From the Roots of Empire to the Rhythm of River Life!
A journey through Cambodia’s living culture, where ancient empires meet floating communities and sacred traditions endure.
– DAY 1: ARRIVAL IN PHNOM PENH – THE PEARL OF SOUTHEAST ASIA
Namaste and welcome to the beautiful Kingdom of Cambodia! Upon your arrival at Phnom Penh International Airport, our friendly English-speaking guide will warmly greet you and escort you to your hotel.
Take in the charm of this vibrant capital, where colonial French architecture blends seamlessly with traditional Khmer culture. Stroll through boulevards lined with vintage French villas and feel the rhythm of a city that’s both historic and rapidly modernizing.
Overnight stay in Phnom Penh.
– DAY 2: DISCOVERING PHNOM PENH – TRADITIONS & TRAGEDIES
AM: Visit the Royal Palace compound build in 1866 by the Predecessors of King Norodom, it is the most conspicuous feature and also one of impressive colorful Khmer-style Palaces. Nearside the Royal Palace is the Silver Pagoda (The Emerald Buddha temple), displays plenty of Buddha statues that were decorated and made by diamond, emerald, gold and silver. Travelers will proceed to visit Independence Monument which was constructed in 1954 after Cambodian took their country back from French colony, the Wat Phnom “hill of Pagoda.
PM: Learn about the dark side of Cambodia – Its more recent turbulent and harrowing history. Initially you visit the Toul Sleng Genocide Museum (also known as S21), ironically a former school, located in a quiet Phnom Penh suburb, this was the infamous Khmer Rouge prison / torture centre then shopping at local market as below (if has time that can visit 2 markets – if client want)
OPTION 1: Central Market (Psar Thmei), a large market constructed in 1937 in the shape of a dome with four arms branching out into vast hallways with countless stalls of goods. The four wings of this gigantic yellow dome are teeming with stalls that sell goods ranging from gold and silver, antique coins, money exchange, books, flowers, food, fabrics, shoes, souvenirs, seafood and countless other products or
OPTION 2: One of the city’s lively open markets, Psar Toul Tom Pong, all called the “Russian Market”, where anything and everything is for sales.
– DAY 3: PHNOM PENH TO SIEM REAP – THE JOURNEY BEGINS
Breakfast at hotel – in the morning departure to Siem Reap from Phnom Penh distance 315km. Upon arrival and through to check in hotel.
Optional for transfer Phnompenh – Siem Reap (not included).
PM: Visit Tonle Sap Lake for a boat trip to visit Choung Kneas, where we will have the opportunity to learn about life on the lake. On the way, we will pass floating houses and impressive flooded forests, portraying life on the water. Return back in town, we will go to visit Artisans d’Angkor. In there, we can take a tour through the workshops and watch students as they learn how to create silk fabrics and garments, stone and wood carving, lacquer ware, polychrome products, silver plating and silk paintings.
– DAY 4: ANGKOR WONDERS – A STEP INTO DIVINE HISTORY
Breakfast at hotel, and then we will visit the West Gate of Angkor Thom – undiscovered by mass of tourists.
We continue to the famous temple of Angkor Wat . Angkor Wat is a World Heritage Site since 1992, famous for its beauty and splendor. Angkor Wat features the longest continuous bas-relief in the world, which runs along the outer gallery walls and narrates stories from Hindu mythology.
– DAY 5: FAREWELL FROM CAMBODIA
After breakfast, check out and transfer to Siem Reap Airport for your onward journey.
Thank you for traveling with us. Namaste — until we meet again!