Expedition to the South

Day 1: Arrival in

Commence your tour this morning with a journey south of Phnom Penh to Tonle Bati, a small lake with a beach and two impressive Angkorian laterite temples from the late 12th century, and Yeay Peau. Explore the jungle-clad and atmospheric Ta Prohm, a temple built by King Jayavarman VII (who ruled from 1181 to 1201). Visit , a temple perched atop a hill and constructed of laterite and brick with carved lintels of sandstone. The inscriptions found here date back to the 11th century and the wooden doors to the sanctuary are decorated with intricate carvings. Continue to Borei, a 6th century monument built in laterite by King Rudravarman of Funan. His patron deity was Vishnu and many Hindu statues survive from this site. It is one of the few remaining sites with traces of the Kingdom of Funan (a kingdom influenced by India and thought to have spread as far as southern Burma and Indonesia). Next, head to a hill south of Angkor Borei, Phnom Da, which houses four artificial caves, built as shrines. At the completion of this visit you will be returned to your hotel for the evening at leisure.

Day 2: Kep / Includes Breakfast

Enjoy an early breakfast at your hotel this morning and depart for Kampot province. There are varieties of caves around Kampot, which is worth exploring and limestone mountains (phnom) dot the landscape between Kampot and Kep. Many contain limestone caves, some adorned with exotic rock formations, and almost all containing Buddhist shines. The caves of Phnom Ta aun are part of a limestone formation with a narrow cave, chimney and passages with rock formation. More interesting are the caves at Phnom Sia. One cave contains a supposedly elephant shaped rock formation that is treated as a shrine. Kampong Trach is the district that borders and the road trip from Kampot to the main town passes though a picturesque rural setting. The town of Kampong Trach itself is not so attractive but the reason to come here is to visit pepper plantations (orchards) where pepper trees start bearing fruits and to explore the series of limestone caves carved into the side of the mountain and adorned with pagodas and shrines. The Kampong Trach Mountain has a perimeter of around 4000 metres and varies in height between 150 to 200 meters, with vines and trees clinging to life amongst the cracks in the rocks. At the base of the mountain, numerous caves can be found while just in front of the main cave is the famous Kiri Seila pagoda. In the late afternoon return to Kep for the evening at leisure.

Day 3: Kep / Includes Breakfast

This morning after breakfast meet your guide and depart for Koh Tonsay that is a lovely little island that sits off the coastline. This island is located about half an hour by boat from Kep, and has several pleasant beaches and a small community of fishing families. The sea here is shallow and has a long gradual slope, making Koh Tonsay excellent for walking and swimming.

Day 4: Kampong Som / Includes Breakfast

This morning leave Kep behind and continue to Kampong Som. On route visit the Prey Nup Mangrove Ecosystem that offers a unique look at a delicate and endangered ecosystem. The area hosts excellent bird watching opportunities including Painted and Milky Storks, Kingfishers, Kites and Egrets. Guided eco-tours of the forest are available by kayak and from an observation station. In mid afternoon arrive at your hotel and enjoy the remainder of the day at your leisure.

Day 5: Kampong Som / Includes Breakfast

Today is a day at leisure

Day 6: Kampong Som / Includes Breakfast

Today is a day at leisure

Day 7: Kampong Som / Includes Breakfast

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel this morning before checking out and meeting your driver who will provide the transfers back to Phnom Penh.

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