Classic Cambodia: Siem Reap, Phnom Penh & Kep

Borei Angkor Resort & Spa is well situated in the centre of Siem Reap, the town which is close to the Angkor Wat sites. It is only a 15 minute drive to the nearest site. Although not a large hotel, it is an attractive establishment located in a tropical garden. The hotel has an outdoor swimming pool, Jacuzzi, bar and lounge, coffee shop and restaurant.

You will start with a visit to Ta Prohm, a temple left largely in its natural state. Surrounded by jungle, its labyrinth of stone hallways is overgrown with the roots and limbs of massive banyan trees, which envelop the stone like tentacles. It is one of the largest temples at Angkor, dedicated in 1186.

You will continue to Preah Khan, "The Sacred Sword", an extensive monastic complex covering over 56 hectares and built by the Khmer King Jayavarman VII as a monastery and teaching centre. It is one of a group of temple complexes situated on a small 'Baray' or water reservoir, including the temples of Neak Pean and the monastic complex of Ta Som. Together these structures constitute one of Angkor's major axial arrangements and hydrological complexes. Preah Khan was the site of the World Monuments Fund 'prime' Asian project, a painstaking renovation that maintains its mysterious allure and superb original structure.

After lunch at a local restaurant, you will go to Ton Le Sap Lake, the largest fresh water lake in South East Asia and the lifeblood of the Cambodian fishing industry. The Mekong River, from as a far away as Phnom Penh, reverses the direction of the Ton Le Sap river to bring an overflow of water and silt to support both rice growing and breeding fish of many sizes and varieties. Hopping on board a small shaded vessel and moving between the floating homes and small fish farms will allow you to intimately experience daily lake life.

This afternoon, you will visit to Angkor Wat, the largest temple in the world, with a volume of stone equalling that of the Cheops pyramid in Egypt. It is unlike all the other Khmer temples in that it faces west, and is inspired by 12th Century Hinduism. Conceived by Suryavarman II, Angkor Wat took an estimated 30 years to build. It is generally believed to have been a funeral temple for the king. Intricate bas reliefs surround Angkor Wat on four sides. Each tells a story. The most celebrated of these is the Churning of the Ocean of Milk, which is located on the east wing. In it the Naga serpent, is twisted by demons and gods to spurt out the elixir of life. Enjoy the sunset after your tour.

This morning you will depart from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh by National Road No. 6. Stands of tree line the road just south of town and then into the countryside, passing over and alongside ancient laterite bridges. You'll traverse over the bridge of Kompong Kdei, built by King Surjavarman who was also noted for building Angkor temple in the 12th century. After that, you will continue to visit Sambor Prei Kuk with temples dating back to the beginning of the 7th century. Continue to Phnom Penh. Upon arrival, you will be driven to your hotel to check in.

Only an hour plane ride from Bangkok, Phnom Penh is established at four intersections of rivers Mekong, Tonle Sap and Tonle Basac. Amanjaya Phnom Penh offers travellers a perfect place, only a 30 minute drive from Phnom Penh International Airport.You will find the natural tones of the rooms inviting. From this hotel you can stroll and explore the lively local scene in Phnom Penh as it is walking distance to the ever famous Royal Palace and National Museum.

This morning, you will visit the Royal Palace, which was built in 1866 by King Norodom. The Palace is actually a number of structures within a pagoda-style compound. Silver Pagoda located within the Royal Palace compound, the Silver Pagoda is so names because of its floor, which is made up of 5,000 silver tiles. The treasures are a solid gold Buddha encrusted with 9, 584 diamonds and weighing 90kilos and a small 17th century emerald and baccarat crystal Buddha. Next visit the National Museum, which houses Khmer art especially sculptures, from different periods of Cambodian history, 19th century dance costumes, royal barges and palanquins. Shopping at Russian Market.

This afternoon, you will visit the Toul Sleng Genocide Museum, a former high school. In the Pol Pot time they took this school as a prison for detentions and torture of prisoners. After interrogation the prisoners were transferred to Cheung Ek, to be killed. Then continue to visit Cheung Ek, a profoundly moving but depressing experience. During the Khmer Rouge years, thousands of Cambodians were tortured and imprisoned in Toul Sleng. They were then moved to the extermination camps at Choeng Ek where they were bludgeoned to death. They were buried in mass graves and today over 8,000 skulls are displayed behind the glass of a memorial stupa, erected in 1988 to honor those who died.

Depart from Phnom Penh to Kep by overland. Along the way to Kep, you will enjoy the beautiful landscape of countryside, the Khmer local house and life-style. Upon arrival in Kep, transfer direct to your hotel for check in.

Comfort in a naturally beautiful retreat. Considered one of the premier resorts in Kep, Veranda Natural Resort, Accommodation in Kep, consists of over 40 rooms, suites, bungalows and villas with natural interior décors within a naturally beautiful environment. Each of the rooms combines traditional, indigenous and artistic architectural designs with the kind of comfort sought by modern guests. While every room has been uniformly designed to create an aura of peace and imagination, each has been accentuated by unique creations and style, making each room one of a kind and personalized to suit the individual needs of our guests.

Today is totally free and at leisure. You can take advantage of any optional activities available or simply relax.

Today is totally free and at leisure. You can take advantage of any optional activities available or simply relax.