Overall: Set in the northwest of Cambodia, Siem Reap is best known for being home to the incredible Angkor Wat, a sprawling World Heritage-listed complex of ancient temple ruins. While Angkor is surely one of the globe’s most amazing historical sites, Cambodia is also home to an array of other ruins, such as Beng Mealea or Bantaey Srei, etc. This tour brings you to an unforgettable experience of beautiful Cambodia.
Upon arrival, your guide will be waiting to transfer you to your hotel.
Overnight in Phnom Penh.
Phnom Penh is a growing and thriving city, nestled at the confluence of three rivers. With a tragic yet fascinating history, its landmarks are well worth a visit.
Set off from your hotel into the country’s capital, starting with a visit to the Royal Palace, a stone’s throw from the Tonle Sap River. Built in 1813 the palace contains several buildings which have been used for the coronation of kings and other ceremonies. Within the grounds is the Silver Pagoda, aptly named because of the 5000 silver tiles weighing 1kg each which cover the entire floor. Head on from here to the National Museum built during 1917-1920 and housed in an elegant terracotta building, in keeping with traditional design. After wandering around the museum, continue to Wat Phnom, the city’s main temple situated on top of a hill along with throngs of worshippers.
After lunch, you will then see the sobering and poignant Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, which documents the atrocities of the Khmer Rouge against the Cambodian people. Finish your afternoon on a lighter note with a visit to the vast Central Market where you can buy just about anything in the abundance of colourful stalls.
Overnight in Phnom Penh.
Travel 340km to the sleepy riverside town of Kratie, with its faded French architecture to see the rare and elusive pink Irrawaddy dolphins. Walk to the top of Phnom Sambok, with its small temple and take in a peaceful Mekong sunset.
Overnight in Kratie.
Just across the water from Kratie is Koh Trong. Hop on a boat and make the short journey across for bit of cycling, and a peek into village life. If you’re lucky you might get the chance to see one of the rare Mekong mud turtles who inhabit the western shore.
Overnight in Koh trong Island.
Journey four hours to Kampong Cham, a town that’s steeped in myth and legends. See the 12th century Wat Nokor and take a short trip to the twin hills of Phnom Pros and Phnom Srey – meaning man and woman hills, for striking views. See what your destiny holds and visit one of the many fortune tellers and watch out for the roaming monkeys!
Overnight in Kampong Cham.
Travel about five hours today, passing through Kampong Thom, a former Khmer Rouge stronghold to arrive in Siem Reap late afternoon.
Upon arrival Siem Reap, free at your time in the afternoon.
In the evening, enjoy an evening under the bigtop in downtown Siem Reap with an evening show at Phare, the Cambodian Circus. Run by the NGO of the same name which supports the futures of Khmer youth with art and performance training, Phare is a lively show combining elements of high flying, tight-rope walking, juggling, contortion, music and theatre circus arts in one energetic showcase of Cambodian culture. Enjoy an evening of cultural discovery for a good cause, and pick up a few souvenirs on your way out.
Overnight in Siem Reap.
Start with a visit to the South Gate of Angkor Thom where statues of the gods of good and evil line the entrance. Your next stop is the Bayon, known for the hundreds of smiling faces that grace the towers. The bas reliefs are quite impressive and tell stories of daily life and the great battles that were fought between the Khmers and ancient Thais. Move on to Phimeanakas, shaped a bit like a pyramid with two ponds in the rear. The ponds were once used for religious rituals but today serve as swimming pools for Khmer kids. Walk to the top of the temple for impressive views of the Angkor complex.
See the rows of trunks that form the wall of the Terrace of the Elephants, a platform from which King Jayavarman surveyed his army. Close by is the Terrace of Leper Kings, which includes a statue depicting Yana, the Hindu god of death. Then it’s a short drive to one of the most loved temples of all – Ta Prohm. This small crumbling temple is held together by giant tree roots giving it a magical feel.
Return to Siem Reap for lunch and to escape the hot sun. Then later in the afternoon explore the magnificent Angkor Wat, the world’s largest religious monument. This visually spectacular temple is a massive three-tiered pyramid, rising 65 metres from the ground and crowned by five lotus towers. It’s the national symbol of Cambodia and proudly appears on the country’s flag. End your day with sunset views over the jungle from the top of Pre Rup Temple before returning to Siem Reap.
Overnight in Siem Reap.
After breakfast you will be met by your guide and drive to Beng Mealea, a beautiful temple nestled in the jungle about 77 kilometers from Siem Reap. The temple’s name means lotus pond in the Khmer language and it was built by King Suryavarman II, the Khmer ruler responsible for building Cambodia’s greatest monuments. The temple is completely taken over by the jungle however a board walk has been to provide easier access.
Next, take a boat trip to Kampong Khleang, one of the largest permanent communities living on the Tonle Sap Lake. In the dry season you can walk through the village and you will be amazed at what looks like a forest of stilt houses rising up to ten metres in the air. In the wet season when the lake is at its fullest, take a boat along the roads that have turned into rivers, lapping up against the houses.
Return to Siem Reap later in the afternoon.
Overnight in Siem Reap.
Buddhism is Cambodia’s central religion, and its influence is felt by millions here in countless aspects of daily life. But how, exactly? In this half-day adventure, you will be center stage for a traditional Buddhist ceremony. The experience offers a small but exciting taste of Cambodia’s religious traditions.
Experience a traditional monk’s blessing at one of Siem Reap’s most famous pagodas. The blessing, which takes around 30 minutes, involves guests sitting in front of the monks while they chant prayers in Pali (Buddhist) language. Flowers including lotus, jasmine, incense and candles will be used in the ceremony along with offering. The monk will end the blessing by tying a red thread around your wrist which signifies good luck and prosperity.
Overnight in Siem Reap.
Drive about two hours to the sleepy town of Battambang with its crumbling French colonial architecture, fertile soil and rubies. See the superb views from Phnom Banan, an 11th century temple similar in style to Angkor Wat, and visit an ancient house. Then let the fun begin as you take a ride on the bamboo train – all aboard!
Overnight in Battambang.
Spend the morning at Ek Phnom, a popular picnic and pilgrimage spot. Built in the 11th century the temple has some fine bas-reliefs and a lintel depicting the Churning of the Ocean of Milk. Then it’s back to Siem Reap for the night.
Overnight in Siem Reap.
Your guide will meet you at your hotel and transfer you to the airport for your flight to Sihanoukville.
Sihanoukville the premier beach destination of Cambodia, to soak up the sun and work on your tan.
There are three main beach areas with long stretches of white sand and shallow waters perfect for swimming.
Free at your leisure or you can rent a boat for an island escape of swimming, fishing and snorkeling.
Overnight in Sihanoukville.
Day at leisure.
Overnight in Sihanoukville.
Day at leisure.
Overnight in Sihanoukville.
Transfer to Phnom Penh via a four-hour ride for your departure flight out of Cambodia.
