Welcome to Siem Reap, the captivating gateway to Cambodia’s legendary Angkor temples. Upon arrival, your driver will meet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel for check-in. The remainder of the day is yours to unwind after your journey or begin discovering the city at your own pace.
Embark on a captivating journey through Cambodia’s remarkable historic legacy, a day that feels like stepping back in time. Early in the morning, meet your guide and driver for a 30-minute drive to the awe-inspiring Angkor Wat. Your exploration begins in the ancient city of Angkor Thom, entering through the grand South Gate, adorned with intricate carvings, imposing stone figures, and fascinating relics.
Here, you visit the Bayon Temple, the city’s centerpiece and a masterpiece of 12th-century architecture. Revered as a sacred site where heaven and earth converge, Bayon was built to honor a Buddhist king and is renowned for its enormous, serene stone faces gazing out from its towers.
Continue to explore Angkor Thom’s famed landmarks, including the Elephant Terrace and the Terrace of the Leper King, as well as Ta Keo Temple, a striking pyramid-shaped structure whose name translates to “Jewel of Crystal.” Your journey also takes you to the mysterious Ta Prohm, famously intertwined with massive tree roots and immortalized in the film Lara Croft: Tomb Raider starring Angelina Jolie.
The day’s grand highlight is the magnificent Angkor Wat, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the largest religious monuments in the world, spanning more than 200 square meters (2,153 sq ft). Built in the 12th century by King Suryavarman II to honor the Hindu god Vishnu, this sprawling complex is a testament to the grandeur and sophistication of the Khmer Empire.
After immersing yourself in these wonders, return to your hotel with unforgettable memories of Cambodia’s ancient splendor.
After breakfast, your driver will take you to Peak Sneng Village for a half-day experience that immerses you in the charm of rural Cambodian life and its traditional crafts. Engage with the friendly locals and learn about age-old techniques passed down through generations. Discover the intricate art of weaving palm leaves to create Cambodia’s distinctive national hats, and try your hand at folding delicate lotus flowers into beautiful decorative forms.
In the evening, enjoy a delightful dinner accompanied by the mesmerizing Apsara Dance Show. With its graceful choreography, elaborate costumes, and expressive storytelling, this performance offers a vivid glimpse into the elegance and cultural richness of ancient Khmer traditions.
Enjoy a full day at your leisure in the charming city of Siem Reap. For an unforgettable experience, consider starting your morning with the breathtaking sight of the sunrise over the magnificent Angkor Wat.
Following breakfast, your private driver will take you on a journey to Phnom Penh, Cambodia’s vibrant capital.
Welcome to Phnom Penh, the bustling capital of Cambodia! Upon arrival, your driver and guide will meet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel for check-in. The rest of the evening is yours to relax and unwind after your journey.
In the morning, you will meet your private guide and driver to begin a full-day exploration of Phnom Penh’s most significant sights. Your journey starts with a visit to Choeung Ek, a mass gravesite known as the Killing Fields, made famous by Roland Joffé’s film. From there, you continue to the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, housed in a former school later converted into a prison. Here, you will learn about one of the darkest chapters in Cambodia’s history - the genocide of the 1970s that claimed over 1.5 million lives.
After a break for lunch, the tour takes you to the Royal Palace, the residence of the Cambodian royal family. This magnificent complex, built at the end of the 19th century, is among the most-visited landmarks in Phnom Penh. Its beautifully adorned architecture and the nearby Silver Pagoda are remarkable highlights, though visitors must follow a dress code when entering.
In the afternoon, you will visit the National Museum, home to the world’s largest collection of Khmer art. This is the ideal place to immerse yourself in the country’s cultural heritage, with the museum’s own stunning architecture adding to the experience.
After the tour, you will return to your hotel and have the rest of the day at leisure.
Today you will depart for Phnom Oudong in Kampong Speu, located about 40 km northwest of Phnom Penh. The journey offers a scenic hour-long drive through picturesque countryside, passing rural landscapes and traditional villages.
Upon arrival, you will explore the historical significance of Phnom Oudong, which served as Cambodia’s royal capital after being founded by King Srei Soryapor in the 16th century. You will ascend the main stairway, consisting of around 500 steps, to reach the summit. At the top, you will discover impressive stupas and small temples, while your guide shares fascinating stories about the site’s past and its role in Cambodian history.
Before returning to Phnom Penh in the afternoon, take in and capture the breathtaking panoramic views that stretch across the surrounding plains and mountains.
This marks the final day of your incredible journey through Cambodia. After enjoying your breakfast, you will check out from the hotel. Your private driver will then transfer you to the airport for your flight back home.
We hope you depart with cherished memories of your travels and wish you a pleasant and safe journey ahead.
