Fascinating Phnom Penh

This morning, 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’. Also visit the Killing Fields of Choeung Ek. A moving, but important visit that will allow you to dig below the surface and understand Cambodia better. After learning about some of Cambodia’s tragic past it is time to put a smile back on your face and experience modern Khmer life. Spend the rest of the afternoon browsing through the colorful markets of Phnom Penh. Visit the Central Market, an art deco landmark and one of the largest markets in the city, if not all of Cambodia. You can find clothes, souvenirs, jewellery, and food. Also visit the Russian Market, the best place in the city for wood and stone carvings, jewellery, clothes and Cambodian silk souvenirs. This evening get inspired by Cambodian arts as you watch a traditional dance performance by Cambodian Living Arts (CLA). A rotating program is offering consisting of 3 unique performances: Children of Bassac (Classical and Folk Dance), Mak Therng and Passage of Life (Music and Theatre).

All the shows last one hour and are held in the atmospheric gardens of the National Museum. After many years of gaining recognition for preserving many Cambodian art forms the CLA are today striving towards providing the artists the tools required to make their skills sustainable and also so they can make a competitive income from their work. Overnight in Phnom Penh.

Start early today and head to Wat Botum. Originally founded in 1422, Wat Botum is one of Phnom Penh's five original wats. It is known as the ‘Temple of the Lotus Blossoms’ and the compound displays many beautifully decorated stupas, some of which contain the ashes of royalty. Wat Botum is the seat of the Thammayut (royalist) Buddhist sect, the smaller of the two main Buddhist sects in Cambodia. Here, Buddhist monks will celebrate a private blessing ceremony for you, wishing you health and a safe journey – a very special experience! After the special blessing ceremony, you will gain insight into the art of Khmer cuisine with a hands-on cooking course. Start the day with a guided tour through the local food market where your chef will explain the Cambodian fruits, vegetables and spices. Be amazed at the vast array of colors, smells, and tastes for sale - from the ubiquitous, smelly fish sauce to the sweet, fragrant mangoes. Back at the cooking school; explore the secrets of traditional food preparation. With the guidance of your chef, you will observe and then practice Khmer cuisine techniques creating your own dishes for lunch!

Travel by private vehicle over scenic back roads to Cambodia’s former capital, Oudong, about 39km from Phnom Penh. You will pass rural villages, local pagodas, and scenic rice paddies before reaching the main hill of Oudong. Visit a family that is producing palm sugar at their house. Later on, climb to the top of the stupa-filled hill of Oudong for great views over the rural plains.

Before your return to Phnom Penh stop to take a look at the spectacular Vipassana Dhura Buddhist Meditation Center, also located in Oudong. Your guide can explain more about the school of Vipassana (Insight Meditation) as you tour the center. Don’t forget to see the impressive jade Buddha, the mummified monk and the brightly painted walls telling the story of the Ramayana, the epic Sanskrit poem that decorates many pagodas seen around the country. Return to Phnom Penh. Overnight in Phnom Penh.