Day 1
Siem Reap Arrival, Kampong Pluk, Artisans d’Angkor, Old Market
Upon arrival on your flight, you will be met by your guide at the airport. Proceed to hotel for check-in.
Please note that hotel check in time is from 1400. Early check in is subject to hotel availability and with extra fee.
Short freshen up and prepare for the first destination.
Take the private boat and reach to Kampong Pluk, it’s about 20 Km locates on the Southeast of Siem Reap Town.
Over 3000 inhabitants are real Khmers, their households made of wood and bamboo built on stilts of about 6m to 7m high. During dry season when the lake is low and lack of water those buildings look like the skyscrapers. At this time of the year many of villagers move out onto the lake and build a provisional stilted house. In wet season while the water level rises up again, the dwellers move back to their permanent houses on the flood plain, the stilts now hidden under the water. People made a living by catching fishes produce as well as smelly fish paste, fermented fish, smoked fish, dried fish, dried prawn etc.
Upon arrival this village we will explore the above activities and we can have a chat with children at private English class, then stop at Buddhist Island to see Buddha paintings.
In the afternoon, visit Artisans d’Angkor. Artisans d’Angkor was established in 1992 in order to support Cambodian arts and crafts, and to help young people find work in their local villages by continuing the practice of traditional arts. Among the workshops available for visit are wood and stone carving, wood and stone lacquering, gilding, and silk processing.
After that, explore Psah Chas (Old Market) also commonly spelt as Phsar Chas, Psar Chas or Psar Chaa, is a market in the city of Siem Reap in northern Cambodia. Not to be confused with the similarly named Psah Chas in Phnom Penh that is geared toward locals, this open-air market in the south of the city caters to locals and tourists alike. The market is popular with tourists in the city and sells souvenirs, including T-shirts, silverware, silk, wood and stone carvings, Buddhas, and other items. It is also known for its variety of Cambodian cuisine, and has a number of food stalls which sell a variety of rices, dried fish and pork sausages, vegetables and fruits, and a Cambodian specialty Prahok, a type of fermented fish paste. Some stalls sell baguettes and spiced frogs, which is believed to be a relic of French colonialism in the area. Other stalls cook up various Khmer soups and red chili slices and peanuts.
Day 2
Siem Reap, Angkor Wat Sunrise, Angkor Temple Tour
Your tour guide will pick you up in your hotel, tour guide arranges and remind hotel for the breakfast in box. Proceed to Angkor Wat for the sunrise, experience the break of day as the sun rises from behind the temple’s five towers in a spectacle of red and golden hues. Your tour guide will explain the meaning of the sun in relation to the temple’s architecture.
Breakfast in box in Srah Srang, meaning “Royal Bath” is a baray or reservoir at Angkor, located south of the East Baray and east of Banteay Kdei. It is a popular site for viewing the sunrise. It is cruciform, flanked by nāga balustrades which end with the upright head of a serpent, mounted by a garuda with its wings unfurled. The steps that lead down to the water are flanked by two guardian lions.
Then you will visit the famous Angkor Wat. Built during the reign of King Suryavarman II in the early 12th century, it is constructed following the model of the temple mountain symbolizing the Mount Meru, home of the gods. Inside the temple, the walls are covered with stone carvings and bas-reliefs depicting Hindu mythology and the wars Suryavarman II fought during his reign. Moreover, Angkor Wat is well known for the more than 2,000 Apsara dancers decorating the temple. Construction is thought to have taken around thirty years of intensive labor. Today, Angkor Wat is figured on Cambodia’s national flag as the temple symbolizes the soul of the Khmer people.
Visit the ancient city of Angkor Thom. A short stop at South Gate. Angkor Thom was the last capital of the Great Khmer Empire under the reign of Jayavarman VII. This city is surrounded by an 8 m high wall, drawing a perfect square. Enter the city through the ancient South Gate, an impressive stone gate carved with Elephants and four giant faces. On each side of the entrance path a row of 54 gods or demons is holding the sacred Naga snake.
From here, continue to Bayon Temple in the exact center of the city. This 12th century masterpiece is a study in grandeur and is well-known for its 54 towers with enigmatic faces representing the 54 provinces of the Great Khmer Empire. Baphuon Temple, Phimean Akas Temple, Elephants Terrace & Leper King Terrace, Royal Palace, Woman and Man Pond) are also must-visits as they are both known for their intricate bas-reliefs.
