Siem Reap: The name Siem Reap literally means "Siam Defeated". These days, however, the only rampaging hordes are the tourists heading to the Angkor Archaeological Park. This once quaint village has become the largest boom town and construction site in Cambodia. It's quite laid-back and a pleasant place to stay while touring the temples and a nice compromise between observing Cambodian life and enjoying the amenities of modern services and entertainment, thanks to a large expatriate community.
Sihanoukville: Sihanoukville province is a small southern province of Cambodia. The capital sits on a peninsula with beaches and tropical islands around. Sihanoukville (also known as Kampong Som or Kampong Saom) was founded in 1964 to be the only deep-water port in whole Cambodia. It is gradually being redeveloped as a tourist attraction, but despite the promise of massive Malaysian investment - a casino is planned for Naga Island - tourist numbers are still fairly low. Also it’s nice with sand beaches and several paradise islands have made it popular as a tourist destination.
Day 1: Siem Reap Arrival
Upon your arrival in Siem Reap, you will be welcomed by your local English speaking guide who will accompany you to your hotel for check in. Begin your exploration of the Angkorian temples by visiting Angkor Wat by ‘remok’(similar to the Thai ‘tuk tuk’), built during the reign of King Suryavarman II in the early 12th century, Angkor Wat is constructed following the model of the temple mountain symbolizing Mount Meru, the home of the gods. Inside the temple, the walls are covered with stone carvings and bas-reliefs depicting Hindu mythology and the wars Suryavarman II fought during his reign. Angkor Wat is well known for the more than 2,000 Apsara dancers decorating the temple. Construction is thought to have taken around thirty years of intensive labor. Today, Angkor Wat is figured on Cambodia's national flag as the temple symbolizes the soul of the Khmer people. You will be there during sunset, when Angkor Wat is less visited and the Apsaras will shine in the most beautiful light. Overnight in Siem Reap.
Day 2: Siem Reap
This morning visit the Roluos group, the site of an ancient center of Khmer civilization known as Hariharalaya. It was the first town built by the Angkorian kings in the 8th and 9th century and consists of three main temples: Bakong, Lolei and Preah Ko. The surrounding countryside with its paddy fields and sugar palm trees is very typical for Cambodia – enjoy the natural beauty on a cow cart ride, a fun way to get in touch with rural Cambodia and its friendly people. Your destination is Roluos Pagoda, where Buddhist monks will celebrate a private blessing ceremony for you, wishing your health and a safe journey – a memorable experience! After head to the Tonlé Sap Lake, where you will have the opportunity to learn about life on the lake. South East Asia’s largest freshwater lake with its size varying greatly depending on the season, as it is swelling to about four times its size during the wet season. Board a local boat and visit Kampong Phluck, a village where you will see houses on stilts that are submerged when Tonlé Sap Lake extends. On the way, you will pass floating houses and impressive flooded forests, portraying life on the water. The rest of the day is at leisure. Overnight in Siem Reap.
Day 3: Siem Reap
Start your morning temple exploration at the most illustrious of the Small Circuit Temples, Ta Prohm, built in the mid 12th to early 13th centuries. Ta Prohm 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. This makes the ‘Tomb Raider Temple’ one of the most picturesque and memorable of the Angkor temples. Visit the ancient city of Angkor Thom, the last capital of the Great Khmer Empire under the reign of Jayavarman VII. This city is surrounded by an 8 m high wall, drawing a perfect square. Enter the city through the ancient South Gate, an impressive stone gate carved with Elephants and four giant faces. On each side of the entrance path a row of 54 gods or demons is holding the sacred Naga snake. From here, continue to Bayon Temple in the exact center of the city. This 12th century masterpiece is a study in grandeur and is well-known for its 54 towers with enigmatic faces representing the 54 provinces of the Great Khmer Empire. The Terrace of the Elephants and the Terrace of the Leper King are also must-visits as they are both known for their intricate bas-reliefs.
After return to your hotel where there is time at leisure to take lunch (at own expense) and perhaps relax at the pool. Overnight in Siem Reap.
