VC08 Cambodia Discovery ( 3 days / 2 nights )

Battambang - Banteay Chhmar Temple

Day 1 Phnom Penh – Pursat – Battambang
Drive to Oudong Mountain, Cambodia’s former capital, to see royal tombs situated on the Royal Fortune Hill. Then proceed to Pursat Province where Klieng Moeung and the floating village of Kampong Leung display glimpses of authentic rural life. In the afternoon, resume your trip to Battambang Province. 
Overnight in Battambang. 

Day 2 Battambang – Sightseeing 
After breakfast, transfer to the Bamboo Train Station. The Bamboo train was set up by the villagers to facilitate the transportation of both goods and passengers. The train’s very basic technology is comprised of a platform on 4 wheels which is activated by a small motor. For your comfort, Vidotour provides some cushions for the 8km travel through beautiful landscapes and rice paddies to the next station. Leave the train and start your discovery of local country life by visiting a village. Stop at a workshop that specializes in wooden sculpture and afterwards visit a local NGO named “La Maison de Coco” and the downtown area populated with its beautiful houses dating from colonial time. On the weekdays, for groups with more than 10 participants, we offer a visit to Phare Ponleu Selpak instead of “La Maison de Coco.” This is a local NGO that gives circus, drawing and music classes to children from poor families. The visit is followed by a circus performance by the students. In the afternoon, you will visit the provincial museum before driving along the picturesque Sangker River to the 11th century Wat Ek Phnom. The day ends with a visit to Phnom Banon which boasts five hilltop sandstone towers and a magnificent view over the plains below. 
Overnight in Battambang. [Breakfast]

Day 3 Battambang – Banteay Chhmar – Siem Reap 
Drive northwest to Banteay Mean Chey Province (Sisophon) and Banteay Chhmar Temple, one of the capitals of Jayavarman II. It was rebuilt by Jayavarman VII in honour of his sons and four generals who were killed in a battle repelling a Cham invasion in 1177. The 11th century sandstone structure was also dedicated to God Avalokiteshvara and unfortunately suffered significant damages during repeated Thai invasions. Fortunately, many of its huge bas-reliefs, which are said to be comparable to those of Bayon and Angkor Wat, remain to this day. A picnic lunch will be arranged. Later in the day, you will visit Banteay Torp Temple before arriving in Siem Reap. 
[Breakfast, Lunch]