Cambodia Highlights 6 Days (#1805)

If time allows, and you want to capture all the main destinations, this tour is most recommended. Within 6 days in Cambodia, learn about Khmer culture and history through the main tour sights of Phnom Penh, the capital of Cambodia, and Siem Reap, the closest town for visiting the world famous temples. Also learn about local life in the floating villages and the process of silk production.”

Day 01 –  ARRIVAL –  PHNOM PENH TOUR (D)

On arrival in Phnom Penh, transfer to hotel for check in. (Room may not be ready until afternoon.)

In the afternoon, visit the Royal Palace, built by King Norodom in 1866 on the site of the old town, and the Silver Pagoda, located within the grounds of the Royal Palace. The Silver Pagoda is so named because of its floor, which is made up of 5,000 silver tiles. Then continue to visit the National Museum, one of Phnom Penh’s true architectural gems designed in Khmer style in 1917 by famed French architect Georges Groslierandthe Ecole Des Arts Cambodgiens.

Dinner at a local restaurant.

Day 02 – PHNOM PENH TOUR (B/L)

Visit the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S21 prison). This prison was a high school, used as a prison by Pol Pot’s security forces, and became the largest center for detention and torture during the rule of the Khmer Rouge. Then continue to the notorious Killing Fields “Choeung Ek”, 15km southwest of Phnom Penh. This is the site of the brutal execution of more than 17,000 individuals, most of who were incarcerated in Tuol Sleng Prison during the Pol Pot regime (1975–1979). Lunch at local restaurant.

In the afternoon, visit the Central Market (Psar Thmei), 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. The four wings of this gigantic yellow dome are teeming with stalls that sell goods ranging from gold and silver, antique coins, money exchange, books, flowers, food, fabrics, shoes, souvenirs, seafood and countless other products. Conclude the day by visiting Wat Phnom, a small hill crowned by an active Wat (Pagoda) which marks the legendary founding place of Phnom Penh.

Day 03 – PHNOM PENH – SIEM REAP TOUR (B/D)

Transfer to Phnom Penh airport for a short flight to Siem Reap (approx 45 minutes).

Upon arrival at Siem Reap, transfer directly to visit the world heritage site. First visit the South Gate of Angkor Thom, which is famous for its series of colossal human faces carved in stone, the impressive Bayon Temple, the Royal Enclosure, Phimeanakas, the Elephants Terrace and the Terrace of the Leper King.

In the afternoon, continue to the architectural masterpiece of Angkor Wat and explore the many galleries with columns, libraries, pavilions, courtyards and ponds full of water reflecting the towering temple.

Buffet Dinner and traditional dance show at a local restaurant.

Day 04 – SIEM REAP – SMALL & GRAND CIRCUIT (B/L)

In the morning, visit the unique brick sculptures of Prasat Kravanand continue to Ta Prohm. One of the area’s most beautiful temples, Ta Prohm has been left relatively untouched since it was discovered and retains much of its mystery. Its appeal lies in the fact that, unlike the other monuments of Angkor, it was abandoned and swallowed by the jungle, looking very much the way most of the Angkor temples appeared when European explorers first stumbled upon them. Also visit Takeo, Thommanon and Chau Say Tevoda.

In the afternoon, visit Preah Khan temple, built by the King Jayavarman VII. Like Ta Prohm, Preah Khan is a place of towered enclosures and shoulder-hugging corridors. Unlike Ta Prohm, however, Preah Khan is in a reasonable state of preservation and ongoing restoration efforts should maintain and even improve this situation.  Continue to Neak Pean, a fountain (built in the middle of a pool and representing the paradisiacal Himalayan mountain lake), Ta Som, Eastern Mebon, guarded at its corner by stone figures of harnessed elephants, some of which are still in a reasonable state of preservation, and Pre Rup, the mountain temple.
Overnight at hotel.

Day 05 – BANTEAY SRIE – TONLE SAP LAKE (B/L)

This morning drive about 35km out of town to one of the must-see temples, Banteay Srei (10th century), regarded as the jewel in the crown of classical Khmer Art. Then continue to Banteay Samre,built in the third quarter of the 12th century. It consists of a central temple with four wings preceded by a hall and two libraries, the southern example being remarkably well preserved.

Late afternoon, drive to the village of Chong Khneasand board a boat to cruise Tonle Sap Lake. This is the largest permanent freshwater lake in Southeast Asia and flows into the Tonle Sap River, joining the Mekong in Phnom Penh. See a fishermen’s “floating village” with floating schools, floating police station, etc and view the sun setting over the lake.
Overnight at hotel.

Day 06 – SIEM REAP – DEPATURE (B)

Visit Artisans D’Angkor, an insight into the skilled craftsmanship of Cambodian traditional handicrafts. See the work of the trainees who learn the art of stone carving, wood sculpture, the making of small furniture, the art of lacquer and polychrome. Then drive to visit the Silk Farm in Puok, established by a French NGO, where each step of silk production is demonstrated. Transfer to Siem Reap airport for flight to next destination.

Prices until 31.12.2024

Price is nett per person in US$, twin shared basis, tax, service charge included in the party of

Price Includes:         

• Full private A/C vehicle transfer as program
• Private tours by English speaking guide
• Accommodation at twin sharing room (Solo traveller as well)
• Meals as mentioned (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner)
• All entrance fee as indicated sights
• Flight ticket PNH REP by Bassakar Air (supplement charge if by Cambodia Angkor Air)
• Boat trip at Tonle Sap Lake
• Government taxes & service charges
• Cold mineral water & wet towel during the trip

Price Excludes:

• Visa fee 30$
• International air ticket
• Personal expenses, tipping
• Travel insurance
• Beverages during meal
• Single supplement for Solo traveller or another person stay at single room

Hotels used for Superior Category/3* Star Hotel

Hotels used for First Class Category/4-star hotel

Hotels used for Deluxe Category/5-star hotel

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