Overview
The first starts in Siem Reap which is a city filled with ancient temples and historical sites, such as Ta Prohm, Angkor Thom, and Angkor Wat, which offer a glimpse into the rich Khmer history and culture. Uphill hiking to explore Kbal Spean "1000 River Lingas" and the unique pink-hued sandstone Banteay Srei temple. In Phnom Penh, a grim visit to the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and the largest collections of Khmer art at the National Museum. Don't miss out on the highlights of the vibrant nightlife and dining options.
About this tour: Angkor to the Capital
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Itinerary
Expand AllSee all our itinerary to learn more about our experience.
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Arrival – Siem Reap, Cambodia
Breakfast Lunch Dinner
Sua s'dei! Welcome to Cambodia.
Siem Reap is the gateway to the world’s most spectacular ancient temples dating from 8th-13th centuries with their countless sculptured decorations. The small province was homed the magnificence of several former Khmer capitals. Beyond, there is plenty to do in and around for much more fun activity when you are out of the temples.
You will be welcomed by local English-speaking guide who will escort you directly to hotel for relaxing. Note: Official check-in time at 2:00pm, early check-in subjects to room available.
Afternoon, you take a shady walk along the tall tree-lined avenues and explore the beautiful Ta Prohm temple. The huge roots of giant trees and vines make this temple unique and famous. The temple is so peaceful and restored to nature that it was even used as a filming location for Angelina Jolie's film ``Lara Croft: Tomb Raider
You visit the last capital of the Khmer empire Angkor Thom is literally "Great City", It covers an area of about 10 km2 and is surrounded by an 8-meter-high wall, it was established in the early 12th century by King Jayavarman VII. Enter the capital through South Gate-the ancient gateway that grabs you with its impressive sandstone carving of four gigantic smiling faces, then continue to Bayon Temple sits at the heart of the capital. The temple is incredibly intricate in terms of both its construction and meaning. Its masterpiece of 54 standing towers with four huge smiling faces represented the Khmer provinces during the great Khmer empire period. Along the outer gallery of the temple figures about 11000 bas-reliefs depicting heroic historical tales as well as scenes of Khmer daily life in that civilization.
Tonight, a welcome dinner will be served at Rasoi Gar Indian Restaurant serves North and South Indian cuisine, characterized by its quiet sessions and floors ideal for your options while enjoying your meal. It offers a menu that includes delicious dishes such as tandoori, biryani dishes with meat, vegetables or chicken and different menus.
- Optional Ticket Phare Ponleu Selpak Show:
Overnight at hotel in Siem Reap.
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Siem Reap
Breakfast Lunch Dinner
Get up early for an eye-catching sunrise at Angkor Wat, you might be lucky to see the sunlight rays clear for a dawn display of color over the towers, making the view towards the temple stunning.
Then you will have a refreshment breakfast and coffee before jumping into the discover the temple during less visitors.
Continue to visit Angkor Wat built in 1113-1150 during the reign of King Suryavarman II. The structure occupies and enormous site of nearly 2 km2, said to be the one of the world’s largest religious monuments. It appears to have been both as the state temple and mausoleum, dedicating to the God Vishnu then has become an important place of pilgrimage for Buddhists. The temple is famous for bas-reliefs encircling the temple wall depicting scene from Hindu mythology and the historical wars of the King. The central tower reaches a height of 65 meters, is crowned with five towers in a quincunx also known as Bakan where you may also climb up and enjoy breathtaking view. Angkor Wat is symbolizing as the soul of Khmer people and graces on every Cambodia's flag.
You will access the temple through a footbridge during your visit Neak Pean, means "The entwined serpents" and a very great snake-Naga encircled the temple. The tiny artificial island sits in the center of a reservoir measuring 3,500 meters by 900 meters, making the site flood during the rainy season.
Continue on a short drive to visit Preah Khan, meaning "Royal Sword" which was the central Buddhist temple, and it was more than just a monastery yet also an entire city enclosing a town of 56 hectares. Unluckily, the site was heavily vandalized during the Hindu resurgence following the death of the builder king. The temple serves today as an outstanding example of a large linear temple complex in a jungle setting where you can enjoy a fascinating view.
Picnic lunch at local restaurant nearby the temple site.
Afternoon, we head north of Siem Reap town (47km, approx. 1:00 hour drive) to explore the spectacular rock caving into the bedrock riverbed amid the jungle of Kbal Spean.
