Essential Cambodia - 5 Days

Welcome to Siem Reap, the provincial capital and gateway to the ancient Angkor temples. Recognized as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, the Angkor Archaeological Park encompasses dozens of temple ruins including Bayon, Banteay Srei and the legendary Angkor Wat. Upon arrival, you will be greeted by our local guide and taken to the hotel to check in. Time for refreshment.

Walking orientation around the hotel area followed by the Phare show at Cambodia Circus Centre to expect the unexpected. More than just a show, Phare performers use theater, music, dance and modern circus arts to tell uniquely Cambodian stories; historical, folk and modern. The young circus artists will astonish you with their energy, emotion, enthusiasm and talent.

Meals: Breakfast.
Accommodation: Hotel in Siem Reap.

Rise up early to pick up the most beautiful, haunting and spiritual moment to visit magnificent Angkor Wat at dawn. This special activity is designed also to help you see “the Temple reflex on the water” when it’s much cooler and less crowded. Angkor Wat, the UNESCO World Heritage Site, which was constructed by Suryavarman II who reigned Cambodia from 1113 to 1152 and built the five towers in the 12th century and dedicated them to the Hindu God Vishnu. The plan of the pyramidal conception of the temple combined with spaces, alleys and ditches is an ancient masterpiece of architectural design and construction.

For your most convenience, a table with hot tea or coffee and breakfast box is arranged by Travel Cambodia will be served at a local restaurant nearby Angkor Wat.

Our journey continues with visiting South Gate of Angkor Thom, with its majestic doors and artifacts. Then visit monumental temple of Bayon which is the heart of Angkor Thom. Later, visit the Elephant Terrace, Terrace of the Leper King and Takeo “Jewel of Crystal”, which is dedicated to the Hindu God Shiva and was erected at the end of the 10th century. Leaving Angkor Thom by the North Gate, you travel to Preah Khan (Sacred Sword), one of Angkor’s largest temples, constructed in the 12th century by Jayavarman VII. You should not miss Ta Prohm Temple, which is a wonderful combination of human genius and natural beauty with its giant trees that have grown there for centuries.

Meals: Breakfast.
Accommodation: Hotel in Siem Reap.

After breakfast, check out of hotel and head out of town to Tonle Sap Lake. This is the largest permanent fresh-water lake in South Asia and flows into Tonle Sap River, joining the Mekong in Phnom Penh. We will see a “floating village” – boats have been converted to look like houses and the “village” move from place to place following water levels.

In the afternoon, take a 5-hour drive from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh – the recent Capital of the Khmer Kingdom. The journey offers an excellent opportunity to observe rural Cambodia up-close. Stop along the way and visit a market, where every assortment of street food is available, including the Khmer favorite: fried spiders! Of course feel free to try one.

Once you arrive in Phnom Penh, check in hotel and free at your leisure.

Meals: Breakfast.
Accommodation: Hotel in Phnom Penh.

Phnom Penh was founded in the 14th century and has long been a vital trading hub at the confluence of three rivers: the Mekong, Tonle Sap, and Bassac. Start the day learning about the Khmer Rouge and Cambodia’s recent history on a guided tour of the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and the notorious Choeung Ek “Killing Fields.” Our cultural tour continues as we visit the National Museum—a journey into ancient Khmer art and civilization and the Royal Palace, home to the royal family and the opulent silver pagoda.

Enjoy some free time to rest and freshen up before driving to the dock to catch a sunset cruise along the Mekong River. Savor a farewell dinner on board as you watch the sunset over the shimmering lights of Phnom Penh.

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner.
Accommodation: Hotel in Phnom Penh.

After breakfast you are free at your leisure until our driver takes you to Phnom Penh International airport for departure flight home.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: N/A.