On the Spiritual Path in Cambodia

Day 1: UK Departure
Depart on your overnight flight to Seam Reap from London Heathrow.

Day 2:  Siem Reap
Welcome to Siem Reap, the charming gateway to the famed Temples of Angkor!

Upon arrival our guide and driver will be waiting to provide transport to the hotel for check in. Settle in and enjoy some time at leisure to refresh.

This evening, enjoy a welcome dinner at Chanrey Tree, one of the best fine dining restaurants in town offering traditional Khmer cuisine in a lush contemporary setting. Located on the riverside in the heart of Siem Reap, the Chanrey Tree combines the amazing taste of seasonal traditional Khmer ingredients with a relaxed but lavish environment providing a unique Cambodian dining experience.

Accommodation: Heritage Suites [Dinner]

Day 3: Seam Reap
This morning begin the explorations with a visit to the iconic Angkor Wat. Built in the early 12th century, Angkor Wat was built to symbolise Mount Meru, the home of the gods. Inside the temple, the walls are covered with stone carvings, bas-reliefs, and more than 2,000 Apsara dancers. Construction of this national icon (found at the heart of Cambodia’s flag) is thought to have taken around thirty years of intensive labor to complete. The visit will coincide with the ‘Golden Hour’ to catch the Apsaras gleaming in their best light.

Optional sunrise Pranayama meditation session at Wat Atvear
Start the day in Angkor with a unique wellness experience. With the 12th century Prasat Vat Athvea as a backdrop, be guided through a series breathing techniques essential for deep meditation and for ‘’samadhi,’’ the path to self-realization. The practice of pranayama meditation brings about harmony among the body, mind and spirit, leaving one feeling energetic, enthusiastic, and positive. A professional will guide the meditation. Price quoted includes use of the temple grounds, provision of yoga mats, bottled water and cold towels.
Note: There is an extra charge for this experience.

Return to Siem Reap for a break during the midday heat.

In the afternoon, visit Ta Prohm. This temple is unique in that it has been left largely as it was found: overgrown by jungle trees and vines, with many parts of the temple crumbling to the ground. Not far from here is the ancient city of Angkor Thom. Surrounded by an 8-meter-high wall, this fortified city is known for its grand entrance gates.

Continue on to Bayon Temple, sitting in the exact center of the city. This 12th century masterpiece is known for its 54 face-carved towers representing the 54 provinces of the Great Khmer Empire. It is also famous for its Terrace of the Elephants and Terrace of the Leper King, both featuring intricate bas-reliefs.

This evening enjoy a welcome dinner at Marum Restaurant. Part of the Tree Alliance group of training restaurants, Marum provides vocational training in the hospitality industry for local street kids and disadvantaged youths. Set in a delightful wooden house, Marum serves a winning mix of creative local cuisine… that helps make a difference!

Accommodation: Heritage Suites [Half board]

Day 4: Siem Reap
Today is set aside for experiencing rural Cambodia.

Pick up will begin early from the hotel with a drive to Ta Brak village, 25 minutes out of town. A western packed breakfast from the hotel will be included and, on arrival, meet up with a local family and share breakfast with them. A great first chance to learn about local life in the villages.

From here, embark on a 30 minute ox cart ride through the village to a local market. Take a short walk through this bustling center, with a guided introduction to Cambodian vegetables, herbs, fruits, and other local produce. Continue 1km (on foot) through the picturesque countryside village, stopping off to meet the local community along the way. Each tour will be different as the countryside activities differ depending on the time of year.

End the morning at a local pagoda where a special water blessing by Buddhist monks awaits.

Next stop is the 9th century Bakong Temple, part of the Roluos group and a site of the ancient Hariharalaya civilisation. After the visit, take off on a boat trip on Tonlé Sap, Southeast Asia’s largest freshwater lake and an officially designated UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.

