11D10N Cambodia Art and Living

At 8:00am, meet your guide in the hotel lobby for a day of exploration. Begin with a visit to the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, a former school that was repurposed as a detention center during the Khmer Rouge era, offering a somber look at Cambodia's recent past. Next, head to the Killing Fields of Choeung Ek, another poignant site that provides insight into the country’s turbulent history.

After a lunch break at a local restaurant, continue your afternoon with a tour of the Royal Palace and the Silver Pagoda. The pagoda is named for its floor covered in 5,000 silver tiles and houses an impressive collection of Buddha statues in gold, silver, crystal, and bronze.

Next, explore the Russian Market, renowned for its diverse range of goods, from carvings and jewelry to clothing and souvenirs. Visit the Independence Monument, modeled after the central tower of Angkor Wat, which commemorates Cambodia’s independence from France in 1953 and serves as a memorial for war casualties. Finally, conclude your tour with a visit to Wat Phnom, the hilltop temple that gives the city its name.

We board a private local boat for a serene journey to Kampong Cham, a tranquil town rich in folklore. As the boat glides across the water, let yourself relax and take in the sights.

The Mekong River offers a unique and diverse glimpse into river life, with a striking contrast between the bustling energy of Phnom Penh and the calm of Kampong Cham.

Upon reaching Kampong Cham, we continue by land to the Kang Meas District, known as the Ring of Gold. This area was used by the Khmer Rouge for prisons and killing fields. We’ll visit Wat O Trau Kuon and Wat Nikroath in Peam Chi Kang commune, which served as district and regional prisons, respectively. Our exploration continues at Wat Nokor, an impressive 12th-century temple, before heading to the city center.

In the low water season, we may see a bamboo bridge that connects the mainland to an island, rebuilt annually by the local community as water levels recede.

After breakfast, we’ll set off to explore the twin hills of Phnom Pros and Phnom Srey, which are known as the hills of man and woman. You might want to visit one of the local fortune tellers while keeping an eye out for the monkeys that frequent the area.

Next, we’ll drive to Siem Reap, passing through the Chamka Leu region, characterized by expansive forests, silk farms, and rubber tree plantations. The journey takes approximately 5 hours. Along the way, we’ll pass Kampong Thom, a former Khmer Rouge stronghold. Upon reaching Siem Reap, the gateway to the renowned Angkor temples, you’ll have the remainder of the day free to relax.

Upon arrival in Siem Reap, you’ll meet our guide and transfer to your hotel for check-in. Please remember that the standard check-in time is 14:00.

Travel from the bustling city of Siem Reap to a serene rural village, where you’ll experience a traditional ox-cart ride. Next, visit the Silk Farm Center, known for its unique approach to silk production. Here, the entire process—sericulture, spinning, dyeing, and weaving—is done using traditional manual methods. The dyeing process employs natural dyes, and intriguingly, iron nails are used to create the black color.

Proceed to explore the West Baray, the largest man-made reservoir in Angkor Park, measuring 8 x 2.2 km. Historically, it was fed by fresh water from the Siem Reap and Puok Rivers.

In the late afternoon, take a Remork (Tuk Tuk) to Treak Village, a predominantly agricultural area where life revolves around farming and family. This village offers a glimpse into traditional Cambodian life, contrasting with the rapidly changing town of Siem Reap. Observe rice fields, and buffalo, and interact with the friendly locals, including eager children.

Enjoy a street food tour, where you'll learn about Khmer culinary traditions and the vibrant local food scene. Afterward, head to our herb garden for a cocktail and cooking class. The class is held in an outdoor covered pavilion amidst banana trees, bamboo, and a fish pond. Engage in hands-on cooking, mastering Khmer cuisine techniques and preparing your own dishes for dinner. Conclude your evening with a meal in a charming, candle-lit tropical garden pavilion.

Today, you'll embark on a comprehensive Angkor history tour guided by an expert archaeologist. Starting at 8:00 am, your guide will meet you in the hotel lobby and escort you through the day’s itinerary.

