On arrival, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Tonight, meet your fellow travellers for welcome drinks while your Tour Leader explains some  details about the exciting journey ahead.

Sun & Moon Urban Hotel, Phnom Penh or similar

Explore Phnom Penh by cyclo, a chaotic, energetic and always fascinating city. Start your day at Wat Phnom, the birthplace of the capital. Then, visit the Royal Palace, the residence of King Norodom Sihamoni, the Silver Pagoda, and the National Museum, which contains a comprehensive collection of Khmer art.

Enjoy at lunch at a local restaurant before visiting the Toul Sleng Museum, formerly a High School which became the interrogation and torture facility for the Khmer Rouge regime. Then visit two of Phnom Penh’s great markets, the Central Market and the sprawling Russian Market, a labyrinth of stalls selling everything from CDs and DVDs to silks, crafts and jewellery.

Sun & Moon Urban Hotel, Phnom Penh or similar

Breakfast and lunch

This morning, sit back and relax as we drive to Kampong Thom. The first stop will be the infamous Spider Market in Skuon. Lunch will be at your hotel in Kampong Thom. In the afternoon embark on a journey to Sambor Preikuk Heritage Site, Sambor Prei Kuk (Isanapura) which is the former capital of the pre-Angkorian Empire of Chenla. The temples, about 30 km away from the town and accessible only via a rocky road, are one of the most impressive group of monuments in Cambodia mainly from the 7th century.

Glorious Hotel, Kampong Thom or similar

Breakfast and lunch

In the morning leave towards Siem Reap. On the way visit Naga Bridge in Kampong Kdei and then Kampong Kleang, a stilted and floating village at Tonle Sap Lake. The village is a permanent community within the flood plain of the lake, with an economy based on fishing and surrounded by flooded forest. The village moves along the river according to the seasons. Take a boat trip on the lake to see the fishing village and gain an insight into a quite different way of life. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant or homestay before continuing onto Siem Reap.

Steung Siem Reap Hotel or similar

Breakfast and lunch

Don’t forget to set your alarm today as we start at pre-dawn to witness the breathtaking view of the sunrise over Angkor Wat temple. After sunrise visit the complex of Angkor in the quiet early morning. Enjoy breakfast at a local restaurant near the temple complex and experience a blessing ceremony.

Continue to the Southern Gate of Angkor Thom ‘Great City’. This will include many of the finest Temples of King Jayavarman VII, who ruled from 1181 to 1220. Marvel at the imposing 23 metres (75 foot) high stone faces of Avalokiteshvara, featured in the ‘Tomb Raider’ movie. At the centre of this citadel lies the state temple of Bayon, which we will also visit. This temple-mountain, built at the end of the 12th century, is adorned with hundreds of gigantic stone faces.

The tour also includes the Terrace of Elephants, the Terrace of the Leper King. Later in the day you will discover the most famous temples from the 11th century: Baphuon, Phimeanakas. Later visit Ta Prohm, known for the massive trees with thick roots that entangle the walls. While clearing back the forest it was decided to leave them in place to serve as a reminder of how the original discoverers found it and other temples. Many of the trees have grown around and through the remains, and soar high above the temple.

Steung Siem Reap Hotel or similar

Breakfast

This morning travel to Beong Mealea Temple, stopping along the way to visit a local market at Domdek. The remains of Boeng Mealea, which are still partly buried under vegetation, consist of perfectly squared-off sandstone building blocks. The outstanding decoration dates from the first half of the 12th century. In various times, the pediments of some buildings are sculpted with narrative scenes from the Ramayana, and while Hindu iconographic themes are plentiful, Boeng Mealea is a Buddhist sanctuary as Banteay Samre. Mingle with the locals as you enjoy a traditional lunch at a local restaurant before continuing on to Banteay Srei temple.

Afterwards, visit the Land Mine Museum where you can see defused and safe landmines up close and find out how they work, and how you can contribute to the ongoing efforts of clearing these weapons worldwide. Along the way back to town visit a local village to see the local sugar palm production.

Steung Siem Reap Hotel or similar

Breakfast, lunch and dinner

This morning travel by road to Battambang where you can admire the well preserved examples of French Colonial architecture. Experience a half-hour ride on the “Bamboo Train”, which is a simple construction with bamboo sticks as a base. Afterwards, take a stroll through the old town where you can browse the small art galleries dotted around.

Classy Hotel or similar

Breakfast and lunch

Spend your morning exploring the beautiful countryside around Battambang by remork (tuk tuk). Visit Cambodian families who produce traditional products made in the same way they have been for generations. You will learn first-hand about the everyday life in rural communities and learn from local families about how they make these traditional products. Your morning tour finishes by visiting a memorial site for the victims of the Khmer Rouge and then in the evening enjoy a sumptuous Khmer farewell dinner in a local restaurant.

Steung Siem Reap Hotel or similar

Breakfast, lunch and dinner

It’s time to say goodbye, but just think of all the wonderful stories you will take home. A transfer will take you to the airport for your onward travels.

Breakfast