Day 1: Siem Reap Arrival
Upon arrival in Siem , you will be met and transferred to your hotel
Day 2: Full day Angkor Temple
Set off early to see the sun rise over the magnificent Angkor Wat, the world’s largest religious monument and the best-preserved temple in the complex. This visually spectacular massive three-tired pyramid has become a symbol of Cambodia, appearing on its flag. Admire the grandeur of its architecture its extensive decoration of bas-relief friezes.
Continue to Ta Prohm, one of Cambodia’s most beloved temples. Unusually, Ta Prohm is in much the same condition in which it was found. The combination of large trees growing out of the ruins and the surrounding jungle give the temple a truly magical feel. Take a break for lunch and then set off to the South Gate of Angkor Thom, where statues of the gods of good and evil line the entrance.
Next visit Bayon, a richly decorated temple. Its most distinctive feature is the hundreds of smiling faces that grace the towers. Impressive bas-reliefs tell stories of daily life and of the great battles that were fought between the Khmers and ancient Thais.
Move on to Phimeanakas, a pyramid-shaped temple with two ponds in the rear. Climb to its top and take in the awe-inspiring sight of the Angkor ruins below before taking in row upon row of elephant trunks that form the wall of the Terrace of the Elephants.
Day 3: Siem Reap - Banteay Srei, Banteay Samre and Kbal
In the morning, drive to Banteay Samré, a temple in eastern Angkor. Built in the early 12th century, it is a Hindu temple in the Angkor Wat style. Continue on to Bantreay Srei temple, known as the ‘citadel of women,’ perhaps for its smaller size. Built largely of red sandstone, the temple boasts intricate carvings on almost every surface. The remarkable preservation of these ornamental decorations and its unusual scale has earned the temple recognition as the “jewel of Khmer art,” which should not be missed. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant nearby before exploring again. Next visit Kbal Spean, an archeological site from the Angkorian era. Described as a “spectacularly carved riverbed,” the site boasts a series of stone rock relief carvings in the sandstone riverbeds. Walk for approximately half an hour uphill along a two-kilometer jungle path to the point where the carvings begin. At this point, the path splits with one direction heading to a waterfall and the other towards the river carvings. Work your way along the riverbeds before returning to the waterfall and making your way back down the path.
Day 4: Siem Reap – Phnom Kulen Mountain & 1000 Lingas
Considered the birthplace of the Khmer Empire, Phnom Kulen is a mountain range about a two-hour drive from Siem Reap. The mountain is considered sacred, the site where King Jayavarman proclaimed independence from Java in 802 and where the cult of the linga began. The mountain is also a favorite of locals who come to admire the waterfalls and swim in the cool pools. Visit the river of 1,000 Lingas and a reclining Buddha built in the 16th century. Take a break for a picnic lunch and a chance to swim at the waterfall. On the way back to Siem Reap, stop at a local village to admire the picturesque rice paddies and traditional houses
Day 5: Siem Reap - Tonle Sap - fly to Phnom Penh
Take a short 15-kilometer drive to Tonle Sap Lake, located south of Siem Reap. Here embark on a cruise to Kompong Phluk, an isolated Khmer community of three villages built on stilts. The community has about 3,000 residents who farm fish and vegetables on the floating platforms. Admire the floating village with a Buddhist monastery right in the middle.The cruise will also take you through the flooded forests that surround the village, a unique ecosystem where millions of fish come to spawn each season, attracting a myriad of water birds. Enjoy the views and keep an eye out for wildlife, especially birds and crab-eating macaques.
You will then be transferred to the airport for your flight to Phnom Penh.
Day : Phnom Penh - Killing Fields and Toul Sleng museum
This fascinating half-day tour provides deeper insight into Cambodia’s history and highlights two of the Khmer Rouge regime’s most chilling legacies. Start the day at the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, a former secondary school that was converted by Khmer Rouge into one of the regime’s largest detention and torture centers, Security Prison 21. An important educational site, the museum chronicles the Cambodian genocide and documents the atrocities that occurred within its walls. Please note that images on display are graphic and can be unsettling. Next visit Choeung Ek, one of the mass grave sites of the Killing Fields, where the Khmer Rouge executed over a million men, women, and children between the years 1975 and 1979. Today, Choeung Ek is a memorial with a Buddhist stupa filled with skulls and bones to honor the victims.
Day 7: Silk Island half day tour
Embark on a tranquil boat journey across the Mekong River to Silk Island (Koh Dach), offering a peaceful escape from bustling Phnom Penh and a rich opportunity to delve into Cambodia's silk weaving heritage.As you arrive at the village adorned with picturesque stilted houses and silk workshops, you'll be greeted by families whose livelihoods are intertwined with the ancient art of hand looming silk. Immerse yourself in the process, from the transformation of raw materials into silk thread to the intricate weaving techniques passed down through generations. You'll even have the chance to try your hand at weaving, connecting firsthand with this timeless tradition. Plus, don't miss the opportunity to purchase exquisite silk items directly from the artisans.Stroll through the captivating village, soaking in its unique atmosphere, before visiting a local pagoda adorned in vibrant colors, adding a spiritual dimension to your cultural immersion.Relax and reflect as you return to Phnom Penh in the early afternoon, carrying with you memories of a truly enriching experience on Silk Island.
Day 8: Departing Phnom Penh
At leisure till you are transfered to the airport for your flight.
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