Welcome to Cambodia, the famous destination for tourists in Southeast Asia, which is renowned for the splendid history of the thousand-year Khmer civilization, the unique charm of the Royal Palace in Phnom Penh, the magnificent architecture and exquisite carvings of the Angkor ruins complex, as well as the distinctive charm of the floating villages on Tonle Sap Lake. Upon arrival at Phnom Penh International Airport, our local English-speaking guide will greet you at the airport, marking the beginning of your journey in Cambodia.

Today, you will spend a full day time to explore the highlights of Phnom Penh. Wat Phnom is the birthplace of Phnom Penh. With a height of a hundred meters, the hill is topped with a statue of Lady Penh (known as “Penh” in Khmer, from whom the name “Phnom Penh” is derived). It is one of the symbols of Phnom Penh. Climbing to the top of the hill and ascending the pagoda allows visitors to enjoy a panoramic view of the entire city. The Independence Monument was erected to commemorate Cambodia’s complete independence from French colonial rule on November 9, 1953. Designed by the renowned Cambodian architect Vann Molyvann, the monument was inaugurated in March 1958. Standing 37 meters tall and comprising seven storeys, it is adorned with 100 depictions of the Naga (a seven-headed serpent deity, a cultural symbol in Cambodia). Every year on the National Day, the King of Cambodia or his representative holds a grand ceremony here, making it a site of great commemorative significance.

After that, visit the Royal Palace of Phnom Penh, also known as the Grand Palace at the Confluence of the Four Arms, which is named for its location at the confluence of the Mekong River, the Tonle Sap River, and the Bassac River. It was constructed by King Norodom between 1866 and 1870 and is imbued with traditional Khmer architectural styles and religious significance. Serving as the residence of the King of Cambodia, the Royal Palace of Phnom Penh comprises a cluster of buildings encircled by golden-roofed pavilions and yellow walls, boasting exquisite designs and a resplendent, gilded appearance. The Sihanouk Bronze Statue Memorial Hall was built to commemorate the late King-Father Norodom Sihanouk, who is revered as the Father of Cambodian Independence and National Reconciliation. Throughout his life, this king made historic contributions to Cambodia’s national sovereignty, independence, national reconciliation, peace, and development, earning him deep affection and respect from the Cambodian people. The National Museum of Cambodia features architectural styles inspired by the gabled roofs, carved doors of ancient Khmer temples, and blends traditional Khmer architecture with French colonial influences. Currently, the museum houses approximately 15,000 artifacts, with a rotating permanent exhibition showcasing around 2,000 pieces at any given time. The day tour ends on Phnom Penh’s pedestrian street. You will have some leisurely exploration on your own.

After breakfast, you will board your private vehicle for the journey to Siem Reap (approximately 325 kilometers away, taking around 5.5 hours). There will be a rest stop at a service area along the way before you finally arrive in Siem Reap (your dedicated tour guide will be waiting for you at the restaurant). A small tip: During the journey, only the driver will be available to assist you (he can speak basic English/Khmer).

This afternoon, you will visit the famous lake in Cambodia, Tonle Sap Lake, also known as the Phnom Penh Lake, which is one of the larger freshwater lakes in Southeast Asia. It is connected to the Mekong River, which flows through Phnom Penh, via the Tonle Sap River. There are several floating villages on the lake, inhabited by a large number of Vietnamese refugees, hence they are called “Vietnamese Floating Villages.” You will take a boat tour to visit these floating villages, observing the houses, churches, schools, and other structures built on the water. In the evening, you can enjoy a unique sunset over the lake, different from the one at Angkor Wat. (Note: Tonle Sap Lake has distinct seasonal variations. The dry season lasts from December to April, with an average water depth of 1 meter and the lake’s surface area shrinking several times compared to the rainy season. However, the climate during this period is mild and suitable for sightseeing.)

After the tour, you will be transferred to your hotel. In the evening, you are free to explore Pub Street, savor local cuisine, and have a drink at a bar to relax after long distance journey from Phnom Penh.

Today, you will do a small circle of Angkor and explore its highlights. The day tour starts from Angkor Thom, also known as Great Angkor or the City of Angkor, which served as the last capital city of the Khmer Empire. It was repeatedly ravaged by wars and subsequently rebuilt multiple times, acting as the “heart” of the Angkor archaeological site. At its zenith, the city boasted a population of up to a million people. Today, the moat bridge, city gates, as well as in-city ruins such as the Bayon Temple, Baphuon Temple, and the Phimeanakas (often referred to as the “Aerial Palace”), are among the major attractions for visitors. The Bayon Temple stands at the heart of Angkor Thom and represents its quintessential part. Built in the late 12th century, it was constructed as a temple for King Jayavarman VII himself. Here, you can not only witness the renowned “Khmer Smile” but also admire the rich and vivid bas-reliefs adorning the temple’s corridors. The Terrace of the Elephants is located within Angkor Thom. It once served as the venue where the Angkor kings selected their mounts, conducted military reviews, and held ceremonial celebrations. It consists of three platforms, stretching approximately 350 meters in length and standing 2-3 meters high. The lengthy base is adorned with numerous meticulously carved elephant heads and elongated trunks, each brought to life with exquisite detail. Baphuon Temple is situated approximately 200 meters northwest of the Bayon Temple. It was constructed as a state temple dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva by Udayadityavarman II. This architectural marvel was truly majestic and predated the construction of Angkor Thom. However, due to the collapse of most of its structures, only a few sculptures remain within the temple. The sight of numerous stone blocks scattered about is likely to leave a lasting impression on visitors.

After lunch, drive back to your hotel and have a short break.

