Cambodia highlights

 

5 days

 

A short trip that showcases the best of Cambodia. Prepare for a unique adventure packed full of ancient sights and breathtaking beauty as you journey from the reconstructed capital, Phnom Penh, still contains vestiges of the French colonial era in its historic architecture to the awe-inspiring temples of Angkor in Siem Riep that has astounded archaeologists since its re-discovery and subsequent recovery from the jungles, 150 years ago. This trip gets you acquainted with all the main sights and leaves you with plenty of time to delve a bit deeper on your own.

 

highlights

* Enjoy Phnom Penh life attracted by the French architectural construction on the Mekong river front

* Learn the the dark and suffered Phnom Penh city with a visit to Tual Sleng Museum

* Exploring The Ancient Splendour Of Angkor Wat, the world heritage site, consists of hundreds of temples sitting and standing in the jungle.

* Boat trip on the Tonle Sap Lake

 

itinerary disclaimer

The itinerary attached is correct at time of printing. It may differ slightly to the one in reality. Occasionally our itineraries change as we make improvements that stem from past travellers, comments and our own research. Please note that our brochure is usually released by the end of each year. If you have booked from the previous brochure you may find there have been some changes to improve the itinerary. It is very important that you print a final copy of your Trip Dossier to review a couple of days prior to travel, in case there have been changes that affect your plans

 

DETAIL ITINERARY

 

Day 1 Phnom Penh arrival

You are met on arrival at Phnompenh Airport and transferred to your hotel. Rest of your day is free at leisure, there is much for you to discover on your own, how about scooting off on cyclos for a tour around the city, pay a visit to the terracotta red National Museum which offers a charming setting for a comprehensive collection of Khmer artifacts, visit the nearby Royal Palace, on the banks of the mighty Mekong river. Inside the Palace walls you will be treated to the Throne Hall, the Chan Chaya Pavilion, and the King’s residential quarters.

In central Phnom Penh, you can't miss the beautiful Silver Pagoda. Part of the Royal Palace complex, this stunning temple gains its name from the 5000 silver tiles covering the floor. A visit to the National Museum is also worthwhile. Housed in a beautiful traditional building, it contains many outstanding examples of Khmer craftsmanship.
There's also the ancient Wat Phnom, set atop the only hill in the city, which is a haven of peace, away from the noisy streets of the capital. If you're in the mood for shopping, stop in at the art deco-designed Psar Thmei (Central Market) which is a great place for browsing, or travel out to Psar Tuol Tom Pong (the Russian Market) for the best range of local souvenirs.

 

Meal inclusions: None

Overnight: Castle hotel (3 star)

 

Day 2 Phnom Penh sightseeing

A full day city tour introduces you to the sights of Phnom Penh, a city that lies near the confluence of the Mekong and the Tonle Sap Rivers. This is a chance for your to learn about the dark side of Cambodia - its more recent turbulent and harrowing history. Initially you visit the Toul Sleng Genocide Museum (also known as S21), ironically a former school, located in a quiet Phnom Penh suburb, this was the infamous Khmer Rouge prison / torture centre. Once you have gained an initial insight of the brutality of the Khmer Rouge regime you will be driven 15km from Phnom Penh to visit the 'Killing Fields'. This is where Toul Sleng prisoners were forcibly marched and then executed; it is now a memorial site located in a beautiful tranquil setting.
On the way back, stop over at the handicraft shop, spa and vocational training restaurant. This place was created in 1996 by Pour un Sourire d’ Enfant (PSE) to rescue Cambodian children. We will enjoy lunch here.
Afternoon visit Central Market (Phsar Thom Thmei), the distinctive art-deco styling of this market makes it stand out among the architecture of Phnom Penh, where you can shop for souvenirs, clothes, jewelry, silver products..
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Meal inclusions: Breakfast, lunch

Overnight: Castle hotel (3 star)

 

