Day 1: Phnom Penh Arrival
Welcome to Phnom Penh - the capital of Cambodia. Upon your arrival, you will be welcomed by our local guide and transferred to your hotel for a short rest. This afternoon discover the most remarkable sights of Phnom Penh.
Start with a visit to the Royal Palace, one of Phnom Penh’s most iconic landmarks. Set on the bank of Tonlé Sap River, the palace began to be built in 1886 after King Norodom relocated the royal capital to Phnom Penh and was completed before World War I. Up until today the palace is the primary residence of the King of Cambodia. Next, visit the close-by Silver Pagoda (Temple of the Emerald Buddha). This extraordinary structure is named for its floor, which is covered by 5,000 silver tiles each weighing 1 kilogram. The pagoda houses an extraordinary collection of Buddhas in gold, silver, crystal, and bronze.
Continue to the National Museum of Cambodia, just north of the Royal Place. Built in traditional Khmer style, the museum is home to the world’s finest collection of Khmer sculpture from the 4th to the 13th centuries. Over 5,000 pieces are on display, constituting the repository of the Kingdom's cultural wealth.
If time permits, walk up the small hillside to Wat Phnom, serving as a religious sanctuary for prayers and offerings since 1373.
Overnight in Phnom Penh.
Day 2: Phnom Penh - Siem Reap (B/L)
Breakfast in hotel. This morning visit the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum. The Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum is the memorial site of the S-21 interrogation and detention center of the Khmer Rouge regime. Located in the heart of Phnom Penh, it preserves a tragic period in history with the aim to encourage visitors to be messengers of peace.
Continue to the Toul Tompoung Market (Russian Market). The market became popular among the Russian expats during the 1980s, hence the name. Now it is the most popular market among tourists and expats and probably the best place to pick up souvenirs.
After lunch in local restaurant, transfer to Phnom Penh Airport for a short fight to Siem Reap. On arrival, meet your local guide and transfer to hotel. The rest of the day is free at your leisure.
Overnight in Siem Reap.
Day 3: Siem Reap - Temples of Angkor (B/L)
Breakfast in hotel. Spend full day exploring the most fabled temples in the Small Circuit of Angkor Archaeological Park.
This morning explore the ancient city of Angkor Thom, the last capital of the Great Khmer Empire under the reign of Jayavarman VII in late 12th century. Angkor Thom is an almost square city surrounded by a stonewall, 8m high and 12 kilometers long, with five entrance gates (two in the east wall). Each gate is carved with four giant faces and is flanked by 54 gods on the left and 54 demons on the right of its causeway.
Continue to the Bayon Temple, the centerpiece of Angkor Thom complex. The structure encompasses 54 towers that are decorated with 216 smiling stone faces. Next proceed to the Baphuon Temple nearby. The 11th century pyramid–style temple was probably among the most impressive of the Angkor temples in its day. Climb steep stairs to the upper terrace of the temple and enjoy great views from there. Follow by a visit to the Terrace of the Elephants and the Terrace of the Leper King, both known for their intricate bas-reliefs.
Next take a short drive to one of the most picturesque Angkor temples, Ta Prohm. Built in the mid 12th to early 13th centuries during the reign of Jayavarman VII, Ta Prohm is unique in that it remains largely overgrown by jungle.
After lunch, have a short break before heading to the magnificent Angkor Wat, the world’s largest religious monument. The architectural masterpiece was built in the 12th century, took 30 years to complete and represents the Khmer civilization at it grandest. Crowned by five towers, with elaborate bas-reliefs and a profusion of statues, Angkor Wat is enthralling. The temple is the national symbol of Cambodia and proudly appears on the country’s flag.
Our last stop today is Pre Rup temple. Climb up to the top level of this ancient temple and enjoy sunset over the temples and the jungle.
Overnight in Siem Reap.
Day 4: Tonlé Sap Lake - Departure (B/L)
After breakfast, drive past expansive rice fields and through local villages to the Tonlé Sap Lake, the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia. Take a relaxing boat trip along a canal that lead to lake, visit a floating fishing village and observe the vibrant daily life of the locals.
Our last visit today is the Angkor Silk Farm, where you can witness the entire process of silk creation from the breeding process and life cycle of the silkworm to the spinning of the silk, the dying process and the creation of beautiful silk weavings on wooden hand looms.
Have lunch in a local restaurant before transferring to the airport for your onward flight.
