Dear Linh,
CORRIE & JANLYN GROBLER AND ERIC & ALICETINE MCLEAN : CAMBODIA 06.09.2014 – 18.09.2014
This was our second trip with Asiatica Travel (we had visited Vietnam with them in 2010) – this time we decided to go to Cambodia. From the start of our negotiations with regards to our holiday with Asiatica Travel Vietnam, we received the best service from them. From the early stages of getting the quotation, to the final payment and programme confirmation, everything went so smoothly thanks to the professional consultants (Ms Bich Thuy and Ms Linh Doan) who work for Asiatica and planned our trip.
We started our private tour (4 friends) in Siem Riep with a wonderful Asiatica Guide, Mr. Vin Voleak who stayed with us on our exciting Cambodian journey from Siem Riep down to Phnom Penh. “Leak” was truly professional and a very knowledgeable guide, with a lovely sense of humour – we had some great laughs and he was always ready to take a “family” photo for us – he truly is an asset to Asiatica Travel. We thoroughly enjoyed our three days in Siem Riep visiting all the famous temples in the Angkor Wat Complex and enjoyed the fountain of knowledge of information shared with us by “Leak” on the Cambodian history. We must say that Angkor Wat was certainly the highlight of our Cambodian trip!
The drive down to Battambang was also very enjoyable, with us seeing how the local people live, outside the cities, in the countryside. Beautiful rice paddies, so green and lush amongst the villages. We thoroughly enjoyed the Battambang Bamboo Train experience – really fun and very unique as was the trip to Tonle Sap Lake. We then travelled down to Phnom Penh and said a sad goodbye to our guide and driver who had accompanied us for 8 days. At this stage I must compliment Asiatica Travel for the wonderful restaurants which were included in our itinerary - Siem Riep :- “Mahob”, “Palate”, “Por Cuisine” and the “picnic” lunch we had served in the wonderful bamboo baskets – not sure who prepared this food, but very nice and tasty and beautifully presented – thanks for arranging, Mr “Leak”. “The Kitchen” in Battambang is also highly recommended, serving delicious Cambodian and Western cuisine.
We then travelled down to the coastal town of Sihanoukville, hoping for some “beach” weather – which was not to be, as it rained heavily for the two days we were there… I understand it was the “rainy” season… but we were hoping for a swim in the sea! Nevertheless we were able to relax a bit and we did manage to see some of the local sights in Sihanoukville, between rain showers, and ate at some varied and interesting restaurants. We then ended off our holiday with a night stop in Phnom Penh. We had an afternoon tour of The Royal Palace complex and the Genocide Museum (Section 21) – our lady Asiatica guide was very good and certainly gave us a lot of information on both these very different and unique tourist sites. The Genocide Museum was certainly an “eye opener” for us. We left Cambodia the next day after 12 very exciting,varied and fun filled days, experiencing Cambodia from North to South, with true experts – the Asiatica way!
Once again, to all the Asiatica staff involved in our wonderful holiday, THANK YOU, from the four of us from South Africa – it was a pleasure to tour with you again! Hopefully we will get an opportunity one day, for our paths to cross again on our travels. Good Luck to Asiatica Travel for the future – you are Great!
Janlyn & Alicetine
DETAIL ITINERARY
Day 1, Sun 7 Sept 14 Arrival in Siem Reap
Bangkok Airways: Bangkok – Siem Reap PG0905 at 10:35//11:45
Upon arrival in Siem Reap, you will be welcomed by our guide and transferred to your hotel for check in. The rest of the day is free for your own exploration. Overnight at the hotel in Siem Reap
Day 2, Mon 8 Sept 14 Siem Reap – Angkor Thom – Angkor Wat – Siem Reap (B,L)
Breakfast at the hotel, today starts with visiting the famous old palace Angkor Thom start from South Gate: The Bayon is known for its decorative Khmer temple and its distinctive features are the serene and massive stone faces that tower around the central peak. Your tour conitnues with visits to Baphuon temple, the Royal Enclosure and Phimeanakas as well as the Terrace of Elephants and Terrace of Leper Kings. Have lunch at the local restaurant. In the afternoon, you will transfer to visit World Wonder 'Angkor Wat temple" and enjoy sunset view from a top of Bakheng Hill. Back to the hotel. Overnight stay in Siem Reap
Optional: If you want to take a bit adventure, you can use bicycle to explore Angkor Wat & Angkor Thom instead of by car.
Day 3, Tue 9 Sept 14 Siem Reap – Grand Circuit – Small Circuit – Siem Reap (B,L,D)
Morning after having breakfast at hotel, you will spend all day for explore a part of Angkor Complex with first destination the “Small Circuit” group of temples including: Ta Prohm embraced by the roots of enormous fig trees, one of Jayavarman VII's first major temple projects dedicated to his mother, Thommanon built at the same time with Angkor Wat, Chau Say Tevoda temple, Banteay Kdei – surrounded by four concentric walls, Srah Srang – “The Royal Baths" was once used for ritual bathing and Ta Keo known as “ The mountain with golden peaks” dedicated to Hindu God Shiva.
