Cambodia Encounters- 6 Days

Our first full day in Cambodia kicks off with a tour of Phnom Penh. After breakfast, we'll visit the Toul Sleng Prison Museum and the Killing Fields of Choeung Ek. While these sites offer a somber view of Cambodia's history, they are crucial for understanding the country's past. Later, we'll explore the Royal Palace, built in 1866 under King Norodom. Within the palace grounds, we'll also see the Silver Pagoda, renowned for its 5,000 silver tiles and a life-sized Buddha adorned with 9,584 diamonds, including one weighing about 25 carats. Our final stop will be the National Museum, designed in Khmer style by French archaeologist and artist Georges Groslier in 1917. Known as the Musée des Beaux-Arts, the museum features an impressive collection of Khmer art spanning various periods.

After an eventful day in Phnom Penh, we begin with a fulfilling breakfast before journeying northwest through the countryside to Siem Reap, the gateway to Angkor's ancient ruins. Siem Reap was once the heart of the Khmer Kingdom from the 9th to the 15th centuries. Along the way, we’ll stop in the Skoun District to explore a spider market, where you can sample fried spiders if you're feeling adventurous. We'll also visit the Santuk District to see a stone carving workshop and the historic Naga Bridge. Upon reaching Siem Reap, we’ll visit the Yeay Teap statue and the Preah Ang Chek and Preah Ang Chorm Shrines, which are believed to bring good fortune and protect the town. Next, we’ll explore Psar Chars, the 'Old Market,' which offers a variety of souvenirs including T-shirts, silverware, silk, and carvings, along with a chance to taste local Cambodian dishes. After our market visit, we’ll head to the scenic Kulen Mountains for a short forest walk to our homestay in a local village, where we'll spend the night.

We’ll kick off the day with a delicious breakfast prepared by our host family. Afterwards, we’ll set out to explore the forest trails of Kulen, searching for the impressive life-sized elephant statue, along with smaller statues of a lion, a cow, and a frog. Our adventure continues to a picturesque waterfall where we’ll have a picnic. From there, we’ll trek further through the forest to discover the reclining Buddha at Wat Preah Ang Thom, carved into a vast sandstone boulder. We’ll then ascend to a rock plateau offering stunning views of Kulen Mountain and the surrounding plains, followed by a visit to another waterfall where you can enjoy a refreshing swim. We’ll wrap up the day by returning to Siem Reap and checking into our hotel for the night.

Today, we’ll immerse ourselves in the wonders of Angkor, starting with a visit to the South Gate of Angkor Thom, famous for its grand stone-carved faces. We’ll explore the impressive Bayon Temple, followed by the Elephant Terrace and the Terrace of the Leper King. Our journey will take us to the Royal Enclosure and the magnificent Angkor Wat, the largest temple in Angkor, built in the 12th century. We’ll have time to wander through its expansive galleries, libraries, courtyards, and pavilions. Additionally, we’ll visit Ta Prohm, a temple dramatically overrun by the surrounding jungle. After a day filled with historical exploration, we’ll head to Pub Street in Siem Reap, a vibrant nightlife spot with numerous bars, cafes, and unique dining options.

Sadly, every journey has to conclude eventually. We’ll arrange transportation to the airport for your return flight. However, if you have a late departure, you can take advantage of our optional day tours, including a cooking class, a bike tour of additional temples, or a trip to the floating houses on Tonle Sap Lake. Should you wish to extend your stay in Siem Reap, feel free to reach out to us, and we’d be happy to help with the arrangements.