Day 4: Siem Reap - Sihanoukville
After breakfast enjoy some free time to visit the Old market on your own accord. The riverside market has dozens of souvenir stalls offering a fairly wide range of souvenirs. The opposite side of the market carries items of interest primarily to locals, and also harbors dozens of small food stalls servings various inexpensive local foods that hygienically and gastronomically adventurous visitors may find inviting. The central aisle, where fruits, vegetables and meat are sold, is colorful and potentially very photogenic. The Old Market is also an important landmark as several restaurants, hotels, bars and shops are in the area. Transfer to the airport for your afternoon flight to Sihanoukville. Upon arrival, you will transfer to your hotel for check in and enjoy the remainder of the day free at leisure for swimming and relaxation on the beach.
Overnight in Sihanoukville.
Distances and journey time:
Siem Reap – Siem Reap airport (8 km): 15 mins
Sihanoukville – Sihanoukville airport (18 km): 25 mins
Day 5: Sihanoukville
Breakfast at the hotel. Enjoy your day at leisure or enjoy with the optional tour.
Ream National Park (Sihanoukville)
The park was established in 1993 on a 210 km² area on the Gulf of Thailand that includes thick pristine jungle, mangrove forests and off-shore coral reefs. It's a nature lovers paradise with nearly 200 bird species, many kinds of monkeys and it is also the habitat of the pangolin. You will be transferred to one of Ream’s most scenic isolated beaches, called Koh Sampouch. You will have lunch at local restaurant on the beach.
Three Islands tour (Sihanoukville)
This morning take a boat trip departing 9am to explore three islands giving you the chance to snorkel, fish or just rest and relax. You will visit three islands at Koh Chaloh, Koh Tres and Koh Takiev and will see colorful corals and fishes at the island. At Koh Takiev Island enjoy swimming with in the clear waters or relax on a long yellow sandy beach. Here you will also have a chance to snorkel (equipment provided) on the surrounding coral reef. You will have a BBQ seafood lunch at Koh Takiev Island before returning to Sihanoukville in the afternoon, arriving 4-5pm.
Overnight in Sihanoukville.
Day 6 - Sihanoukville
Breakfast at the hotel. Enjoy your day at leisure.
Overnight in Sihanoukville.
Day 7 - Sihanoukville - Phnom Penh – Departure (230 KMs)
Breakfast at the hotel. This afternoon you will transfer back with driver only to Phnom Penh (Note: For an early departure time a supplementary charge will apply).
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Siem Reap: Angkor National Museum, Ta Prohm temple, Elephant and Leper King Terrace, T emples of Thommanan, Chaosay Tevoda, Ta Keo, Sunset at Bakheng Hill
Shopping Tips: Cambodian craftsmanship such as stone carvings, silverware, lacquer figurines, ceramics, and silks. Visitors can also experience the local lifestyle by visiting Siem Reap’s numerous outdoor markets, where they can sample authentic Cambodian delicacies, shop for fresh produce and one-of-a-kind souvenirs, as well as enjoy cultural performances all day long. From traditional markets and shopping malls within central Siem Reap to trendy fashion boutiques and art galleries near Sivatha Boulevard, here’s our guide to the best shopping in Siem Reap. Siem Reap, you can go to Angkor Night Market, Khmer Ceramic Centre, Angkor Gallery and Angkor Market to search for things that you want.
Sihanoukville: 'Beach town', 'port community', 'fledgling resort destination' - all describe Sihanoukville, Cambodia's premier beach town. Sihanoukville's white sand beaches and warm Gulf of Thailand waters combine with a laid back, beachy atmosphere to provide a great little tropical getaway. Sihanoukville is a place to unwind by the beach, enjoy the fresh from-the-ocean seafood, take in a snorkeling or scuba trip, and generally slow-down, lay back and chill-out.
Shopping Tips: Several convenience stores/small supermarkets are now scattered across the town, offering a good selections of all of the usual traveller's needs. And now there are even a few cool souvenirs to be had in Sihanoukville. There are some good T-shirts available at bars and guesthouses and some cool clothing and accessories for sale at places like Boom Boom Room. Of particular interest, the very popular NGO-based Cambodian arts and crafts association, Rajana, has just opened its first outlet in Sihanoukville, located above the Starfish Caf.
Siem Reap Indian Restaurants: Dakshin's, Vanakkam India, Curry Walla, Khmer Chef, ABABA Curry House, Maharajah & Many More
Sihanoukville Indian Restaurants: Shooters Pool & Pizza Bar, Slumdog Curry, Spice Garden Hotel, Gold Sihanoukville & Many More