Day 1: Arrival in Phnom Penh
Welcome to Cambodia! On arrival in Phnom Penh, a transfer will take you to your hotel. Enjoy some free time to unwind until your tour briefing and a welcome drink with your fellow travellers.
Explore Phnom Penh with Cyclo (Bicycle Rickshaw), a chaotic, energetic and always fascinating city. Start our tour at Wat Phnom, the birthplace of the capital. Then, visit to the Royal Palace, the residence of King Norodom Sihamoni, the Silver Pagoda, and the National Museum, which contains a comprehensive collection of Khmer art. Then, visit of Phnom Penh’s great markets, the Central Market, a labyrinth of stalls selling everything from CDs and DVDs to silks, crafts, jewelry and more.
In the afternoon by private vehicle, visit Sleng Museum, formerly a High School which became the interrogation and torture facility for the Khmer Rouge regime.
Meals included:
Breakfast
Lunch
Insider Experiences:
Cyclo tour of Phnom Penh
Visit of the Sleng Museum
Day 3: Phnom Penh to Kampng Thom
Sit back and relax as we drive to Kampong Thom in the morning. The first stop will be the infamous Spider Market in Skun. Later, embark on a journey to Sambor Preikuk Heritage Site. Sambor Prei Kuk (Isanapura) is the former capital of the pre-Angkorian Empire of Chenla. The temple is about 30 km away from the town and accessible only via a rocky road. They constitute the most impressive group of monuments in Cambodia.
Meals included:
Breakfast
Lunch
Insider Ecperiences:
Visit of the Spider Market in Skun
Excursion to Sambor Preikuk Heritage Site
Day 4: Kampong Thom to Siem Reap
This morning, embark on a drive to Naga Bridge in Kampong Thom. Continuing our journey to Siem Reap, we will stop to visit Kampong Kleang Floating village, situated about 55 km from Siem Reap. The village is on Tonle Sap, the largest freshwater lake in South East Asia. Take a boat trip to explore the fishing village and get an understanding of the unique life on the water. Enjoy the views of the lake and the surroundings. Lunch will be served at a local Cambodian restaurant before continuing on to Siem Reap.
Meals included:
Breakfast
Lunch
Insider Experiences:
Visit of the Naga Bridge in Kampong Thom
Visit of Kampong Kleang floating village
Today we start at pre-dawn to witness the breathtaking view of Sunrise Over Angkor Wat temple. After sunrise visit the bas-relief and central complex of Angkor in the quiet early morning. Continue to the Southern Gate of Angkor Thom ‘Great City’. This will include many of the finest Temples of King Jayavarman VII, who ruled from 1181 to 1220. Marvel at the imposing 23m (75-foot) high stone faces of Avalokiteshvara, featured in the Tomb Raider movie. At the centre of this citadel lies the state temple of Bayon, built at the end of the 12th century and adorned with hundreds of gigantic stone faces. The tour also includes the Terrace of Elephants, the Terrace of the Leper King and later in the day you will discover the most famous temples from the 11th century: Baphuon, Phimeanakas. Continue the day by visiting Ta Prohm, known for the massive trees with thick roots that entangle the walls. Today’s tour ends with the exploration the magnificent Angkor Wat, built under Suryavarman II.
Meals included:
Breakfast
Insider Ecperiences:
Unique – Sunrise over Angkor Wat temples
Guided tour of Angkor complex
Start your day with a visit to the local market at Domdek before continuing your journey to Beng Mealea temple. Beong Mealea is built from perfectly-squared sandstone blocks, still partly buried under vegetation. The temple’s outstanding decoration dates back to the first half of the 12th century, featuring pediments sculpted with narrative scenes from the Ramayana. While Hindu iconographic themes are prevalent, Boeng Mealea is primarily a Buddhist sanctuary, similar to Banteay Samre. Confirming this is the magnificent statue of the Bodhisattva Lokeshvara discovered within the monument, now housed at the Angkor Conservancy. Enjoy some lunch at a local restaurant before continuing to Banteay Srei temple. Stop and visit the Landmine Museum, established in 1997. See defused and safe landmines up close, learn about their workings and how you can contribute to the ongoing efforts of clearing these weapons worldwide.
On the return journey, visit a local village to see the sugar palm production and Banteay Samrea temple. In the evening step back in time as Dancers, Singers and Musicians will bring Khmer ancient culture back in a spectacular performance while you enjoy one of the finest cuisine in town.
Meals included:
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Insider Experiences:
Visit of a local market at Domdek
Excursion to Beong Mealea temple
Excursion to Banteay Srei temple
Social – Visit of the Land Mine Museum
Visit of a sugar palm production
Excursion to Banteay Samrea temple
Arts & Craft – Apsara dance performances
It’s time to say goodbye, but think of all the wonderful stories you will take home. A transfer will take you to the airport for your onward travel.
Meals included:
Breakfast