Temples Mountains & Sea in Siem Reap, Kep & Sihanoukville

DAYS 3 & 4 Siem Reap

Included in the itinerary- Boat trip on Tonle Sap with an expert guide. As the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia, it contributes to the natural regulation of the Mekong River. Your trip takes you to the village of Kampong Phluk. Houses are built on tall stilts, with water levels reaching several feet. This life on stilts, where everything depends on the river, feels like a different world. The lake provides fishermen with plenty of fish. The temple is also home to diverse birdlife, including the Spot-billed pelican, Oriental darter, and Bengal florican. In the afternoon, visit the three temples at Roluos, one of the first capitals of the Khmer Empire, founded in the eigth century. Here you'll find Preah Ko (ninth century), the very first temple built in the Angkor area, which is dedicated to Shiva. Its name, which means 'sacred bull', refers to Shiva's bull, Nandi. Nearby Bakong was the first of the Khmer's large mountain temples (made of sandstone). The third temple in the group, Prasat Lolei is the furthest north and the youngest, having been built in 893 by King Yasovarman I to honour his ancestors.

DAY 5 Siem Reap - Preah Vihear

Included in the itinerary- Koh Ker, the ancient capital of Jayavarman IV (first half of the 10th century). The site, which is dominated by a large pyramid-shaped temple, has provided a great deal for the exhibitions of the Phnom Penh National Museum. Today, it rests peacefully under a layer of vegetation; And is very rarely visited. The Preah Khan Temple (12th century) is dedicated to Grand King Jayavarman VII's father. 62 Garudas (legendary bird-like creatures made of sandstone) protect the surroundings. On the Cambodian side of the Dangrek Mountains is Preah Vihear, an imposing, UNESCO protected, Hindu imperial building. The artistry throughout the Angkor complex is astonishing, for instance 'The churning of the Ocean of Milk', a legend of immortality carved on the south face of the second gopura (elaborately decorated entrance tower) is a perfect work of art.
Stay overnight in a neo-Khmer hotel in Preah Vihear - there aren't really any luxury hotels in this area but your accommodation will be clean and comfortable, with great service.

DAY 6 Preah Vihear - Siem Reap

Return to Siem Reap. Take advantage of the rest of your time in Cambodia with some shopping: spices, tiger balm, oils, silk, lacquer, ceramics, the list goes on. We also recommend touring the night markets and local street food market. The dishes made at the table and on a brazier are astonishingly well-balanced and delicious. From meat, fish and shellfish to vegetables and fruits, all regional produce is transformed into dishes right before the customers' eyes. Besides, Cambodians are big consumers of insects; from beetles to tarantulas, give entomophagy a try! Overnight stay at Polanka House.

DAY 7 Siem Reap - Sihanoukville - Kep

Transfer to the airport and flight to Sihanoukville. Transfer to Kep. Three-night stay on the banks of the Gulf of Siam. The hotel is composed of four houses, three of which were built in the early 60s by acclaimed Cambodian architect, Vann Molyvann. The hotel has since been renovated to a modern style, with Japanese wabi sabi influences - finding beauty in the imperfect and eclectic. Your room has views of the open sea, as well as a bathroom, living room and terrace. The hotel also has an Infinity swimming pool and organic spa, and guests can enjoy yoga sessions in the garden.

DAY 8 Kep

Once a summer seaside escape for the French colonial elite (Kep-sur-Mer), Kep suffered greatly under the Khmer Rouge regime, but is now returning to its former carefree glory. Make sure to try the local delicacy of blue crabs seasoned with Kampot green pepper in the small restaurants that line the waterfront, and at the famous market. Much of Kep's historic architecture was destroyed during the Khmer Rouge regime but the wave of New Khmer Architecture in the 1950s and 1960s is one of the city's great charms. Head to Koh Tonsay (Rabbit Island) for a sunset swim - the crowds will have disappeared by then so you can enjoy the water and scenery in relative peace. A visit to a pepper plantation enlightens you about a spice that people don't usually know much about beyond the mill. Fruit trees are also cultivated in the area: durian, rambutan, mango etc. and Kep National Park offers hikers about six miles of marked trails through the jungle. As you travel through the National Park, you will frequently spot local fauna like crab monkeys, and be sure to stop off at various viewing points which afford beautiful views of the surrounding landscape.
Optional - Kampot Tour.

DAY 9

DAYS 10 & 11 Kep - Phnom Penh

Transfer to Phnom Penh. Two-night stay in a hotel in the centre (a stone's throw from the Independence Monument and Street 278), full of simple elegance in its large fragrant garden. The rooms are spacious and bright. In the restaurant, which opens out onto the pool, you can enjoy fresh products from the market which are beautifully prepared by a young chef.
Included in the itinerary- Architectural walk. Despite the damage of the recent past, the capital has a rich architectural heritage. Going by rickshaw from one building to another reveals not only traditional or colonial architecture, but also that of the Sangkum period (Chaktomouk Hall, Vann Molyvann, 1961) and spectacular contemporary achievements (Vattanac Capital Tower, TFP Farrells, 2012-2014).

DAYS 12 & 13 Phnom Penh - Return flight

Transfer to the airport and return flight.