GIT 9 Days Tailored Cambodia

This morning, hop-on Cyclo and you will be ridden 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 bejeweled Buddha statues that are considered national treasures. Continue to the nearby National Museum, a beautiful sandstone museum that showcases the world’s largest collection of Khmer art. Set off for lunch before visiting the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, a former secondary school that was converted by the Khmer Rouge into one of the regime’s largest detention and torture centres, 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. Continue driving to 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 honour the victims. ***Half day morning by cyclo ***Half day afternoon by vehicle transfer

Check-out from hotel and depart for Battambang, is famous for its French colonial architecture, fertile soil and rubies and garnets mined in this province. On the way, we will make a stop at Koh Chen Village, a small village where most residents make their livings as copper and silversmiths. Spending time walking through this village to see them who have had the techniques of copper and silversmiths passed down to them through generations. Admire their beautiful artisan work before visit to the temple of Oudong, located on a small mountain and the former location of the royal residence and Cambodia’s capital until 1866.

Spend the day travelling through the beautiful countryside around Battambang. Learn first-hand about everyday life in rural communities, which make up over 70% of Cambodia’s population. Visit local families and learn how they make traditional products such as rice paper, dried bananas, and fish paste using methods that have been passed down for generations. Continue exploring an ancient Khmer house called Khao Song. The house is made of some of the best quality teak wood and the walls are constructed of woven bamboo. Take in the breathtaking ceiling of the house that is done in such detail to draw attention when you walk inside the house. In the afternoon, visit Wat Phnom Banan, an ancient temple built by King Jarvarman VII in the 11th century. Located on top of a 400-meter hill, the temple offers breathtaking views. From there, you will explore Phnom Sampov, a natural rock formation with a series of caves. The area was a former stronghold of the communist regime, Khmer Rouge, that controlled Cambodia from 1975 to 1979 and some caves were used as “killing caves". You will also have the opportunity to visit Bat Cave to see a steady stream of bats leaving the cave as dusk falls around 5:00 pm.

Depart from this beautiful colonial town for Siem Reap, home to the Angkor complex. We will make a stop at Angkor Silk Farm where the magical process of creating traditional silk fabrics begins and ends there. From the carefully cultivated Mulberry trees to the lifecycle of the silkworms, right through to the weaving process, the inspiring origins of their popular silk garments are on display for you to appreciate. Settle into your room upon arrival in Siem Reap. Later in the day, explore the beauty of Siem Reap on foot where you begin at Royal Residence and continue to local shrines, monasteries, and end at the local market.

Hop on a Remork and 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-tiered pyramid has become a symbol of Cambodia, appearing on its flag. Admire the grandeur of its architecture and 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 gives 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. Lastly, we will visit the Apopo Visitor Center where you will meet the brave HeroRATs in action, famous for their part in detecting landmines and saving the lives of many local people before heading back to the hotel.

Embark on a journey to Kok Sangke Community, immersing yourself in the local way of life. Experience the vibrant local community by visiting various families and farms in the area. Interact with locals, learn about their daily lives, and gain a deeper understanding of their traditions and livelihoods. Begin by visiting the Bamboo Sticky Rice Family, where you can learn about the traditional process of making this delicious local delicacy. Continue your exploration as you leave for the Blacksmith family. Gain insights into the ancient art of blacksmithing and witness skilled craftsmen at work, shaping metal into intricate objects. Take a leisurely walk to the community lunch venue, where you will enjoy a delicious meal prepared by the locals. Next, depart for a pagoda, a place of spiritual significance. Upon arrival, be greeted by the enchanting Chai Yam Music Band and immerse yourself in the serene atmosphere with their welcome ceremony. Receive a special monk blessing, a meaningful and introspective experience that brings a sense of tranquility and spiritual connection. After we will head to Kampong Kleang Village. Embark on a memorable boat trip, navigating the scenic waterways and observing the unique stilted houses that define this traditional fishing village. After the boat trip, we will return to the hotel. Ending evening get a taste of contemporary and historic Cambodia with an evening under the big top in downtown Siem Reap. Phare Cambodian Circus, an NGO that supports disadvantaged Khmer youth with art and performance training, is a show without animals that showcases a talented cast accomplished in acrobatics, contortion, aerial ballet, tightrope walking, juggling, mime, drama, and comedy. Cambodia has a long history of circus tradition, dating back to the 6th century from temple carvings depicting circus performances for ceremonies and festivals. While the show is fully modern, it draws on Cambodian tradition, folk stories, and folk music.

Set-off from hotel and proceed to Banteay Srei Temple, known for its exquisite carvings and pink sandstone structures. Explore the temple's intricate details and soak in its unique beauty. Continue to Neak Poan Temple, is a Buddhist temple which sits in the middle of a circular artificial island in Jayatataka Baray (man-made reservoir). The temple was originally designed as a hospital, it was thought bathing in the pools here would cure disease. Each of the four pools is said to represent wind, fire, water and earth. The afternoon is at leisure. This evening, depart for a delightful dinner accompanied by an Apsara Performance, a traditional Cambodian dance. Indulge in a memorable dining experience while being mesmerized by the graceful movements and vibrant costumes of the performers

Check-out from the hotel and we will transfer you to the airport.