You now start a 35-minute uphill 1.5 km trail through a bit of an adventurous hike for a visit to Kbal Spean, so-called "Bridge Head". Deep in the jungle at the top, a 150-meter stretch of riverbed displays rock-cut relief in sandstone depicting the god Vishnu and other Hindu mythology scenes. As you walk along the river, you will also see 1,000 Lingas that have been elaborately carved into the riverbed under the crystal-clear water. Exploring the site, it's best to start with the riverbed carvings, but also don’t miss out on a small, cool-off waterfall. (Note: The river probably fills up with water between July and October; otherwise, there is very little.)
On the way return, we stop to visit Banteay Srei temple, so-called "Citadel of the Women". It was built in 967, and the temple’s most intricate and deep carvings and architectural details in the unique pink-hued sandstone temple well preserve the best of Khmer art.
After visiting these magnificent temples, tonight you will have a well-deserved dinner at local restaurant with a traditional Apsara and the traditional dance show which you will enjoy during your dining.
Tonight, you can enjoy with some of the best nightlife in Siem Reap are concentrated within Pub Street, a vibrant street filled with backpacker-friendly bars, international restaurants, massage parlors, and retail boutiques. Even if you're not looking for souvenirs; wandering through the stalls and surrounding shops the silks, cottons, silver and statues are a riot of color and a feast for the eyes. There will be one for stomach too if you try some of the cheap, delicious street food, drink. And if you are lucky, you might catch a show at one of the local restaurants in the evening (any arrangement and consumption are on own account).
Overnight at hotel in Siem Reap.
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Siem Reap - Phnom Penh
Breakfast Lunch Dinner
Early breakfast at hotel, then you will be overlanded drive through the countryside to Phnom Penh (313Km, approx. 5:30 hour drive). Upon arrival directs to hotel for check-in. Note: Official check-in time at 2:00pm, early check-in subjects to room available.
Founded in 1372 and capitalized from 1434, Phnom Penh was known as the "Pearl of Asia" and was considered one of the most beautiful cities built by the French during the colonial period in the region.
Lunch will be served at Namaste India Restaurant BKK is well-known for their cozy environment, top-notch customer services, and authentic and exquisite Indian food experience. It proudly presents North Indian, South Indian and Mughlai cuisines with a slight modern twist.
Afternoon, you will get inside for a visit National Museum-built of red bricks by the French in a pseudo-traditional Khmer style with an inviting courtyard garden. It is one of the world's largest collections of Khmer art, including sculptural, ceramics, bronzes and wooden objects. More than a thousand items are on display which are dating from the pre-Angkorian period to the post empire time.
Continue to visit Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, a former high school which was used as the notorious Security Prison 21 (S-21) by the Khmer Rouge regime. A grim visit, but it is important site that will allow you to gain insight into Cambodia history. Note: For the kids (under 15 years old), we usually don’t include the tour program at the former S-21 prison and Killing Fields because there is some real psychological impact on kids after visiting any confronting or emotional history sites.
Spend the rest of balance afternoon browsing through the colorful market at Russian Market, it is the place to shop for discounted brand-name clothing, also the best place in the city for wooden and stoned carvings, jewellery and silk souvenirs.
Tonight, dinner will be at Indigo Indian Restaurant offers a taste journey to India, where you can enjoy the best of traditional cuisine of North India in an authentic atmosphere. Most of the ingredients are actually imported from original country which enrich the flavor and enhance the beautiful aroma of Indian spices in the dishes.
Overnight at hotel in Phnom Penh.
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Phnom Penh - Departure
Breakfast Lunch Dinner
After breakfast at hotel, you may have a break, or you can enjoy with optional tour, until appointed time with tour guide transfer to Phnom Peh airport for your departure flight.
Note: Hotel official check-out time at 12:00 mid-day, late check-out subject to room availability.
- Optional Royal Palace,
Experience
- Accommodation in a shared twin/double room in selected hotels
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch or Dinner as mentioned on daily program
- English speaking local guides
- Tours and transfers as mentioned by private air-conditioned vehicle unless stated otherwise
- Entrance fees for mentioned visits
- Daily drinking water on touring
- Visa for Cambodia (Visa on arrival for most nationalities, USD30/pax, bring 1 passport photo)
- Surcharges are imposed by the Authorities which are subject to change without prior notice
- Other meals that were not mentioned
- International and domestic flights (quoted separately)
- Camera/video entrance fees if applicable
- Personal expenses (drinks, laundry, telephone, tips etc)
- Other services not clearly indicated in the package inclusions above