If you are the kind of traveler who likes to get off the beaten track, this ruralCambodia adventure is for you. Battambang is famous for its French colonial architecture, fertile soil and the rubies and garnets mined in the province.
Route: Battambang – Wat Kor – Wat Phnom Banan
Day 1: Phnom Penh/Siem Reap – Battambang – Wat Kor Cultural Village
Day 2: Battambang – Wat Phnom Banan – Phnom Sampeau
Day 3: Battambang – Siem Reap/Phnom Penh
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Exclusions:
In the morning, drive to Battambang by private car. After lunch, enjoy a walking tour of Battambang which will include visits to some of the old French Colonial buildings along the river and a visit to the former Governor’s residence. Just two kilometers away from Battambang on the Sangker River is the village of Wat Kor. Here you will gain a fascinating insight into the Cambodian way of life in the province. Many of the structures in the town were constructed in the early 20th century.
Locals give the visitors a short tour of the village and explain some of the history and show them around a traditional Khmer home as the sun sets take a bamboo “train” ride through the countryside and watch the sunset over the rice paddies. An optional evening activity is offered on Thursday evenings only. You can assist in a circus show organized by the NGO Phare. The entertaining performance helps poor, handicapped children gain an education and improve their futures.
This morning depart Battambang for a visit to Wat Phnom Banan, an 11th century temple built by King Jarvarman VII. Located on top of a 400 metre high hill, the views from the temple are simply breathtaking. The next destination is Phnom.
Sampeau, which is a natural rock formation which contains a series of caves. The area was a former stronghold of the Khmer Rouge and some of the caves were used as “killing caves”. Your guide will be able to give you a history of the area.
Spend the morning exploring the Ek Phnom Temple, an 11th century Hindu temple built by Suryavarman I. It holds some beautiful carvings that have remained in remarkably good condition. After lunch you will return to Phnom Penh/Siem Reap.