Tour Code: KGEJ91Y730B6
5 Days
Daily Tour
Unlimited
___
Embark on a captivating 5-day tour exploring the highlights of Cambodia. Begin in Phnom Penh, the bustling capital, where you’ll delve into its rich history and vibrant culture. Next, journey to Siem Reap, the gateway to the iconic Angkor Wat, the world’s largest religious monument renowned for its stunning architecture and intricate carvings. Experience the majestic temples of the Angkor Archaeological Park and immerse yourself in the local charm of Siem Reap. This tour offers a perfect blend of historical grandeur and cultural discovery, promising an unforgettable Cambodian adventure.
Morning: Upon arriving at Phnom Penh Airport on your morning flight, you will be greeted by our friendly tour guide who will escort you to your hotel. Phnom Penh, once considered the most beautiful city in Indochina, retains its charm despite its recent turbulent past. We will begin our city tour with a visit to Wat Phnom, a small hill that is home to an active pagoda and is believed to be the legendary founding site of Phnom Penh. Next, see the statue of Yeay Penh, who discovered four Buddha statues and built a hill, or Phnom, in AD 1372 to house these sacred artifacts. We will also visit the Victory Monument, erected in 1955 to commemorate Cambodia's independence from French colonial rule in 1953, followed by a tour of the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S21 prison), a former high school turned into a detention and torture center during the Khmer Rouge era. Lunch will be at a local restaurant (at your own expense).
Afternoon: Continue your exploration with a visit to the National Museum, established in 1917 and designed in traditional Khmer style by the renowned French architect Georges Groslier. The museum features a remarkable collection of Khmer sculptures from both the pre-Angkor (4th century) and post-Angkor (14th century) periods. Next, we will tour the Royal Palace, built by King Norodom in 1866 on the site of the old town, and the Silver Pagoda, known for its floor made of 5,000 silver tiles. Afterward, take a stroll along the riverfront, a popular spot for tourists with stunning views of the confluence of the Mekong and Tonle Sap Rivers. Dinner will be at a local restaurant (at your own expense).
Morning: Begin your day with a visit to the infamous Choeung Ek Killing Fields, located 15 kilometers southwest of Phnom Penh. This site, where more than 17,000 people were executed, many after enduring severe interrogation, torture, and deprivation at Tuol Sleng Prison during Pol Pot’s regime (1975–1979), stands as a stark reminder of Cambodia’s tragic history. On the return journey, we’ll stop at a handicraft shop, a spa, and a vocational training restaurant, created by the NGO Pour un Sourire d’Enfant (PSE) in 1996. PSE works to rescue Cambodian children from scavenging in dumps for survival, particularly around the Steung Mean Chey garbage dump in Phnom Penh. We recommend having lunch at this restaurant (at your own expense).
Afternoon: Explore the Central Market (Phsar Thom Thmei), an iconic structure with distinctive art-deco architecture that stands out in Phnom Penh’s landscape. Here, you can shop for souvenirs, clothing, jewelry, silverware, and more.
Morning: Fly to Siem Reap in the morning, where this charming town serves as the gateway to the renowned Angkor temples. Angkor was the heart of the powerful Khmer Empire from 802 AD to 1350 AD, and its expansive ruins cover 60 square miles amidst dense jungle.
Upon arrival, you’ll be greeted and transferred directly to your hotel for check-in. Begin your exploration with a visit to the ancient city of Angkor Thom (12th century), where you can see the South Gate with its massive statues representing the churning of the ocean of milk. Explore the Bayon Temple, known for its 54 towers adorned with over 200 enigmatic smiling faces of Avalokitesvara, as well as Phimeanakas, the Royal Enclosure, the Terrace of the Elephants, and the Terrace of the Leper King. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant (at your own expense).
Afternoon: Continue with a visit to the Angkor National Museum, and then head to the magnificent Angkor Wat. Designated a World Heritage Site in 1992, Angkor Wat is celebrated for its grandeur and beauty, featuring the world's longest continuous bas-relief, which depicts scenes from Hindu mythology along its outer gallery walls. Conclude the day with a visit to Bakheng Temple and savor a stunning sunset view from Bakheng Hill.
Morning: Today, we set off for Kbal Spean, where a 45-minute forest walk will lead us to the top of the hill and the “Thousand Lingas River.” Explore the ancient 10th-12th century carvings etched into the rocky riverbed, including the Royal Bath and a scenic waterfall. Next, visit the captivating Banteay Srei Temple, a favorite for many due to its petite size, outstanding preservation, and exquisite decorative carvings. We will also stop at Banteay Samre. Enjoy a picnic lunch during the excursion and then return to Siem Reap in the afternoon.
Afternoon: Experience a traditional ox cart ride through a Khmer village, where you'll take in views of rice fields and numerous palm trees in the refreshing countryside air. Continue with a boat trip on Tonle Sap Lake, Cambodia’s "Great Lake" and one of the largest in Asia. Enjoy a brief cruise through floating villages that include schools, restaurants, and even hospitals.
Morning: Start your day with a visit to Ta Prohm, renowned for its stunning beauty and its relatively untouched, mysterious appearance since its discovery. Next, explore Neak Pean, a fountain set in the center of a pool, symbolizing the idyllic Himalayan mountain lake. Proceed to Ta Som, a charming 12th-century temple, the most remote of the grand circuit temples. Continue to Preah Khan Temple, constructed by King Jayavarman VII. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant (at your own expense).
Afternoon: Discover the distinctive brick sculptures inside Prasat Kravan, then visit Srah Srang, formerly used for ritual bathing and known as “The Royal Baths.” Explore Banteay Kdei, which is encircled by four concentric walls, and Ta Keo, built in the late 10th to early 11th century and notable for being the first temple constructed entirely of sandstone. Afterward, transfer to Siem Reap Airport for your evening flight to the next destination.