Day 3 Siem Riep

This morning you are transferred to airport for a flight to Siem Riep. This city is our base for visiting the world-famous temples of the ancient city of Angkor, home to the powerful Khmer Empire that held sway from 802 AD to 1350 AD. is one of the wonders of the archeological world. Rediscovered at the end of the last century by French explorers, this vast ruined city is becoming one of the most popular sites in Southeast Asia. Initially you will explore the Small Circuit. This tour includes the huge pyramid of Takeo, and the jungle-clad Ta Prohm, made famous by the Hollywood blockbuster ‘Tomb Raider’. You continue to visit Sras Srang, known as the King's bathing pond, and Banteay Kdei, before exploring Prasat Kravan, an elegant brick temple. After lunch you explore the impressive Royal City of Angkor Thom, where you will find the Bayon, a temple famed for its many gigantic carved faces smiling beguilingly down at you. You will also visit other important sites in this immense walled city, including the pyramid of Baphuon, Phimeanakas, and the royal viewing stands known as the Terrace of the Elephants and the Terrace of the Leper King. If you have the time your guide will take you to an excellent spot for watching a mesmerising Angkor Wat sunset...

 

Meal inclusions: Breakfast and lunch

Overnight: Steung Siem Reap Hotel (3 star)

 

Day 4 Siem Riep sightseeing

This morning, we drive to Kbal Spean. The journey allows you to experience the beautiful Cambodian countryside as you pass through small typical villages. We walk 45 minutes through the forest to the top of the hill to reach Kbal Spean, the "Thousand Linga River." Discover the 10th-12th century sculptures chiseled into the rocky riverbed, the Royal Bath and the waterfall. Continue to the enchanting temple of the Banteay Srei or ‘Fortress of the Women’, Banteay Srei is an elaborately decorated temple, embellished with floral motifs and scenes from the Ramayana, all carved from pink sandstone. It is said the carvings must have been done by women as the detail is too fine for the hands of a man
After lunch we return to Siem Reap in the afternoon and continue with Ox cart to the Khmer Village and enjoy view of the rice field and a lots of palm trees with great fresh air. We board on boat in Tonle Sap Lake, the "Great Lake" of Cambodia, one of the largest in Asia. You will see the traditional floating village of Chong Khneas and witness the residents going about their daily life - it is quite a sight seeing a whole bamboo village complete with homes, gas stations, schools, hair dressers, and even karaoke bars floating on a lake. As you are on the lake you will have the opportunity to watch a beautiful sunset...

 

Meal inclusions: Breakfast and lunch

Overnight: Steung Siem Reap Hotel (3 star)

 

Day 5 Departure

Today is at your leisure in Siem Riep City. You are free for more exploration before transfer to airport for the flight home. Extra nights can be added in Siem Riep.

 

Meal inclusions: Breakfast

 

Tour Includes:
• Accommodation with daily breakfasts
• Extra meals as per the itinerary
• Private AC transportation
• Other transfers within the journey as described in the program
• Local English speaking tour guide on day trips and excursions
• Entrance fees and permits where applicable during guided time
• Flight tickets: Phnom Penh - Siem Riep
Tour does not include:
• Other airfares and taxes and visas
• Entrance fees and permits during free time
• Personal expenses such as: Telephone, laundry, and bar bills.
• Food & drinks not mentioned within the itinerary
• Tips & Personal expenses
• Travel insurance (compulsory)

 

General Notes:
• Tailormade Vietnam Holidays reserves the right to alter or revise the prices and the itinerary when circumstances beyond the company's control deem it necessary.
• Accommodation in hotels is subject to availability. If the listed hotels are fully booked, alternate accommodation will be offered at the same level.
• If there are any requests regarding special meals, dietary requirements, early check in, late check out, adjoining room and so on, please inform the company when booking. Such requests are subject to confirmation and availability.

Before you travel it is essential that you read carefully this dossier which you can download from our website.

We regularly update our dossiers. Please check our website to ensure that you have the most up to date copy

The itinerary and supplementary information has been compiled with care and provided in good faith. However it may be subject to change, and DOES NOT form part of a contract between the client and Tailormade Vietnam Holidays