CAMBODIA ECO TOUR - 7 DAYS
Itinerary: Phnom Penh – Kampong Cham – Kratie – Koh Trong Island – Kratie – Siem Reap – Angkor Temples – Bong Thom CBT
CODE TOUR: XSEC 0030 - HIGHLIGHTS TOURS
Highlights:
- Your group will get the chance to interact closely with local people and join them in their everyday life and learn about their culture and environment.
- Additionally, you will spend a night at Homestay Bongthom, an unique community-based tourism site which captures the essence of village life.
- Explore numerous sites and the must-see temples in Siem Reap: Angkor Wat, Angkor-Thom and Banteay Srei.
- Discover the remote villages on two wheels or on the oxcart in Koh Trong island and Preah Dak Village.
- See fresh-water Dolphins of the Mekong and enjoy a magnificent sunset along the riverbank during the boat trip.
- Dig into the local’s lives: observe the havesting and production at Chhup rubber plantation; join the work of the local people and learn how to plant rice on the paddy filed in Preah Dak Village
- Enjoy Phare Circus Show which is the perfect set after days exploring the Angkor temples. The costumes and sets are simple, but the performers more than make up for it in talent, heart, and enthusiasm. Absolutely Angkor temples are the reason to book a trip to Cambodia but Phare Circus is the reason to stay longer in Siem Reap.
Overview
Tour summary:
- Day 01: Arrival and sightseeing in Phnom Penh: Royal Palace - Silve Pagoda - Centre market
- Day 02: Phnom Penh - Kratie - Koh Trong Island (B,L)
- Day 03: Koh Trong Island - cycling tour - Tree planting (B,L)
- Day 04: Koh Trong Island - Kratie - visit Wat nokor bachey - Siem Reap (B,D)
- Day 05: Siem Reap - Angkor Temples tour
- Day 06: Preah Khan - Banteay Srei
- Day 07: Siem Reap Departure
DAY 1: ARRIVAL - PHNOM PENH SIGHTSEEING TOURS AT ROYAL PALACE AND SILVER PAGODA
Private driver & guide
We pass through the river-front park where 4 rivers met at a junction include mystical Mekong. Walk up to sacred hill Phnom Daun Penh – also the name of a pagoda and name of the capital nowadays. Last visit Central Market, a large market constructed in 1937 in the shape of a dome with four arms branching out into vast hallways with countless stalls of goods. Initial design and layouts are from French architect Louis Chauchon. Overnight in Phnom Penh. (Check-in time is 14.00 PM, early check-in is not included in itinerary and subject to availability).
Meals: None
Accommodation at a selected hotel in Phnom Penh
- Optional for boat cruise along the Mekong River, 1 or 1.5hrs
- Optional for Romantic cruise of 2,5 hours around Phnom Penh in “all inclusive”.
- Optional for Pottery workshop: Handmade with Angkor Designs
DAY 2: PHNOM PENH - KRATIE - KOH TRONG ISLAND (B)
Private driver & guide
This morning we depart to Kratie Province via Kampong Cham passing by many rubber plantations on the way, make a break at Chhup rubber plantation where you can observe the havesting and production. After that check out the ancient temple complex of Wat Nokor dating back from 11th Century built originally during the last years of the reign of King Jayavarman II. The monument was built out of sandstone and laterite and it is composed of a central tower surrounded by four laterite wall-enclosures. People believe that this temple used to be the the headquarters of Jayavarman II for a time, from where he extended his influence over nearby principalities. Upon arrival in Kratie, a small colonial-style town located by the Mekong River bank, we visit Wat Phnom Sambok on the mountain top to see the reclining Buddha, meditation centre and Buddhist monastery. From the hilltop, enjoy the stunning panoramic view of the Mekong River and lush green landscape. Later of the day, transfer along the countryside road heading North to a pier where you can embark on the boat on Mekong River to view the rare freshwater Dolphin also called Irrawaddy. Enjoy the sunset over the river while the boat taking you back. Transfer back to the town and boarding a local boat or ferry to Koh Trong island in the middle of the river where you can reach in 10 minutes. Spend your night at the tranquil village.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation at a selected hotel in Koh Trong
DAY 3: KOH TRONG ISLAND - CYCLING TOUR - TREE PLANTING (B)
Private driver & guide
This morning take a loop around the island on the oxcart or bicyle through the paved road passing by the lush gardens of pomelos and traditional Khmer Houses. This is also the great chance to experience the daily routine of the people living in this small island. We stop to visit some Wats on the way. Here you also can join a meaningful activity: planting a tree. This project was initiated by a local famer in order to cover the island by a green of dense forest as it used to be. This is really a good deed to leave behind on the island. Continue your tour to visit Vietnamese floating village at the southern tip of the island.
