Private Select & Mix holiday
Meals and sightseeing as per itinerary
Plus your choice of 3 Select & Mix Experiences included
Embark on a discovery journey through the history and culture of Cambodia a fascinating country emerging from its dark past and now welcoming visitors with incredible warmth. Walk the streets of the relaxed riverside city of Phnom Penh before heading to Tonle Sap and its floating villages. Continue to Siem Reap and discover the magnificent Angkor Temples in a variety of exclusive ways including a horse ride an exclusive picnic and foot massage in a remote temple.
Highlights
- Indulge in a foot massage in a remote temple of Angkor. (Select & Mix option)
- Explore the rural countryside around Angkor on a horse trek. (Select & Mix option)
- Experience local hospitality with lunch in a villager’s house on Lake Tonle Sap
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Itinerary
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Accommodation
Day 1: Phnom Penh
Upon arrival at the airport please clear customs and immigration. You will be met at the arrivals area by a representative of our local operator and transferred to your hotel. This afternoon begin your discovery of Cambodia with a visit Wat Phnom Temple namesake and symbol of the capital city. Later return to the hotel for an evening at leisure.
Day 2: Phnom Penh (B)
Morning visit to the National Museum which hosts a superb collection of Khmer sculptures and the Royal Palace with its Silver Pagoda. Continue with a visit to Tuol Sleng a former secondary school transformed into a detention centre by the Khmer Rouge Regime. Return to the city and stroll through the gigantic Russian Market known locally as Tuol Tumpoung where you will see all kinds of goods from fabrics to jewellery electronics or handicraft.
Notes:
- Local guides are provided in the Royal Palace and the Silver Pagoda. The quality of assigned local guides may vary due to Cambodian Government selection procedures and is beyond the control of Innovative Travel and their local operators.
- The Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda are sometimes closed without notice for official ceremonies. The visit will be replaced with another if possible.
- The Russian market is closed on public holidays.
Day 3: Phnom Penh - Sombor Preikuk - Kompong Thom (BL)
Morning departure for Kompong Thom. On the way pass a number of villages and visit the pre-Angkorian temples of Sambor Prei Kuk dating back to the 7th century. Some say these temples may have served as an inspiration for the architects of Angkor five centuries later. Overnight in Kompong Thom.
Note: Kompong Thom is quite undeveloped and restaurants and hotels can seem a little basic.
Day 4: Kompong Thom - Kompong Kleang Floating Village - Siem Reap (BL)
Today visit Kompong Kleang on Tonle Sap Lake. This floating village is composed of hundreds of stilted houses resting up to 10 meters off the ground a necessary adaptation to the seasonal water level fluctuations. Meet a local family who breeds crocodiles. After a picnic lunch in a villager’s home continue onto Siem Reap.
Day 5: Siem Reap (Angkor Wat - Banteay Srei) (BL)
Meet your guide at your hotel reception then leave to discover the incredible temples of Angkor Wat a world heritage site with soaring towers and extraordinary bas reliefs. Erected in the 12th century in honour of Vishnu it is one of the most amazing man-made monuments in the world. Covering over 400 square kilometres the entire complex is the largest religious site in the world.
Taste a delicious Khmer lunch cooked by a local family in a traditional Cambodian wooden house located in a small village surrounded by ancient temples. Let yourself be carried away by the soothing sounds of the lush green jungle that envelops you.
In the afternoon leave for Banteay Srei. Erected in the 10th century this small pink sandstone temple known as the Citadel of Women. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 6: Siem Reap (Angkor Thom - Ta Prohm) (B)
In the morning visit Angkor Thom (the Great City) beginning by the south gate and the famous Bayon of the 12th and 13th centuries dedicated to Buddhism and composed of 54 gigantic towers featuring 216 smiling faces of Avalokitesvara. Then visit the Elephant Terrace which served as a base for the king’s grand audience hall and the raised Leper King Terrace built in the 12th century and featuring many beautifully sculptured Apsaras. In the afternoon visit the ancient Ta Prohm Monastery where immense branches have taken root in the stones – hence the Jungle Temple nickname. Paramount Pictures paid USD $10000 a day to film parts of the Tomb Raider movie at this temple. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 7: Siem Reap (Roluos) (B)
Spend the balance of the morning free at your leisure. In the afternoon discover one of the most ancient sites of the region: the Roluos Group of temples. Begin your trip with the impressive 9th century temple Bakong then Preah Ko and Lolei which now houses a small monastery. Overnight at the hotel.uilding futures for marginalized youth.
Day 8: Siem Reap (B)
Free at leisure until your transfer to the airport for onward flight.
Note: Room is at disposal until noon time.
