Cambodia Essentials

DAY 1: Siem Reap Arrival – Sightseeing

Su-sa-dei! Welcome to Siem Reap, the gateway to the wonders of Angkor! You will be greeted upon arrival and transferred to your hotel for check-in.

In the afternoon, we’ll explore Ta Prohm, a renowned temple in the Angkor Archaeological Park. This iconic site, featured in Angelina Jolie’s Tomb Raider, is known for its massive fig trees and sprawling creepers that envelop the temple’s stone structures, creating a stunning visual of nature reclaiming human creation.

Later, enjoy a lively tuk-tuk ride around Siem Reap to observe local life and experience a traditional blessing ceremony by Buddhist monks, wishing you safety, prosperity, and happiness on your journey.

The evening is yours to enjoy at your own pace.

Summary of inclusions

• Private vehicle
• Angkor explore
• Hotel in Siem Reap

DAY 2: Angkor Discovery

An optional sunrise activity is available, offering the chance to witness the sun rising over the majestic temples of Angkor Wat.

After breakfast at the hotel, we will drive out to 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 key temples such as Bakong, a stepped pyramid with intricate carvings on its false doors and lintels; Lolei, an island temple featuring exquisite carvings and inscriptions depicting Mount Meru surrounded by the ocean; and Preah Ko, the Sacred Bull Temple built to honor the King’s ancestors.

Next, head to the heart of the Angkor Archaeological Park to discover Angkor Thom, the final and most enduring capital city of the Khmer Empire during King Jayavarman VII’s reign in the late 12th century. Enter through the ancient South Gate, adorned with carvings of elephants and four colossal faces. Explore the Bayon Temple, known for its 54 towers featuring numerous serene and enigmatic Buddha faces, as well as the Royal Enclosure, Phimeanakas, the Elephant Terrace, and the Terrace of the Leper King.

Continue to Angkor Wat, the most iconic temple of the complex, with its five towers symbolizing the five holy peaks of Mount Meru. Constructed in the 12th century, Angkor Wat spans approximately 210 hectares and is thought to have taken around thirty years to build. It is featured on Cambodia’s national flag, symbolizing the soul of the Khmer people. Wander around the vast complex, admiring the galleries, columns, libraries, pavilions, courtyards, and reflective ponds.

Later, enjoy a light trek to the top of Bakheng Hill for a breathtaking sunset view of Angkor Wat, Tonle Sap, and the surrounding landscape.

Return to the hotel and enjoy the evening at your leisure.

Summary of inclusions

• Private vehicle
• Angkor temples explore
• Breakfast
• Hotel in Siem Reap

DAY 3: Siem Reap further explore – Phnom Penh

During the Wet Season (June to November):

After breakfast, we’ll drive to the remote areas of Siem Reap, away from the usual tourist paths, to explore the captivating Tonle Sap Lake, Cambodia’s “Great Lake” and one of Asia’s largest.

We’ll embark on a boat cruise through the flooded forest, taking in the lake’s natural beauty and visiting Kompong Khleang Floating Village, the largest village on Tonle Sap. Here, you’ll get a glimpse into the traditional lifestyle of the people living on the water and learn about the lake’s significance to Cambodian communities.

In the wet season, as the lake expands dramatically, you’ll witness the village transformed into a picturesque floating community, with waters rising to envelop the stilt-supported houses.

During the Dry Season (December to May):

We’ll drive out of town to visit Banteay Srei, a late 10th-century temple renowned for its exquisite religious architecture and intricate carvings on pink sandstone. Along the way, we’ll stop at Preah Dak village to experience local life and engage with the community. We’ll also visit Banteay Samre, known for its impressive bas-reliefs depicting scenes from the legends of Vishnu and Krishna.

Afterward, transfer to the airport for an afternoon flight to Phnom Penh, the capital of Cambodia. Check in at your hotel and enjoy the remainder of the day at your leisure.

Summary of inclusions

• Private vehicle
• Tonle Sap lake cruise
• Internal flight
• Breakfast
• Hotel in Phnom Penh

DAY 4: Phnom Penh Sightseeing

After breakfast, we’ll begin our tour with a visit to the National Museum, which boasts an impressive collection of Khmer art with over 5,000 artifacts on display.

Next, we’ll explore the Royal Palace, home to the Royal Residence and the Throne Hall. Notable highlights include the Silver Pagoda, which functions as a repository for cultural treasures, including a 90 kg golden Buddha adorned with 2,086 diamonds and a floor paved with silver tiles.

Our morning concludes with a visit to Wat Phnom Temple, one of Phnom Penh’s most significant pagodas. Built in 1373 on an artificial hill by the affluent widow Penh, after whom the city is named.

In the afternoon, we will visit the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, also known as S-21 Prison. Originally a secondary school, this site was repurposed by the Khmer Rouge during their brutal regime from 1975 to 1979. It’s estimated that around 20,000 individuals were imprisoned, tortured, and coerced into false confessions of “revolutionary reaction crimes” before being executed at the Choeung Ek “Killing Fields,” located 15 km south of Phnom Penh, which we will visit afterwards. This tour may be distressing, but it is a crucial part of understanding the country’s historical and cultural context.

The remainder of the day is free for you to explore at your leisure.

Summary of inclusions

• Private vehicle
• Sightseeing Phnom Penh
• Breakfast
• Hotel in Phnom Penh

DAY 5: Phnom Penh Departure

Breakfast is served at the hotel.

You’ll have the morning free to explore the town at your own pace, whether you wish to do some last-minute sightseeing or shopping. Please note that check-out time is at 12:00 PM.

Afterward, transfer to the airport for your flight to your next destination.

Safe travels, and we look forward to seeing you again!

Summary of inclusions

• Private transfer
• Breakfast