Have lunch at the local restaurant. The afternoon spent for visiting the “Grand Circuit” including: Pre Rup- a temple-mountain with beautiful bas reliefs and excellent views of the surrounding countryside, East Mebon- a large temple – mountain dedicated to Shiva in honor of the king’s parents, Tasom- the most distant temple of the Grand Circuit, Neak pean a small island temple originally dedicated to Buddha and the Preah Khan dedicated to Jayavarman VII's father. Overnight in the hotel
Note: client want to use Voucher dinner Apsara for dinner this day => pls arrange
Day 4, Wed 10 Sept 14 Siem Reap – Banteay Srei – Rolous Group – Siem Reap (B,L)
Start our trip by visiting Banteay Srei built at the time when Khmer Empire was gaining significant power and dedicated to Hindu God Shiva. It’s a masterpiece of Khmer Art with small size, sandstone construction and ornate design. We then back to visit Banteay Samre temple in the Angkor Wat style.
Afternoon, visiting Roluos Group of temples built between 877-889, situated 13km from Siemreap. They were constructed when the ancient Khmers created their first settlement in the Angkor region. There are 3 temples:
- Bakong is the most impressive temple, much older than Angkor Wat with beautiful carvings on its lintels that are still in good shape
- Preahko temple is close to the main temple Bakong and consists of 6 elegant brick towers with exquisite decoration and statues of Nandi, Shiva's sacred bull.
- Lolei temple constructed in 893, is an island temple dedicated to members of the royal family and the Hindu God Shiva. Overnight at the hotel in Siem Reap
Day 5, Thu 11 Sept 14 Siem Reap – Tonle Sap lake – Battambang (B,L)
In the morning, explore Tonle Sap lake - the largest natural lake in Indochina, cruising for 1 or 2 hours to visit its floating villages and discover the waterfront life. Disembark and drive back to Siemreap through the peaceful countryside and quaint villages with lush rice fields and rows of palm. Visit the Artisans d’Angkor established in 1992 with the purpose of trainning young Cambodians in reestablishing the arts of their ancestral heritage and help increasing job opportunities. Drop by some workshops to know about the process of stone and wood carving. Then After that, driver by overland to Battambang (137km) which take time about 3 hours. Upon arrival, check in hotel. Overnight at the hotel in Battambang
Day 6, Fri 12 Sept 14 Battambang (B,L)
After breakfast, visit the traditional house at Phum Wat kor then drive along the sanker river through the charming country side until Wat Ek Phnom temple (11th century). On the way back, visit Wat Slaket Pagoda, and Prahok market (prahok is the cambodian fermented fish paste).
In the afternoon, experience a 2-hour sightseeing tour aboard a bamboo train, the old means of transportation. Enjoy the beautiful village landscapes, rice fields and then return to battambang to visit the provincial museum and stroll through the town center with your guide and admire its colonial architecture and chinese shop-houses and colorful temples. Overnight at the hotel in Battambang
Day 7, Sat 13 Sept 14 Battambang – Phnom Penh (B,L)
After breakfast you will transfer back to Phnom Penh. Before arrival Phnom Penh, you have to pass 3 provinces such as Pusat, Kampong Chhnang and Kandal that you will arrange to have a short visit in each province. Arrival Pursat followed by a city orientation tour to see some interesting colonial architecture and a floating village. Upon arrival Kampong Chhnang, visit Pottery Village. Lastly, arrival Kandal Province, we visit the abandoned royal city of Oudong (early 17th century) and visit the temples and stupas that cover the hills. Then, drive toward to Phnom Penh. Arrival and check in hotel. Overnight in Phnom Penh.
Day 8, Sun 14 Sept 14 Phnom Penh - Sihanoukville – Relaxation (without guide) (B)
Breakfast at hotel. Then drive around 04 hours to the beautiful beach Sihanoukville (230km from Phom Penh). Upon arrival, check in hotel and free & easy. Overnight at the hotel in Sihanoukville
Day 9, Mon 15 Sept 14 Sihanoukville – Relaxation (without guide) (B)
Breakfast at hotel. Today you enjoy free the beach of real white sand and crystal water. Overnight at the hotel in Sihanoukville
Day 10, Tue 16 Sept 14 Sihanoukville – Relaxation (without guide) (B)
Breakfast at hotel. Today you enjoy free the beach of real white sand and crystal water. Overnight at the hotel in Sihanoukville
Day 11, Wed 17 Sept 14 Sihanoukville – Phnom Penh & half day tour (B)
You are free & easy until take the car back to Phnom Penh and pass through the spectacular rural landscape. Upon arrival in Phnom Penh, you will take a half day for explore the heritage city with visiting the Royal Palace, built by King Norodom in 1866 on the site of the old town, and the Silver Pagoda. Located within the grounds of the Royal Palace, the Silver Pagoda is so named because of its floor, which is made up of 5000 silver tiles. The treasures found inside include a solid gold Buddha encrusted and weighing 90kilograms and a small 17th century emerald and baccarat crystal Buddha. the Victory Monument, and the National Museum, also called Musee des Beaux-Arts. A French archaeologist and painter, Georges Groslier, designed it in Khmer style in 1917. The museum contains a collection of Khmer art - notably sculptures - throughout the ages. Overnight at the hotel in Phnom Penh
Day 12, Thu 18 Sept 14 Phnom Penh – Departure (B)
Bangkok Airways: Phnom Penh – Bangkok PG0932 at 10:15//11:25
Breakfast at hotel and then transferring to the airport for the flight back your home country or to next destination.
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