In the afternoon, proceed to visit Ta-Prom Temple ~ built in the Bayon style largely in the late 12th and early 13th centuries. It has been left in much the same condition in which it was found: the photogenic and atmospheric combination massive fig and silk cotton trees grow from the towers and corridors, offering some of the best ‘tree-in temple’.
Preah Khan or “Royal Sword”, built in 12th century for King Jayavarman VII to honor his father. It was the center of a substantial organization, with almost 100,000 officials and servants. The temple is flat in design, with a basic plan of successive rectangular galleries around a Buddhist sanctuary complicated by Hindu satellite temples and numerous later additions. It has been left largely unrestored, with numerous trees and other vegetation growing among the ruins.
Neak Pean “the entwined serpents” an artificial island with a Hindu temple on a circular island in Jayatataka Baray. Some historians believe that Neak Pean represents Anavatapta. a mythical lake in the Himalayas whose waters are thought to cure all illness.
Eastern Mebon, a 10th century temple, built during the reign of King Rajendravarman, it stands on what was an artificial island at the center of the now dry East Baray reservoir. The temple is dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva and honors the parents of the king. The sculpture is varied and exceptional, including two-meter-high free-standing stone elephants at corners of the first and second tiers. Religious scenes include the god Indra atop his three-headed elephant Airavata, and Shiva on his mount, the sacred bull Nandi.
Pre Rup, a Hindu temple built as the state temple of Khmer king Rajendravarman and dedicated in 961 or early 962. It is a temple mountain of combined brick, laterite and sandstone construction. The temple’s name is a comparatively modern one meaning “turn the body”. This reflects the common belief among Cambodians that funerals were conducted at the temple, with the ashes of the body being ritually rotated in different directions as the service progressed.
Note: During the visit of the Bakan Tower of Angkor Wat Temple Visitors are required to wear proper attire, covering shoulders and knees (no short, miniskirt or short trousers). Children under twelve years old are not allowed to climb up this tower. It will be closed on the Buddhist Sabath Days, the Buddhist religious days (four days a month).
Day 3
Siem Reap Departure, Naga Bridge, Kampong Thom (Sambor Prei Kuk and Prasat Andet Temple, Phnom Penh, Independence Monument, King’s Father Statue)
After breakfast, prepare for check out and meet your guide and car at the lobby. Get ready for your land travel to the capital city of Cambodia, Phnom Penh, located at the east of Angkor temple and along the way to Phnom Penh there are many attractions site that we will visit. First, the Naga bridge built in 12 th century, it is still well preserved.
Continue to the largest stone carving village in the center of Cambodia, Kampong Thom province.
Lunch on local restaurant, then proceed to Prasat Andet, an ancient 7th century brick temple located on the grounds of a contemporary monastery and pagoda atop a large and high mound which is surrounded by a moat. Several statues here including a Harihara statue.
Next, Sambor Prei Kuk, archaeological site of Ancient Ishanapura, “the temple in the lush forest” capital of the Chenla Empire that flourished over much of Southeast Asia in the late 6th and early 7th centuries AD. The buildings of Sambor Prei Kuk are characteristic of the pre-Angkorean period with a simple external plan. The principal material is brick, but sandstone is also used for certain structures. Architectural features include numerous prasats, octagonal towers, shiva lingams and yonis, ponds and reservoirs, and lion sculptures. Sambor Prei Kuk is located amidst mature sub-tropical forests with limited undergrowth. It is divided into three main groups, Prasat Sambor, Prasat Yeah Puon and Prasat Boraim. Each group has a square layout surrounded by a brick wall. The structures of the overall archaeological area were constructed at variable times: the southern and north groups (7th century) by Isanavarman I, who is considered a possible founder of the city and the central group.
Upon arrival in Phnom Penh, straight to your hotel for check in and take a short rest, your guide will pick you up for dinner. Before the dinner take as short tour at Independence Monument, King’s Father statue.
The Independence Monument, also known as “Vimean Ekareach,” is a beautiful landmark in the heart of Phnom Penh that commemorates Cambodia’s independence from French rule.