TOUR INCLUSIONS:
- Air-conditioned transfers and transport
- Local English speaking guides
- Accommodation in Tourist Class hotels on a share twin basis
- Activities meals and entrance fees as per itinerary
- Your choice of 3 Select & Mix experiences
TOUR EXCLUSIONS:
- International airfares
- Optional tours and excursions
- Port Taxes and fuel surcharges
- Porterage
- Tipping/Gratuities (please refer to tour notes for a recommended guideline)
- Personal Expenses
- Departure taxes
- Hotel charges for minibar or any extra charges
- Visas (unless specified)
- Any other services not clearly mentioned in the inclusions above
SELECT & MIX EXPERIENCES - CHOOSE THREE
This itinerary includes your choice of 3 Select & Mix experiences at no extra cost. These 3 experiences are already included in the price of your holiday. Choose from the list below:
A. Phnom Penh: Join the locals for a Buddhist monk blessing ceremony (day 2 morning)
You will be blessed by a Buddhist monk and live a unique experience while traveling in Southeast Asia. After arriving at the temple you will take your time to walk around the area. It’s a great place to gain insights into Buddhism its history and its role in modern Cambodia to take pictures and enjoy the atmosphere. Afterwards continue your journey to the blessing the monks will do it with water so be prepared to get wet! Finish with a chat with the monks who will be happy to talk and usually they speak excellent English.
B. Phnom Penh: Embark on a street food discovery with your private expert guide M. Nara (day 3 late afternoon)
Street Food always was - and still is - an essential part of Phnom Penh’s daily life and its culture. This private tour will be led by a local chef Mr. Nara who will give you the chance to experience the rich diversity of traditional Khmer cuisine. You will taste a variety of very unusual dishes gain a deeper knowledge of the local life and spend time with an amazing host!
Duration: From 17:00 to 20:30
C. Phnom Penh: Attend a Cambodian living arts dance performance (day 1 or 2 late afternoon)
You will enjoy an evening performance in one of the most memorable settings just next to the beautiful National Museum in central Phnom Penh. During the show you will hear explanations about the struggle of preserving traditional arts during and after the time of the Khmer Rouge. You will see several dances representing different celebrations and important occasions in the lives of the local people. The show is rich in variety and very lively. The performers are among the best in the country and in combination with the beautiful venue this is a truly memorable experience.
Notes:
The doors of the National Museum open at 18:45 and the show starts at 19:00
The duration of the show is around 70 minutes
D. Siem Reap: Explore the Angkor Temples on a bike or E-bike during a half day or full day tour (day 6)
Please provide height & weight of travellers to select the Bike Size. 3 options are available:
1) West Baray and secret temples by bike
This full-day tour is one of the most amazing cycling experiences you could have in Cambodia.
Depart from Siem Reap in the direction of the temples and leave the road to take a tiny trail. Here will start a beautiful ride passing small houses green fields and herds of water buffalos. Along the way you will explore the countryside and observe local life. The landscapes change a lot from rice fields forests to some wide open spaces before arriving at West Baray. It is the largest baray at Angkor rectangular in shape and measuring approximately 7.8 by 2.1 kilometers. Then you will visit a succession of small and secret temples where you will probably be the only one to visit. Then ride until Angkor Thom Gate and go up the wall for one amazing ride. Watch the sunset at Prasat Chrung little tower temple located at one of the corners of the wall and travel back to Siem Reap.
Distance and duration of the cycling: ~ 43 kilometers - XX hours
Level: 2
2) Rice & Lotus Fields by Bike or E-Bike
You will start from your hotel after checking the equipment and will leave behind you the hustle and bustle of Siem Reap to get on a hidden trail. You will pedal between the fields before arriving at the little forgotten Angkor temple of Wat Athvea.
Continue on a beautiful red soil track. On each side you will see a succession of beautiful rice fields and lotus fields. You will discover the beauty of the Cambodian countryside its farm life and elegant sugar palms that characterize it. Once arrived at Phnom Krom mount start the ascent (optional - need Angkor Pass) either by foot with direct stairs reaching the top or by bike for the more sportive. At the top you will discover a small temple but also a splendid panoramic view. You will feel the plenitude of the landscapes the magnitude of the Tonle Sap Lake and enjoy a retreat from the bustle of the city and Angkor Site. On the way back take time to stop for lunch in a Hammock restaurant play cards or simply relax in a hammock with stunning views over the rice fields. A 100% local experience!
You will arrive at Siem Reap in the late afternoon.
Distance and duration of the cycling: ~ 36 kilometers - XX hours
Level: 1
3) Siem Reap – Angkor Complex “Short tour” by cycling
This tour is designed to provide access to the most famous Angkor temples. You will leave your hotel and start your trip by travelling along the riverside then passing through a village and a forested area. You will arrive at Angkor Thom South Gate where you suddenly head up the wall for one of the most charming rides within the Angkor complex. Afterwards you will visit a succession of historical sites located within Angkor Thom including the Elephant Terrace Royal Palace Baphuon and the unique architectural wonder of the Bayon temple. You will finish your biking exploration by visiting the impressive and beautiful Angkor Wat the largest religious monument in the world capital of the Khmer empire and now an iconic symbol of Cambodia. After that you will go back to the hotel.
Distance and duration of the cycling: 25 kilometers - XX hours
Level: 1
E. Siem Reap: Have a picnic lunch in a remote temple followed by a relaxing foot massage (day 6 or 7)
At noon time have picnic lunch in a less known small temple with a special set up. After lunch have a relaxing foot massage.
