8 Days Iconic 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

Travel to Kampong Cham in the morning, along the way passing through Kampong Thom and visiting Prasat Kuh Nokor, one of the largest and best-preserved of the province’s temple sites. Enter the massive enclosure wall through an impressive gate to find a sanctuary tower, altar and galleries.

Continue to the ancient Sambor Prei Kuk, with its distinctive octagonal temples, carvings and statues. The local Conservation and Development Community has 600 members in seven villages set in beautiful rural countryside, where locals live a traditional lifestyle. You may get a chance to mix with some of the villagers and try some popular regional delicacies, including fried spiders!

On arrival in Kampong Cham, check into the hotel for an overnight stay.

Meals included: Breakfast and lunch

Following breakfast at the hotel, explore the city and the colonial architecture of Kampong Cham with visit to prominent temples - Wat Nokor Bachey, Phnom Pros and Phnom Srey. Eventually, your driver will head for Phnom Penh via National Highway No. 7, with a short stop at a rubber plantation.

Later in the afternoon upon your arrival in Phnom Penh, check into the hotel and enjoy some free time.

Meals included: Breakfast and lunch

Begin the day by visiting the extraordinary complex of the Royal Palace, featuring the Silver Pagoda. Admire the collection of over 14,000 pieces of art at the National Museum of Cambodia, followed by the commanding 14^th century hilltop pagoda of Wat Phnom, after which the Cambodian capital was named, a perfect spot to capture the panoramic cityscape of Phnom Penh. 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 breakfast before an 08:00am start for the one hour scenic drive through the countryside to Oudong, the abandoned Royal City of Cambodia, at the base of Phnom Udong Mountain. The climb up the mountain is worth it on two counts: to appreciate the spectacular panoramic views; and to explore the many stupas of the ancient kingdom. One of the new stupas is said contain relics from Buddha.

On the way back downtown, a stop will be made at the Silver Smith Village, renowned for local hand-crafted silver products.

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