Cambodia Discovery Tour

Phnom Penh Arrival / Sightseeing and Rest (D)

Arrival in Phnom Penh, Kingdom of Cambodia.

Welcome at Phnom Penh Airport and transfer to your hotel for check-in.

Rooms are available from 2:00 PM.

Bordered by the Mekong River, Phnom Penh is a surprising city with abundant historical remains and a fascinating history. The sightseeing begins with the National Museum. This red-colored monument is a remarkable example of Khmer architecture. Sculptures, statues, costumes and many other examples of Khmer art, originating from famous sites, reflect Cambodia’s rich historical heritage.

At Wat Phnom, built on a small artificial hill, you will discover relics of various origins. According to legend, around 600 years ago, after discovering Buddha statues washed ashore on the banks of the Mekong, an elderly woman named Penh built the hill and a temple to house them. The city is said to have taken its name from her: Phnom Penh literally means “Penh’s Hill.”

Welcome lunch or dinner at a local restaurant, depending on your arrival time.

Overnight at the hotel in Phnom Penh.

Phnom Penh – Tonle Bati / Walks and Sightseeing – Phnom Penh (B,L)

Breakfast at the hotel.

Meet at 08:00 and depart in the morning for Tonle Bati, around 30 km from Phnom Penh.

Jayavarman had Ta Prohm Temple built here in the 12th century. This small Buddhist temple is remarkably well preserved, and in each of the five chambers of the main sanctuary, visitors will find either a statue or a Shiva lingam.

Nearby is the small Yeay Peau Temple, located within the grounds of a modern place of worship.

Return to Phnom Penh for lunch.

In the afternoon, visit the Royal Palace, built in 1866 by King Norodom, a remarkable and typical example of Khmer art.

The palace complex houses the Silver Pagoda, famous for the 5,000 silver tiles covering its floor and for its impressive Buddha statues, including a replica of the Emerald Buddha and another Buddha made of solid gold and decorated with 9,584 diamonds.

You will also visit the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum. This former high school, converted into a prison, was the scene of extreme violence against opponents of the regime. Photographs of prisoners, torture rooms and cramped cells reveal the horrors of the Khmer genocide.

As this visit may be distressing for some travelers, it is optional.

Overnight in Phnom Penh.

Phnom Penh – Kampong Cham / Sightseeing – Kompong Thom (B,L)

Breakfast at the hotel.

Depart for Kampong Cham (125 km – approximately 2h30 by road) to visit Hanchey, a group of three temples located on a hill overlooking the Mekong River.

A walk through Kampong Cham’s colonial quarter is also included.

You will then visit Wat Nokor, a 12th-century temple featuring numerous sculptures.

The Kampong Cham region is renowned for traditional silk and cotton weaving. You will therefore visit a weaving workshop where you can observe the traditional techniques used by local women.

Lunch in Kampong Cham before continuing to Kompong Thom (130 km – approximately 2h30 by road).

Arrival in Kompong Thom in the late afternoon.

Overnight at the hotel.

Kompong Thom / Sightseeing – Sambor Prei Kuk – Kompong Khleang / Walks and Discovery – Siem Reap (B,L)

Breakfast at the hotel.

Early departure to an area around 30 km from Kompong Thom to visit Sambor Prei Kuk, a former pre-Angkorian capital dating from the 7th century.

Located in the middle of the forest, this archaeological site is very different from the architectural style of the Angkor temples. It consists of a complex of around one hundred temples.

Then explore Kompong Khleang Floating Village.

In this village, which remains far from the main tourist routes, you will be welcomed for lunch with a local family.

A walk through the village gives you the opportunity to meet local residents, observe their way of life and experience their warm and friendly welcome.

An unusual stop is also planned at a house where crocodiles are raised.

Then depart for an excursion on Tonle Sap Lake, travelling through canals and floating houses while observing the daily life of communities living on the lake.

The day ends with a drive to Siem Reap (50 km – approximately 1 hour).

Overnight at the hotel in Siem Reap.

