PHNOM PENH – BATTAMBANG – SIEM REAP 3 DAYS

PHNOM PENH – BATTAMBANG – SIEM REAP 3 DAYS – 2 NIGHTS

Activity Level:  Classic
Group size: Private Tour
Tour date: Daily

Brief Description

The surrounding countryside demands exploration. Gorgeous landscapes hide an array of sights – both inspiring and thought provoking – while the town itself fosters colorful markets and a strong artistic culture.

Detailed itinerary:

Day 1: Phnom Penh – Battambang (B,L)

Start early today for the nearly five hour drive to Battambang. Leave the hustle and bustle of Phnom Penh behind as you head north to Kampong Luong which is a silversmith village. Observe silversmiths creating ornate and fashionable silver objects. Continue with a visit to Oudong, which functioned as the former capital of Cambodia between the early 17th century and late 19th century. Nowadays Oudong still holds great significance as the three hills are home to various stupas containing the remains of several former Khmer Kings. The main stairway (over 500 steps) leads to the newest of the temples and is home to a Buddha relic. The views from the summit of the surrounding countryside are impressive and worth the climb. Continue to the small riverside town of Kampong Chhnang, enjoying a picnic lunch en route. It is famous for its beautiful landscape and local villages which produce pottery in the midst of the rice fields. Learn how the community makes pottery the traditional way and observe how sugar is collected from the sugar palm trees. Let your guide assist you with translating if you are interested to learn more about village life. Transfer onwards to Battambang and check into your hotel upon arrival late afternoon

Day 2: Battambang (B,L)

This morning, visit the striking hilltop pagoda of Phnom Sampeau. This massive limestone outcrop is dissected by a number of caves with some containing unexpected reminders of Cambodia’s turbulent history. Walk around the premises with your guide and continue to the village of Ksach Puoy on the banks of the Sangker River, which is home to many well preserved traditional Khmer wooden stilted homes and tropical fruit farms. This is a great opportunity to taste juicy oranges, sweet pineapples, and many other fruits available in the region. Lunch is taken on the way in a local restaurant. Not far from Ksach Puoy is Cambodia’s first vineyard. If wine is what you are after, pop in and learn about producing wine in the tropics and a tasting if you are interested. Continue to the well preserved 11th century Prasat Phnom Banan, located on top of a hill bearing the same name. After climbing the 350 steps you are treated to a peaceful setting with superb views across the surrounding countryside. Small villages are dotted in and around the endless rice paddies, punctuated with the characteristic sugar palm trees – a wonderful location to catch the sunset before returning to Battambang town.

Day 3: Battambang – Banteay Chmar Temple – Siem Reap (B,L)

Pay a visit to the Battambang Museum, which house some interesting lintels and artifacts from the region. Bid farewell to Battambang and drive 2.5 hours further northwest to the seldom visited north western province of Banteay Meanchey. This province is home to the ancient temple of Banteay Chhmar, which is also referred to as the “Fortress of the Cat”. This large temple is rarely visited by tourists due to its remoteness, thus it makes a refreshing change from the crowds at Angkor Wat. Severe looting has prevented archaeologist from understanding the temple and its function in detail, leaving its use to speculation. A low key community tourism project has recently been established in the village to help the poor people taking care of the temple to supplement their incomes. Upon arrival, the local community will welcome you and members will join you to visit the temple explaining its history. Continue your transfer to Siem Reap arriving mid afternoon (lunch en route).