Highlights of Cambodia – 6 Days 5 Nights

On arrival in Siem Reap, we know you’ll be chomping at the bit for that relaxation in the sun and that getaway, and that’s exactly what you’ll get! Be greeted by our English Speaking tour guide who will guide you to your comfortable, hand picked hotel to get your bearings and settle in for the week ahead.

Your guide will take you to the fascinating floating village at the Tonle Sap Lake, which features some unique architecture, having the houses raised and built above the river. In fact, even the cars are boats here, and it’s a thriving community that’ll interest any visitors. This will be rounded off by a visit to the Les Chantiers Ecoles Artisans D’Ankor, a workshop which shows the unique cultural take on woodcraft and stone carvings in the traditional Cambodian style.

After a rest and a great breakfast, you’re heading to the South Gate of the Angkor Thom Temple; home to some of the most eerie, yet curiously fascinating relics of Cambodia, including Bayon, Baphoun, Pimeanakas and the terrace of the Leper King. You’ll even get to walk through the Ta Prohm Temple, which, unlike its other nearby structures, was abandoned shortly after it was built, and has been perfect preserved among the overgrowing vegetation which has interweaved itself around the structure of the temple.

And for your afternoon, your guide will be showing you to Angkor Wat, a temple built specifically almost a millennia ago for king Suryavarman II. It’s one of the only temples in the area to remain a powerful jewel of religious importance throughout its existence, even today. And for the once in a lifetime way to round off the day, you’ll get to experience a panoramic sunset from Angkor Wat that’ll capture the eyes of anyone!

And with a refreshing dinner and a light spot of shopping at the night market for when you return to the city, you’ll even be treated to a Khmer massage to help you unwind before bed.

Today is a day for rich culture and a plethora of history! It’s a trip to the Angkor National Museum; a foundation stone and cultural landmark in Cambodia; revealing all about the legends of the Khmer Kingdom; some of which can be seen simply by looking around you, anywhere in the city of Siem Reap. This trip will take you right back to the roots and send you back in time to where it all began…

And now it’s time to acquire some of your own Cambodian knowledge with a walk through the Silk Farms; to observe and see the beautiful products from the moment their material is gathered to the moment they’re ready for sale. It’s all a traditional Khmer style, and you’ll have the chance to witness it all!

In the afternoon, you’ll have the chance to shop at the Old Market and head on a journey through the workshops producing natural soaps from pure coconut oil, and get to witness just how moisturizing creams are created, a chance to tantalise and tease all of your senses!

And with a hearty dinner and comfortable stay in Siem Reap waiting for you after your day is through, it’s onwards to more!

The morning will be bright and early, and with breakfast served, you’ll be ready for your lengthy transfer to Phnom Penh. The entire trip has a massive selection of panoramic views, and will take nearly seven hours. The road will cross three provinces.

When you get there, you’ll be shopping at the amazing Russian Market, all outdoor in the sun and the fresh air. There’s all manner of goods to be found; antiques, gold and silvers, fantastic gems and some fashionable t-shirts and other souvenirs.

And to gently finish your evenings, it’s a journey to the Independence Monument, celebrating Cambodia’s break from French rule and as a memorial to those that fought for it. It’s completed by a finish at the Naga World Casino. You’ll even get a free $10 coupon for those of you who fancy your chances at the jackpot!

Today will be a day of experiencing the darker side of Cambodian history. It’s a visit to Toul Sleng Genocide Museum. Atypical of many cultures, Cambodia shows their darker sides to their history for all to see. Known as S21, this building was the centre of the infamous Khmer Rouge prison, and provides a huge breadth of knowledge to the brutal regime.

And to show the other half of the story of the inmates here, you’ll be shown to the killing fields; a place that is still, in some respects, under excavation to discover the huge mass grave where the prisoners of the S21 prison finally met their brutal end. Today, it has been converted into a fabulous memorial site amongst a tranquil and beautiful setting to make sure the victims of the atrocity are never forgotten.

And for the second half of your day, it will be accented with a visit to the Wat Phnom; a somewhat small hill marked with a beautiful pagoda that marks the beginning and the glory of Phnom Penh city itself! And with that in mind, you’ll be shown for a walk around the Royal Palace Campus, where you can gaze upon the massive golden Buddha statue, and the thousands of silver tiles that mark the structure…

With such a rich mix of history, it’s rounded off by a relaxing one hour voyage down the Mekong river by boat among the twilight skies to see the local wildlife and creatures of the night on your nicely lit ship.

Indeed it is unfortunate, but all good things must come to an end eventually, and you’ll be free at your leisure until you will be taken to the airport for your connecting flight home. Have a safe journey, and we’re sure you’ll be back for more very soon!