Cambodia Family Experience

After breakfast, gaining insight into Cambodia’s recent dark history on a visit to the remarkable Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, housed in the former school that was taken over by the Khmer Rouge and used as its main detention and torture center named ‘S-21’. Further visit the Killing Fields of Choeung Ek. The audio headset guide provided is available in 15 different languages and gives some harrowing but informative stories from survivors and liberators of the camp. A grim, but important visit that will allow you to dig below the surface and understand Cambodia better. Phnom Penh was once considered one of the most beautiful cities in the Orient, and despite its recent turbulent history, it still retains a colonial charm. Wide tree-lined boulevards and many colonial-era buildings reflect the glorious days and add to the allure of the city, where Asian and Western traditions meet in a fascinating way. Enjoy your touring in the historical French Quarter of Phnom Penh. Visit the Royal Palace built during the French colonial period. The same complex houses the Silver Pagoda, named for the over 5,000 heavy silver tiles that cover its floors. Its original name is Wat Prakeo, meaning Temple of the Emerald Buddha. In this temple you will view a collection of Buddhas in gold, silver, crystal, and bronze. Also stop to visit the National Museum, which was built in traditional Khmer style. It houses the world's foremost collection of ancient Khmer artistic, archaeological, and religious artifacts from the 4th to the 13th centuries. Join a breathtaking celebration of Cambodia's music and dance tradition! Take a seat in the grounds of the National Museum and embark on a magical journey! Our 30 dancers will take you through Cambodian mythology, ancestral traditions and village life. With live music, stunning costumes and charming stories, 'Earth and Sky' will delight visitors of all ages! "The dancers perform each of these numbers with truly infectious joy!" - Back to your hotel and enjoy your free time at leisure. Overnight in Phnom Penh.

This morning you will depart the capital and head through rural Cambodia to the town of Battambang. Outside of Phnom Penh the traffic is lighter and the whole journey is scenic as you head towards the northwest of the country. Travel first to Kampong Chhnang, known for its traditional pottery, with many kilns at work in this province. In a village near Kampong Chhnang, stop to see the different aspects of pottery making in one of the most scenic locations in Cambodia. You can try your own hand at creating a jug or pot if you like! Enjoy a packed lunch at one of the local houses and watch the daily activity of the village. Next, continue to Kompong Luong from where you will board a simple local boat to visit a series of floating villages on the Tonlé Sap Lake. Along the way you will pass floating factories to make ice for fish preservation, a Christian church built by Japanese missionaries, a Buddhist pagoda, service stations, fish farms, cell phone stores, boat and television repair shops, a video club, karaoke bar, police station…everything is on the water. All trades are represented and everybody from children to grandparents go by boat through the network of canals that cross this area. Upon arrival in Battambang, you will be taken directly to your hotel for check in. Even though Battambang is Cambodia’s second largest city, you will find that the atmosphere is very laid-back in a charming and relaxed river town full of fine examples of French-colonial architecture. Overnight in Battambang.

Start your morning temple exploration by adventure Jeep to the most illustrious of the Small Circuit Temples, Ta Prohm. Built in the middle of 12th to early 13th centuries during the reign of Jayavarman VII, Ta Prohm is unique in that it remains largely overgrown by jungle. With many parts crumbling to the ground, it is one of the most picturesque Angkor temples. Next, visit another temple complex built during the reign of Jayavarman VII, Preah Khan. While Ta Prohm was built to honour the king’s mother, Preah Khan was built for his father. Afterwards, head into the ancient city of Angkor Thom, the last capital of the Great Khmer Empire under the reign of Jayavarman VII. This city is surrounded by an 8m-high wall, drawing a perfect square. Pass over the city moat causeway that is flanked on either side by a row of 54 gods and demons, each holding a sacred naga snake, and through a towering entry gate decorated with three-headed elephants and capped with four smiling faces of the Buddha. Continue to Bayon temple in the exact center of the city. This 12th century masterpiece is a study in grandeur and is well-known for its 52 towers with enigmatic faces looking out over the vast provinces of the Great Khmer Empire. The nearby Terrace of the Elephants and the Terrace of the Leper King are also must-visits as they are both known for their intricate and unique carvings. Back to your hotel in the afternoon. Overnight in Siem Reap.

Breakfast at the hotel. Enjoy your day at leisure. Mother could take an Yoga classes on the infinity pool deck and feels extra invigorating because of the sea breeze and expansive view. The golden hour just before sunset is the perfect time for dad & kids to rent a kayak or stand-up paddle board and paddle around the island as it is bathed in brilliant hues. Overnight on island.

Breakfast at the hotel. Enjoy your day at leisure. Lounging on your stretch of white sand fringed with palm trees and dazzling turquoise waters. Take a dip in the warm waters and snorkel out to discover the colorful reefs teeming with marine life, or go further out to Koh Rong Archipelago for a diving expedition to discover the home of barracuda, sea turtles, giant clams and dugongs. Overnight on island.