8D7N The Cambodian Escape

At 8:00am, you'll be picked up from your hotel for a day of exploration. Start with a visit to the South Gate, where massive statues depict the churning of the ocean of milk, and explore the ancient capital of Angkor Thom, built in the late 12th century. Continue to Bayon Temple, renowned for its 54 towers adorned with over 200 smiling faces of Avalokiteshvara. Next, see Baphuon, an impressive artificial mountain recently reopened after extensive restoration.

Following this, you may explore the Royal Enclosure, the Terrace of the Elephants, and the Terrace of the Leper King. Then, visit the famed Ta Prohm Temple, known for its appearance in the Tomb Raider movie, and built between the late 12th and early 13th centuries.

Enjoy a traditional Khmer lunch at a local restaurant. Afterward, head to the stunning Angkor Wat Temple, the most revered temple in Angkor Park and the largest religious monument in the world. Inside, the walls are adorned with breathtaking stone carvings and bas-reliefs. Your guide will share the stories behind these intricate details and give you plenty of time to explore both the inner and outer parts of the temple. At the end of the day, you'll be returned to your hotel.

At 08:30am, begin your tour with a visit to the Angkor National Museum, which is dedicated to the collection, preservation, and display of artifacts from the Angkorian era. The museum's exhibits primarily feature items from the Khmer Empire’s Angkor period, spanning the 9th to 14th centuries, with most artifacts sourced from the nearby Angkor archaeological sites. Your guide will then take you back to the early Angkorian period to explore Bakong, the first capital of Angkor, which showcases the grand implementation of temple-mountain architecture, complete with a scenic moat and surrounding vegetation. Experience a traditional Buddhist ceremony with a monk blessing at the pagoda, a ritual that imparts wishes of good fortune and success.

After enjoying lunch at a local restaurant, head to Tonle Sap Lake to explore the various activities within the floating village, including crocodile farming, fishing farms, traditional medicine shops, boat shops, spirit houses, and floating schools. Next, visit Artisans D’ Angkor, a local artisan center dedicated to supporting Cambodian arts and crafts. Witness the craftsmanship behind wood and stone carvings, lacquering, gilding, and silk paintings.

For a memorable final evening in Siem Reap, attend a performance of the Cambodian Traditional Circus. More than just a circus, Phare combines theater, music, dance, and modern circus arts to narrate uniquely Cambodian stories, both historical and contemporary. The young performers will captivate you with their dynamic energy, emotional depth, and exceptional talent.

Today, you'll transfer to the bus station or airport for your journey to Phnom Penh. The bus ride takes about 6 hours, while a flight is approximately 1 hour.

Upon reaching Phnom Penh, your guide will assist with your transfer to the hotel for check-in. Please note that standard check-in time is 14:00.

In the afternoon, your tour begins with a visit to the Central Market, which was established in 1937 during the French colonial era. The market offers a wide range of items including gold and silver jewelry, electronics, clothing, imitation watches and bags, suitcases, both dried and fresh foods, and numerous souvenirs. Next, head to Wat Lanka, one of Phnom Penh’s oldest pagodas, originally founded as a sanctuary for religious texts and a meeting place for Cambodian and Sri Lankan monks. Following that, visit the Independence Monument, inspired by the central tower of Angkor Wat. Built in 1958, it commemorates Cambodia’s independence from France in 1953 and serves as a memorial for the country’s war casualties, with wreaths placed here on national holidays. Finally, explore Aeon Mall, a vast 68,000-square-meter shopping center featuring international brands such as Sheridan, Mango, Levi’s, and Adidas. The mall’s top floor includes a large food court and a modern entertainment complex with a cinema, karaoke lounge, bowling alley, arcades, and an ice skating rink. You can choose to spend more time here or return to your hotel.

Embark on a discovery tour of Phnom Penh. At 8:00am, your driver and guide will meet you. 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 sobering look into Cambodia’s recent dark history. Continue to the Killing Fields of Choeung Ek, where you will gain further insight into the country’s tragic past. These visits are intense but crucial for understanding Cambodia's history.

The afternoon brings a change of pace with a trip to the Russian Market, Cambodia’s largest market, known for its wide range of goods from carvings and jewelry to clothing and souvenirs. Enjoy a lunch featuring traditional Khmer dishes at a local restaurant.

Next, visit Wat Phnom, a picturesque temple situated on a hill with beautifully maintained gardens, followed by the Royal Palace and the Silver Pagoda. The pagoda is named for its floor covered in 5,000 silver tiles and is renowned for its impressive collection of gold, silver, crystal, and bronze Buddha statues.

The day concludes with a relaxing sunset cruise on the Mekong River before returning to your hotel.

Free and easy day at your own leisure

In the morning, you'll travel by private transfer back to Phnom Penh, which typically takes about 4 hours, subject to traffic conditions. Proceed directly to the airport for your departure flight.

We look forward to welcoming you back in the near future!