The Jewels of Cambodia

DAY 1: Phnom Penh Arrival

Welcome to Phnom Penh, the capital of Cambodia!

Upon arrival at the airport, you will be warmly greeted and transferred to your hotel for check-in (check-in time is 14:00).

If time allows this afternoon, we will embark on a scenic sunset cruise along the Tonle Sap and Mekong Rivers, witnessing the vibrant transformation of Phnom Penh’s lively riverfront.

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

Summary of inclusions

• Private vehicle
• Sunset mekong cruise
• Hotel in Phnom Penh

DAY 2: Phnom Penh Sightseeing

After breakfast, we will begin our day with a visit to the National Museum, home to an impressive collection of Khmer art, showcasing over 5,000 artifacts.

Next, we’ll explore the Royal Palace, which houses the Royal Residence, the Throne Hall, and the Silver Pagoda. The pagoda serves as a repository for cultural treasures, including a 90 kg golden Buddha encrusted with 2,086 diamonds and a floor covered in silver tiles.

Our morning tour will conclude with a visit to Wat Phnom Temple, one of Phnom Penh’s most significant pagodas. Built in 1373 on an artificial hill by the wealthy widow Penh, the temple gave the city its name.

In the afternoon, we’ll visit the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, also known as S-21 Prison. This former secondary school was repurposed by the Khmer Rouge during their brutal regime from 1975 to 1979. Approximately 20,000 people were imprisoned, tortured, and forced to confess to alleged “revolutionary reaction crimes” before being executed at the nearby “Killing Fields” of Choeung Ek, which we will also visit.

This visit may be emotionally challenging, but it provides a crucial understanding of Cambodia’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 3: Kampong Chhnang & Battambang

Travel by private vehicle through picturesque back roads to Oudong, Cambodia’s former capital, located about 40 km from Phnom Penh. Along the way, you’ll pass through rural villages, local pagodas, and scenic rice paddies. Upon reaching Oudong, hike up the hill adorned with stupas for stunning views of the surrounding countryside.

Continue your journey to Battambang, making stops to visit a silversmith village and pottery workshops in Kampong Chhnang.

Upon arriving in Battambang, check in to your hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure. Explore the charming and relaxed river town, known for its beautiful French colonial architecture. Despite being Cambodia’s second-largest city, Battambang offers a tranquil atmosphere.

Summary of inclusions

• Private vehicle
• Ou Dong ancient capital explore
• Visit traditional villages
• Breakfast
• Hotel in Battambang

DAY 4: Battambang explore

This morning, after breakfast, we will explore some intriguing local sights, including the Provincial Museum (closed on Saturdays and Sundays), Wat Ek Phnom, and a local market where the traditional Cambodian fish paste, Prahoc, is made. We’ll also drive along the scenic Sangker River to Wat Slaket Pagoda, the residence of the provincial Buddhist patriarch.

In the afternoon, we’ll visit Phnom Sampeau, or “Ship Hill,” named for its distinctive shape that rises from the otherwise flat landscape. From the small temple at the summit, enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding paddy fields, pagodas, and sugar palm trees.

Next, experience a ride on the unique bamboo train, or “norry,” which locals have ingeniously crafted. This small, motor-powered bamboo platform glides along the railway tracks, offering a charming journey through rice paddies and picturesque scenery.

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

Summary of inclusions

• Private vehicle
• Local market visit
• Battambang country discovery
• Breakfast
• Hotel in Battambang

DAY 5: Sangker River & Tonle Sap Lake cruise

After an early breakfast, set off on a speed boat journey along the Sangker River, crossing Tonlé Sap Lake towards Siem Reap. Along the way, you’ll pass Cheur Khmao Pagoda, known as the “Black Wood Pagoda,” navigate through the flooded forests of the Prek Toal Biosphere Reserve, and witness the untouched landscapes and traditional scenes of floating villages, offering a glimpse into life on this vital Cambodian waterway.

Upon arrival in Siem Reap, check in to your hotel and take some time to rest.

Later, enjoy a delightful tuk tuk ride around town, where you can observe local life and receive a blessing ceremony from Buddhist monks for your safety, prosperity, and happiness during your journey.

Summary of inclusions

• Boat cruise
• Private vehicle
• Breakfast
• Hotel in Siem Reap

DAY 6: The Angkor Discovery

This morning, we’ll delve into the wonders of Angkor Thom, the final and most enduring capital of the Khmer Empire. Our exploration includes 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 Terrace of the Elephants, and the Terrace of the Leper King.

Next, we visit Ta Prohm, famously featured in Angelina Jolie’s film “Tomb Raider.” This temple is renowned for its dramatic overgrowth of giant fig trees and sprawling vines, which envelop the stone ruins and create a captivating image of nature reclaiming human architecture.

In the afternoon, we will explore Angkor Wat, the largest religious monument in the world and a symbol of the Khmer Empire. With its five majestic towers representing the five holy peaks of Mount Meru, the abode of Hindu gods, Angkor Wat is also celebrated for its extensive Apsara carvings. The construction of this architectural marvel is believed to have taken around thirty years. Today, Angkor Wat is depicted on Cambodia’s national flag, symbolizing the soul of the Khmer people.

At sunset, Angkor Wat becomes even more enchanting, providing a serene and less crowded opportunity to admire the Apsaras in their most radiant light.

The evening is yours to enjoy at your leisure.

Summary of inclusions

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

DAY 7: Angkor further explore

After breakfast at the hotel, we’ll drive out of town to visit Banteay Srei, a stunning example of late 10th-century religious architecture and sculpture. Known for its intricate bas-reliefs carved into pink sandstone, the temple is renowned for its exceptional decorative details. En route, we’ll stop at the village of Preah Dak to experience local life and interact with the community, and also visit the Banteay Samre temple, notable for its impressive reliefs depicting Vishnu and Krishna legends.

In the afternoon, we’ll explore the Preah Khan temple complex, built by King Jayavarman VII to commemorate his victory over invaders and honor his father. The temple’s name, meaning ‘Holy Sword,’ reflects its origins as the ‘Holy City of Victory.’ This vast complex once served as a Buddhist monastery and school, accommodating over 1,000 monks.

Next, we’ll visit Neak Pean, a small island temple situated in the center of the last Baray (reservoir). This temple represents Anavatapta, a mythical lake in the Himalayas believed to have healing properties.

Return to the hotel, where the remainder of the day is free for you to relax or explore at your leisure.

Summary of inclusions

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

DAY 8: Siem Reap Departure

Breakfast will be at the hotel.

Enjoy your last day at leisure to explore the town, do some final sightseeing, or shop at your own pace. Check-out time is 12:00.

You will be transferred to Siem Reap International Airport for your onward flight. Safe travels, and we look forward to seeing you again!

Summary of inclusions

• Private airport transfer
• Breakfast