7 Days Highlight of Cambodia

This morning visits the iconic Angkor Archaeological Park by Tuk Tuk. Start off at Angkor Thom, the last great capital of the Khmer Empire. Highlights include the magnificent Bayon, one of the most recognizable sites because of the 54 towers adorned with 216 enigmatically smiling stone faces, the Terrace of Elephants, a giant viewing stand for public ceremonies and the Terrace of Leper Kings, whose walls boast beautifully carved Nagas, demons and other mythological beings. In the low morning sun, the carvings stand out and as you stand on the Terrace of Elephants you get a great view across a parkland scene interspersed with giant trees protected in the National Park. Then move onto the temple of Ta Prohm, jungle-covered and pretty much left as originally found by European explorers to create a mystical atmosphere. Afternoon break for lunch and a rest in the hot midday. Continue to explore Angkor Wat, the most famous and best-preserved of all the Angkor temples.

This morning, depart from your hotel and head to the Kok Sangke Community. Begin your tour with a visit to a local family home who will make bamboo sticky rice and traditional Khmer desserts. Next, heading out to see the local farms. And have a delicious Khmer lunch, cooked by the local community before visiting Wat Luam Proleung, an ancient pagoda, where you will see locals perform a traditional dance called Chhayam. Explore the pagoda and receive a water monk blessing, said to bring you good luck. Next, head through beautiful rural countryside and picturesque small villages to Kampong Khleang, a village built on high stilts on Tonle Sap Lake. Home to approximately 10,000 people, Kampong Khleang’s residence’s main income comes mainly from fishing. Depending on the time and season you visit Kampong Khleang, you will see a very different landscape, as the lake is tidal.

You will transfer to a small town along The Mighty Mekong River “Kratie”. Along the way, you will see a fantastic view of the real rural Cambodian countryside. After a relaxing lunch at your own expense, transfer to Koh Trong Community Home Stay. The rest of the day is your leisure. Dinner will be served at the homestay cooked by local villagers. Overnight in Koh Trong.

In the morning, exploring the most pristine island, bicycle ride around and visit Buddhist temple, local farms and then take ferry back to Kratie from there continue the tour drives towards to visit the rare Irrawaddy freshwater dolphins that make this stretch of river their home. Next, visit Wat Roka Kandal. One of the oldest temples in the region which was built in the late 18th and early 19th century, the temple structure features wooden pillars and internal frames with tile roofs similar style of many pagodas in Luang Prabang Laos today. Then, transfer directly to Phnom Penh, the capital city of Cambodia!

Explore the rich heritage of the capital city of Phnom Penh. Considered the ‘Pearl of Asia,’ Phnom Penh has an exotic colonial culture. Situated on the banks of the Ton Le Sap and Mekong Rivers, Phnom Penh was largely constructed in the 1920s and boasts some of Asia’s best-preserved Art Deco architecture. Set off from your hotel to the majestic Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda complex. Admire the elaborately constructed palace buildings, some of the 5,000 silver floor tiles that give the Silver Pagoda its name, as well as spectacular gold and bejewelled Buddha statues that are considered national treasures. Walk to the nearby National Museum, a beautiful sandstone museum that showcases the world’s largest collection of Khmer art. After wandering around the museum, continue to Wat Phnom, the most important temple in Phnom Penh. Situated atop a 27-meter-high knoll, the temple overlooks the city and offers a pleasant green respite for tourists and locals alike. After stopping for lunch, visit 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 the images on display are graphic and can be unsettling. Late afternoon, hop-on a tuk tuk and enjoy a fun-ride to experience at the Seekers Spirit House where you will discover how they make their craft spirits, as you sip on a Gin and Tonic. See the stills and the process. Learn the history, then explore their award-winning collection of spirits & liqueurs.

After breakfast, free at your own leisure until time to transfer to Airport for departure flight.