The monument was built in 1958 and features a mix of traditional Khmer and modern architecture, with a central tower that’s surrounded by lotus petals and five smaller towers that represent the five towers of Angkor Wat.
The monument is illuminated with colored lights at night, making it a popular place for visitors to take photographs and enjoy the views of the city.
the King’s Father Statue, also known as the “Monument to Preah Norodom Sihanouk,” is a beautiful bronze statue located in the heart of Phnom Penh. The statue was built in 2004 to commemorate King Norodom Sihanouk, who was the former king of Cambodia and is considered the “Father of the Nation” for his efforts to secure independence from French rule and his advocacy for peace and development in Cambodia.
Day 4
Phnom Penh, Killing Fields, Toul Sleng Genocide Museum, Royal Palace, Sunset Boat Cruise
Breakfast in the hotel. Your guide will pick you up at 8am and brief you about the whole day tour. Then go to the Independent Monument where you can stop to capture some photos, this monument was built in 1958 to memorialized Cambodia’s independence from France in 1953. It is in the form of a lotus-shaped stupa, of the style seen at the temple at Banteay Srei and other Khmer historical sites.
Choeung Ek known as the Killing fields is the site of a former orchard and mass graves of victim of the Khmer rouge, killed between 1975 and 1979 about 17 kilometers south of Phnom Penh city. This grave containing 8, 895 bodies were discovered after the fall of the Khmer Rouge. Today, Choeung Ek is a memorial marked by a Buddhist stupa, this stupa has acrylic glass sides and is filled with over 5,000 human skulls.
Toul Sleng meaning “Hill of the Poisonous Tree” is a museum describes the Cambodian Genocide. This site is a former secondary school which was used as Security Prison 21 (S-21) by the Khmer rouge regime from 1975 until its fall in 1979. Estimated 20,000 people were imprisoned at Toul Sleng, the buildings were enclosed in electrified barbed wire, the classroom converted into tiny prison and torture chambers and all windows were covered with iron bars and barbed wire to prevent escapes and suicides. At any one time, the prison held between 1, 000 and 1,500 prisoners. They were repeatedly tortured and coerced into naming family members and close associates, who were in turn arrested, tortured and killed.
Today, the buildings at Toul Sleng are preserve, with some rooms still appearing just as they were when the Khmer Rouge were driven out in 1979. The regime kept extensive records, including thousands of photographs.
The Royal palace was constructed between 1866 and 1870, after King Norodom relocated the royal capital from Oudong to Phnom Penh. The complex is divided by walls into four main compounds, the Silver Pagoda, the Khemarin Palace, the Throne Hall and the Inner court.
Sunset Boat Cruise. Evening, we head to Phnom Penh’s Riverside where get on board with a welcome cocktail while the boat cruise is slowly gliding along Mekong & Tonle Sap, watch the sunset fading at horizon, immerse yourself with golden color of Phnom Penh skyline. Disembark around 6.20pm and return hotel.
Day 5
Phnom Penh Departure, Bound to Chiang Mai
Upon arrival, meet and greet with your tour guide at the airport. Proceed to hotel for check in.
Please note that hotel check in time is from 1400. Early check in is subject to hotel availability and with extra fee. We also recommend to take early flight for best tour timing.
The rest of the day is free at leisure and enjoy hotel facilities or take a short city tour. Make sure you have enough rest for the next day early tour. Your guide will arrange to your hotel for a breakfast in box.
Day 6
Chiang Mai, Temple Tour, Kanta Elephant Sanctuary
Meet your guide at the hotel lobby and get ready for a 3hours ride for your first day tour. You can have your breakfast in the car while travelling.
Kanta Elephant Sanctuary is a great place to visit if you’re interested in learning about and interacting with elephants in a responsible and ethical way. The sanctuary is located in the Mae Taeng district of Chiang Mai province. The sanctuary offers a range of activities for visitors, including elephant-watching, elephant-bathing, and elephant feeding experiences. The elephants at the sanctuary are well-cared for and are not required to perform tricks or carry riders on their backs, which makes it a more humane and respectful way to interact with these amazing animals.
Then return to Chiangmai.
