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  • Taste of Cambodia

    Code: CLT01 - Duration: 9 Days
    Start: Phnom Penh | Finish: Siem Reap
  • Within 9 days, Taste of Cambodia gives you a wonderful trip to explore its cuisine, natural beauty, amazing heritage sites and smiling people. Start and end in Phnom Penh, we visit some major sites such as National Museum, the Royal Palace, and the famous Silver Pagoda to understand more its rich historical past and French influence in the ornate Khmer-style temples and the grand colonial buildings and villas. We also drop a visit to local market to learn about Khmer cuisine. The next destination is Battambang - Cambodia’s second largest city. This charming and relaxed river town is full of fine examples of French-colonial architecture and you can visit some cultural villages around. The last destination is Siem Riep, the gateway to the majestic ruins of Angkor including Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom (Bayon), Terrace of Elephant, Grand and Small Circuits, Banteay Srei, etc.

    Highlights:

    • Discover the history and treasures of Phnom Penh city, the capital of Cambodia
    • Explore the local market and learn about Khmer cuisine
    • Visit non tourist area of Battambang, one of the country’s best-preserved colonial-era towns
    • Visit the monuments of Roluos, one of the earliest of the Khmer Capital cities
    • Admire the amazing architecture of Angkor Wat and its jungle temples
    • Explore Bayon Temple at the center of Jayavarman’s capital, Angkor Thom
    • Trip to the sophisticated carvings of Banteay Srei temple, the jewel in the crown of Classical Khmer Art
    • Charming hotels in great locations
    • Comfortable & spacious vehicle for transfers 

    Itinerary in brief:

    Day 1: Phnom Penh arrival (-/-/D)
    Day 2: Phnom Penh City (B/L/-)
    Day 3: Phnom Penh - Battambang (B/L/-)
    Day 4: Battambang (B/-/D)
    Day 5: Battambang – Siem Riep (B/L/-)
    Day 6: Siem Riep – Rolous Group – Angkor Wat (B/L/-)
    Day 7: Siem Riep – Banteay Srei – Angkor Thom (B/L/D)
    Day 8: Siem Riep – Petit Circuit – Grand Circuit (B/L/D)
    Day 9: Siem Riep – Departure (B/-/-)

    • Ability to change the direction of the program
    • Possibility of an extension in Laos or Vietnam 

    Notes:

    - We only organize “tailor-made” private trips for groups from 2 people. We usually offer a package including all services on site since your arrival until your departure.
    - Depending on your needs and budget, this circuit can be adapted and modified at length, content, and departure date.
    - The price of the trip varies depending on the number of participants, selected services (hotel category, activities and meals, etc. during the trip) as well as travel season of the year.
    - For the price of this trip, just ask for a quote by clicking on "TOUR PRICE"
    - If you are looking for a trip modified to your requirements, please send us your needs by filling out the form in Customize your trip
    - We will contact and send you a quote, excluding holiday period, within 48 hours of receiving your request.

  • Day 1: Phnom Penh Arrival (-/-/D)

    Phnom Penh – Airport: 12km, ~35min drive

    phnom penh tonkin travelUpon arrival in Phnom Penh airport, you will be met and transferred to hotel by our guide and driver. After making sure of your successful hotel check-in, they will be pleased to leave you free time at leisure to recover after the long flight.

    This afternoon, we depart on a walking and driving tour that will take you on a fascinating discovery of Cambodian architecture from both the colonial times and the late 1950s and 1960s - a culturally and politically vibrant time. During that era, an en vogue ‘New Khmer Architecture’ movement was emerging, uniquely focused on integrating international style with local traditions, materials and climate.

    This evening, you can indulge in a delicious welcome dinner at one of Phnom Penh’s top addresses for authentic Khmer cuisine.

