Cambodia monuments & beach

DAY 1: Phnom Penh Arrival – Sightseeing

Welcome to Phnom Penh, the vibrant capital of Cambodia!

Upon arrival at the airport, you’ll be greeted and transferred to your hotel for check-in (available from 14:00).

In the afternoon, embark on a sightseeing tour of Phnom Penh, starting with a visit to the Royal Palace, home to the Royal Residence, the Throne Hall, and the Silver Pagoda. The Silver Pagoda, more like a repository of cultural treasures, houses a 90-kilogram golden Buddha adorned with 2,086 diamonds and features a floor paved with silver tiles.

Next, visit Wat Phnom, one of Phnom Penh’s most important pagodas, built in 1373 on an artificial hill by the wealthy widow Penh, after whom the city is named.

Conclude your day with a scenic sunset cruise along the Tonle Sap and Mekong River, where you can witness Phnom Penh’s lively riverfront coming to life.

The evening is yours to explore the city at your leisure.

Summary of inclusions

• Private vehicle
• Sightseeing Phnom Penh
• Mekong sunset cruise
• Hotel in Phnom Penh

DAY 2: Phnom Penh Sightseeing – Siem Reap

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel.

This morning, we’ll visit the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, also known as S-21 Prison, a former secondary school that was converted into a prison by the Khmer Rouge during their brutal regime from 1975 until its fall in 1979. An estimated 20,000 people were imprisoned, tortured, and forced to confess to so-called “revolutionary crimes” before being sent to the Killing Fields of Choeung Ek, located 15 km south of Phnom Penh, where they were executed. We will visit Choeung Ek after Tuol Sleng. Although this excursion can be distressing, it is a crucial part of understanding the country’s history and culture.

Afterward, transfer to the airport for your flight to Siem Reap, the gateway to the wonders of Angkor. Later in the day, we’ll take a fun tuk-tuk ride around Siem Reap town, where you can observe everyday life and receive a blessing from Buddhist monks for safety, prosperity, and happiness on your journey.

The evening is free for you to relax at your leisure.

Summary of inclusions

• Private vehicle
• Internal flight
• Sightseeing Phnom Penh
• Breakfast
• Hotel in Siem Reap

DAY 3: Angkor Discovery

This morning, we will explore Angkor Thom, the final and most enduring capital of the Khmer Empire. Our visit includes the South Gate of Angkor Thom, the Bayon Temple with its 54 towers adorned with numerous serene and enigmatic Buddha faces, the Royal Enclosure, Phimeanakas, the Terrace of the Elephants, and the Terrace of the Leper King.

Next, we’ll head to the jungle-covered Ta Prohm Temple, famous for its appearance in the movie ‘Tomb Raider’ starring Angelina Jolie. This temple is enveloped by massive fig trees and giant creepers that intertwine with the temple’s stone foundations, creating a dramatic and picturesque scene where nature appears to reclaim human creations.

In the afternoon, we will delve into the grandeur of Angkor Wat, the world’s largest religious monument and a symbol of the Great Khmer Empire. Its five imposing towers represent the five sacred peaks of Mount Meru, the abode of Hindu gods. The temple is renowned for its intricate bas-reliefs of over 2,000 Apsara dancers. Construction of Angkor Wat is believed to have taken around thirty years of intensive labor, and the temple is featured on Cambodia’s national flag, representing the essence of the Khmer people.

As the sun sets, Angkor Wat becomes even more enchanting, with fewer visitors and the Apsaras bathed in the most beautiful light.

The evening is free for you to enjoy at your leisure.

Summary of inclusions

• Private vehicle
• Sightseeing Angkor
• Breakfast
• Hotel in Siem Reap

DAY 4: Tonle Sap Lake & Rolous Group

After breakfast, drive to the remote area of Siem Reap for an exploration of the magnificent Tonle Sap Lake, the “Great Lake” of Cambodia and one of Asia’s largest lakes.

Here, embark on a boat cruise through the flooded forest and explore the natural beauty of the area. Visit Kompong Khleang Floating Village, the largest village on Tonle Sap Lake, to experience local life and learn about the traditional water-based lifestyle of the inhabitants and the lake’s significance to Cambodian culture.

During the dry season, you’ll be struck by the sight of stilts supporting wooden and bamboo houses elevated up to 10 meters above the ground. In the wet season, the lake expands significantly, transforming the village into a picturesque floating community.

On the return trip, we’ll visit the Roluos Group, the site of Hariharalaya, the first capital of the Khmer Empire dating back to the mid-9th century. The temples here are constructed from various materials including bricks, laterite, and sandstone. Explore notable temples within the group, such as Bakong, a stepped pyramid temple mountain with exquisite carvings on its false doors and lintels; Lolei, an island temple with intricate carvings and inscriptions symbolizing Mount Meru surrounded by the ocean in Hindu mythology; and Preah Ko, the Sacred Bull Temple, built to honor the King’s ancestors.

Return to the hotel, with the rest of the day free for you to enjoy at your leisure.

Summary of inclusions

• Private vehicle
• Tonle Sap lake cruise
• Roulous Temple explore
• Breakfast
• Hotel in Siem Reap

DAY 5: Koh Rong Island

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before transferring to the airport for your flight to Sihanoukville. Upon arrival, you’ll be picked up and transferred to the pier for a shuttle boat ride to Koh Rong Island.

Check in at your hotel and spend the rest of the day relaxing at your leisure, enjoying the sun, sea, and sand on the beach.

Summary of inclusions

• Private vehicle transfer
• Internal flight
• Boat
• Koh Rong beach relax
• Breakfast
• Hotel in Koh Rong

DAY 6: Koh Rong Island

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel and spend your day relaxing on the beach. For those interested, optional tours are available, including jungle treks, island tours, and snorkeling adventures.

Summary of inclusions

• Koh Rong beach relax
• Breakfast
• Hotel in Koh Rong

DAY 7: Koh Rong Island beach

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel and spend your day relaxing on the beach. For those interested, optional tours are available, including jungle treks, island tours, and snorkeling adventures.

Summary of inclusions

• Koh Rong beach relax
• Breakfast
• Hotel in Koh Rong

DAY 8:  Koh Rong – Sihanoukville Departure