Visit Wat Chedi Luang is definitely a must-see when visiting Chiang Mai. A famous temple in the city of Chiang Mai. The temple was built in the 14th century and is known for its large and iconic chedi (stupa) that was damaged by an earthquake in 1545.
Wat Phra Singh is another stunning temple in Chiang Mai that’s famous for its history, beauty, and religious significance. The temple was built in the 14th century and is considered one of the most important temples in the city. The temple is known for its beautiful Lanna architecture and intricate carvings, as well as its impressive golden Buddha statue, which is one of the most sacred in Thailand.
Wat Chiang Man is the oldest temple in Chiang Mai, having been built in the late 13th century. It’s famous for its historical significance and its beautiful architecture,
which features a mix of Lanna and Burmese styles. The temple is home to several important artifacts and relics, including the Phra Sing Buddha statue, which is believed to have been carried by the founder of Chiang Mai, King Mangrai, during his conquest of the region.
Wat Umong, there’s so much to explore at Wat Umong! The temple complex is quite large and includes several different areas, each with its own unique character and
attractions. One popular area is the “Tunnel of Veneration,” which is a long, narrow tunnel that’s filled with hundreds of Buddha statues and carvings. Visitors can walk through the tunnel, lighting incense and praying to the statues as they go.
Overnight at Chiang Mai (CNX)
Day 7
Chiang Mai, Doi Ithanon National Park
After breakfast, meet your guide at the hotel lobby. Proceed to the 1st destination for days tour.
1st stop Doi Inthanon National Park. This stunning national park in Chiang Mai province is named after Thailand’s tallest mountain, Doi Inthanon, and its home to a diverse range of flora and fauna. The park is famous for its rolling hills, scenic viewpoints, and waterfalls, including the impressive Wachirathan Waterfall and the Mae Klang Waterfall. Visitors to the park can also explore the Karen and Hmong hill tribes that live in the area and learn about their traditional way of life.
Overnight at Chiang Mai
Day 8
Chiang Rai Day tour, Mae Ka Chan Hot Spring, Wat Rongkhun, Wat Rong Sue Tent, Wat Sang Kaew Phothiyan, Wat Huay Pla Kang
After early breakfast, meet your guide at the hotel lobby and get ready for the whole day tour.
Full day visit the highlight temples and museum at Chiangrai (from the hotel in Chiang Mai) This tour will take you to the city of Chiang Rai, the elder sister of Chiang Mai, founded in 1262 by King Mengrai.
The program will begin to Chiang Rai , Mae Ka Chan Hot Spring. Visit the beautiful White Temple, also known as Wat Rongkhun, built by Mr. Chalermchai, the famous Buddhist artist.
Visit Blue temple or “Wat Rong Sue Tent”, The temple is a fascinating fusion of traditional Buddhist values and classic Thai architecture with extremely contemporary design choices. This modernism makes sense.
Visit Wat Sang Kaew Phothiyan, a relatively new temple complex bursting with color and detail. There’s so much going on with the golden dragons, elephant-head Nagas and statues of monks and Ganesha. With a beautiful garden and Scenery.
Wat Huay Pla kang, One of the main attractions once inside the temple is a huge, magnificently carved wooden statue of Guan-Im Bhodisatva, which is a Chinese goddess of mercy and compassion. Then transfer back to Chiang Mai and send to hotel.
Overnight at Chiang Mai
Day 9
Chiang Mai Departure, to Sukhothai, Wat Chaloem Phrakiat Worawihan, Wat Phra That Lampang Luang
After breakfast, prepare for check out and meet your guide at the hotel lobby prepare for your travel to Sukhothai. Sukhothai was a powerful kingdom in the 13th and 14th centuries, and it played a significant role in the development of Thai art, architecture, and culture. The kingdom was founded in 1238 by King Ramkhamhaeng, and it flourished for over 200 years before it was absorbed by the neighboring kingdom of Ayutthaya. The Sukhothai kingdom is famous for its beautiful temples and monuments, which are now protected as part of the Sukhothai Historical Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Drive two hours to Lampang province. Take a trip up to the site of Wat Chaloem Phrakiat Worawihan and marvel at the beautiful pagodas of this temple on the top of the hill. Enjoy picturesque views over the province.