Afternoon, relax at your property. Overnight in Koh Trong.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: at a selected hotel in Koh Trong
DAY 4: KOH TRONG - KRATIE - VISIT WAT NOKOR BACHEY - SIEM REAP (B,D)
Private driver & guide
Breakfast at your hotel. Check out and take the ferry/boat back to Kratie where your driver awaits to transfer you back to Siem Reap. On the way, stop to visit Wat Nokor Bachey a home to pagoda, built within the walls of an antique Khmer temple. A prime example of the changing nature of holy places in Cambodia over the centuries. The pagoda built in 19th Century with its typical tiled roof of Khmer architecture abuts the ruins of the Angkorian temple devoted to Mahayana Buddhism and built during the reign of Jayavarman VII (12th Century – 13th Century) in the concentric design common to temples of that era.
Arrival in Siem Reap in the late afternoon, check in your hotel and have a short time to relax. In the evening enjoy the dinner with Apsara dance show, a traditional dance of Khmer people. Overnight in Siem Reap.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodation: at a selected hotel in Siem Reap
DAY 5: SIEM REAP - ANGKOR TEMPLES TOUR (B)
Private driver & guide
Afternoon, visit Angkor Wat, highlighted by the longest continuous bas-relief in the world, carved on the walls and tell the stories of Hindu legends. This architectural masterpiece was constructed in the 12th century and covers an area of about 210 hectares. Strolling around this massive edifice, seeing many galleries with Colums, libraries, pavilions, courtyards and ponds full of water reflecting the towering temple.
End of the day, visit Pre Rup Temple where you can calmly relax and enjoy sun set view. Return to Siemreap downtown. Overnight in Siem Reap.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: at a selected hotel in Siem Reap
Notice: During the visit of Angkor Wat, Baphuon and Banteay Srey temple – visitors should wear Shirts or blouse covering shoulders and arms and long skirts or trousers covering legs. (No miniskirt or short trousers). Children under twelve years old are not allowed to climb up this tower. It will be closed on the Buddhist Sabbath Days, the Buddhist religious days, four days a month in accordance with the Lunar Calendar.
DAY 6: ANGKOR TEMPLES TOUR - BONGTHOM HOMESTAY (B,D)
Private driver & guide
Distnace: Siem Reap to Bong Thom home stay = 24kms
After breakfast we continue exploring other Angkor temples including The Preah Khan, built by King Jayavarman VII to dedicate to his father, was a Buddhist temple at the original time and Takeo temple, a mountain temple built in pyramid shape to represent Mount Meru, the mountain of centre of the world in Hindu mythology. We then visit Thommanon – small attractive temple in very good condition, built at the same time as Angkor Wat; Chau Say Tevoda built during the second quarter of the 12th century opposite of Thommanon, it was dedicated to Shiva and Vishnu. Continue the visit to Banteay Kdei set in a peaceful and quiet place, serving as a Buddhist temple. Its name means Citadel of Chambers. Then continue to Srah Srang – the Royal bathing pool which was once used for ritual washing.
Afternoon, drive to explore the less visited temples at the remote places including Banteay Samre which is believed to be built around the same time as Angkor Wat, because the architecture is of the classic art of the same period though not much inscription has been found for this temple. Banteay Srei or the Citadel of Women, a temple boasts a remarkable preservation of excellent stone carvings in pink color. Drive to Homestay Bongthom, an unique community-based tourism site which captures the essence of village life in the heartland of Cambodia. You will check in Khmer Traditional Hall and stay overnight there. Your dinner will be served at the home stay place. (a private room/villa is available upon request).
- Optional for balloon riding
- Optional for Phare: The Cambodian Circus Show in Siem Reap
- Optional for a traditional Khmer massage
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: at Bongthom Homestay
DAY 7: SIEM REAP - DEPARTURE (B)
Private driver
Since this can be private or group tour, the price per person varies and depends on many aspects, such as your group size, the hotel ratings and your departure date. If you want to get a custom price quote for this tour, please fill out the online inquiry form and give you as much information as possible about your trip. Your online travel consultants will be at your service and help you make the most of your travel time and dollars!
A FEW ESSENTIAL LITTLE DETAILS THAT EVERY TRAVELERS SHOULD 1.KNOW BEFORE THEY VISIT CAMBODIA
- DON’T GIVE MONEY TO KIDS
Poverty is still rife in Cambodian, despite the rapidly growing economy and rising middle class. It’s not uncommon to see children begging or trying to sell you books, bracelets, or trinkets in many tourist hotspots.
