Essential Cambodia

This morning, you will enjoy a tour to the most remarkable sights of Phnom Penh in a Cyclo, an original Phnom Penh means of transportation. First, visit Wat Phnom, which is situated near the northern boundary of the city. The site contains some good examples of Khmer architecture and a number of religious statues.

Continue along the lively riverfront to the Royal Palace. This palace dates back to 1866 and houses the Silver Pagoda, named for the over 5000 heavy silver tiles that cover its floors. Its original name is Wat Prakeo means Temple of the Emerald Buddha. Despite this name, the temple features a collection of Buddhas in gold, silver, crystal, and bronze, many decorated with diamonds!

Later today, gain 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’. This is a grim, but important visit that will allow you to dig below the surface and understand Cambodia better. If you are interested, continue to visit the nearby Russian Market, one of the city’s most popular markets, where you will find beautifully woven Khmer silks and cottons, basketry and wood carvings. In the late afternoon, head to the riverside area of Phnom Penh, a pleasant French style promenade that is great for people viewing. In the early evening, various activities take place include exercise classes, Khmer dancing and plenty of snacking on local food. You can participate in a Khmer dance class which is a lot of fun for all! Overnight in Phnom Penh.

Depart early for the transfer towards with stop at Oudong, the former royal capital of Cambodia after the fall of Angkor. The drive passes through many rural villages and pagodas until you see the temple mountain with its dozens of stupas from afar. Upon arrival at Oudong, enjoy a traditional Khmer lunch at a picnic hammock huts at the foot of the hill: there are literally thousands of hammocks located around the base of the mountain! Continue our journey to Kampong Chnang town to see the different aspects of pottery making and also experience the production of traditional rice wine. Arrive in Battambang, the former trading hub for French, Thai and Khmer traders in the afternoon. Established in the 11th century, it’s replete with ancient temples, ruins and Khmer artifacts, as well as colonial French houses and, uniquely, statues of mythical beasts. Upon arrival, check into your hotel in Battambang and enjoy your free time at leisure to relax by the hotel pool or stroll through the charming town center.Tonight, sleep in a four-poster bed in the charming 1930s French Colonial guesthouse, La Villa.

Battambang’s countryside is what makes this pleasant river town a real treat. The town is situated along the Sangker River, a quiet and small body of water that winds its way through Battambang Province.

You will first head towards Phnom Sampeau, meaning “Ship Hill” in Khmer due to its distinctive shape; it is one of the few hills standing out in this otherwise pancake-flat plain. From the small temple on the top, you will have a fantastic view over the typical landscape of paddy fields and sugar palm trees. Phnom Sampeau is home to the notorious killing caves, which are cruel reminders of Cambodia’s troubled past. Serenity and inhumanity represented in one place make this an interesting visit. Then, experience one of the highlights of Battambang and a truly unique experience: a fun ride on the famous Bamboo Train. The Bamboo Train was set up by the villagers in order to facilitate the transportation of goods and persons after regular trains ceased running. The “train” itself is very basic: a bamboo platform on 4-wheels that is powered by a small motor. Sitting on the platform (we will provide some cushions for your comfort), you will travel the 8 km to the next station through beautiful landscape and rice paddies (depending on season of visit). Afterwards, visit the Wat Banan, an 11-century temple on a mountain top situated between lush paddy fields and beautiful lotus ponds. Climb to the top and enjoy the views over the beautiful countryside and wander around the ancient temple, which is also home to finely scented flowering trees. This afternoon, you will be taken to some of the many cultural villages around Battambang, where you will learn how the locals produce rice paper, prahoc (typical Cambodian fish paste), grolan (sticky rice stuffed in bamboo), and other Cambodian treats. You will also visit a weaving and handicraft centre. Overnight in Battambang.

Today, you will embark on one of the most stunning boat trips in Cambodia, as you will be taken from Battambang to Siem Reap by a comfortable private boat. Packed lunch on board. The Tonlé Sap Lake is an exceptional water system. The water of its main drainage, the Tonlé Sap River floods nearby fields and forests during the green season and supports an extraordinarily rich and diverse ecosystem. The particular water system requires the people living of the lake to adapt their living conditions. You will see many villages on the way where people live on stilted or floating houses. Arrive in Siem Reap in the afternoon. Check into your hotel. The afternoon will be at leisure to relax by the hotel pool or stroll through the charming town centre. Overnight in Siem Reap.

People come from around the world to visit the Angkor temple complex and on this tour you have your own guide - a local archaeologist - to take you through the chambers of Angkor Thom and Bayon Temple. This morning, visit to 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. You will enter the city from the ancient South Gate, an impressive stone gate carved with three-headed elephants and capped by four giant faces of the Buddha.

From here, continue to Bayon Temple in the exact center of the city. This 12th century masterpiece is a study in grandeur. The exterior gallery walls have extensive, superb bas-reliefs, particularly the East and South Galleries. The Terrace of the Elephants and the Terrace of the Leper King are also must-visits as they are both known for their intricate bas-reliefs.

Later today, head to the Tonlé Sap Lake, where you will have the opportunity to learn about life on the lake. Drive past expansive rice fields and through local villages where rice and fish can frequently be spotted drying alongside the road. Next, board a private wooden vessel for a boat trip along a canal that leads to the Tonle Sap Lake.

In the cool morning air, you’ll visit the magnificent Angkor Wat. Built during the reign of King Suryavarman II in the early 12th century, Angkor Wat is constructed following the model of the temple mountain symbolizing Mount Meru, the home of the gods. Construction is thought to have taken around thirty years of intensive labor. Today, Angkor Wat is figured on Cambodia's national flag as the temple symbolizes the soul of the Khmer people.

After leaving Angkor Wat continue the 10th-century Banteay Srei temple, built to worship the Hindu God, Shiva. After that, visit an orphanage and be uplifted by the humanitarian work of NGOs. Today you’ll also get the chance to shop for a memento with a bespoke shopping trip at Artisans d’Angkor, a collective of skilled local artisans offering Khmer fine arts and crafts. In the evening, enjoy a sumptuous dinner at your five-star hotel, or see what local delicacies the streets of Siem Reap have to offer.