Asian Signatures Travel

Day 1: Arrive Siem Reap - Angkor Wat - Siem Reap      L, D

Arrival at Siem Reap International airport where you will be met by your guide and driver. Siem Reap is the provincial capital of Siem Reap province. Through this small town crosses a river, which comes from the Kulen Mountains. Siem Reap is the gateway to visit the Angkor Park, which is over 40 km² and home to more than 100 temples dating back from the 9^th to the 13^th century.

We enjoy lunch in town at a garden restaurant (Bopha Angkor) where you will be briefed by your guide about your trip through Cambodia. This afternoon after lunch we ride our bicycles to the biggest religious Hindu edifice in the world: Angkor Wat. The magnificent Angkor Wat Temple was built by Suryavarman II. In the early 12^th century Angkor Wat was constructed following the model of the temple mountain symbolizing Mount Merou, home of the gods. Considered the masterpiece of the Khmer architecture, this Vishnuite temple is the King’s funerary temple, which is why the temple is orientated to the West. Inside the temple the walls are covered by carvings and bas-reliefs depicting the Hindu mythology and the wars Suryavarman II fought during his reign. Angkor Wat is well known for the 2000 Apsara Dancers decorating the entire temple. But like most people say; it takes a life time to discover all the wonders of this temple. 

We will ride back to the hotel to freshen up. We gather at 7:30PM at the lobby for our dinner at a very atmosperic Khmer restaurant.

Overnight in Siem Reap

Day 2: Siem Reap - Roulou Group - Kampong Phluck      B, L, D

Breakfast will be enjoyed at your hotel. This morning we ride through the countryside to Roulous temple group. Roulous was constructed in the 8^th and 9^th century and consists of three main temples; Bakong, Lolei and Preah Ko. The Roulous Group is the site of an ancient center of Khmer civilization known as Hariharalaya. Prasat Prah Ko, one of the oldest temples, is located at Roluos between Bakong and Lolei. It was built in the late ninth century (879) by King Indravarman I, dedicated to Shiva (Hindu), and a funeral temple built for the king's family and the previous King Jayavarman II and his wife. 

Our exploration is through Siem Reap’s beautiful countryside and will get you in touch with rural Cambodia and its friendly people. We enjoy snacks and softdrinks at the temples in the countryside before we continue to Kampong Phluck floating village. Here we get on a local boat and explore the floating village. The boat ride will take about 1 hour witnessing flooded forests and floating houses. In Kampong Phluck we will de-board and look at a local house where lunch will be served. 

After lunch we continue over the water and explore the flooded forest and enjoy the scenery of the mighty Tonle Sap Lake. Enjoy life on the water a bit more before we head back to the port where your transportation is awaiting you. The remainder of the afternoon is free to fill in. You will be free tonight to fill in dinner. 

Overnight in Siem Reap

Day 3: Siem Reap - Angkor Complex - Siem Reap      B, L, D

Breakfast will be enjoyed at your hotel. This morning we ride our bicycles to the entrance of Angkor Wat once more and head a bit further to Ta Prohm. This temple was built in the memory of King Jayavarman VII’s mother. When found by the French conservationists at the end of the 19^th century, they deliberately left this temple in the same condition as it was discovered; overgrown by strangler fig and silk-cotton trees, giving the temple a mystical and romantic appeal.

After our Ta Prohm Exploration we continue to Angkor Thom, which was the last capital of the Great Khmer Empire under the reign of Jayavarman VII. The city is surrounded by an 8m high wall; each side of the city is 4km long. It draws a perfect square on the map and you can access the town through 5 gates; 4 of gate used for exiting the dead out of the city. 

After passing through the south gate, we will cycle along the shady roads to the Bayon temple. This temple lies exactly in the center of the city. The particularity of this monument are the 54 towers representing the 54 provinces of the ancient Great Khmer Empire. Each tower has 4 Bayon faces. This is the only temple in Cambodia depicting scenes of every day life at the time of the empire. 