In the afternoon, continue on your exploration tour. Ta Prohm Temple, located to the east of Angkor Wat, was built in 1186 by Khmer King Jayavarman VII to honor his mother, hence it is also known as the “Mother Temple.” Constructed from massive stones, it once served as a sanctuary housing monks, priests, and dancers, functioning both as a temple and a monastery. Over time, however, it was invaded by rampantly growing tropical trees. Tree roots, resembling pythons, have crept over the temple and penetrated deep into its structures, causing internal stone towers and enclosing walls to collapse. The once orderly architecture has been transformed into a “labyrinth” by the intertwining of rubble and vegetation. This unique blend of natural and human-made wonders has even served as a filming location for the movie “Tomb Raider.” The day tour ends at the most popular site of Angkor, Angkor Wat, a UNESCO World Heritage site, which is the largest religious monument globally. Built in the 12th century by Khmer King Suryavarman II, it’s dedicated to Hinduism. With intricate carvings and grand architecture, it showcases ancient Khmer civilization’s splendor and remains a symbol of Cambodia. You will have the opportunity to admire the breathtaking sunset scenery at Angkor Wat (depending on the weather). After the tour, drive back to your hotel.

After breakfast, you will continue to explore the highlights of outer cycle of Angkor.  First, drive to visit Banteay Srei, often hailed as a “pearl in the crown of Angkorian art.” Its vibrant colors and exquisitely detailed reliefs are truly captivating. Unlike most Angkorian monuments constructed from gray sandstone, Banteay Srei was built using the unique Khmer materials of laterite and a slightly pinkish stone, resulting in an exceptionally vivid palette. Almost every surface of its walls, columns, and lintels is adorned with reliefs, leaving no space untouched. These carvings, with their intricate and rounded forms, delicate and graceful lines, are truly awe-inspiring. Next, you will proceed to the Roluos Group, the cradle of Angkorian architecture. The Roluos Group is a masterpiece of Indravarman I and represents one of the earliest large-scale temples constructed by the Khmer people, marking the dawn of the Khmer classical art era.

After lunch, you will visit one of Angkor’s most enigmatic temples, Beng Mealea. Entirely overgrown by the wilderness, Beng Mealea offers a chance to explore the primitive state of Angkor amidst dense jungle ruins. It is both a must-visit and a challenging site within the Angkorian ruins complex. Its scale and design style closely resemble those of Angkor Wat, yet it remains tightly enshrouded by the jungle, preventing a full view. Upon arrival at Beng Mealea, you’ll find it much as it was when foreign explorers first discovered Angkor: the temple is heavily collapsed, shrouded by trees, and seemingly impassable. Those who have seen the movie “Tomb Raider” may still remember the eerie atmosphere of Ta Prohm Temple. While Ta Prohm evokes a sense of strangeness, Beng Mealea leaves a profound impression of awe.

In the late afternoon, head to Phnom Bakheng. Standing at approximately 70 meters tall, Phnom Bakheng is the highest point nearby and a prime spot for watching the sunset over Angkor Wat. The golden halo of the setting sun over the ruins hidden within the jungle, as viewed from the mountaintop, is truly unforgettable.

Special Notice:

Phnom Bakheng is a popular sunset-watching spot, and the temple restricts the number of visitors to 300 people at a time. During peak seasons, the reservation might be fully booked and there is no guarantee of entry.

Today, you will delve deeply into the rich tapestry of Angkor’s historical heritages. East Mebon Temple is situated to the east of Angkor Thom and stands as a Hindu temple at the center of the Eastern Baray (also known as East Lake). It resembles a miniature version of Pre Rup Temple. The Eastern Baray, where East Mebon Temple is located, was originally a colossal reservoir, an important public works project of its time. It is said that over a thousand years ago, one had to reach the temple by boat. As time has passed, the area has transformed into a parched expanse of land. Although the parts of the ancient monument that were once submerged in water have changed color, one can still envision the temple’s former splendor as it towered majestically in the center of the lake. Ta Som Temple is a small temple located to the east of Neak Pean (Dragon Pond). It is encircled by kapok trees (also known as “snake trees”). Despite significant damage, the sight of the eastern gateway entwined with ancient trees, along with the vivid depictions of goddesses carved within the temple, remains deeply impressive. Similar to Ta Prohm Temple, Ta Som also served as one of the primary filming locations for the movie “Tomb Raider,” yet it offers a far more serene and tranquil atmosphere in comparison. Neak Pean, also known as the Dragon Pond, is composed of a large central pool surrounded by four smaller ones. On a small island at the center of the main pool stands a stone stupa temple modeled after Mount Meru, adorned with carvings of two intertwined serpent deities. This site once served as a bathing place. At each of the four cardinal directions of the large pool, there are sculpted spouts connecting it to the smaller surrounding pools. It is said that the bottom of the large pool was once densely planted with various medicinal herbs. During the rainy season, when the pool filled with water, the herbs would become submerged, and the medicinal – infused water would then flow into the connected smaller pools. Next, proceed to visit Preah Khan Temple, a major temple in Angkor, constructed during the reign of Jayavarman VII in the 12th century. Its rectangular enclosure measures 800 meters in length and 700 meters in width. There are four paths leading to the temple, and at its entrance stand several statues of Asuras and Devas holding a serpent to churn the Ocean of Milk. As one of the largest temples in Angkor, it features intricately carved arched corridors, exquisite sculptures, and moss-covered boulders. The rest of the day, you are free to explore on your own.

It’s the ending day for your exploration tour in Cambodia. You are free until being transferred to the airport for your departure flight. Wishing you safe travels home and wonderful memories to cherish from your journey to Angkor!