Asian Signatures Travel

Day 1: Arrive Phnom Penh 

 Arrival in Phnom Penh. The day is free to explore the city. Phnom Penh was once knows as the most beautiful city in the orient. Many of its colonial architecture remains and the city is a bustling capital where traditional Asian customs meet essential western customs in a very charming way. 

Overnight in Phnom Penh

Day 2: Phnom Penh - Sihanoukville      B, L, D

After our breakfast we depart for Cambodia’s foremost beach resort: Sihanoukville. We transfer by private van and make sure we arrive early in order to enjoy the wide spread beaches of Sihanoukville. 

In the late afternoon we will fit the bikes and have a ride around town to “get in the mood of cycling”. We visit a pagoda on top of the hill from where you can admire a great view along the coast of Sihanoukville before we return to our hotel which is located right opposite the beach. 

Overnight in Sihanoukville.

Day 3: Sihanoukville - Kampot      B, L, D

After breakfast we transfer about 15km out of town to avoid the steep hills and heavy traffic. We cycle the coastal road to Kampot and have the magnificent Elephant Mountains as a backdrop. We pass through great countryside as well where many friendly locals will greet you with broad smiles and curious faces. On occasion we stop for a picnic in between the rice fields or at a local home. 

Kampot is a small provincial capital situated on the banks of a river with a relaxing and shady boulevard. There are still many French colonial buildings present in town and it has a truly relaxing atmosphere overlooking the mountain range and sunset over the river. 

Overnight in Kampot.

Day 4: Kampot - Kep      B, L, D

Today we cycle after breakfast a gentle 25kms towards the quiet beach resort of Kep. Kep is a small fishing town with beautiful views over the Gulf of Thailand. The ride over highway 34 is very quiet and leads through rural villages with many people welcoming you warmly with a big smile. 

Upon arrival in Kep we cycle uphill to our hotel, located in the hills of Kep and overlooking the Gulf of Thailand. This natural resort is a magnificent place to relax and enjoy a perfect sunset Martini! 

After check in pack our lunch and head for Koh Tonsai (Rabbit Island). This island is located about 40min by boat and offers a very serene environment with perfect white sand beaches. Enjoy your lunch at the beach and swim in the clear waters. Late afternoon we head back by boat to our natural resort and enjoy dinner. 

Overnight in Kep.

Day 5: Kep - Takeo      B, L, D

After a local breakfast we depart from Kampot in our bikes towards another provincial capital; Takeo. Takeo is a small town that is truly Cambodian in any sense. The amenities are very basic in town but good enough to provide a comfortable stay. Observing the life in the small city is a must as basically anything beyond your imagination happens here in terms of transportation, market life and business. At night we transfer to a local restaurant where we will enjoy a great and atmospheric dinner.

We cycle over the main road through great countryside once more and don’t encounter too much traffic. The little children form the countryside are lined up once more along the road to welcome everyone with a “Hello Mister” phrase, even when you’re a woman. 

Overnight in Takeo.

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

We depart early for Phnom Penh. The first leg of the trip is peaceful and takes you along stretched fields where farmers work hard to harvest or plant their crops. We stop several times for a snack break and continue towards Tonle Bati Temple. Tonle Bati is a recreation area were the Khmers like to spend their free time. However, during the weekdays, nobody can be found there and the site is quiet and peaceful. Tonle Bati Temple is an Angkorian style temple and remains largely intact. The pretty garden around it makes it a great treat before you explore the massive Angkor Wat complex.

Overnight in Phnom Penh.

Day 7: Phnom Penh - Siem Reap      B, L, D

Today we head to Siem Reap. Home of the place were Cambodia is famous for: Angkor Wat. Depending on the season we transfer either by boat or bus to Siem Reap. Regarding the transfer, you will get a good look at the Tonle Sap lake that lies in the heart of Cambodia. It’s the largest fresh water lake in South East Asia and it’s biodiversity put the Tonle Sap on the Ecological Wonders of the World list.

Upon your arrival in Siem Reap you will transfer to the restaurant for lunch. The highlight of your trip awaits you at Angkor Wat and you will start cycling the 8km towards the complex as soon as you finished your lunch. The shady roads and cooler temperature are only contributing to the great experience of exploring this massive World Heritage Side. You will visit a number of temples on your way and learn about the history, way of life and the significance of Angkor to Cambodia and the world. 

Overnight in Siem Reap.

Day 8: Siem Reap - Angkor Complex - Siem Reap      B, L, D

Breakfast will be enjoyed at your hotel. This morning we start our bike ride again 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 19th 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, you will go down along this shady road 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 Angkor Café before we explore the temples on the Grand Circuit, Preah Kahn, Neak Poan and the Eastern Mebon. After these magnificent temples and intensive visits we cyle back to Siem Reap for a well deserved dinner with tradtional Khmer Ballet.

Overnight in Siem Reap.

Day 9: Siem Reap - Home      B 

After breakfast you are free to explore the town of Siem Reap and buy your necessary souvenirs at the local market known as Psa Chas (Old Market). Upon your departure we will transfer you to the airport and wish you a great flight back home and hope you enjoyed your stay with us.

“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.