We urge anyone visiting Cambodia to not fall into the trap of buying from these children, as it fuels the cycle and encourages more families to send their children onto the street for a decent pay-day.
- DON’T RIDE ELEPHANTS (OR PARTAKE IN ANY FORM OF ANIMAL TOURISM)
Unfortunately, despite the ban and resulting publicity, many people still wish to ride an elephant and Angkor Wat, or elsewhere in Cambodia.
This is a gentle reminder to anyone reading who’s considering riding an elephant or visiting an animal park to re-think their plans. In fact, don’t reconsider – just don’t do it!
- CAMBODIA IS SAFE, BUT KEEP YOUR WITS ABOUT YOU
Cambodia has a pretty tragic, violent recent history, but the Cambodia we visited was only friendly. Everywhere we visited, be it rural or city, we were met with kind-hearted, happy people. This is still a developing nation, and crime exists.
- Minimise the valuables you take out, and never take out your passport
- Never walk on the road side of the pavement edge, instead walk on the ‘inside’
- If you need to use your phone for maps etc, stop and move to a space where you’re not vulnerable and focused only on the phone
- Keep your phone and bag close to you at all times
- Pay attention to what’s going on around you
- Choose a small daypack, and carry in a way which reduces risk (i.e. on both shoulders, on the shoulder facing away from the road, across your chest). This applies even when you’re crossing a busy or empty road
- When taking photos, with your phone or camera, again think before you click and put yourself in a less vulnerable position (i.e. away from the road-facing edge of the pavement). Don’t leave your camera dangling off one shoulder – strap it across
- Take a tuk-tuk back to your hostel / hotel after dark, rather than walking
2.Passport & Visa
- You will need a valid passport and a Cambodian visa to enter Cambodia. Tourist and business visas are valid for one month from the date of entry into Cambodia. Cambodia offers online visa processing.
- The Cambodian visa now may also obtain at the airports in Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, and at all major border crossings. Cambodian immigration officials at airports now collect fingerprints upon entry using an inkless, electronic process. The visa on arrival is valid for a 30-day stay and issued at a cost of US $30 per tourist and US$35 per business traveler.
- You must prepare:
+ A passport valid for at least 6 months from the expiry date
+ 02 recent passport-sized (4cm x 6cm) photographs - Some nationalities are required to get a visa in advance at Royal Embassy of Kingdom of Cambodia in their country: Afghanistan, Algeria, Arab Saudi, Bangladesh, Iran, Iraq, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Sudan and Nigeria.
- On the other hand, the nationals of the Laos, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Vietnam, Thailand, and Indonesia do not need a tourist visa and may stay in Cambodia for 21 and 30 days respectively.
3.Traffic and transportation:
- Shared-taxi: Shared taxi transport is the quickest and most comfortable way to travel between destinations. The shared taxis are nearly all Toyota Camrys. Shared taxi leave when full, meaning at least five to six passengers, though once you leave the driver may pick up more people. The fares can be slightly higher but somewhat faster than buses, despite the driving can make you hair-standing. To have the whole front seat for yourself, you can pay double the standard fare and you can hire the entire taxi for around five or six times the original fare. Shared taxis usually leave from the local transport stop and there are no fixed schedules but most of them run in the morning.
- Bus: There are no bus stations or a center for you in Cambodia to check general information about schedules and fares because buses generally arrive and depart from their respective company offices. The prices are pretty affordable, starting from just $4 from Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville and $6 to Siem Reap, and are generally much of a muchness on all but the most-traveled routes. Deluxe coaches can be found on popular routes with free snacks and even onboard wi-fi.
- Train: Trains in Cambodia are quite slow but they’re budget-friendly. A train will be the good choice for who has the time to spend on them. There are two kinds of trains – the Yellow Train and the Blue one. Both of them have the air conditioner and same price tickets and tend to leave on time, there is a slightly different in the way seating is set up between the two. Instant noodles and bottles of water are offered to your seat on request. Moreover, passengers can easily stock up on boiled eggs, cut fruits, dried fish, and drinks at the station stops, which are usually about 10 minutes each.
- Boat: Boat is an outstanding vehicle in Cambodia which is available in some particular routes. The most popular route is Phnom Penh to Siem Reap trip. Boats run every day south along the Mekong between Phnom Penh and the Vietnamese border at Chau Doc – this can be arranged via local guesthouses. Don’t be surprised if you see plenty of overloading boats. Trips to and from Phnom Penh aren’t particularly picturesque while ones to or from Battambang are more interesting. You also should be aware that in rough weather the Tonle Sap can whip up some fierce waves.