Continue out to Kampong Phluck, a unique stilt house village (seldom visited by tourists), where local fishermen and their families live amongst the flooded mangrove forest. During the tour, take note of the flooded forests and stilt houses (floating during the rainy season, when the lake swells to over 4 times its normal size.)

In one of the floating houses, a delicious lunch will be prepared; soak in the beautiful scenery dominated by the tranquility of the lake.

Note: Should the water levels at Kampung Phluck not be favourable, this experience will be relocated to Chong Kneas, another floating/stilted village.

Accommodation: Heritage Suites [Half board]

Day 5: Siem Reap - Battambang
After a leisurely breakfast, journey through the Cambodian countryside to the colonial city of Battambang (Cambodia’s second largest city.) Despite being (not too long ago) a stronghold of the erstwhile Khmer Rouge, the city still boasts a beautiful countryside and some striking French colonial architecture. Locals here are exceedingly friendly, most of which have not been exposed to many foreigners before! The former rice bowl of Cambodia, Battambang today still holds a thriving agriculture industry with large orange and jute plantations.

Check in to the hotel and enjoy the afternoon at leisure, relaxing by the hotel pool or stroll through the charming town centre.

Accommodation: Bambu Hotel [Breakfast]

Day 6: Battambang
Begin the day with a 7:30am meeting at the offices of Battambang Bike for a bicycle fitting (either a mountain bike or sturdy basket bike). A few minutes of film footage will be shown here, which provides some very unique insight into how developed Battambang was in its heyday; a town that has passed from Cambodia to Thailand and back again several times in its history.

Continue with a tour of the main market, Psar Nath, including a sample of some local coffee. Walk a few metres to the river, crossing to the other side aboard a local boat. Visit Wat Povil temple where there will be an opportunity to pray alongside the monks.

Once back on the other side, it is time to begin the cycle tour. The historic 2.5 Street is visited along with a Thai temple before arriving at a smaller market. Continue a short distance to Wat Kor Village, known for its many old Khmer heritage houses built around a century ago.

Cycle along the river and cross a suspension bridge where only motorbikes and bicycles can pass. On the way back into town there is another short drinks stop before arriving back in the town at approximately 12:45pm.

Take a break back at the hotel.

In the afternoon head to the Bamboo Train station. The Bamboo Train was set up by the villagers to facilitate the transportation of goods and persons. The “train” itself is very basic: One bamboo platform on 4 wheels activated by a small motor. Travel 8km to the next station through beautiful landscapes and rice paddies.

Continue with a trip to Phnom Sampeau (meaning “Ship Hill” in Khmer); one of the few hills standing out in this otherwise pancake flat plain. Enjoy fantastic views over the beautiful countryside from the small temple on the top. In addition to its natural beauty, Phnom Sampeau is also home to the notorious killing caves, which are cruel reminders of Cambodia’s troubled past. The visit will last until dusk, when millions of bats emerge from a nearby cave and create unique patterns in the sky.

Accommodation: Bambu Hotel [Breakfast]

Day 7: Battambang - Phnom Penh
Start the day early with a trip to Kampung Chhnang known for its production of traditional pottery. Stop to see the different aspects of pottery making in a village near Kampong Chhnang and experience the production of traditional rice wine.

Continue to the former royal capital of Cambodia, Oudong. The drive passes through many rural villages and pagodas. Take note of the temple mountain in the distance, with its dozens of stupas. Upon arrival at Oudong, enjoy a traditional Khmer lunch at a picnic hut at the foot of the hill. Climb the stairs to the top of Oudong Mountain after the picnic and enjoy magnificent views over the plains below. The guide will explain the history of the area as well as the religious culture of the Cambodian people. Enjoy some time soaking in the magnificent views over the plains below.

Stop at the spectacular Vipassana Dhura Buddhist Meditation Center before heading to Phnom Penh. The guide can explain more about the school of Vipassana (Insight Meditation) during a tour of the center. Take part in a meditation class with one of the teachers. Here visitors can see the impressive jade Buddha, mummified monk and bright Ramayana-painted walls. It is not far to Phnom Penh from here. You will reach in the late afternoon to check into your hotel.

