Day 01: Arrive in Phnom Penh
Upon arrival in Phnom Penh, you will be welcomed by your local English speaking guide, who will accompany you to your hotel for check in.
Phnom Penh was once considered as one of the most beautiful cities in the Orient, and despite its recent turbulent history, it still retains a colonial charm. Cambodia’s capital is a bustling city, majestically located at the confluence of the mighty rivers of the Mekong and Tonlé Sap.Wide tree-lined boulevards and many colonial-era buildings reflect the glorious days and add to the allure of the city, where Asian and Western traditions meet in a fascinating way.
You will have some free time to relax and freshen up after your flight before this evening having a welcome dinner at the stunning Malis Restaurant, one the best Khmer fine dining restaurants in the capital.
Overnight in Phnom Penh.
Day 02: Phnom Penh
This morning, gain insight into Cambodia’s recent dark history on a visit to the remarkable Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, housed in the former school that was taken over by the Khmer Rouge and used as its main detention and torture center named ‘S-21’. Also visit the Killing Fields of Choeung Ek. A grim, but important visit that will allow you to dig below the surface and understand Cambodia better.
After learning about some of Cambodia’s tragic past it is time to put a smile back on your face and experience modern Khmer life.
It is not far to Stung Meanchey, a local neighbourhood that is home to the humanitarian organization Pour un Sourired’ Enfant (for the smile of a child) that provides education and job training to street children that used to be scavenging the municipal dump, and give them skills and hope for a brighter future. Whilst a visit to the school is not included, to avoid disruption to the learning process, there is time to visit the centres shop to buy some souvenirs followed by lunch at Le Lotus Blanc, the center’s training restaurant, where you can support the training of these kidsby being their guest. (Note: Le Lotus Blanc is usually closed during national holidays and for the entire month of April over the Khmer New Year holiday.)
After lunch you will transfer back to the hotel where you will be greeted by a driver who will take you on a tour to the most remarkable sights of Phnom Penhin a Cyclo, an original Phnom Penhmeans of transportation and a fun way to explore this lively city. First, head to the Royal Palace. This palace dates back to 1866 and houses the Silver Pagoda, named for the over 5000 heavy silver tiles that cover its floors. Its original name is Wat Prakeo, meaning Temple of the Emerald Buddha. In this temple you will view a collection of Buddhas in gold, silver, crystal, and bronze.
Continue to the National Museum,built in traditional Khmer style. It houses the world's foremost collection of ancient Khmer artistic, archaeological, and religious artifacts from the 4th to the 13th centuries. Over 5,000 pieces are on display, constituting the repository of the Kingdom's cultural wealth. In addition, the roof space is home to a large bat colony!
After a visit to Wat Phnom temple, the founding place of the city on a small hilltop. Continue to the renowned Foreign Correspondents’ Club located on the Riverside to finish the day with sunset drinks. The building is a colonial gem with great views of the confluence of the Upper Mekong, Lower Mekong, Bassac and Tonle Saprivers.
Overnight in Phnom Penh.
Day 03: Tonlé Sap Boat Tour
This morning, embark on an interesting tour on a private wooden riverboat that will take you up on Cambodia’s lifeline, the Tonlé Sap River. This part of the country is rarely visited by other travelers, due to its sole accessibility by boat. Discover Cambodia as only few foreigners have before!
Travel North along Tonlé Sap River,passing many floating villages and fishing stations. Spot pagodas, mosques and Chinese temples and visit local villages. The people of Koh Chen, so-called ‘Silver Island’,specialize in silver and copper smithing. See how they make ornamental items,used in traditional ceremonies at the pagoda or for marriages. Lunch will be served on board. Return to Phnom Penh by boat in the afternoon. Spend the rest of the day browsing through the colourful markets of Phnom Penh.Visit the Central Market, an art deco landmark and one of the largest markets in the city, if not all of Cambodia.You can find clothes, souvenirs, jewellery, and food. Also visit the Russian Market, the best place in the city for wood and stone carvings, jewellery,clothes and Cambodian silk souvenirs.
Overnight in Phnom Penh.