    Meals Included: Dinner
    Accommodation: Hotel in Phnom Penh

    Day 2: Phnom Penh City (B/L/-)

    phnom penh tour tonkin travelAfter breakfast at hotel, we spend the morning exploring the local market and learning about Khmer cuisine. Despite its cuisine not as well-known as its neighboring countries, Cambodia has a great variety of national dishes and the guide will offer insights into the country’s culinary heritage. Cycling from hotel to the market, before walking through the aisles of different fruits, herbs and vegetables, you will be explained how they are used in Khmer cuisine. We can try some seasonal, local fruits along the way. The walking tour will last about two hours before continuing to a local restaurant which uses many of the ingredients seen at the market. Various dishes are ready cooked, and you can order “num pang” (French-style baguettes) and the tasty “nom banh chok”. This tour is ideal for foodies and lovers of local, non-touristy experiences.

    In the afternoon, we visit the most remarkable sights Phnom Penh has to offer. First, head to the National Museum, which houses the world's foremost collection of ancient Khmer artistic, archaeological and religious artifacts from the 4th to the 13th centuries. More than 5,000 pieces are on display, constituting the repository of the Kingdom's cultural wealth. In addition, the roof space is home to a large bat colony! Continue along the lively riverfront to the Royal Palace. This palace dates back to 1866 and houses the Silver Pagoda, named for the 5000+ heavy silver tiles that cover its floors. Its original name is Wat Prakeo, meaning “Temple of the Emerald Buddha”, and in this temple guests will be able to view a collection of Buddha’s in gold, silver, crystal, and bronze.

    Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
    Accommodation: Hotel in Phnom Penh

    Day 3: Phnom Penh - Battambang (B/L/-)

    Phnom Penh - Oudong: 39km, ~ 1h drive; Oudong – Battambang: 290km, ~4h drive

    battambang tonkin travelAfter breakfast, we travel by private vehicle along scenic back roads to Cambodia’s former capital, Oudong (transfer time: one hour), about 39km from Phnom Penh. En route we will pass rural villages, local pagodas and scenic rice paddies before reaching the main hill of Oudong. Visit a family that produces palm sugar at their house, before climbing to the top of the stupa-filled hill of Oudong for great views over the rural plains. Enjoy an early local style lunch in the picnic huts at the foot of the mountain.

    Continue to Battambang. Even though Battambang is Cambodia’s second largest city, the atmosphere is very laid-back, and this charming and relaxed river town is full of fine examples of French-colonial architecture.

    Optional: Phare Ponleu Selpak

    A special visit awaits at Phare Ponleu Selpak. A school of music, visual & performing arts,  Phare Ponleu Selpak uses the arts to provide education, support and entertainment to poor communities. This project is an example of how humanitarian aid work can turn into a display of zest for life, genuine warmth and creativity, against all odds. A visit to one of their circus shows will leave guests with a lasting memory of the wonderful Cambodian people and should not be missed when in Battambang. (Note: The circus performance is only performed regularly on Mondays & Thursdays. On other days private performances are available on request and for a supplement).

    Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
    Accommodation: Hotel in Battambang

    Day 4: Battambang (B/-/D)

    bamboo train tonkin travelBattambang’s countryside makes this pleasant town a real treat. It is situated along the Sangker River, a quiet body of water that winds its way through Battambang Province and connects the Cardamom Mountains with the Tonle Sap Lake and feeds water into the paddy fields. This results in Cambodia’s best rice, which can be found here in Battambang Province.

    This morning after breakfast, you will be taken to some of the many cultural villages around Battambang to learn how the locals produce rice paper, “prahoc” (typical Cambodian fish paste), “grolan” (sticky rice stuffed in bamboo) and other Cambodian treats. You will also visit a weaving and handicraft center in another village.

    Afterwards, we take a short ride on the famous Bamboo Train, an original means of transportation on the old train tracks leading to Phnom Penh – a true rollercoaster ride without loops! (Note: the train tracks from Battambang to Phnom Penh are currently being rebuilt. The long-term future of the Bamboo Train cannot be guaranteed. Should the service stop we will arrange alternative sightseeing).

