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 enjoy the local taste of a Khmer set menu dinner at our hotel.
Meals: Dinner
SNAPSHOT – WHAT’S INCLUDED:
- Arrival transfer
- 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.
Witness the Sunset at Bakheng Temple Hill
Wrap up the day by experiencing the sunset at Bakheng Temple hill.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
SNAPSHOT – WHAT’S INCLUDED:
- Hotel breakfast
- Angor Wat, Preah Khan, Neak Prean visits
- Sunset from Bakheng Temple hill
- Local restaurant lunch
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
- Visit Ta Prohm temple
- Street food adventure
- Local restaurant dinner
DAY 4
Siem Reap – Phnom Penh
There is some free time this morning before a transfer to Siem Reap Airport to fly to Phnom Penh. Arriving to Phnom Penh airport, your guide will escort you to your hotel. Tonight, dinner at our hotel with a Western Set Menu.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
SNAPSHOT – WHAT’S INCLUDED:
- Siem Reap hotel breakfast
- Flight Siem Reap to Phnom Penh
- Airport transfers
- Dinner at a local restaurant
DAY 5
Phnom Penh - Explore Cambodia's Capital City
The bustling riverfront promenade along the mighty Mekong River is a hub of activity, from the chaotic traffic to bustling sidewalks filled with street vendors and pedestrians. Visit the National Museum, the Silver Pagoda, and the Royal Palace, the current residence of King Norodom Sihamoi. Take some time to indulge in souvenir shopping at one of Phnom Penh's captivating markets.
Reflect on Cambodia's History
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.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
SNAPSHOT – WHAT’S INCLUDED:
- Hotel breakfast
- Phnom Penh city sightseeing
- Market visit
- Visit Toul Sleng Genocide Museum
- Visit the Killing Fields
- Lunch at a local restaurant
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.
