SIEM REAP – PHNOM PENH

Welcome to Siem Reap! - a gateway to the ancient Khmer civilization, with its famous Angkor Wat temple complex. You will be picked up from the airport for the tour around Siem Reap city. This afternoon, we visit Senteurs D'Angkor New Workshop (open from Monday to Friday, close on Saturday and Sunday). Discover how the local artisans make by hand: soap with coconut oil, natural cosmetics, subtly scented balms, aromatic candles. You will also observe the different steps to treat and prepare the local spices (Kampot pepper, lemongrass, chili…), and how people blend them to make the traditional curry or amok. During your visit, you will also be able to taste several of local creations: flavored coffee, flavored tea, exotic jams… and identify various exotic plants and flowers as lemongrass, chili, pepper plant, coffee tree, frangipani, jasmine… We then visit Wat Bo, a highly respected pagoda founded in the 18th century, contains very unique wall paintings of the Reamker (Ramayana) that are said to be from late 19th century. End our visits at one of the city's lively open markets, Psar Chars, also called the "Old Market", where anything and everything is for sale. Overnight in Siem Reap. Please note: Normal check-in time at hotel is 14:00/15:00. Early check-in is not included.

Stay: Siem Reap

After breakfast, explore the South Gate of Angkor Thom, also known as the Great City of Angkor, a 3 km² walled and moated royal city that served as the last capital of the Angkorian Empire. Visit the famous Bayon Temple, renowned for its iconic smiling stone faces and unique architectural style, developed over more than a century. Next, discover the Terrace of the Elephants, an impressive 300-metre-long, 2.5-metre-high terrace adorned with intricately carved elephants, stretching across the heart of Angkor Thom in front of Baphuon, the magnificent temple mountain. Explore the Royal Palace Area and Phimeanakas, an impressive sandstone pyramid once used for royal ceremonies. Then head to the Terrace of the Leper King, located at the northern end of the Terrace of the Elephants, featuring a remarkable double terrace decorated with deeply carved nagas, demons, and other mythological figures. The final stop of the morning is Ta Prohm Temple, one of Angkor's most captivating sites, where centuries-old giant trees intertwine with ancient temple ruins, creating a breathtaking blend of human ingenuity and the power of nature. In the afternoon, visit the magnificent Angkor Wat, Cambodia's most iconic temple and one of the wonders of the ancient world. Widely regarded as the masterpiece of Khmer architecture, the temple is renowned for its remarkable decorative details, harmonious design, and extraordinary craftsmanship. Built as a symbolic representation of the universe in Hindu mythology, it features Mount Meru at its center, surrounded by continents and oceans. Admire its spectacular bas-reliefs depicting scenes from Khmer epics and Hindu mythology, as well as its five iconic towers rising gracefully above a series of galleries, courtyards, chambers, and walls adorned with exquisite carvings of celestial Apsara dancers. Overnight in Siem Reap.

Meals: BreakfastStay: Siem Reap

After breakfast, explore more of the magnificent Angkor temple complex, beginning with Takeo Temple, a pyramid-shaped mountain temple representing Mount Meru, the sacred center of the universe in Hindu mythology. Continue to Preah Khan, a vast temple built by King Jayavarman VII in honor of his father, originally dedicated as a Buddhist monastery. Next, visit Neak Pean, a delicate masterpiece of Khmer architecture, also constructed during the reign of Jayavarman VII and believed to symbolize the heavens on earth. Explore Ta Som, a charming Bayon-style monastic complex featuring a peaceful atmosphere and well-preserved carvings. The next stop is Banteay Kdei, a tranquil Buddhist temple whose name means "Citadel of Chambers." Then visit Srah Srang, the Royal Bathing Pool, once used by the royal family for ceremonial bathing and ritual purification. In the afternoon, visit Banteay Samre, believed to have been built during the same period as Angkor Wat, sharing the elegant architectural style of the classical Angkor era despite the limited historical inscriptions found on the site. Continue to the exquisite Banteay Srei, also known as the "Citadel of Women." Located in a more remote area, this beautifully preserved temple is celebrated for its intricate pink sandstone carvings, regarded as some of the finest examples of Khmer craftsmanship. In the late afternoon, return to Siem Reap and visit a local market before transferring to your hotel. Overnight in Siem Reap.

Meals: BreakfastStay: Siem Reap

Breakfast at the hotel and check out. Transfer to the bus station with a driver only and take the morning bus to Phnom Penh (bus ticket included). Upon arrival, you will be picked up and transferred to your hotel for check-in. The rest of the day is at leisure. Overnight in Phnom Penh. Please note: Normal check-in time at hotel is 14:00/15:00. Early check-in is not included.

Meals: BreakfastStay: Phnom Penh

Breakfast at the hotel. This morning, we will visit The National Museum of Cambodia, which is a treasure trove of Khmer culture. Its collection of over 14,000 artifacts spans the prehistoric, pre-Angkorian, Angkorian, and post-Angkorian periods, providing a fascinating glimpse into the rich history and culture of this Southeast Asian nation. From the eight-armed statue of Vishnu from the 6th or 7th century to the sublime statue of Jayavarman VII seated in a meditative pose, the museum's exhibits are truly awe-inspiring. Our next stop is Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S-21). The Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum is the memorial site of the S-21 interrogation and detention center of the Khmer Rouge regime. This afternoon, we explore the Royal Palace and the Silver Pagoda, the official residence of the King of Cambodia. Gleaming in gold, the Royal Palace is one of Phnom Penh's most splendid architectural achievements. The Royal Palace contains some spectacular buildings. Not least of which is the Throne Hall, situated to the left of the main entrance. It boasts a 59-meter tower. The tower roof is beautiful, having been decoratively tiered with golden colored tiles. The Silver Pagoda is located on the south side of the Royal Palace, which is covered with 5 tons of gleaming silver. You can sneak a peek at some of the 5000 tiles near the entrance, but most are covered for protection. Inside is a series of lavish Buddha statues made of precious metals. We pass through the river-front park where 4 rivers met at a junction include mystical Mekong. Walk up to sacred hill Phnom Daun Penh – also the name of a pagoda and name of the capital nowadays. Last visit Central Market, a large market constructed in 1937 in the shape of a dome with four arms branching out into vast hallways with countless stalls of goods. Initial design and layouts are from French architect Louis Chauchon. Overnight in Phnom Penh.

Meals: BreakfastStay: Phnom Penh

Breakfast at the hotel. Time at leisure until check-out, and transfer to the airport with a driver only for the departure flight back to your sweet home. Please note: Normal check-out time at hotel is 11:00/12:00. Late check-out is not included.

Meals: Breakfast