Highlights of Cambodia

On arrival, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Tonight, meet your fellow travellers over welcome drinks while your Tour Leader explains some important details and logistics of the journey ahead.

Explore Phnom Penh by cyclo, a chaotic, energetic and always fascinating city. Start your day at Wat Phnom, the birthplace of the capital. Then, visit the Royal Palace, the residence of King Norodom Sihamoni, the Silver Pagoda, and the National Museum, which contains a comprehensive collection of Khmer art. In the afternoon, visit Sleng Museum, formerly a High School which became the interrogation and torture facility for the Khmer Rouge regime. Then, visit of Phnom Penh’s two great markets, the Central Market and the sprawling Russian Market, a labyrinth of stalls selling everything from CDs and DVDs to silks, crafts and jewellery.

In the morning, enjoy an overland transfer from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap. Along the way, we will make stops at the infamous spider and insect market in Skun, as well as the stone mason village near Santuk. Before reaching Siem Reap city, visit the floating village of Kampong Phluk. This isolated community consists of three villages built on stilts, providing a unique and scenic experience. The villages are flooded for approximately half of the year (August/September – February), allowing for visits by local boats and contributing to the local community’s income. If the water level of the lake permits, we will take a small rowing boat through the flooded mangrove forests. This exceptional ecosystem thrives in the wet soil for half of the year, supporting a diverse range of wildlife. Afterward, return by boat and continue the journey by vehicle to Siem Reap, where you will check in at your hotel.

Don’t forget to set you’re alarm today as we start at pre-dawn to witness the breathtaking view of the Sunrise over Angkor Wat temple. Enjoy breakfast at a local restaurant before proceeding to the Southern Gate of Angkor Thom ‘Great City’. This will include many of the finest Temples of King Jayavarman VII, who ruled from 1181 to 1220. At the southern gate of Angkor Thom, you will marvel at the imposing 23m (75-foot) high stone faces of Avalokiteshvara, featured in the Tomb Raider movie. These astonishing carvings inspire awe and wonder in all who view them. At the center of this citadel lies the state temple of Bayon, which we will also visit. This temple-mountain, built at the end of the 12th century, is adorned with hundreds of gigantic stone faces. This tour also includes the Terrace of Elephants, the Terrace of the Leper King. Later in the day you will discover the most famous temples from the 11th century: Baphuon, Phimeanakas. Later visit Ta Prohm. It is unforgettable due to the massive trees with thick roots that entangle the walls. They were left here intentionally by the archeologists working on the site. While clearing back the forest it was decided to leave them in place to serve as a reminder of how the original discovers found it and other temples. Many of the trees have grown around and through the remains, and soar high above the temple. This evening step back in time with the only air-condition theatre in town, Dancers, Singers and Musicians will bring Khmer Ancient culture back in time in a spectacular surrounding while you enjoy one of the finest cuisine in town

It’s time to say goodbye, but just think of all the wonderful stories you will take home. A transfer will take you to the airport for your onward travels.