Authentic Cambodia
Phnom Penh – Siem Reap
7 Days/6 Nights
7 Days/6 Nights
Cambodia and its misty temples attract millions of tourists around the world each year. However, Cambodia has not only temples, but also a rich history dating back many centuries, a unique culture and a varied cuisine. We include in this itinerary a dinner sunset cruise, a full day sightseeing of Phnom Penh’s highlights, Angor temples, boat trip to floating villages on Tonle Sap lake and a cooking class.
Day 1: Phnom Penh – Arrival (D)
Upon arrival at Phnom Penh International Airport, be welcomed by our guide and transferred to your hotel in the city center to check in. Relax after a long-haul flight.
In the evening, we welcome you with a sunset cruise on the Mekong River with views of the Phnom Penh skyline after dark. Buffet dinner will be served with live traditional Khmer music.
Overnight in Phnom Penh.
Day 2: Phnom Penh’s highlights & Killing Fields (B)
After breakfast, explore the highlights of Phnom Penh including the Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda which sit together behind the crenellated yellow walls of the royal compound, in the manicured gardens on the riverfront. Silver Pagoda is well known for 5329 silver tiles that cover the floor. Each title was handcrafted and weighs 1.124kg.
In the afternoon, visit Toul Sleng, a secret prison code name “S-21”during Pol Pot’s genocidal rule. Between 1-2 million Cambodians – and many thousands of foreigners – were starved to death, tortured, or killed, during this reign of terror. Continue with the Killing Fields, 17 kilometers south of Phnom Penh. Overnight in Phnom Penh.
Day 3: Phnom Penh – Siem Reap by flight – Khmer Apsara School (B)
After breakfast, you will be free in Phnom Penh until being transfered to the airport for a flight to Siem Reap. Upon arrival, you’re greeted by our guide and visit the School of Art that trains more than 68 talented children in various Khmer Arts such as classical dance, folk dance, Pin Peat Music and Yike drama. Upon arrival, you’re greeted by a representative from the organization. Then you will be guided to each class which offers you an opportunity to interact with the trainers and the children to learn how they preserve the traditional performance arts. Afterward the representative will make a detailed presentation about the organization and classes. Your visit will wrap up watching the performance by the children and taking photos for souvenirs and bringing the loved ones home. Overnight in Siem Reap.
Day 4: Angkor Complex with most beautiful temples (B)
For early risers, wake up and drive thru the sleeping town to observe sunrise over Angkor Wat. Back to your hotel for breakfast before starting a very special and busy day as you will explore some of Angkor’s most beautiful temples. You will visit Angkor Thom from its West Gate – less discovered by mass tourists. The complex is inclusive of the ancient capital of Angkor Thom (12th century), the South Gate, Bayon Temple - unique for its 54 towers decorated with over 200 smiling faces of Avolokitesvara, Baphuon Temple: lying just to the north of Bayon, a pyramidal representation of mythical Mont Meru, The Royal Enclosure, Phimeanakas, The Elephant Terrace and the Terrace of the Leper King.
We continue to visit the fabulous Ta Prohm embraced by the roots of enormous fig trees and gigantic creepers. Ta Prohm was built in the 12th century. It’s a Buddhist temple dedicated to the mother of King Jayavarman VII. Next, visit Banteay Kdei, located south of Ta Promh and was built in middle of the 12th century to the beginning of the 13th century by king Jayavarman II in Mahaya Buddhism with following at least two different art periods Angkor Wat and Bayon are discernible at Banteay Kdei.
After lunch time, visit the famous temple: Angkor Wat. Angkor Wat is a World Heritage Site since 1992, famous for its beauty and splendor. Angkor Wat features the longest continuous bas-relief in the world, which runs along the outer gallery walls and narrates stories from Hindu mythology.
Late afternoon, hike up to Pre Rup temple for sunset. This temple is known as the best place for sunset in Angkor complex. Your evening is free for a foot massage or shopping at the Angkor Night Market. Overnight in Siem Reap.
Day 5: Siem Reap – Banteay Srei – Banteay Samre – Tonle Sap lake (B)
After breakfast, you start to explore the Angkor complex with:
Banteay Srei: nearly everyone’s favorite site. The special charm of this temple lies in its compact size, remarkable state of preservation, and the excellence of its decorative carving
Banteay Samre: Its rose-colored sandstone walls are decorated with carvings and bas-reliefs, which are among the most accomplished Angkor has to offer.
In the afternoon, take a cruise on Tonle Sap Lake for 1 hour, visit a floating village and experiencing the fisherman’s life. Then back to visit Chantie Ecole-Artisan D’Angkor which was created in 1998 on the purpose of helping young rural people find work near their home village and revitalizing Cambodian handicrafts. Nearby is the Old Market where you can find anything from clothing, jewelry, spices, souvenirs, food, and even rat-traps. Overnight in Siem Reap.
Day 6: Cook Khmer food (B)
After breakfast, meet your Khmer Chef who will bring you to visit the local farm, vegetable garden and give the story of Cambodian cuisine. The chef will recommend for you the best 3 dishes to choose and enjoy learning to make your own food in a private area of the Sojourn Restaurant, nestled among rice paddies and at a village outside of Siem Reap.
After 5 active days of sightseeing, your afternoon in Siem Reap is free to relax, try a local massage, or for more shopping. Massage shops in Siem Reap are available on every street. You can try a 60 minute foot or shoulder massage at about $5 to a body massage with a few bucks extra! Overnight in Siem Reap.
Day 7: Siem Reap - Departure (B)
After breakfast, you will be free in Siem Reap until driving to the airport in a good time to connect to your departure flight.
:>> Our prices include:
> Breakfast and accommodation sharing a twin or double room
> Travel in an appropriate private air-conditioned vehicle with an experienced safe driver
> The services of an experienced English-speaking guide throughout the tour (please note: guides will be on hand from pick-up until guests’ return to their hotel or reaching their destination)
> Domestic flights: Phnom Penh – Siem Reap, including airport taxes (Angkor Air, economic class)
> Where necessary, entry fees and permission to enter border areas for all visits mentioned in the program
> Lunches and dinners (as specified in the itinerary) in the best local restaurants, or picnics where no suitable restaurant is available
> Private cooking class in Siem Reap
> Welcome dinner on joint River Cruise in Phnom Penh with live Traditional Khmer Music & dance
> VAT and other taxes
:>> Our prices do not include:
> International flight tickets and airport tax
> Vietnamese Visa handling and stamp fee
> Dinners, except as specified above
> Drinks, gratuities and personal expenses
> Camera fees (if any)
> Insurance