HIGHLIGHTS
- An in depth visit the largest religious monument in the world Angkor Wat
- Other temple visits including Preah Khan, Neak Pean and Ta Prohm temple
- A ‘foodies’ market safari, Siem Reap
- City highlights tour, Phnom Penh
- Visit the Genocide Museum of Toul Sleng
- A sombre visit to the Killing Fields of Choeung Ek
- A local market tour and cooking class, Phnom Penh
- Cambodian meals for lunch and dinners at some local restaurants
- Farewell dinner sunset boat cruise
- Easy paced stay; 3 nights Siem Reap, 3 nights Phnom Penh
PRE TOUR STAY
Consider arriving a day before the tour starts or staying on after the tour ends. You can relax and refresh after your flight. The cost of the additional night/s of stay applies. Ask our travel team about this option, and the additional costs.
DAY 1
Siem Reap - Arrival
Welcome to the Kingdom of Cambodia! Begin your exploration in Siem Reap, where ancient temples whisper the secrets of the Khmer kingdom's past. This evening meet up with you group and guide, and enjoy the local taste of a Khmer set menu dinner at our hotel.
Meals: Dinner
SNAPSHOT – WHAT’S INCLUDED:
- Group arrival transfer to hotel
- Group meet up 7:45PM
- Dinner at the hotel
DAY 2
Siem Reap - Explore the Majestic Angkor Wat
Embark on a journey to Angkor Wat, the epitome of Khmer architecture and the cherished national symbol of Cambodia; the largest and most exquisitely preserved of the Angkor temples.
To reach the temple, you'll cross a vast moat and along a grand causeway. Upon entering the main structure, ascend through a succession of galleries and courtyards until you reach the central sanctuary, which offers panoramic vistas over the causeway and the surrounding countryside. The outer gallery walls feature the world's longest continuous bas-relief, depicting tales from Hindu mythology, including the renowned Churning of the Ocean of Milk.
Other temple visits today include Preah Khan temple, Neak Pean temple and sunset at Bakheng Temple Hill. Lunch today while out exploring the temples is at a local restaurant.
Discover Preah Khan Temple
Preah Khan, constructed by King Jayavarman VII, is a sprawling temple complex with towering enclosures and winding corridors nestled within a jungle setting.
Explore Neak Pean Temple
Neak Pean is a Buddhist temple featuring a square pool with four smaller square pools arranged along each axis. In the centre of the large central pool lies a circular island encircled by two intertwined nagas.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
SNAPSHOT – WHAT’S INCLUDED:
- Hotel breakfast
- Local restaurant lunch
- Angor Wat, Preah Khan, Neak Prean visits
- Full day tour, returning around 5PM to hotel
SPECIAL NOTES:
It’s a long and full day out but very rewarding - bring water, sun protection, wear comfortable shoes.
DAY 3
Siem Reap
Exploration of Angkor Thom
The fortified city of Angkor Thom sprawls across a 10 square kilometre expanse, enclosed by formidable walls and wide moats. Your journey begins at the imposing South Gate. Explore the Terrace of the Elephants and the Terrace of the Leper Kings, once used for public ceremonies and adorned with dramatic bas-reliefs. Continue your visit to the ruins of Baphuon, Royal Enclosure, and Phimeanakas, culminating with the enigmatic Bayon Temple.
Our exploring continues, and we visit Ta Prohm template, one of Angkor's most renowned attractions, retains much of its original jungle overgrowth, offering a glimpse into how most Angkor monuments appeared to European explorers during their first encounters.
Indulge in a Siem Reap Street Food Adventure
Towards the end of the day embark on a delectable journey to experience Khmer cuisine, with a Siem Reap street food tour along Road 60. Travel via Tuktuk to the evening market, meander through the stalls, and learn about various desserts, fruits, and snacks on display. Seek out bustling stalls to savour the local offers, from seasonal fruits to traditional treats like barbecued meat or fried insects. After two hours of culinary exploration, sit down at a popular local restaurant for a sumptuous Khmer feast served family style.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
SNAPSHOT – WHAT’S INCLUDED:
- Hotel breakfast
- Visit Angkor Thom
- Street food adventure
- Local restaurant dinner
DAY 4
Siem Reap – Phnom Penh
Enjoy your breakfast at hotel and then we set off from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh.