From the Bayon we continue to the Baphuon. You will pass by the Phimeanakas, which was the location of the Royal Palace. The only remaining structures are a pond and a small temple. The Palace was made of wood and did not survive time and the wars. Afterwards we continue to the Terrace of the Elephants. This Terrace was the place where the parade was done for the King. Next to it is the Terrace of the Leper King, depicting the water world. We enjoy lunch at the a local restaurant before we explore the temples on the Grand Circuit, Preah Kahn and Neak Poan. If time allows, we will also visit the Eastern Mebon. After these magnificent temples and intensive visits we ride back to Siem Reap for a well deserved dinner with tradtional Khmer Ballet at the Victoria Angkor Resort. 

Overnight in Siem Reap.

Day 4: Siem Reap - Kampong Thom      B, L, D

After a buffet breakfast at the hotel we will start our transfer to Kampong Thom sitiated 140km away. The transfer takes about 2.5 hours to the famous temple site of Sambor Prei Kuk. After having explored Angkor Wat, Sambor Prei Kuk is a magnificent and quiet jungle exploration. The road to Sambor Prei Kuk will lead us over quiet inland roads with beautiful views of paddy fields and many local villages with traditional life styles. Sambor Prei Kuk was built in the Chenla period between the 6^th and 7^th period and hosts a number of well preserved temples scattered around the jungle. Small and sandy tracks link the 3 main temples sites in a loop of around 8km. This loop is best done by bicycle. We take our bicycles and enjoy a beautiful ride along the temples over small and shady paths with breathtaking views.

Around 1PM we finish up our bike ride around the temples of 8km and settle for an excellent prepared lunch by the local community. We eat like the locals like to eat in picnic style in small wooden huts on the river side. After lunch we start a magnificent countryside route of 60km to Phnom Santuk. The route passes numerous paddy fields and streams and beautiful Khmer villages. This is a ride to remember as we witness Cambodia in its purest beauty. We arrive in the late afternoon at Phnom Santuk where we are able to transfer or climb the 800+ steps up. From the top of the hill beautiful views can be admired. Also on top many ancient carvings and two reclining Buddha's can be found from the 12^th century. Admire sunset before transferring back to Kampong Thom where our boutique resort awaits us and welcomes us with a great meal.

Overnight in Kampong Thom. 

Day 5: Kampong Thom - Phnom Penh      B, L, D

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before we transfer to Phnom Penh. Cambodia's capital is a vibrant bustling city nestled majestically on the banks of the confluence of the mighty rivers of the Mekong and the Tonle Sap. Many French colonial buildings are still in evidence today and add to the charm and ambience of the city.

Upon arrival we check into our hotel and enjoy lunch at the hotel before cyclo’s will bring us around to visit the Silver Pagoda (or the temple of the Emerald Buddha), which was rebuilt in 1962 in concrete and marble. The pagoda is floored with over 5000 silver tiles each weighing 1 kilogram. It is famous for its 90 kg solid gold Buddha made in 1907 with accompanying Emerald Buddha. The Royal Palace is located on the same grounds, which is still the residence of the King and Queen.  The Royal Palace is located between the Silver Pagoda and the National Museum and was built by the French in traditional Khmer style.

We end the day with a short cyclo ride to Wat Phnom, which is situated near the northern boundary of the city. The original temple was built in 1372 by a rich Khmer lady named "Penh" who found a collection of statues of the Buddha washed up on the river bank and decided to house them on a nearby hill ("Phnom"). After our city exploration we head back to the hotel. We transfer to a well established restaurant. 

Overnight in Phnom Penh. 

Day 6: Phnom Penh - Sihanoukville      B, L, D

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel. After breakfast our private transportation will pick you up fromthe hotel and transfer 230km to Sihanoukville. It’s a smooth drive to Sihanoukville over highway 4. The transfer will take about 3 hours in total by private vehicle with a stop at the Kbal Chay waterfalls to cool off and enjoy the scenery. The Kbal Chhay Waterfalls are actually a collection of 3 meters to 5 meters high waterfalls which originate from different sources along the mountain ranges. However, only three out of the collection can be sighted. It is possible to cycle from Kbal Chay to Sihanoukville over the hills and test your endurance. This trip will take about 2 hours over 20km and your stamina will by tested as you will have to climb the 7 hills of Sihanoukville. 

