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.

Transfer you to the airport and take the flight to Siem Reap.

Upon your arrival, transfer you to hotel. Free at your leisure time.

In this afternoon, travel to the ancient site of Roluos group of temples a short drive from Siem Reap. This small collection of monuments was the centre of Khmer civilization known as Hariharalya and served as a capital city to four successive kings over a period of more than 70 years. Lolei the island temple was built in the middle of a reservoir and consists of four brick towers and a few lintel carvings that remain in good condition. Preah Ko or the sacred bull temple is named after the statues of bulls in front of the central towers and Bakong, is the largest and most impressive in the group dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva.

Back Siem Reap to enjoy Dinner with Apsara show.

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.

DAY 5: SIEM REAP – BANTAEY SREI – CIRCUS SHOW (B/-/-)

Banteay Srei is considered the’ jewel in the crown’ of all the Angkor temples and is about a 1 hour drive from Siem Reap. This small delicately carved pink sandstone temple is also known as the Citadel of Women. The temple has hundreds of small, intricate figures and deities, cut into the walls and lintels that depict scenes from Hindu stories. Three rectangular enclosures make up the temple with the inner buildings comprising of a sanctuary and two libraries. Next, drive the short distance to Banteay Samre that is very similar to Angkor Wat, particularly the style of the towers and balustrades. The temples name is derived from the Samre people who live to the east of the baray. This is one temple with a tale to tell as according to legend, the temple was named after a farmer who killed the king and ascended to the throne!

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.

DAY 6: SIEM REAP – TONLE SAP LAKE – MONK BLESSING (B/L/-)

Drive to the edge of the Tonle Sap Lake and embark on a cruise to Kompong Phluk, an isolated Khmer community of three villages built on wooden stilts, rising from six to eight metres high. The community has about 3,000 inhabitants who farm fish and vegetables on floating platforms.

During your visit, your boat will take you through mangrove forests, a unique ecosystem that survives on flooded soil for months. Mangroves are also hosts for a variety of wildlife, keep an eye out for birds and especially the crab-eating macaques!

Lunch at local restaurant.

Afternoon, 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.

DAY 7: DEPARTURE SIEM REAP (B/-/-)

Your guide will meet you at your hotel and transfer you to the airport for your flight.

Banteay Srei is considered the’ jewel in the crown’ of all the Angkor temples and is about a 1 hour drive from Siem Reap. This small delicately carved pink sandstone temple is also known as the Citadel of Women. The temple has hundreds of small, intricate figures and deities, cut into the walls and lintels that depict scenes from Hindu stories. Three rectangular enclosures make up the temple with the inner buildings comprising of a sanctuary and two libraries. Next, drive the short distance to Banteay Samre that is very similar to Angkor Wat, particularly the style of the towers and balustrades. The temples name is derived from the Samre people who live to the east of the baray. This is one temple with a tale to tell as according to legend, the temple was named after a farmer who killed the king and ascended to the throne!

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.

Drive to the edge of the Tonle Sap Lake and embark on a cruise to Kompong Phluk, an isolated Khmer community of three villages built on wooden stilts, rising from six to eight metres high. The community has about 3,000 inhabitants who farm fish and vegetables on floating platforms.

During your visit, your boat will take you through mangrove forests, a unique ecosystem that survives on flooded soil for months. Mangroves are also hosts for a variety of wildlife, keep an eye out for birds and especially the crab-eating macaques!

Lunch at local restaurant.

Afternoon, 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.

Your guide will meet you at your hotel and transfer you to the airport for your flight.