the Sangker River from Siem Reap to Battambang, and get to know the wonderful world of floating villages and houses on stilts. Sit back and enjoy the insanely beautiful panoramas.
- On the other side of the water Battambang welcomes you. The atmosphere is pleasant and relaxed. Interrupt your city walk for a latte, a fruit shake, or – if you dare – fried insects with soy sauce.
- A full-day excursion near Battambang takes you to serene landscapes with endless rice paddies and Palmyra palm trees. It is also the area where cambodia's greatest horror took place. You can visit the infamous killing caves of Phnom Sampeau here.
- During the return trip to Phnom Penh you will make several trips, including to Koh Chen, or 'Silver Village'. Here you can see the silversmiths at work. Can you resist the temptation?