    In the afternoon, we explore another side of Battambang. Take a relaxing cyclo ride around the town with an audio set providing an informative guide to the history of the town. You can sit back and relax as the cyclo driver takes them on a 2.5-hour ride around the colonial streets, markets and temples. The audio set narrates short anecdotes of the city’s many highlights in English or French. At many, you can stop and walk around the points of interest before moving on the next stop. (Note: only two cyclos are available with one person per cyclo only).

    Afterwards, we head to Jaan Bai, which means “rice bowl” in Khmer. This is a social enterprise run by the Cambodian Children’s Trust, which is working to break the cycle of poverty in Battambang by empowering underprivileged children. This training and development restaurant is located in an original French colonial building in the heart of Battambang. Jaan Bai uses seasonal organic produce sourced from their kitchen garden, local farmers and neighboring markets to create a tasty menu showcasing the best of South East Asian cuisine with Western influences.

    Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
    Accommodation: Hotel in Battambang

    Day 5: Battambang - Siem Riep (B/L/-)

    Battambang - Siem Riep: 174km, ~ 3h drive

    tonle sap cambodia - tonkin travelBreakfast is served at hotel. Our day starts with a boat ride along the Stung Sangker River to the Prek Toal bird sanctuary - one of the most important breeding grounds for water birds in the region. Continue along the edge of the largest freshwater lake in Asia, Tonlé Sap - an exceptional water system which swells to almost five times its size during the rainy season. The water of the Tonlé Sap River is pushed back from the Mekong, reversing the direction of the lake’s flow in the rainy season and causing it to overflow, flooding nearby fields and forests and supporting an extraordinarily rich and diverse eco-system. The lake is also an important breeding ground for fish, providing more than half of the amount of fish consumed in Cambodia. This unique water system requires the people living of the lake to adapt to the living conditions. You will see many villages on the way where people live on stilted or entirely floating houses, before arriving at a port just a short drive from Siem Reap town. The boat trip takes 6-7 hours depending on water levels and is a slow, but beautiful journey to take. You can put your feet up, watch village and lake life and read a book as they sail from Battambang to Siem Reap.

    (Note: This boat trip is only possible in the high water period from July to December as water levels are too low during the dry season and transfer times can be extremely long. From January to June alternative transfer by road.)

    In mid to late afternoon, we will arrive in Siem Reap, the gateway to the majestic temples of Angkor and a charming little city. The rest of the day is at leisure.

    Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
    Accommodation: Hotel in Siem Riep

    Day 6: Siem Riep - Rolous Group – Angkor Wat (B/L/-)

    ankor vat tonkin travelAfter having breakfast at hotel, we start our day by visiting Roluos Group of temples built between 877-889, situated 13km from Siemreap. They were constructed when the ancient Khmers created their first settlement in the Angkor region. There are 3 temples: Bakong is the most impressive temple, much older than Angkor Wat with beautiful carvings on its lintels that are still in good shape. Preahko temple is close to the main temple Bakong and consists of 6 elegant brick towers with exquisite decoration and statues of Nandi, Shiva's sacred bull. Lolei temple constructed in 893, is an island temple dedicated to members of the royal family and the Hindu God Shiva. 

    In the afternoon, we visit Angkor Wat (early-mid 12th century) dedicated to the Hindu god Vishnu. This huge temple-mountain, built by King Suryavarman II is considered as the masterpiece of Khmer architecture and art. The temple complex covers 81 hectares and is comparable in size to the Imperial Palace in Beijing. Its distinctive five towers are emblazoned on the Cambodian flag and the 12th century masterpiece is considered by art historians to be the prime example of classical Khmer art and architecture. Angkor Wat's five towers symbolize Meru's five peaks - the enclosed wall represents the mountains at the edge of the world and the surrounding moat, the ocean beyond. Sunset at Angkor Wat.

    Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
    Accommodation: Hotel in Siem Rie

    Day 7: Siem Riep - Banteay Srei – Angkor Thom (B/L/D)

    Siem Riep - Banteay Srei: 37km, ~ 45min drive

    sieam reap tour tonkin travelAfter breakfast, we drive through country side towards the famous temple of Bantey Srey “the Citadel of Women”. This small pink sandstone temple (late 10th century) is considered to be the jewel in the crown of classical Khmer art because of its delicate carvings. We then back to visit Banteay Samre temple in the Angkor Wat style. Afternoon, transfer to visit the ancient capital of Angkor Thom: the South Gate, the Bayon with its 54 towers of enigmatic smiling faces of the compassionate Boddhisattva, the nearby temple-mountain of Baphuon, the Royal Enclosure with the Phimeanakas temple, the Elephants Terrace and the Terrace of the Leper King.

    Tonight, enjoy dinner at the Apsara Terrace of the Raffles Hotel, including the famous Apsara Show. Located in lush gardens and surrounded by traditional boundary stones, an Apsara Show is an essential experience while in Cambodia and features traditional Cambodian dances and Khmer martial arts, accompanied by a delightful selection of pan-Asian barbecued cuisine. This distinctive Cambodian venue is very versatile and can be used for parties, barbecues and pre-dinner cocktails. (Mon/Wed/Fri throughout the year).

    Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    Accommodation: Hotel in Siem Riep

    Day 8: Siem Riep - Petit Circuit – Grand Circuit (B/L/D)

    ta prohm tonkin travelMorning after breakfast, we visit to the “Small Circuit” group of temples including: Ta Prohm embraced by the roots of enormous fig trees. This is one of Jayavarman VII's first major temple projects dedicated to his mother, Thommanon built at the same time with Angkor Wat and Chau Say Tevoda temple, Banteay Kdei – surrounded by four concentric walls, Srah Srang – “The Royal Baths" was once used for ritual bathing and Ta Keo known as “ The mountain with golden peaks” dedicated to Hindu God Shiva.
    The afternoon spent for visiting the “Grand Circuit” including: Pre Rup- a temple-mountain with beautiful bas reliefs and excellent views of the surrounding countryside, East Mebon- a large temple – mountain dedicated to Shiva in honor of the king’s parents, Tasom- the most distant temple of the Grand Circuit, Neak pean a small island temple originally dedicated to Buddha and the Preah Khan dedicated to Jayavarman VII's father.

    As this is the last evening in Cambodia, you will enjoy dinner at the renowned Cuisine Wat Damnak. This restaurant was founded on the simple concept of using only local fresh seasonal produce to create exquisite Cambodian food. The head chef and owner, Joannès Rivière, has a reputation as one of the top chefs in Cambodia and is the author of the book, ‘Cambodian Cooking’ - one of the first cookbooks on Khmer cuisine.  (Note: closed mid-Aug to mid-Oct and Sunday/Monday weekly. Only five- or six-course menus are served and change weekly, according to the seasonal produce available. Special requirements and requested reservation time is required in advance).

    Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
    Accommodation: Hotel in Siem Riep

    Day 9: Siem Riep - Departure (B/-/-)

    Siem Riep - Airport: 8km, 15min drive

    After breakfast, time is free until our driver meet and transfer you to airport for your flight to next destination.  End of our services!

    Meals Included: Breakfast

  • Prices

    This trip is private and therefore can be altered to suit your needs, date of commencement and budget requirements.

    Prices vary due to a number of specifics:

    • Seasonal: during high season (October-April), the prices of services are generally higher when compared to the low season (May-September).
    • The number of participants: the more of you that travel together the less you will pay!
    • The choice of hotels: Fairly obvious one here; a 5-star hotel can cost ten times as much as a 2 star hotel.
    • The activities during the trip: Two trips on the same itinerary and of the same length can have two different prices depending on the number and nature of activities included.
    • The booking date: In some cases, booking your trip late can drastically affect prices due to their low availability.

