Cambodia Tour 4 :Siem Reap – Angkor- Kbal Spean- Battambang- Phnom Sampov- Phnom Penh

After breakfast, a 50 km drive northeast of Siem Reap takes us to the Kbal Spean Mountains. After a 30min. walk in the forest, we will arrive at Sahasralina, the River of a Thousand Lingas. These remarkable 11th-century riverbed rock carvings display a gallery of gods and celestial beings. On the way back, we stop at the temple of BanteaySrei, dating from 967. This remarkable temple is famous for its outstanding pink sandstone carvings. We will then visit the Landmine Museum before spending time at the Butterfly Garden Restaurant providing a unique dining experience in an oasis with 1,500 tropical butterflies. This restaurant benefits to the community by supporting community projects. Overnight in Siem Reap hotel, Breakfast and Lunch included.

This day starts with a visit to the temples of Pre Rup, which date from the 10th-century. NeakPean and Preah Khan were built during the reign of Jayavarman VII in the late 12th-century. Then its on to Ta Phrom Temple, which is also known as the lost-in-the-jungle-temple. This long abandoned monastery, largely reclaimed by the jungle, demonstrates the awesome power of nature, and has been largely consumed by giant trees. Stop for lunch. In the afternoon we will visit the Silk Farm of Puok, a research and vocational training center for all silk-related jobs. It is part of Artisans d’Angkor from the Chantiers-Ecoles, which was created to help young people find work in their home villages. Afterwards we will enjoy the open view of the Western Baray, an ancient reservoir measuring more than 2 km across and 9 km long with an average depth of 7 m. Overnight in Siem Reap hotel, Breakfast included.

Check out form the hotel and transfer to Battambang, crossing the Tonle Sap Lake, then along the Stung Sang Ker River. You can enjoy the wonderful landscape, the floating villages, as well as the daily life along the river. After arriving in Battambang, we check-in at the hotel. In the afternoon, we will have time to visit a small museum which displays some interesting pieces, such as carved lintels from surrounding temples, and stone or wooden Buddha statues. In the evening we go out for dinner at the Cold Night Restaurant which offers an extensive menu of Khmer, Thai and Western food. Overnight in Battambang hotel, breakfast included.

NOTE : If water levels are low, the journey from Siem Reap to Battambang will be overland. The Tonle Sap Lake is at its lowest level at the end of the dry season, in March and April.

After breakfast, we drive 12 km to Phnom Sampov. This mountain is the site of two caves which were formerly places of torture and killing by the Khmer Rouge. A memorial holding some of the victims’ remains has been created there. From this place of such brutality, one can enjoy an ironically spectacular view of the countryside. Afterward, we go to Phnom Bannon, and climb the 337 steps to the top to the 12th century Prasat Bannon Temple. There we can enjoy another outstanding view of the surrounding plains. We then continue to a natural cave located down the hill. A real life experience on the one-of-a-kind Bamboo Train will provide an unforgettable experience. Then it is an 11km drive along the Sang Ker River to Wat Ek Phnom, which was built by Suryavarman I in the 11th century. Overnight in Battambang hotel, Breakfast included. Explore Battambong Tour.

On this morning, we will leave Battambang going to the capital city of Phnom Penh. After check-in at the hotel, we drive about 15 km to the ChoengEk Killing Fields and then to the TuolSleng Genocide Museum. Also known as S21, ToulSleng was used by the Khmer Rouge when they came to power in 1975. Hundreds of haunting pictures of the faces of those who were tortured there line the walls inside the former school. Most of the 17,000 people detained at ToulSleng were eventually taken to the ChoeungEk Killing Fields. ChoeungEk also serves as a memorial to those killed by the Khmer Rouge. Time permitting, we will also visit the Russian Market. Dinner in restaurant. Overnight at hotel in Phnom Penh, Breakfast & Dinner included. Enjoy city tour in Phnom Penh

After breakfast, we go by cyclo to the Royal Palace situated on the site of the former citadel, and the Silver Pagoda that has a floor made up of 5,000 silver blocks. We continue on to the National Museum, near the Royal Palace, which houses a large collection of Khmer art. Lunch in restaurant then we return to the hotel for checkout and transfer to the airport for your departure. Breakfast & Lunch included