Day 04: Phnom Penh - Siem Reap
After an early breakfast this morning, you will be transferred overland to Siem Reap (duration 7 hours), the gateway to the majestic temples of Angkor and a charming little city. A little outside of Phnom Penh stop in the town of Skuon to see their most famous speciality being sold: deep-fried tarantula! A favourite snack of many Cambodians many buses and pick-ups stop at the market to buy a bag of the ch’ngain (tasty) eight-legged creatures. The spiders are caught in the soft ground of the surrounding countryside and dug out of their burrows. After a short stop continue to Siem Reap.
Upon arrival, check into your hotel. Enjoy a break at your hotel before embarking on a first discovery tour.
After a relaxing break at the hotel, discover more secrets of the Angkor period on a guided tour of the Angkor National Museum. The interactive museum showcases artifacts from the Golden Era of the Khmer Empire by use of multimedia technology to picture this interesting historical period.
Overnight in Siem Reap.
Day 05: Siem Reap
Get a first glimpse of Angkor today at the early temples of the Roluos Group. Roluos is the site of an ancient center of Khmer civilization known as Hariharalaya. It was the first town built by the Angkorian kings in the 8th and 9th century and consists of three main temples: Bakong, Lolei and Preah Ko. The surrounding countryside with its paddy fields and sugar palm trees is very typical for Cambodia – enjoy the natural beauty on a cow cart ride, a fun way to get in touch with rural Cambodia and its friendly people.
Your destination is Roluos Pagoda, where Buddhist monks will celebrate a private blessing ceremony for you, wishing you health and a safe journey – a memorable experience!
Take a break around midday back at the hotel.
In the afternoon visit the ancient city of Angkor Thom, the last capital of the Great Khmer Empire under the reign of Jayavarman VII. This city is surrounded by an 8 m high wall,drawing a perfect square. Enter the city through the ancient South Gate, an impressive stone gate carved with Elephants and four giant faces. On each side of the entrance path a row of 54 gods or demons is holding the sacred Naga snake.
From here, continue to Bayon Temple in the exact center of the city. This 12th century masterpiece is a study in grandeur and is well-known for its 54 towers with enigmatic faces representing the 54 provinces of the Great Khmer Empire. The Terrace of the Elephants and the Terrace of the Leper King are also must-visits as they are both known for their intricate bas-reliefs.
Overnight in Siem Reap.
Day 06: Siem Reap
Start your day with a tour to the temples of the Small Circuit by local ‘remork’ (similar to the Thai tuktuk). The most illustrious of these is Ta Prohm, built in the mid 12th to early 13th centuries. Ta Prohm is unique in that it has been left largely as it was found: overgrown by jungle trees and vines, with many parts of the temple crumbling to the ground. This makes the ‘TombRaider Temple’one of the most picturesque and memorable of the Angkor temples. Your visit will also include Banteay Kdei, a Buddhist monastery from the late 12th Century, and Srah Srang, also known as the “pool of ablutions”.
Return to the hotel for a break during the midday heat.
This afternoon, set out to visit the legendary Angkor Wat. Built during the reign of King Suryavarman II in the early 12th century, Angkor Wat is constructed following the model of the temple mountain symbolizing Mount Meru, the home of the gods. Inside the temple, the walls are covered with stone carvings andbas-reliefs depicting Hindu mythology and the wars Suryavarman II fought during his reign. Angkor Wat is well known for the more than 2,000 Apsara dancers decorating the temple. Construction is thought to have taken around thirty years of intensive labor. Today, Angkor Wat is figured on Cambodia's national flag as the temple symbolizes the soul of the Khmer people.
As this is your last evening in Cambodia, a Khmer farewell dinner accompanied by traditional Apsara dance will be an experience to remember.
Overnight in Siem Reap.
Day 07: Departure Siem Reap
Enjoy the day at your leisure.
Depending on your flight departure time spend the morning exploring Siem Reap’s colorful markets. Visit Artisans d’Angkor,established in 1992 in order to support Cambodian arts and crafts, and to help young people find work in their local villages by continuing the practice of traditional arts. Discover how wood and stone carvings, lacquering, gilding,and silk paintings are created.
Transfer to the airport for your individual onward flight. (Note: based on midday/afternoon departures)