Your first stop to visit Kampong Kleang floating village, located on the beautiful Tonle Sap Lake in Cambodia. There is a sh ort excursion by boat to explore this unique village and try the delicious bamboo sticky rice along the way. As we navigate through the calm waters of the lake, be mesmerised by the picturesque scenery surrounding the village. The houses here are built on stilts, rising above the water, creating a fascinating sight of a floating community. Our first stop will be at a local family's house, where you will have the opportunity to witness their daily life. You can observe the skillful fishermen casting their nets and the farmers tending to their crops on floating gardens. On the way back, make a stop by at the lush greenery surrounding spot where bamboo sticky rice is demonstrated and prepared for you to try out. This traditional dish is a local delicacy, and you will have the chance to learn the art of making it.
Continue the day trip to Phnom Penh, and your second visit at an ancient bridge, Spean Kampong Kdei Bridge, or Spean Prabtos. Discover the ancient Spean Kampong Kdei bridge, a stunning historical landmark from the Angkorian era. Built over 1,000 years ago, this stone bridge features 21 arches and was once a vital part of the Khmer Empire’s trade routes.
We stop at a local restaurant for lunch.
On the way, we will have a stop in Skuon. Internationally known as Spiderville, the Cambodian town of Skuon hosts one of the most unusual markets in the world. At first sight, it looks like any other market in Asia, but it does focus on a product you won't find in many other places. Skuon market has become world famous, due to the fried spider snacks that are so popular here. Among all the fruit and vegetable stands, you'll see women carrying large trays, full of fried and spiced spiders, some the size of a grown man's palm.
By the day end, we arrive to Phnom Penh with a relaxed evening in house with dinner at the hotel.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
SNAPSHOT – WHAT’S INCLUDED:
- Siem Reap hotel breakfast
- Transfer by road Siem Reap to Phnom Penh (about 314km) with stops along the way
- Dinner at a local restaurant
DAY 5
Phnom Penh - Explore Cambodia's Capital City
Reflect on Cambodia's History
This morning, pay tribute to Cambodia's history by visiting the Toul Sleng Genocide Museum. Housed in a former high school, this museum served as the primary interrogation and torture facility during a dark period. Unchanged since then, it stands as a testament to the thousands of individuals who passed through its doors, with only seven surviving.
Just outside the city, amidst a serene rural landscape, lies the Killing Fields. These fields bear witness to the atrocities committed between 1975 and 1978, where thousands were laid to rest in mass graves. Although these visits can be emotionally challenging, they offer essential insights into Cambodia's history, resilience, and survival.
In the afternoon, visit the the Royal Palace, the current residence of King Norodom Sihamoi.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
SNAPSHOT – WHAT’S INCLUDED:
- Hotel breakfast
- Visit Toul Sleng Genocide Museum
- Visit the Killing Fields
- Lunch at a local restaurant
- Royal Palace visit
DAY 6
Phnom Penh - Private Cooking Class
In the morning, make a visit to the local market via Remork (Tuk Tuk), accompanied by a Cambodian chef who will help you discover local flavours. Cambodia boasts an abundance of world-class ingredients, and the chef will impart culinary and medicinal knowledge based on the season's offerings. After your market experience, return to the kitchen with the chef, where each participant will have their fully equipped cooking station. The chef will then demonstrate the preparation of the dishes you will create. Explore Cambodia's unique culinary techniques, and afterward, savour your own culinary creations in a relaxed setting.
The afternoon is yours to enjoy at your leisure.
Sunset Cruise Over Tonle Mekong
At the end of the day depart from our hotel to embark to join a sunset cruise and take in the sparkling lights of the capital. During the cruise some drinks are served (2 units per person) from a selection of wine, beer, or soft drink, or bottle of water. Afterwards, it’s a short drive from the pier to a local restaurant for a farewell dinner.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
SNAPSHOT – WHAT’S INCLUDED:
- Hotel breakfast
- Cooking class
- Lunch together
- Sunset boat cruise
- Farewell group dinner
DAY 7
Phnom Penh
This morning you can enjoy breakfast reflecting on your time in Cambodia before your homeward journey.
Meals: Breakfast
Itineraries may be subject to change, due to circumstances outside of our control. If there is any itinerary change prior to departure of significance, we aim to inform you prior to travel. Itinerary changes while on tour will be informed by your tour leader/guide while on tour.
