Cambodia Overview

On arrival at Phnom Penh International Airport, you are met by our guide and transferred to hotel. The capital of Cambodia, Phnom Penh lies near the confluence of the Mekong and Tonle Sap Rivers. This riverside town still maintains considerable charm despite its recent turbulent history. An afternoon city tour acquaints us with some major sights of Phnom Penh. The private quarters of the Royal Palace are now home to the royal family and are therefore very close to the public. At the northern area of the palace grounds is Silver Pagoda, the most sacred temple in the country. We climb up a small hill to visit the legendary Wat Phnom and catch a fantastic view over the surrounding areas. Enjoy welcome dinner at a local restaurant.

Overnight in Phnom Penh

Today we continue seeing this delightful city with the National Museum, which is exclusively dedicated to Khmer art and sculpture. The majority of the exhibits are from the Angkor period from 9th to 15th century, but some date from as early as the 4th century. The next stop is one of the city’s lively open markets, Psar Toul Tom Pong, all called the “ Russian Market”. We enjoy a walk around this bustling trading center and see plenty of local handicrafts and artifacts. The painful bloody rule of the Khmer Rouge still can be seen at the Tuol Sleng Prison Museum and the notorious ‘Killing Fields’ of Choeung Ek. Overnight in Phnom Penh

Morning, transfer to the bus station for the journey to Siem Reap (6 hours by bus). Arrival at Siem Reap bus station meet by the local guide – transfer to hotel for check in. Rest of the day is free at leisure. Overnight in Siem Reap

Today we visit Angkor Wat temple – Bayon and The jungle covered temple of Ta Prohm is an incredible sight. There are enormous fig trees and gigantic creepers which embrace themselves in the stone foundations of the structure giving the impression of man's creation being reclaimed by the powerful forces of nature. We explore the well-known Ta Prohm and some nearby temples including Banteay Kdei, Sra Srong, Ta Keo, Thommanon and Chau Say Tevado. They almost belong to the small circuit according to the archaeologists’ division. We round off our exciting day with a walk up to Phnom Bakheng Hill to admire the spectacular sunset over these sandstone monuments.

Overnight in Siem Reap

The temple exploration is not only activity in Siem Reap. We visit the famous Tonle Sap Lake on a boat trip out. This shallow lake boats the largest natural fresh water body in Southeast Asia and flows into the Tonle Sap River which joins the Mekong River in Phnom Penh. The traditional boat navigates along a small river towards the gigantesque lake, giving us a chance to explore floating village, local life style, friendly children in small boats and fishermen pulling in morning catch close up. This excursion is all depending on your departure time. Afternoon is free at leisure.

Overnight in Siem Reap

The trip ends after your transfer to Siem Reap Airport for departure.