7 Days – Cambodia Real Food Adventure

After breakfast, you'll embark on a tour beginning with a visit to Angkor Wat, renowned as the most iconic and well-preserved temple within the Angkor complex. Next, travel to the ancient city of Angkor Thom, entering through the grand stone gate adorned with carvings of elephants and towering faces. Continue to Bayon Temple, located at the city's heart and famous for its mysterious faces that represent the 54 provinces of the former Khmer Empire. Don’t miss the Terrace of the Elephants and the Terrace of the Leper King, both celebrated for their detailed bas-reliefs.

Lunch will be served Khmer-style at a local restaurant near Sras Srang. Relish a delightful Khmer meal and enjoy some leisure time, either relaxing in a hammock or exploring the nearby area to experience local life and meet the friendly Cambodians.

After lunch, proceed to Ta Prohm, a temple renowned for its unique appearance, left largely as it was discovered—entwined with jungle trees and vines, with parts of the structure in ruins. Often referred to as the "Tomb Raider Temple" due to its use in the movie, Ta Prohm is one of the most visually striking and memorable temples in the Angkor complex.

Today, explore the stunning scenery of Tonle Sap Lake, embarking on an outdoor adventure into the rural landscape surrounding Siem Reap. Visit the floating village of Kompong Phluk and gain an insightful look into the daily lives of Cambodian residents.

We'll journey into the countryside to witness local traditions and interact with friendly villagers, gaining a deeper appreciation for their way of life. The trip culminates at Tonle Sap Lake, where you'll observe the unique lifestyle of families living on the water and how they adapt to their aquatic environment. After enjoying a lunch at the village, we’ll return to town.

You'll have some time to relax before attending an evening show at Phare Circus. This performance combines music, dance, and acrobatics to narrate Cambodian history, and you'll also have the chance to meet the talented artists behind the performance. It’s an exceptional experience in Siem Reap that you won’t want to miss.

Today, embark on a journey to the secluded villages where you’ll immerse yourself in local culture and showcase your cooking skills through a practical culinary adventure. You’ll craft a three-course gourmet meal, delve into village life, and savor the dishes you've prepared.

This interactive cooking experience will teach you various tips and techniques for handling ingredients, but you’ll be the one doing the cooking. You’ll make a starter, a main course, and a dessert. Afterward, you’ll enjoy your creations with a local host family before being taken back to your hotel.

Early in the morning, set out from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh by private vehicle. The journey, lasting about 7-8 hours, will take you through provincial towns, rural villages, and roadside settlements, providing a glimpse into life beyond the bustling cities. Along the way, you can stop in Kampong Thom for a coffee break and visit Skun village, known for its deep-fried tarantulas if you’re up for trying something adventurous.

Upon arrival in Phnom Penh, you’ll be transferred to your hotel. Once known as one of the most stunning cities in the Orient, Phnom Penh still retains a hint of its Colonial charm despite its recent turbulent history. Your afternoon is free for relaxation until 16:30, when your guide will meet you in a tuk-tuk for an evening tour focused on local cuisine.

The tour will take you to popular local eateries where you can sample traditional Khmer dishes like Banh Chheu, chicken rice porridge, and beef skewers. Choose your favorite, sit on a plastic stool among the locals, and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere. The final stop of the evening will be at bustling seafood stalls where you can savor freshly barbecued seafood before heading back to your hotel.

After enjoying a hearty breakfast at your hotel, head to the Royal Palace. Dating back to 1866, this grand palace includes the Silver Pagoda, renowned for its collection of over 5,000 silver tiles. Locally known as Wat Prakeo, or the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, it also functions as a museum housing Buddha statues. Next, visit the National Museum, an exemplary example of traditional Khmer architecture, which displays an extensive collection of Khmer art, archaeological, and religious artifacts from the 4th to the 12th century.

Proceed south from the tourist center to Toul Sleng, formerly a high school that was repurposed into Security Prison 21 (S21) by the Khmer Rouge from 1975 to 1979. This site was used as a prison during the Khmer Rouge’s regime against the government.

In the afternoon, enjoy a leisurely lunch at a local Khmer restaurant, where you can savor traditional Khmer cuisine. Following lunch, continue to the poignant Killing Fields Genocide Museum. In the evening, embark on a river cruise along the Mekong River for dinner while taking in the beautiful sunset.

This morning marks the conclusion of your tour. With no scheduled activities on your final day, you have the freedom to depart at your convenience. Enjoy your remaining time at leisure until your transfer to Phnom Penh International Airport for your onward flight. Before you leave, you’ll have the chance to bid farewell to your tour leader.