F. Siem Reap: Embark on a treasure hunt collecting clues amongst Angkor Temples – great family activity! (day 6 or 7)
While dancing in the forest a sacred Apsara dancer has lost her way as well as her 5 most cherished pieces of jewelry. Can you find back all the lost jewelry and eventually the Apsara dancer herself?
Just like modern-day adventurers this half day treasure hunt will take you on an adventurous journey through the ancient and magnificent Khmer empire by venturing through deep jungles passing by green rice fields and exploring some of the most astonishing centuries old temple ruins you could ever think of.
From the beautiful Srah Srang pond via the hidden Bat Chum and the mysterious Chau Svay Thevoda temple ruins you will be presented with the unique opportunity to discover some of the lesser known temples of the Angkor archaeological park and become intimately familiarised with the sites!
Before you start your challenge teams will be formed and each team will be given a first clue and a map of the Angkor archaeological park to get started.
Various clue boxes hidden throughout the park will help you and your team to recover the Apsara’s path before she got lost. The first team to find the Apsara dancer and return her all her most cherished jewelry pieces wins the challenge. Keep in mind that a positive team spirit and a good sense of orientation will be vital to your team’s success!
Note: Minimum 11 pax
G. Siem Reap: Take a horseback ride in Siem Reap countryside and meet friendly locals as you pass remote temples (day 5 morning)
You will start the tour from the ranch 5 minutes from the city center where you will learn how to adapt yourself with the horse. The ride will proceed through typical Cambodian sceneries and local villages away from the busy Siem Reap. On each side you will see a succession of beautiful rice fields and lotus fields. You will discover the beauty of the Cambodian countryside its farm life and elegant sugar palms that characterize it.
Notes:
Rides from 1 to 4 hours
Experience Level: beginner novice intermediate experience or advance
Maximum weight of guests: 90 kilos or 200 pounds or 14 stones
H. Siem Reap: Have a privileged personal shopping experience with your private shopper who will uncover for you the best galleries and boutiques in town (day 5 morning)
Your personal shopper will meet you at your hotel or any other venue of your choice for a casual chat about the local art scene your ideas and preferences. During this short meeting you will also have the chance to discuss Siem Reap's different shopping venues and make your choice of the places you will visit during this private tour. Along the way there will always be time to stop for coffee or refreshments (at your own expense). You will be given plenty of breathing space at each location to take your time carefully browse through the pieces and make your choices.
Note: This tour is designed as a half-day experience and can take you anywhere between 2 to 4 hours depending on personal preferences and wishes.
I. Siem Reap: Become an electric Tuk-Tuk driver! A fun eco-friendly and exhilarating way to discover Siem reap (day 5 morning)
Looking for an exclusive and eco-friendly experience to discover Siem Reap? Become an e-tuk tuk driver for a day! The electric tuk tuk is a new and ecologically friendly means of transportation to discover Siem Reap. Powered by an electric battery the e-tuk tuk makes virtually no sound which adds to the pleasure of visiting the quieter areas of Siem Reap. As no driving license is required you will have the possibility to drive the e-tuk tuk by yourself or if you prefer to be driven.
Notes:
It is easy to use and safe with a maximum speed of 45 kilometers/hour and maximum driving distance of 100 kilometers
In total 3 people can occupy the vehicle.
J. Siem Reap: Attend a creative half day workshop and learn how Friends-International NGO improve the life of children in need (day 5 morning)
This creative half day workshop will give you a chance to understand how Friends 'N' Stuff products can change lives in Cambodia as well as learn how to make products from recycled materials. You will also learn about sustainable practices to improve living standards overcome poverty and other life challenges faced by marginalized children and their families. The activity will be followed by a lunch of creative Khmer cuisine in a vocational training restaurant.
Accommodation based on the following hotels (or similar)
Note: due to the limited options available the standard of accommodation in Kompong Thom is lower than in Phnom Penh or Siem Reap.
Phnom Penh
Tourist Class - Villa Langka (Superior room)
First Class - White Mansion Boutique (Deluxe room)
Deluxe Class - La Rose Suites (Junior Suite)
Kompong Thom
Tourist Class - Sambor Village (Deluxe room)
First Class - Sambor Village (Deluxe room)
Deluxe Class - Sambor Village (Deluxe Room)
Siem Reap
Tourist Class - La Niche d'Angkor Boutique Hotel (Deluxe Room)
First Class - Tara Angkor (Superior Room)
Deluxe Class - Jaya House River Park (Deluxe Room)
Trip prices and dates are correct at the time of the website going live, however all offers are subject to reconfirmation at the time of booking. Note prices usually display available discounted rates if any, (eg. Early Bird Deals if applicable). All featured tour itineraries and offers maybe subject to change due to seasonal variations without notice, or due to local conditions or other conditions. Please confirm all details at time of booking. Travel insurance is mandatory for all Innovative Travel bookings. All passports must be valid for 6 months prior to your return to your home country. Visas are the responsibility of the traveller. Special VIP meet and assist offers are valid for New Zealand passport holders, for other nationalities please check at the time of booking. For full terms and conditions, please refer to our Booking Conditions page.