6 Days Essential Cambodia Tour

Today you will be driven to the south gate of Angkor Thom, the entrance to the once-glorious capital of the Khmer Empire. This massive historical site encompasses a series of eminent structures, such as the Bayon Temple, famed for the multitude of serene and vivid carvings, Elephant Terrace, a giant reviewing stand for Angkor’s King to greet his victorious army, Preah Khan and Ta Prohm Temple, a famous location in the film Tomb Raider. After the lunch break, the trip continues to the world-renowned Angkor Wat Temple, the UNESCO World Heritage Site. While here you will be transferred to the Pre Rup Temple, acknowledged as one of the best spots in Angkor to catch an impressive sunset, weather permitting.

Meals included: Breakfast and lunch

Notes:

Lunch: Arrangements for today include a special picnic lunch hosted within the jungle at a one of the temples.

Dress Code: Revealing clothes, such as shorts and skirts above the knees and showing bare shoulders are prohibited in sacred places. Respectful dress is strongly recommended in Angkor.

Smoking: Smoking inside the temple is prohibited at all times.

Public holiday closures: The Bakan Tower (Central Tower) of Angkor Wat Temple is closed on Buddhist Sabbath Days (Buddhist religious days which occur four days each month. On these days, the tower cannot be climbed.

Head north this morning for approximately 30 kilometres to visit the beautiful temple of Banteay Srei, an elaborately decorated temple. Built in dedication to the Hindu god, Shiva, the temple is renowned for its distinctive pink sandstone carvings of lotus flowers and scenes from the Ramayana, a Sanskrit story of duty to family. On the way to Banteay Srei, enjoy a visit to Bong Thom Village where you’ll have the opportunity to discover and participate in village life, connecting personally with the locals. Return to Siem Reap and savor a well-earned coffee break when you stop by the Bayon Pastry School (Bayon L’école), an NGO school providing vocational training and job placement for disadvantaged young Cambodians. Wrap up today’s touring by relaxing with a wander through the local night market.

Meals included: Breakfast and lunch

Commence the day with exploration of Kompong Khleang Floating Village, perhaps the most authentic of Cambodia’s floating villages of stilt houses built within the floodplain of the Tonle Sap Lake. During the dry season when the lake is low, the buildings in the villages seem to soar atop their 6 meter stilts exposed by the lack of water. Villagers then move out onto the lake and build temporary stilted houses, returning in the wet season when water level rises again. In the afternoon you will be escorted to the airport for the flight heading Phnom Penh. Upon arrival you would be transferred to the hotel to check in and take a short break.

Meals included: Breakfast and lunch

Start the day by visiting the extraordinary Royal Palace, Silver Pagoda. Admire the collection of over 14,000 pieces of art at the National Museum of Cambodia, followed by the hilltop pagoda of Wat Phnom, after which the Cambodian capital was named. Take in the panoramic cityscape of Phnom Penh from the hilltop. Lastly, wrap up the day with a visit to the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and the Killing Fields, also known as Choeung Ek Memorial, the appalling reminders of the infamous Khmer Rouge regime.

Meals included: Breakfast and lunch

Enjoy free time to relax or wander locally until you’re collected by our guide and driver for your airport transfer. Your tour concludes today.

Meals included: Breakfast