Nestled between Thailand and Vietnam is Cambodia, a relatively unexplored country compared to its neighbors with a long history that is both inspiring and harrowing in equal measures. Think ancient temples begging to be explored, an incredibly beautiful coastline, and some of the friendliest locals you’ll ever meet.

Day 1: ARRIVE SIEM REAP (YOUR OWN ARRIVAL FLIGHT ARRANGMENT)

Siem Reap is a pleasant, sleepy backwater serving as a gateway to the ancient capital of Angkor. It is difficult to believe that at its peak in the 12th century, this was one of the most advanced civilizations in the world and home to more than 1 million inhabitants. Upon arrival at the Siem Reap airport and after clearing the immigrations and customs, meet with your guide and embark on your comfortable vehicle for transferring to your hotel for check in. Early check in is subject to availability and check-in time is 14:00hrs. The remainder of the day is free at leisure.

Accommodation: Siem Reap City

Day 2: SIEM REAP (B/L/ –)

If you’re an early riser consider catching sunrise over the royal bathing pool of Srah Srang, once used by the ancient Khmer kings and their concubines. Follow by walking in the local market seeing the local trading of buying and selling. Breakfast is set at the beautiful Khmer Traditional House. In a serene setting amid the rural village atmosphere of Angkor, offers a range of original experiences. It’s the perfect private escape from the crowds around Angkor during the heat of the day? Unwind or indulge, it’s the perfect complement to the majestic temples.

9am – Return to visit the intricately carved Khmer ruins at Angkor Wat – one of the modern wonders and most important religious monuments in the world, with a renowned Khmer scholar. He will be able to share his vast experience and give you a concise overview of Khmer history, culture, archaeology and civilization. He has been working with the Angkor Temple Conservation Institution for many years and has a detailed knowledge of the temple’s history as well as how they will be preserved in the decades to come. Take a stroll through the elaborate carved hallways of Angkor Wat as the Khmer empire is brought to life through the scholar’s explanations of the various stories contained in each of the bas reliefs and murals.

Lunch is in town or hotel (your own arrangement)

3pm – Visit the picturesque Ta Prohm. This beautiful temple is overgrown with fig trees, giving a haunting yet exotic atmosphere. The magnificent roots of the trees have merged over the centuries with the temple’s huge stone blocks, emphasizing a ‘forgotten city’ feeling.

Continue to Angkor Thom, the ancient city. Visit the Terrace of the Elephants, which served as a platform from where the King could welcome back his victorious army and the Terrace of the Leper King, which holds detailed carvings winding along a narrow passage way that leads to the Baphuon complex. Top off the day with a visit to the Ancient Royal City’s center piece; the Bayon temple. As you approach, you will notice the enigmatic faces of former King Jayavarman VII looking into every direction. Late afternoon is a perfect time to visit this highlight as crowds usually flock elsewhere; leaving the Bayon standing majestically in the beautiful late afternoon quietly. Later return to Siem Reap for a well-deserved rest.

Meal: Breakfast, lunch
Accommodation: Siem Reap City

Day 3: SIEM REAP (B/L/ –)

6am – The day is started with a visit to the jewel of Khmer art, Banteay Srei temple. Translating to “The Citadel of the Women”, this red sand-stone temple is one of Angkor’s most significant structures as its walls are decorated with elaborate carvings and in an amazing state of preservation. Much of the Angkor civilization can be learned here by studying the remarkable carvings. Drive on to Chau Srei Vibol which is a small charming temple on top of a hill which hardly sees any visitors – very few non-locals have heard of it, and it is set just far enough away from the main tourist routes.

Lunch at local restaurant (Angkor Café)

3pm – Depart in the afternoon for Preah Kahn temple, situated on the Grand Circuit and often neglected by tourists, allowing you to take in the secluded atmosphere. Built in the 12th century by King Jayavarman VII to commemorate his father, it is said that it once housed over 100,000 officials and servants followed by sunset drinks on the moat of Angkor Thom, a world away from the tourist crowds.

Dinner suggestion to Mie Café (Clients’ own account)

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation: Siem Reap City

Day 4: SIEM REAP (B/L/ –)

Hop in your van for driving onward to the floating community, arrive at the quay for embarking on a motorized boat to visit floating houses village offering an incredible natural phenomenon of making their lives from the lake in a respectful and meaningful way. This is a great chance to witness one of Cambodia and the world’s most amazing natural wonders. Drive back to Siem Reap. (Note***floating community is recommended from September to February). Stop at a beautiful village in the countryside, you will start to walk through the village houses, witnessing very nice and different activities from the locals for their daily life. Just as some examples: how the locals wash vehicles, selling gasoline in whiskey bottles or the small shops where the locals sell food on the side of small streets.

Late afternoon, cross picturesque Siem Reap River to Wat Damnak, a living temple with monks praying, a vibrant school and a colorful “forest of stupa”. Receive a special blessing from one of the monks, which includes the tying of a blessed string around your wrist. Visit Artisans d’Angkor where you can discover traditional Cambodian handicraft skills and observe the artisans at work. Ancient techniques are still practiced here such as wood and stone carving, lacquering, gilding and silk painting. A guided tour will provide you with more insight into this organization and you may direct any questions to one of the artisans through your guide. Learn about the overall operations and their goals for the future.

This evening, enjoy a Phare circus performance at 8:00 p.m. More than just a circus, Phare performers use theater, music, dance and modern circus arts to tell uniquely Cambodian stories; historical, folk, and modern. The young circus artists will astonish you with their energy, emotion, enthusiasm and talent. Back to your hotel at 9:00 p.m.

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation: Siem Reap City

Day 5: SIEM REAP DEPARTURE (YOUR OWN DEPARTURE FLIGHT TICKET) (B/ –/ –)

Morning is free at leisure until check out of hotel by 1200 noon. Then transfer to the airport for your departure flight to the next destination.

Meal: Breakfast,
Accommodation:

Have A Good Journey!

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Suggested hotels

1***** Raffle, Grand Dángkor Hotel / Website

2***** Park Hyatt Siem Reap/ Website

3***** Belmond La Residence Dángkor/ Website

4***** Phum Baitang Resort / Website

5***** Amansara Resort / Website

6***** The Beige (luxury tented camping) / Website