4.Cancellation policy
- More than 30 days before arrival: no cancellation charge will be done (Client’s non-refundable deposit will be forfeited)
- 14-29 days before arrival: 10% of the cost of the tour is forfeited
- 10-13 days before arrival: 40% of the cost of the tour is forfeited
- Within 10 days before arrival: 100 % of the cost of the tour is forfeited
5.What to bring
- Lightweight, light-coloured clothing to reflect the sun.
- Comfortable sandals or shoes.
- Refillable water bottle.
- Powerful sunscreen and long-lasting deodorant.
- Earplugs to block out the noise.
- Universal travel adaptor.
- Unlocked mobile phone for use with a Cambodian SIM card.
- Rain coat if travelling in wet season.
LIST OF OUR HOTELS:
The hotels offered by Xuan Son Travel classified from 02 to 05 stars at international standard, comfortable with all the required services.
- Homestay/local homestay: we have developed fair tourism, through contacts with the local population, the possibility of sleeping with locals and sharing their daily lives. The conditions of these accommodations that we offer you are well assured and with the best possible conditions
- Standard Category: 2 stars. The rooms are decent, clean, equipped with bathroom, satellite TV and air conditioning.
- Superior Category 3 stars. The rooms are generally spacious and the services and facilities are more numerous.
- Deluxe category: 4 stars. The rooms are luxurious and spacious, with a wide choice of quality services have swimming pool, spa, Jacuzzi
Luxury Category: 5 stars. Hotels with excellent comfort and a wide range of excellent services. Swimming pool, spa, Jacuzzi…)
| CITIES /AREAS | HOME STAY | HOTEL-STANDARD | HOTELS-SUPERIOR | HOTEL-DELUXE | HOTELS- LUXURY |
| Phnom Penh | Capital Hotel | Khmer Village Guest House/Brigade Manager Hotel | Cardamon/King Grand Boutique/Town View III/River Home/Asia Tune/The Frangipani Living Arts Hotel | Ohana/Juliana/Harmony Phnom Penh/Kravan/ The Frangipani Royal Palace/Villa Langka/Iroha Garden Hotel & Resort | Sokha Phnom Penh Hotel/Palace Gate Hotel & Resort/Rose Suites/ Raffles Hotel Le Royal |
| Koh Rong Islands | … | Starfish Byngalow | Rajabori Vilass Resort | The secret Garden Kok Rong/Tamu Kok Rong/Anaya Koh Rong | … |
| Siem Reap | Anou Home Guesthouse/Chamraoen’s Home/Sihariddh Angkor Villa | Ta Som Guest House/Mother Home Boutique Hotel | Central Boutique Angkor Hotel/Laniche D’Angkor Boutique/Angkor Holiday Hotel/City River/Treasure Oasis/Cheathata Angkor/Silk Angkor/The Frangipani Villa Hotel & Spa | Saem Siem Reap Hotel/Sokha Roh/Mother Home Boutique/Treasure Oasis Angkor | Hotel Somadevi Angkor Boutique & Resort/Royal Angkor Resort/Angko Micracle/Sokah Angkor/Angkor Palace Resort/Sak Mut Hotel & Spa… |
| Bongthom | Bong Thom Homestay | … | … | … | Bongthom forest Lodge |
SERVICES & PRICE
TRAVEL PRICE: CAMBODIA ECO TOUR 7 DAYS 6 NIGHTS
From…. To… usd /per
Excluding international flights
Inclusion
- English-speaking tour guides during the tour
- Accommodation on twin/double sharing basis with daily breakfast at hotels.
- Meals at the local restaurants as mentioned in the program (no drink included)
- Airport transfers and all transportation during the tours
- Boat trips, tree planting, bike rental fee
- Entrance fees and Zone fee as per program
- Water during transfer
Exclusion
- Airfare (international and domestic) and airport tax if any
- Visa services (Visa stamp fee/ Visa fast track)
- Early check-in/late check-out/ room upgrade surcharge
- Banking fee for payment by bank transfer
- Other personal expenses (phone call, laundry, tipping etc.)
- Any services not mentioned in the program
- All tips for tour guide, drivers, local services,…
Customize this tour
This tour is designed with balanced activities and pace. If you want to customize it, you may always change its itinerary and accommodations according to your needs.
Contact us
- +84 914374251
- [email protected]
My name is Nicky, English & French speaking advisor at Xuan Son Travel. I have been the specialist in tailor-made trips to Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia for 18years. I love the charm of the small streets of Hanoi as well as the charm of the countryside, with magical landscapes, warm and smiling inhabitants in all regions of Vietnam. As a Travel Consultant, I put it at your disposal and will assure you that your wishes and desires are perfectly suited to your trip to Asia.