Cambodia Highlights

Welcome to Phnom Penh – the city retains its traditional Khmer and colonial charm. French villas along tree-lined boulevards remind the visitor that the city was once considered the gem of Southeast Asia. Recent political changes have triggered an economic boom of sorts, with new hotels, restaurants, bars and nightclubs springing up around the city. Upon arrival, welcomed by the local tour guide and transfer to the hotel. The remaining of the day is at leisure. Overnight in Phnom Penh.
Please note: the standard check in time is 14:00 – 15:00pm. Early check in is not included and subject to hotel availability.

After breakfast, your tour will start with a visit to The Royal Palace, which is the grand residence of Cambodia’s much loved King and was built by the French in 1866. The main building on the compound is the Throne Room, built in 1917 in the traditional Khmer style it has a tiered roof and a 59‐meter tower, which is influenced by Angkor Thom’s Bayon Temple. Also on the compounds of the Royal Palace, is the stunning Silver Pagoda, the floor inside it is comprised of more than 5000 silver tiles, which together weigh nearly 6 tons. The pagoda houses a magnificent 17th century Emerald Buddha statue and a 90 kg gold Buddha studded with 9584 diamonds. The next visit of the day will be to the city’s most important temple, Wat Phnom. Located on a man‐made hill, 27m high, Wat Phnom is named after the wealthy widow who built a small pagoda here after finding four Buddha statues floating in the river. Learn about the legend behind this temple as you enjoy the views. Cambodia’s harrowing history under the brutal Khmer Rouge routine, whilst deeply upsetting, is something that should not be ignored. For those who can handle it, we offer a visit to the S‐21 (Tuol Sleng) prison camp for an in-depth account of the atrocities that occurred, followed by a trip to Choeung Ek. Known as “The Killing Fields”, this seemingly peaceful area located 17km from Phnom Penh was for everyone entering the site the end of the line. Nowadays it is home to a memorial stupa containing over 5000 skulls, which allows the Khmer people to return and honor their ancestors who died by the Pol Pot regime. Leave the relics of the bad history of Cambodia we will visit Russian market, enjoy the bustling daily activities of the locals. Overnight in Phnom Penh.

After breakfast and check out hotel, we transfer with our driver (no guide) to the airport/bus station for flight/express bus to Siem Reap. Upon arrival, welcomed by the local tour guide and transfer to the down town. Check in your hotel (normal check in time is 2pm). This afternoon, we visit we visit Wat Bo, a highly respected pagoda founded in the 18th century, contains very unique wall paintings of the Reamker (Ramayana) that are said to be from late 19th century. Continue to visit the "Les Artisans d'Angkor – Chantiers Ecole" the Finest Authentic Khmer Arts and Crafts. End our visits at one of the city’s lively open markets, Psar Chars, also called the “Old Market”, where anything and everything is for sale. Overnight in Siem Reap.

After breakfast, we explore South Gate of Angkor Thom known as Big Angkor, 3km2 walled and moated royal city and was the last capital of the Angkorian Empire, The famous Bayon Temple was an architectural muddle, in part because it was constructed in a somewhat piecemeal fashion for over a century. Terrace of the Elephants is an impressive, two and a half meter tall, 300 meter long terrace wall adorned with carved elephants and gradual that spans the heart of Angkor Thom in front of Baphuon - huge temple mountain in the heart of Angkor Thom, Royal Palace Area and Phimeanakas - impressive rite and sandstone pyramid. Terrace of the Leper King is at the north end of the Terrace of the Elephants, a double terrace wall with deeply carved nag as, demons and other mythological beings. Last visit Ta Prohm temple which is a wonderful combination of human genius and natural beauty! Giant trees have grown here for centuries! This afternoon, we overland to visit the highlights of the Grand Circuit including: Preah Khan - meaning The Sacred Sword, this temple was also built by Jayawarman VII and is famous for its immensely long cruciform corridors and delicate carvings. Neak Pean - This temple is a delicate highlight of Khmer art. Built by Jayavarman VII, this temple is the perfect representation of the heavens on earth. Ta Som was a small classic Bayon style monastic complex consisting of a relatively flat enclosure. East Mebon was built in the 10th Century by Rajendravarman; this temple was situated on a small island in the middle of the Oriental, or Eastern, Baray. Last visit Pre Rup was built in the 10th Century by Rajendravarman. Overnight in Siem Reap.

After breakfast, we visit Chong Kneas Floating Villages, located 10 kilometers south of Siem Reap. Take a ride in a traditional wooden boat on the Tonle Sap, the "Great Lake" of Cambodia and the largest in Asia. Here we will see plenty of examples of the Khmer way of life on the Tonle Sap. This afternoon we visit Angkor Wat temple, the Cambodia's ancient temple is one of the wonders of the oriental world. Masterpieces of decorative details as well as of architectural style, its awe-inspiring ruins survive as testament to the spectacular achievements of Southeast Asia's greatest civilization. It is a replica of the universe according to the Hindu mythology. It is composed by the Mount Meru, surrounded by the continents and the oceans. Its extraordinary bas-reliefs, describe some Khmer epics and myths. Angkor Wat's five famous towers rise into the sky, a geometrical arrangement of numerous galleries, adorned with beliefs and the stone images of celestial Apsara dancers, as well as portals, chambers and courtyards. Enjoy sunset at Phnom Bakheng which rises almost 70 meters above the plain where the rest of the temples are located, which gives a magnificent views of Angkor. Overnight in Siem Reap.

Breakfast at the hotel. Time at leisure until check out time and transfer to the airport with driver only (no guide) for the departure flight back to your sweet home.
Please note: Standard check-out time is 12:00.