Visit Wat Phra That Lampang Luang, an ancient Buddhist compound with one of the most beautiful wooden Lanna temples in Thailand. Spend some time inside the temple and see what is thought to be a relic of the Buddha. Then continue to Sukhothai.
Overnight at Sukhothai
Day 10
Sukhothai, Sukhothai National Park,Wat SaSi, Wat Tra Phang Ngoen, Wat Mahathat, Wat Sorasak, Wat Sisawai, Si Satchanalai, Wat Chang Lom, Wat Chedi Chet Thaeo, Wat Nang Phaya, Wat Khao Phanom Phloeng
After breakfast, get ready for your 1st destination and meet your guide at the hotel lobby.
Arrive at Sukhothai Historical Park, visit all major temples in central zone. Wat Sa Si, Wat Tra Phang Ngoen, Wat Mahathat, Wat Sorasak and Wat Si Sawai
Depart for Sawankaloke , visiting to street art and lunch.
After lunch continue to Si Satchanalai. Arrive at Si Satchanalai Unesco World Heritage Site.
Visit Central Zone (Wat Chang Lom, Wat Chedi Chet Thaeo, Wat Nang Phaya, Wat Khao Phanom Phloeng
etc.)
Overnight at Sukhothai
Day 11
Sukhothai Departure, to Bangkok
After breakfast, get ready for check out and prepare for a long ride to your next destination, Bangkok, capital of Thailand.
Upon arrival in Bangkok, proceed to your hotel for check in, the rest of the day is free at leisure. Enjoy the rest of the day.
Day 12
Bangkok, The Grand Palace, Jim Thimpson House, Khaosan Road, Chatuchak Market
Breakfast at the hotel, meet your guide at the hotel lobby and proceed to your city tour.
The Grand Palace in Bangkok is a stunning architectural wonder and one of the most popular tourist attractions in Thailand. It was the official residence of the Kings of Siam since 1782 and continues to be used for official events and royal ceremonies.
The palace complex is composed of several buildings and structures, including the Temple of the Emerald Buddha (Wat Phra Kaew), which houses the famous Emerald Buddha statue, the royal throne hall (Phra Maha Monthian), and the royal monastery (Wat Phra Si Rattana Satsadaram).
Jim Thompson is a name that’s synonymous with Thai silk. He was an American expatriate who settled in Bangkok in 1945 and became enamored with Thai culture and silk textiles. He started the Jim Thompson Thai Silk Company, which introduced Thai silk to the world and helped revitalize the silk industry in Thailand.
Thompson also became known for his distinctive Thai-style house in Bangkok, which is now a museum that showcases his art collection and gives visitors a glimpse into his life and passion for Thai culture. Tragically, Thompson disappeared while on a trip to Malaysia in 1967, and his disappearance remains a mystery to this day. he Jim Thompson House, also known as the Jim Thompson Museum, is a popular tourist attraction in Bangkok. It’s a complex of six traditional Thai houses that Thompson built in the 1950s, which were later restored and opened to the public after his mysterious disappearance. The houses are beautifully decorated with Thompson’s collection of Thai art and antiques, and they offer a glimpse into the traditional architecture and design of Thailand. The house also has a beautiful garden with tropical plants and a koi pond
Khaosan Road! This iconic street in Bangkok is a backpacker’s paradise, known for its lively atmosphere and budget-friendly accommodations, food, and entertainment.
Khaosan Road is located in the Banglamphu area, not far from the Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew. It’s lined with guesthouses, restaurants, bars, and shops that cater to tourists from all over the world, and it’s particularly popular with young backpackers looking for cheap rooms and a good time.
Chatuchak Market, also known as JJ Market or Weekend Market, is one of the largest markets in Thailand and a must-visit destination for shoppers and bargain hunters.
The market is located in the northern part of Bangkok and is open every weekend from 6 am to 6 pm. It’s a maze of more than 8000 stalls that sell everything from antiques and handicrafts to clothes, jewelry, home décor, food, and souvenirs. It’s a fascinating place to explore and get a taste of the hustle and bustle of Thai street life.
Day 13
Bangkok Departure
After breakfast, free at leisure and ready for hotel check out. Meet your guide at the lobby and transfer you to Suvarnabhumi Airport for Departure.