Upon arrival in Sihanoukville we will check into our hotel. The remainder of the afternoon is free to fill in with either sunbathing at the (private) beach or the swimming pool. 

The minibus is at your disposal in Sihanoukville this day and could transfer you anywhere you wish to go. You will be free for dinner.

Overnight in Sihanoukville. 

Day 7: Sihanoukville      B

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel. Today you are free to explore the beaches of Sihanoukville and to enjoy the facilities of the hotel. The minibus is at your disposal in Sihanoukville this day and could transfer you anywhere you wish to go. No meals are included today. Overnight in Sihanoukville. 

Overnight in Sihanoukville. 

Day 8: Sihanoukville - Kep      B, L, D

After breakfast at the hotel we transfer 40km to Veal Rinh. Here we start our cycling ride of 55km towards Kampot. The route leads over a good tarmac road with beautiful views of the Gulf of Thailand at times. We enjoy several stops and picnics on the way. 

We arrive in Kampot just after lunchtime. Kampot is a sleeping riverside town along the coast in southern Cambodia. Kampot is a silent retreat with many French colonial buildings still standing strong. The town is a peaceful experience with magnificent views over the Elephant Mountain Range. We enjoy a short cycling trail through town to observe the beautiful colonial buildings and enjoy a drink on Kampot’s beautiful riverfront. After our cycling tour we continue to Kep where La Veranda resort awaits us. This 25km ride can be done by bicycle or private transfer. It is a great and quiet ride through small rural villages surrounded by paddy fields. Our hotel, La Veranda, is beautifully located in the hills of Kep overlooking the Gulf of Thailand. Its naturally designed cabins are beautufully equipped. 

Overnight in Kep. 

Day 9: Kep - Phnom Penh - Transfer Out      B, L

Enjoy a breakfast with a magnificent view at the resort. The beaches of Kep are quiet and joyfull with great views of the islands laying in front of Kep’s coast. This morning we have a special excusrion planned to Koh Tonsai (Rabbit Island). This small island hosts a number of beautiful beaches and is a pleasant boat ride away from Kep. We enjoy lunch at the island before transfering back to Phnom Penh for our evening flight. 

We return to Phnom Penh, a nearly 2.5 hour drive. The road is in good conditions and passes beautiful green paddy fields and lime stone rock formations. Upon arrival, we continue straight to the airport for your connecting flight. 

“This itinerary may alter due to local conditions, the strength of the group and other unexpected circumstances. We will do our very best to adhere to the set itinerary, however we cannot be held responsible for any last minute changes that might occur. In all such circumstances, your biking or trekking guide will have the final say"

Inclusions:

• Accommodation based on Double/Twin Room with breakfast.
• Transfer & back-up by private A/C vehicles.
• Transfers to and from the airport.
• Quality bike hire with helmet
• Local fruits, snacks, soft drinks and bottled drinking water.
• Lunches + Dinners as indicated in itinerary.
• English Speaking guide
• All entrance fees as indicated in itinerary.
• International flight reconfirmation (if any).

Exclusions:

• Visa on arrival for Cambodia (USD30 + 1 pass photo).
• Alcoholic drinks & drinks at mealtime + Optional visits + Personal expenses (Telephone, laundry...etc).
• Personal travel insurance (must include helicopter evacuation for Cambodia).
• Tips for guide, driver, boat crew & hotels’ porters.
• Meals not indicated in the itinerary.
• All air tickets with airport and departure taxes. 
• Other services not clearly indicated in the Package Inclusion above.

IMPORTANT NOTES:

• We strongly recommend the purchase of a travel insurance (covering emergency medical evacuation) for your trips.

CONFIRMATIONS:

• Please note that all the above services & package tours have not been booked yet, they are proposed for your information only. We will not launch any reservation before we receive your confirmation.
• If one or some proposed service(s) is (are) not available at the moment of booking, we will try to find out other possibility/options or other similar service(s) in order to avoid as many important changes as possible.