Welcome to Phnom Penh! Sitting at the confluence of the Mekong and Tonle Sap Rivers. This capital city was once considered one of the most beautiful cities in the Orient. Despite its recent dark history, the city still retains much of its former colonial charm.

Accommodation: La Rose Suites [Half board]

Day 8: Phnom Penh
Start the day at Preah Ang Dong Ker, a shrine on the riverfront frequented by worshippers at all times. Take in this bustling, mystical scenery while Phnom Penh awakens.

After exploring the shrine, visit the Royal Palace which sits just behind. Dating back to 1866, the palace also houses the Silver Pagoda named for its over 5 000 heavy silver tiles that cover its floors.

Continue with a cycle ride through Phnom Penh exploring some unique and remarkable city sights. First head along the lively riverfront up to a hilltop pagoda named Wat Phnom and the founding place of the city. From here, explore the old French Quarter with some interesting architectural examples of the colonial period.

Return to the hotel for a break during the midday heat.

Head to Wat Langka in the afternoon. Wat Langka is located just south of the Independence Monument and is one of oldest pagodas in Phnom Penh. This temple was founded in 1442 and is one of the five original Wats in town. Langka Pagoda was used as a storehouse during the Khmer Rouge era and therefore managed to avoid total destruction. The temple still plays an important role in Cambodian Buddhism and many of the monks here are highly regarded teachers.

Return to your hotel after the visit and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.

Note: Meditation is held at Wat langka on Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays in the evening from 5:00pm – 7:00pm and Sunday mornings from 7:00am – 9:00am.

Accommodation: La Rose Suites [Breakfast]

Day 9: Phnom Penh - Kep
Start the day early heading to Wat Botum. Founded in 1422, Wat Botum is another of the city’s original Wats. It is known as the ‘Temple of the Lotus Blossoms’ and the compound displays many beautifully decorated stupas, some of which contain the ashes of royalty. Here, Buddhist monks will hold a private blessing ceremony wishing health and a safe journeys. Continue south to Takeo Province where you can enjoy a simple but tasty lunch at a local restaurant.

Observing small city life is a favourite pastime here; a true representation of Cambodia in every sense. Board a fiberglass motorboat to zip along an ancient canal to the archaeological museum of Angkor Borei and the temple ruins of Phnom Da.
Note: When water levels are low the boat trip is replaced by a car journey.

The next destination is Phnom Chisor where it’s possible to climb up to the top of the mountain to explore the well preserved ruins of a 10th century Angkorian temple. Enjoy an amazing view over the typical Cambodian countryside.

Continue to Kep. Cambodia’s prestigious seaside resort of the 1960s. Kep is now returning to its former glory. Offering reminders of the past and a growing choice of activities including island trips, a national park and the famous crab market.

Accommodation: Knai Bang Chatt [Breakfast]

Day 9: Kep
Early this morning, embark on a short boat trip (25 mins) to scenic Koh Tonsai, also called Rabbit Island. Spend the morning at leisure exploring the island and relaxing on the island’s beautiful tropical beach. Enjoy a packed lunch on the island. Mid-afternoon, return to Kep and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.

Accommodation: Knai Bang Chatt [Breakfast]

Day 10: Kep - Phnom Penh - Departure
Enjoy the morning at leisure or pay a visit the Crab Market, where an oceanside cluster of rickety old wooden shacks hug the water's edge selling famous Kep seafood: Crab, shrimps, squid and fish.

After lunch transport will be provided to Phnom Penh airport for the flight back to Heathrow.

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Tour Excludes

Visas, other meals were not mentioned in the programme, drinks, overweight luggage, personal expenses, travel insurance, tips & gratuities

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These itineraries are samples itineraries for previous clients. Speak to one of our travel experts at 020 7843 3531 or email at info@clevelandcollection.co.uk to create your perfect holiday based on your travel requirements.

* This is a guide price, based on travel in low season