Siem Reap / Sightseeing and Discovery of Banteay Srei – Sras Srang – Ta Prohm – Siem Reap (B,L)

After breakfast, meet your guide at 08:00 and begin your exploration of Angkor with the temples of the Grand Circuit.

Discover temples dating from the 10th century to the end of the 12th century:

• Pre Rup
• East Mebon, a Hindu temple located on the central island of the East Baray
• Ta Som, a Buddhist temple dating from the late 12th century
• Neak Pean, meaning “entwined nagas,” consisting of a square pool surrounded by four smaller pools
• Preah Khan, meaning “Sacred Sword,” where vines and young trees have grown around the ruins, adding to the charm of the site

After lunch, visit Banteay Srei, a temple built in the 10th century.

Dedicated to Shiva and also known as the “Citadel of Women,” it is famous for its delicate pink sandstone carvings depicting Apsara dancers and scenes from Hindu mythology.

On the way back, visit Sras Srang, the “Pool of Ablutions,” and the Buddhist temple of Ta Prohm, where nature has reclaimed the site and giant tree roots embrace the monuments.

Dinner at a local restaurant with a traditional Apsara dance performance.

Overnight in Siem Reap.

Siem Reap / Sightseeing and Discovery of Angkor Thom and Angkor Wat – Siem Reap (B,L)

Breakfast.

The morning begins with a visit to Angkor Thom, the Great City.

Designed and built during the reign of the Buddhist King Jayavarman VII, this architectural masterpiece is rich in symbolism.

Its four gates representing the cardinal directions, along with 108 statues depicting gods and demons, are examples of this symbolism.

There are many monuments to discover, including Bayon Temple, the Terrace of the Elephants, the Terrace of the Leper King, Phimeanakas, also known as the Celestial Palace, a pyramid representing Mount Meru, and countless carved figures.

The grandeur and foundations of Khmer civilization are embodied in this extraordinary and legendary site.

In the afternoon, visit the iconic temples of Angkor Wat.

Construction began during the reign of Suryavarman in the 12th century. The complex covers nearly 210 hectares and reveals all the majesty and beauty of its impressive architecture.

In the late afternoon, depart for Phnom Bakheng to attend a performance.

Overnight in Siem Reap.

Siem Reap / Walks – Battambang / Sightseeing and Walks (B,L)

Breakfast at the hotel.

Morning transfer to Chong Khneas, a village located 12 km away, for a cruise on Tonle Sap Lake aboard a private traditional boat.

The cruise lasts approximately 6 hours.

Along the way, you will pass through floating villages, stilt houses and schools built on the water, with many discoveries throughout the journey.

Life flows peacefully to the rhythm of this life-giving lake.

Picnic lunch on board.

The boat continues towards the Sangke River, passing through Bkk Prea Floating Village and the ancient Chheu Khmau Temple.

You will then visit another floating village and its crocodile farm.

Continue with a cruise along the Sangke River to reach Battambang in the late afternoon.

Transfer and check-in at the hotel in Battambang.

Battambang / Walks – Phnom Penh (B,L)

Breakfast at the hotel.

Leave Battambang and travel towards the final stop of your Cambodia journey: Phnom Penh.

The landscapes along the way are magnificent, with rice fields, sugar palms, villages of stilt houses and more.

A stop is planned in the small town of Pursat, renowned for its marble carving industry, which supplies many regions of Cambodia with Buddha statues and other decorative objects.

Continue for approximately one hour to Kompong Chhnang.

This area is well known for its floating villages. Their facilities are comparable to those of towns on land, including schools, clinics, grocery shops and other essential services.

The visit to Kompong Chhnang is followed by the discovery of pottery villages where various everyday and decorative objects are made.

After this stop, continue towards Phnom Penh (approximately 2h30).

Lunch included and dinner at your own expense.

Overnight at the hotel in Phnom Penh.

Phnom Penh / Free Time – Departure (B)

Breakfast at the hotel.

Free time before your transfer to Phnom Penh Airport for your departure flight.