    Inclusion:

    • Accommodation as recommended or similar category according to availability.
    • Transfers according to program by private air-conditioned vehicle with driver except free day
    • English-speaking guide’s assistance at every stage
    • Meals as indicated in program (B: Breakfast /L: Lunch / D: Dinner)
    • Entrance fees for attractions included in the program
    • All activities and cruises clearly mentioned in the program
    • Water and cool tissues
    • Government taxes & service charge

    Exclusion:

    • Other drinks and meals not clearly mentioned
    • Early check-in, late check-out
    • Personal expenditures, tips
    • Personal insurance (compulsory)
    • Any service not clearly mentioned in the program
    • International air transfers associated with airport taxes
    • Visa and visa arrangement (available upon request)

    Booking

    Here are 2 steps to book your trip with Tonkin-Travel:

    Step 1. Focus on your travel program:

    You can choose this trip as is or customize it to your specific desires. Just click on the “Customize this trip” tab and fill in the form. One of our travel consultants will contact you within 48 hours to develop the travel program based on your specifications.

    Step 2. Booking:

    • Following the first step, tour program is selected and we access the rates.
    • Upon confirmation of the trip, the registration must be accompanied by a deposit up to 25% of the total estimate.
    • For programs with private junk (cruise) and/or 5 star hotels, the deposit is represented by 30% of the total estimate.
    • Tonkin-Travel carries out the booking process upon receipt of the deposit. Confirmation of these reservations is sent to customer within 10 days via email

    Nature of travel

    This trip is private. That implies:

    • You will be escorted by a private guide and driver. This approach guarantees a smooth trip with fewer organizational constraints.
    • You will be the master of your trip. We guarantee flexibility in organizing visits at your request.
    • Our services will be personalized according to your desires. Thus the proposals in this package are not fixed and you can bring suggest all the desired changes.
    • You receive individualized care: ample food, organizing small events (anniversary, honeymoon, etc.), targeted information, followed necessary modifications, etc.

    Accommodation

    • Accommodation is an important expenditure of your trip. When you choose a luxury trip for example, the accommodation can represent three quarters of the price. Thus, your choice of hotels is closely related to your budget.
    • Tonkin-Travel has negotiated rates with a wide range of hotels from 2 to 5 stars.
    • In some places you will have the option to choose ‘home-stay’. Although this provides less comfort that a hotel it is a truly authentic experience and highly recommended for at least one night of your journey.

    Transport

    All transfers during your trip are covered by private vehicle with driver, unless otherwise indicated in our offer. We ensure that our vehicles are new and comfortable. Fuel, tolls, accommodation, compensation and the driver are included in our offer. Only gratuities are not included and are at your discretion.

    The size of the selected vehicle is based on the number of tour participants according to the following quality standards:

    No. of participants

    2 pax

    3 pax

    From 4 to 7 pax

    From 8 to 14 pax

    From 15 to 20 pax

    Vehicle size

    Car 4-7 seats

    Car 7 or minivan 
    16 seats

    Minivan 16 seats

    Bus 24 seats

    Bus 35 or 45 seats

    Domestic flights

    If your trip includes domestic flights if any, they will be operated by Vietnam Airlines, the largest airline in Vietnam. The fleet consists mainly of Airbus and Boeing. On some short trips, the company operates 72 ATR and some Fokker.

    Rail transport

    Train travel can be offered (particularly between Hanoi-Lao Cai and Hanoi-Hue). Travelling at a speed of 60km/h on average it is not necessarily the fastest but an interesting experience nonetheless.

  • This form allows us to establish a tour proposal suitable for your needs. It is free and without obligation

      (*) : Required fields

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      Regarding meals, you want the agency to offer you:

      Your message (Ex: The desired steps and activities, what you like, what you do not,
      the health condition of the participants, your questions on this trip...)

    • This form allows us to establish a tour proposal suitable for your needs. It is free and without obligation

        (*) : Required fields

        Have you already booked the flight?
        Which country would you like to discover? *
        What type of accommodation do you want?
        Regarding meals, you want the agency to offer you:
        Describe your trip
        These ideas are a guide for creating a trip suitable for your needs and expectations
        • Your desire to travel (culture, adventure, beach extension, local meetings, nature, etc.)
        • The desired pace of your trip (moderate, free and easy, etc.)
        • Your knowledge of the country. Your interests
        • The opportunity of your trip (vacation, wedding anniversary, cultural group, etc.)
        • Remarks (Room types, diet, special requests, etc.)

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