Cambodia’s legacies discovery

DAY 1: Phnom Penh Arrival

Su-sa-dei! Welcome to Phnom Penh, Cambodia’s vibrant capital!

You’ll be greeted upon arrival at the airport and transferred to your hotel for check-in (check-in time is 14:00).

Situated at the junction of the Mekong and Tonle Sap rivers, Phnom Penh is the largest city and capital of Cambodia. Once dubbed the “Pearl of Asia,” it was renowned for its charm as one of the most beautiful French colonial cities in Indochina. The city is celebrated for its stunning historical architecture and attractions. Tree-lined boulevards and colonial-era buildings create a picturesque setting amidst bustling cafes, while the lively riverfront blends Asian and Western influences in an intriguing way.

The rest of the day is yours to relax or explore the charming areas of the city at your leisure.

Summary of inclusions

• Private airport transfer
• Hotel in Phnom Penh

DAY 2: Phnom Penh Sightseeing

This morning, after breakfast, we’ll embark on a cyclo ride to explore some of Phnom Penh’s most remarkable sights.

We’ll start with a visit to the National Museum, home to an impressive collection of Khmer art with over 5,000 exhibits on display. Next, we’ll explore the Royal Palace, which includes the Royal Residence, the Throne Hall, and the Silver Pagoda. The Silver Pagoda houses cultural treasures such as a 90 kg golden Buddha encrusted with 2,086 diamonds and a floor paved with silver tiles.

We’ll conclude the morning with a visit to Wat Phnom Temple, a significant pagoda built in 1373 on an artificial hill by the wealthy widow Penh, after whom the city is named.

In the afternoon, we’ll visit the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, also known as the S-21 Prison. Originally a secondary school, it was used by the Khmer Rouge from 1975 to 1979 for imprisonment, torture, and forced confessions of so-called “revolutionary reaction crimes.” We’ll then proceed to the Choeung Ek extermination camp, 15 km south of Phnom Penh, where many victims were executed.

While this excursion may be distressing, it offers crucial insight into Cambodia’s history and helps deepen your understanding of the country.

The remainder of the day is yours to enjoy at your leisure.

Summary of inclusions

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

DAY 3: Kampong Cham & Kratie

After breakfast, we’ll depart Phnom Penh for Kompong Cham, a charming riverside town on the Mekong River. Along the way, we’ll visit the twin mountain temples of Phnom Bros and Phnom Srei, which translate to ‘Men’s Hill’ and ‘Women’s Hill’ in Khmer.

Kompong Cham, the capital of the province of the same name, is known for its relaxed atmosphere and quaint charm, featuring colonial French architecture and a distinct “wild west” feel. Named after the large Cham ethnic community residing here, the town exudes a unique character.

After a lunch break, we’ll cross the Mekong River to Chup, home to Cambodia’s largest rubber plantation. We’ll have a brief visit to learn about the local life and work before continuing our journey to Kratie.

Kratie, a vibrant riverside town, offers expansive riverfront views and some of the most stunning Mekong sunsets in Cambodia. The town also boasts a rich collection of French-era architecture. Notably, Kratie is one of the best places in the country to see the rare freshwater Irrawaddy dolphins in the Mekong River.

Upon arrival, we’ll check into the hotel. The remainder of the day is free for you to explore the town and enjoy the sunset over the Mekong River.

Summary of inclusions

• Private vehicle
• Kampong Cham sightseeing
• Breakfast
• Hotel in Kratie

DAY 4: Irrawaddy Dolphins safari & Kampong Thom

After breakfast, we’ll drive north along the Mekong River through picturesque countryside to Kampi village, renowned as one of the best spots for viewing the rare Irrawaddy Dolphins. Board a local boat to observe these elusive dolphins in their natural habitat – be sure to keep an eye out for these fascinating creatures.

Next, we’ll visit the island of Koh Trong. You can explore the island by taking a local horse cart or by pedaling a bicycle. Experience local farming activities, sample fresh local fruits, and visit a floating village on the island’s southern tip.

We’ll then return to the hotel for check-out and continue our journey to Siem Reap, enjoying the scenic countryside along the way with stops for photos and local interactions.

We expect to arrive in Siem Reap in the late afternoon or early evening. After checking into the hotel, the evening is free for you to enjoy at your leisure.

Summary of inclusions

• Private vehicle
• Irrawaddy dolphin safari
• Cycling countryside
• Breakfast
• Hotel in Siem Reap

DAY 5: Angkor Discovery

This morning, we’ll delve into Angkor Thom, the final and most enduring capital of the Khmer Empire. We’ll visit key sites including the South Gate of Angkor Thom, the Bayon Temple with its 54 towers adorned with countless serene and enigmatic Buddha faces, the Royal Enclosure, Phimeanakas, the Elephant Terrace, and the Terrace of the Leper King.

Next, we’ll explore the jungle-clad temple of Ta Prohm, famously featured in Angelina Jolie’s movie “Tomb Raider.” The temple is renowned for its enormous fig trees and massive creepers enveloping the stone foundations, creating a stunning visual of nature reclaiming man-made structures. It is one of the most picturesque and unforgettable temples in Angkor.

In the afternoon, we’ll discover Angkor Wat, the world’s largest religious monument and a symbol of the Great Khmer Empire. Its five impressive towers represent the five holy peaks of Mount Meru, the mythical home of the Hindu gods. Angkor Wat is celebrated for its elaborate decoration, including over 2,000 Apsara dancers. The temple, which took around thirty years to build, is featured on Cambodia’s national flag, symbolizing the soul of the Khmer people.

As the sun sets, Angkor Wat is less crowded, offering a magical experience as the Apsaras are illuminated in beautiful light.

The evening is yours to enjoy at your leisure.

Summary of inclusions

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

DAY 6: Kulen Mountain & River of thousand Lingas

An optional hot air balloon ride over the temples of Angkor is available for you to enjoy.

After breakfast at the hotel, we’ll drive out of town to visit Kulen Mountain, the birthplace and early capital of the Khmer Empire in the 9th century. Here, we’ll explore numerous ancient temples and take a short trek through the original jungle to discover Kbal Spean, also known as the River of 1000 Lingas. This site features a series of intricate stone carvings in sandstone along the riverbed and banks, depicting Hindu mythological scenes. You might also have the opportunity to swim beneath a cascading waterfall.

On our way back, we’ll visit the temple of Banteay Srei, renowned for its exquisite religious architecture and detailed bas-reliefs carved into pink sandstone. We’ll also explore the local village of Preah Dak, where you can learn about local life and interact with the residents. Additionally, we’ll visit Banteay Samre, a temple adorned with impressive reliefs illustrating scenes from the Vishnu and Krishna legends.

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

Summary of inclusions

• Private vehicle
• Kulen mountain & Lingas river
• Country villages visit
• Breakfast
• Hotel in Siem Reap

DAY 7: Siem Reap departure

After breakfast at the hotel, you have the day free to explore the town at your own pace, do some last-minute sightseeing, or go shopping. Check-out time is at 12:00.

We will then transfer you to the airport for your flight to your next destination.

Safe travels, and we hope to see you again soon!

Summary of inclusions

• Private airport transfer
• Breakfast