SECRET OF MEKONG TOURS

DAY 1: SECRETS OF MEKONG RIVER TOURS: ARRIVAL – VEUN KHAN SIGHTSEEING TOURS TO STUNGTRENG (-/-/-)

On arrival at Veun khan border point, you are met and transferred to Stungtreng. This a real outpost town on the banks of the San River just off the Mekong. The tranquility in the region shows us an authentic and remote “face” of Cambodia. There is not many thing to see in this town apart from the countryside and few temples. 

O/N in Stungtreng.

DAY 2: SECRETS OF MEKONG RIVER TOURS: STUNGTRENG SIGHTSEEING TOURS TO KRATIE – BOAT TRIP ON MEKONG RIVER TO SEE IRRAWADDY DOLPHINS (B/-/-)

An early morning departure by local boat takes us down stream on the Mekong River to Kratie, a lovely riverside town. The pace is very relaxed, a perfect way to observe the rural life close up. After checking into hotel in Kratie we transfer out to explore a complex of temple, containing Phnom Sambok and Kampi, which boast the major sights in this region.

A view over the surrounding area from the temple is impressive. The next stop of our trip is Phnom Srey and Phnom Pros. A part of the pleasure of travelling in Kratie is the simple joy of catching a glimpse of the endangered Irrawaddy Dolphin and seeing the dramatic sunset over the river. 

O/N in Kratie.

DAY 3: SECRETS OF MEKONG RIVER TOURS: KRATIE CRUISE TRIP TO KOMPONG CHAM – KOMPONG CHAM SIGHTSEEING TOURS (B/-/-)

The river dolphins and the many old architectural structures are a highlight of Kratie althrough conditions are very basic. We explore this charming town as we walk along the roads spotted with many charming Khmer houses and waving kids.

We then embark on a local boat for a tranquil paced trip to Kompong Cham. This town has plenty of interesting sights, some of which are old colonial buildings and Wat Nokhor with its ancient temple and mordern style pagoda. After seeing these sights, we have time strolling around the town to discover different way of lifes. 

O/N in Kompong Cham.

DAY 4: SECRETS OF MEKONG RIVER TOURS: KOMPONG CHAM SIGHTSEEING TOURS TO PHNOM PENH – PHNOM PENH CITY TOURS (B/-/-)

Upon leaving town, we set off on a scenic drive to Phnom Penh, the capital city of Cambodia. Phnom Penh was once considered the loveliest city of Indochina. Despite its recent turbulent history, it still maintains considerable charm. A city tour acquaints us with some major sights of Phnom Penh.

The private quarters of the Royal Palace are now home to the royal family and are therefore very close to the public. At the northern area of the palace grounds is Silver Pagoda, the most sacred shrine in the country. We visit both structures as well as the legendary temple of Wat Phnom , which affords an interesting view over the surroundings. 

O/N in Phnom Penh.

DAY 5: SECRETS OF MEKONG RIVER TOURS: PHNOM PENH SIGHTSEEING TOURS AT FINE-ART MUSEUM AND KILLING FIELDS (B/-/-)

Today we enjoy a full day city tour starting with the Royal University of Fine Arts, where the young Cambodians learn the ancient arts of their ancestors. A view of numerous children practicing the graceful movements of the beautiful national dances is impressive. The next stop of our trip is the National Museum, dedicated exclusively to Khmer art and sculpture.

The majority of the exhibits are from the Angkor period from 9th to 15th century, but some date from as early as the 4th Century. Heading out of town we visit the Tuol Sleng Prison Museum and the notorious ‘Killing Fields’ of Choeung Ek, which give us a deep insight into the painful bloody rule of the Khmer Rouge. We have time this afternoon, exploring Psar Toul Tom Pong, also called the “Russian Market”, where anything and everything is for sales. 

O/N in Phnom Penh.

DAY 6: SECRETS OF MEKONG RIVER TOURS: PHNOM PENH CRUISING TOURS TO SIEM REAP ON MEKONG RIVER – ANGKOR WAT SIGHTSEEING TOURS AT ANGKOR THOM AND BAYON TEMPLES (B/-/-)

The river journey begins as we embark on express boat and make our way up the Tonle Sap River and into the lake of the same name. The shallow Tonle Sap is the largest of Southeast Asia’s lake. Depending on the season, our boat journey takes us anything from 4 to 6 hours to reach Siem Reap.

This town is our base for visiting the world famous temples of the ancient city Angkor, which was the capital of the powerful Khmer Empire from 802 AD to 1350 AD. After checking into hotel, we drive to the archeological area to visit the South Gate of Angkor Thom, famous for its series of colossal human faces carved in stone, the impressive Bayon Temple , the Royal Enclosure, Phimeanakas, the Elephant Terrace, the Terrace of the Leper King, the largest and most complete structure of Angkor Wat. 

O/N in Siem Reap.

DAY 7: SECRETS OF MEKONG RIVER TOURS: SIEM REAP – ANGKOR WAT SIGHTSEEING TOURS AT TA PROHM – SUNSET ON BAKHENG HILLS (B/-/-)

The jungle covered temple of Ta Prohm is an incredible sight. There are enormous fig trees and gigantic creepers which embrace themselves in the stone foundations of the structure giving the impression of man’s creation being reclaimed by the powerful forces of nature.

We explore this masterpiece as well as some of the surrounding temples including Banteay Kdei, Sra Srong, Ta Keo, Thommanon and Chau Say Tevado. The grand circuit with Preah Khan, Kravan, Neak Pean, Krol Ko, Ta Som, East Mebon and Pre Rup Temples, is also visited this afternoon before we walk up to Phnom Bakheng Hill for a view of the spectacular sunset over these sandstone monuments. 

O/N in Siem Reap.

DAY 8: SECRETS OF MEKONG RIVER TOURS: SIEM REAP SIGHTSEEING TOURS TO BANTEAY SREI – ROLUOS GROUP (B/-/-)

Heading out of the town, we drive on a newly paved road to the intricately carved and well preserved temple of Banteay Srei. On the way , we make stover at the Preah Dark village and the River of 1000 Lingas, locally named Kbal Spean.

We follow these with a visit the Banteay Samre Temple adorned with impressive reliefs depicting scenes of Vishunu as well as Krishna legends. We also have time today, exploring the ancient Khmer civilization site of Hariharalaya which flourished in the late 9th and earlier 10th centuries. These are the earliest temples in the Angkor area and are referred to the Rolous group. 

O/N in Siem Reap.

DAY 9: SECRETS OF MEKONG RIVER TOURS: SIEM REAP – DEPARTURE (B/-/-)

There is free time for your own exploration of the town and strolling around the shopping area. The trip ends after your transfer to Siem Reap Airport for departure.

* Including:

+ Transportation in private air-conditioned vehicle with driver

+ Meal as mentioned: B = breakfast, L = lunch, D = dinner

+ Accommodation: twin sharing room at mentioned hotel or similar one

+ English or French speaking guide

+ Entrance fee to indicated sights

+ Express boat Phnom Penh – Siem Reap.

+ Pure bottled water & wipes

* Not Including

Other meals, tip, drinks, airport tax, single room supplement, personal expenses, travel insurance, visa, flight in/ out of Cambodia, any optional additional tours or activities during free time, surcharge for peak season, local holiday days and gala dinner.