Your first stop will be the South Gate, where you'll see impressive statues depicting the churning of the ocean of milk. Explore Angkor Thom, the ancient capital from the late 12th century, before heading to Bayon Temple. Bayon is renowned for its 54 towers adorned with over 200 smiling faces of Avalokitesvara. Next, visit Baphuon, an artificial mountain temple that has recently reopened following extensive restoration. You will also visit the Royal Enclosure, the Elephant Terrace, and the Terrace of the Leper King. Proceed to Ta Prohm Temple, which gained fame as the filming location for "Tomb Raider," and is known for its late 12th to early 13th-century construction.

After lunch, continue to the grand Angkor Wat Temple, the largest religious monument globally and the most revered temple in Angkor Park. Inside, the walls are adorned with stunning stone carvings and bas-reliefs. Your guide will offer detailed explanations of the intricate artwork, allowing you time to explore both the inner and outer precincts of the temple.

For a special evening in Siem Reap, enjoy a performance of the Cambodian Traditional Circus. This captivating show features Phare artists who blend theater, music, dance, and modern circus arts to present uniquely Cambodian stories, ranging from historical and folk to contemporary. Prepare to be amazed by their vibrant energy, emotion, and exceptional talent.

Your exploration of Cambodia's past and present begins with a pickup from your hotel at 8:30 am. The morning will be dedicated to visiting two of Angkor’s renowned temples: Banteay Samre and Banteay Srei. Banteay Samre, constructed in the early 12th century during the reigns of Suryavarman II and Yasovarman II, is a Hindu temple built in the style of Angkor Wat. Following this, you'll visit Banteay Srei, celebrated for its intricate carvings and striking pink sandstone.

After your temple visits, take a break for lunch at a local restaurant.

In the afternoon, head to Artisans D’ Angkor, a local artisan workshop dedicated to preserving Cambodian arts and crafts. Here, you'll see demonstrations of wood and stone carving, lacquering, gilding, and silk painting.

The day concludes with a visit to The Old Market, Siem Reap's oldest Khmer market. Explore stalls selling a variety of goods, including clothes, jewelry, and souvenirs.

Today, we head southwest to Battambang, Cambodia’s prime agricultural region known for its rich rice production. The trip will take about three hours.

Experience the charm of a renowned village known for its unique handcrafted goods by taking a cycling tour. Located about seven kilometers north of the city, this journey lets you explore various local products, including rice paper, dried bananas, rice wine (a sweet, homemade liquor), fish paste, and bamboo sticky rice cakes. The adventure concludes with a ride on the Norry, a traditional bamboo train that travels along a makeshift railway. This fun and thrilling experience offers scenic views of rice fields and local villages.

In the afternoon, travel by local tuk-tuk to visit several local galleries. The highlight of the day is a visit to Tep Kao Sol, where local artist Loeum Lorn presents his work. Loeum is renowned for his art created from melting colored ice and photography. This visit provides insight into the creative processes of Battambang's artists and the reasons why the city has become a vibrant hub for art and design. The day wraps up with a film screening at a local studio, showcasing Battambang's architectural beauty and offering a deeper understanding of the city's artistic culture.

This morning, you'll embark on a private transfer to Phnom Penh, with the journey expected to take around 5 hours, depending on traffic conditions. En route, you'll visit Kampong Chhnang to see traditional pottery making, with many families producing these crafts in their homes. Feel free to stop by and observe their work. You will also explore the well-organized cooperative workshop at the base of Phnom Meas Hill.

After enjoying lunch at a local restaurant, proceed to Phnom Oudong. Begin your ascent to the top of Oudong Mountain, where you'll take in the expansive views of the stunning Cambodian countryside and explore ancient stupas dedicated to past kings and royal families. Your guide will share insights into significant historical events from centuries ago. Following this, savor some delicious local cuisine before heading to the Vipassana Dhura Buddhist Meditation Retreat for a breathtaking view. This retreat is renowned for its method of mental purification. Don’t miss seeing the remarkable jade Buddha, a mummified monk, and ancient artwork. Before concluding your day, visit the Kompong Luong silversmith village, famous for its intricately crafted animal-shaped boxes commonly found in city markets.

Finally, transfer to your hotel for check-in. The rest of the day is yours to enjoy at your leisure.

Enjoy a leisurely stroll or pick up some final souvenirs before checking out by midday. Your driver will be there to help with your luggage and transfer you to the airport in time for your departing flight.