Classic Cambodia

Today’s city tour will immerse you in the key sights of Phnom Penh, a city situated near the meeting point of the Mekong and Tonle Sap rivers. While the private quarters of the Royal Palace, where King Sihamoni resides, are not open to visitors, you’ll have the chance to explore the Silver Pagoda within the palace grounds, Cambodia’s most revered temple. Phnom Penh serves as a living testament to the nation’s past trials and triumphs. Your itinerary includes visits to the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S21) and the Killing Fields of Choeung Ek, which provide a sobering glimpse into the dark history of the Khmer Rouge regime. Tuol Sleng, once a school, was repurposed as a torture center by the Khmer Rouge, with an estimated 20,000 people imprisoned and tortured there. The Killing Fields of Choeung Ek feature a stupa containing around 8,000 human skulls, a poignant reminder of the site’s history as an execution ground for Tuol Sleng’s victims. Standing in this serene setting, it’s difficult to fathom that nearly 9,000 bodies have been unearthed here. These visits are integral to understanding the history of the area, but if you prefer not to participate, please inform your guide. Alternatively, you may choose to visit Wat Phnom, the temple that laid the foundation for the city in the 15th century. After a day of exploration, you might want to unwind this evening at a riverside café.

Accommodation: Hotel

Embark on a picturesque drive to Siem Reap, a journey of about 7 hours with several stops along the way. On route, you'll visit a local silk farm for a delightful lunch and have the opportunity to learn how to make bamboo sticky rice. Upon arrival in the small yet rapidly growing town of Siem Reap—known as the gateway to Angkor and one of Cambodia's most sought-after destinations—you'll likely notice a shift in pace. Take some time to explore the town's vibrant atmosphere, with a visit to the old market being a must. Even if you’re not in the mood for shopping, strolling through the colorful stalls filled with silks, cottons, sarongs, silver, and statues is a visual treat. The market also offers an array of cheap, tasty street food, perfect for a quick bite. Siem Reap has a rich tradition of shadow puppetry, and if you’re fortunate, you might catch a performance at a local restaurant, perhaps while enjoying Cambodia’s signature dish—amok, a flavorful curry steam-cooked in banana leaves.

Accommodation: Hotel

Spend an entire day exploring the remarkable temples of Angkor with a guided tour. Begin at Angkor Wat, the largest and most intact of the temples, uniquely oriented with its entrance facing west, unlike the others which face east. Among the many temples you’ll visit today, Bayon stands out as the highlight, featuring over 200 carved faces and more than 50 gothic towers. You’ll also visit an ancient monastery where you’ll meet a Buddhist monk and participate in a centuries-old ritual. As you sit on the floor, the monk will chant and sprinkle holy water over you, then tie a sacred thread around your wrist to bless you with protection and good fortune for the remainder of your journey. For lunch, visit the Sala Bai Hotel School, where disadvantaged local youth receive training that helps them secure jobs in the hospitality industry. Afterward, explore Ta Prohm, a temple where nature has intertwined with history, as massive trees have grown into the stone foundations of the structure. Conclude the day with a stunning sunset view over the temples, providing a breathtaking end to your experience.

Accommodation: Hotel

Start your day early if you wish to catch the sunrise at the Angkor complex (this is an optional activity). Your main visit today will be to Banteay Srei, a smaller temple renowned for its intricate stone carvings, earning it the title ‘the jewel in the crown of Angkorian art.’ Later in the afternoon, gain a deeper understanding of Cambodian life with a village tour. Explore the rice fields and family plots surrounding the traditional stilt houses, and receive a warm welcome into a local home where you’ll share sunset drinks together. In the evening, enjoy a final farewell dinner with your fellow travelers, savoring delicious Cambodian cuisine at a specially selected restaurant.

Accommodation: Hotel

After breakfast, you are free to depart at your convenience, as there are no scheduled activities for today. Should you wish to extend your stay in Siem Reap, we would be pleased to arrange additional accommodation for you, subject to availability.