On arrival in Phnom Penh, your tour guide meets you as you exit from the Restricted Area at the airport and offers you a private transfer to your hotel.
Overnight in Phnom Penh (3 nights)
Today start your city exploration by making a wish at the spiritual Wat Phnom, a city landmark and a popular place for worship. From there, set off on a Cyclo (traditional transportation back to the 1960s) to explore the glittering Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda, admiring the over 5,000 silver tiles, each weighing about two pounds, covering the floor and the collection of shiny golden Buddhas. Then walk to see the National Museum, home to the country’s most important collection of ancient Cambodian artifacts.
This afternoon, you will have ample time to explore the famous Tuol Tumpong Market “Russian Market”, which sells a vast array of goods. Or visit the Central Market (Phsar Thmei), which is a unique colonial-style building constructed in 1937. Today, this beautiful market has become a prominent landmark in Phnom Penh.
Wrap up today with a memorable sunset cruise. A trip not to be missed! relax on a wooden boat cruising along the mighty Mekong River and see a quaint floating Village and local fishermen at work. Enjoy some soft drinks/local beer while watching a spectacular sunset over the Phnom Penh skyline and Royal Palace and witnessing this charming capital’s beauty at dusk.
This morning, you are taken on a Cambodian Genocide tour to explore the harrowing Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, a former school turned into the S-21 prison –essentially a torture center – by the murderous Khmer Rouge regime. Next is to explore the notorious killing fields of Choeung Ek, where some 17,000 people met their ends.
Enjoy this afternoon free at your leisure.
This morning, drive to Battambang province, the second-largest city in Cambodia and an artsy city blessed with early 20th-century French colonial architecture. The transfer time takes approximately 5 hours (291 km). Make some stops along the way for photo shooting and visit a traditional pottery community in Kampong Chhnang.
Late afternoon, enjoy a walking tour of this charming town to see its iconic Buddhist monastery and numerous colonial buildings. Taste some local street foods and seasonal fruits and lastly enjoy your dinner at a local restaurant on your account.
Overnight in Battambang (2 nights)
Today you will climb the 358 stone steps leading to the five towers of Phnom Banan – a 1000-year-old Khmer temple sporting superb carvings, reputedly the inspiration for Angkor Wat –from where you’ll drink in sweeping views. On the way back visit the local grape yards and winery (tasting is complimentary).
For the rest of the day, visit the Ancient Khmer house, watch the traditional rice paper-making, take a chance to experience the thrilling Bamboo train, and spend the sunset watching millions of bats that stream from the caves for a night of hunting. A true spectacle that lasts for up to 40 minutes.
Today, continue by overland to Siem Reap – the gateway to Angkor temples. It takes almost 3 hours (170 Km). Along the way, detour to visit Angkor Silk Farm to witness the entire fascinating process of silk-making from the mulberry bushes’ cultivation, silkworm farming, cocoon unwinding, preparation of the silk threads, ikat technique (tie-dyeing of the threads) and silk weaving to the production of silk fabrics and accessories.
As evening comes, enjoy your welcome dinner at a local restaurant and witness the hundred-year-olds “Royal Ballet of Cambodia” or “Apsara Dance”.
Overnight in Siem Reap (5 nights)
Today continue your Angkor adventure by exploring the ancient fortified city of Angkor Thom. From Angkor Thom’s southern gateway, continue to visit Bayon temple “The Giant Smiling Faces temple”. Move on to visit the nearby triple-tiered mountain temple of the Baphuon, also known as the Pyramid temple in Angkor. From there walk through the shaded parkland to the Terrace of the Elephant, and the Terrace of the Leper King to view their detailed stone carvings.
Late afternoon, continue to visit the encroaching jungle Ta Prohm, also known to be the undisputed capital of the “Kingdom of the Trees” or “Tomb Raider Temple”. Wrap up today with Preah Khan or “Sacred Sword” until sunset, or view the sunset over the mountain temple of Pre Rup or Phnom Bakheng.
Today rise early to catch the spectacular sunrise over the world’s largest religious ruins of Angkor Wat and discover this mighty temple at dawn, regarded by many as the quintessential Angkor experience. After exploring the ruins in detail led by your professional tour guide, return to the hotel for a late leisurely breakfast.
This afternoon takes a break from temples, and travel a bit further away from town to explore Kampong Phluk “Harbour of the Tusks”, a fascinating fishing community on the fringes of the magnificent Tonlé Sap Lake. Take a boat trip to see its glory as you pass through the floating village where the fisherman and their families live in stilted houses. Relax and enjoy the beautiful scenery dominated by the tranquility of the lake that dots the landscape.
Evening option: Visit Phare Circus Performance by Phare Artists
• 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm: Cambodian street food, drinks, shopping, and pre-show entertainment (Own expenses)
• 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm: Phare Circus Performance
After an early breakfast at the hotel, at 7.30 am your guide will take you through timeless rural Cambodian villages and countryside to explore Kbal Spean. Take this opportunity to join a guided tour around the ACCB (Angkor Centre for Conservation of Biodiversity), a recusing and caring wildlife Center. Afterward, you will enjoy a moderate 3-km trek up the sacred Kbal Spean Hill through dense jungle to see “the River of 1000 Lingas” or “Valley of a 1000 Lingas” on the top; with its amazing Hindu stone carvings of Hindu gods, animals, and phallic symbols in the river bed.
Or you may go to discover Beng Mealea, ‘Lotus Pond’ in Khmer, for a unique jungle experience. Beng Melea, a mysterious temple, is built to the same plan as Angkor Wat but is so deeply overrun by the forces of nature that exploring it is the ultimate Indiana Jones experience.
After lunch, conclude your day with the famous pink temple of Banteay Srei temple “the Citadel of Women”. Stop at a local village along the way, to meet local people and see how they traditionally produce their local commodities such as basket weaving and sugar palm.
Free day at your leisure. Relax and reflect on your memorable journey so far.
Or you may opt for other activities/tours:
Free at leisure until it’s time for the transfer to the Siem Reap Airport for your flight home or next destination.
4-Day Angkor Tour & Surroundings
Siem Reap
Explore the magnificent Angkor temples and Tonle Sap Lake
Go off-the-beaten-track beyond Siem Reap’s limits.
Support the Elephant conservation project by visiting the Kulen Elephant Forest sanctuary.
3-Day Angkor Tour & Surroundings
Siem Reap
Discover Angkor Wat at its stunning time – at dawn and sunrise.
Explore Tonle Sap Lake with a boat trip
Go off-the-beaten-track beyond Siem Reap’s limits.