Best of Cambodia
Take in temples and traditional sights as you explore Cambodia’s cities, countryside and of course celebrated monuments of Angkor Wat
Following the brutal years of the Khmer Rouge regime, Cambodia has bounced back and made a deep impression on travellers the world over. Although compact and relatively small, Cambodia contains a wealth of riches and treasures way beyond its diminutive stature. Explore ancient culture and diverse landscapes on this introductory tour as you visit the temple complexes of Angkor and cruise down the remarkable Tonle Sap Lake
Day 1: Depart for Cambodia
Depart the UK for your flight to Phnom Penh.
Day 2: Arrive Phnom Penh
Upon arrival in Phnom Penh you will be met and transferred to the Amanjaya Pancam hotel. The rest of the day is free to spend at your leisure. In the evening, venture out to one of Phnom Penh's many fine restaurants.
Stay: 2 nights at Amanjaya Pancam Hotel
Day 3: Phnom Penh full day city tour
Phnom Penh, after years of violence and terror, is a city reinventing itself. Many parts of the city are testament to its French colonial past while the recently developed riverfront area is proof of its future. Visit the National Museum for an appreciation of the splendour of Khmer history and its amazing collection of Angkorian and pre-Angkorian artifacts. Spend time at the Royal Palace and the beautiful Silver Pagoda, famous for its 5000 silver tiled floor, set within its grounds. In the afternoon, visit the chilling Tuol Sleng Museum of Genocidal Crimes and the Killing Fields of Choeung Ek. Both sites are a testament to the insanity of the Pol Pot era and whilst they can be challenging, heart-wrenching places to visit, they give an important insight into recent Cambodian history.
Day 4: Rural Cambodia
Set out today on the picturesque drive to Kampong Thom. Stop on the way at a number of places of interest to take photos of gorgeous rural Cambodia. Stretch your legs in Sukon and wander around the busy market. Look out for the local delicacy; sautéed spiders (the legs are tastier than the bodies). Stop for lunch at a small silk farm at Santuk and learn the intricacies of traditional silk production before taking a drive to the ruins of Sambor Pre Kuk, the pre-Angkorian capital of the Chenla civilization and one of the oldest temple cities in Southeast Asia. The city was built by King Ishanavarman I (616-635) and dedicated to Shiva in the 7th Century. The Chenla kingdom was divided in the 8th century into two kingdoms, Chenla of the Land and Chenla of the Sea, before being reunited again in the 9th Century, by Jayavarman II, founding the Khmer Empire. In more recent times, Sambor Pre Kuk became a Khmer Rouge stronghold during Cambodia's civil war and was the target of heavy American bombing. It is believed there were up to 200 temple remains before hostilities began; sadly only around 100 remain today. Today you will have the chance to explore some of the most impressive temples of the area. This group of temples is little visited by westerners and provides an insight into the historical development of temple architecture in Cambodia. Drive back to the city of Kampong Thom.
Stay: 1 night Sambor Village Hotel
Day 5: Siem Reap City
In the morning, depart Kampong Thom and head further north to Siem Reap. This section of the road was used during Angkorian times as a trading and pilgrimage highway. A small number of 1000-year-old stone bridges still exist; stop at one of these - a huge ancient 'naga' (serpent) bridge at Kampong Kdei.
Stay: 3 nights at Hotel De La Paix
Day 6: Angkor Temples
Set off before dawn to see sunrise over Angkor Wat. Enter the great temple in darkness from the little-visited eastern side, and creep along hoary cloistered corridors past the longest stretch of bas-relief carvings in the world. Soak up the atmosphere of dawn at Angkor, from the edge of one of the ancient library pools. Explore the interior of the great temple, spending a thorough two hours discovering the corridors, central chambers and upper terraces of this truly great temple. Your expert local guide will decipher the myriad of stories behind the bas-relief carvings, and give you an insight into life during the height of the Khmer empire. End your tour at Angkor with breakfast outside the temple. Continue the morning by driving through Angkor Thom and visit the temple of Bayon before moving on to Preah Khan, a ruined but highly atmospheric temple of tumbling stone structures bound together by tree roots. Construction of this site was commissioned by the great 'temple builder' Jayavaraman VII (in honour of his father) and a visit to this smaller site makes for an interesting contrast with the more imposing Angkor Wat. In the afternoon drive to Banteay Kdei, a temple setting for the movie 'Lord Jim'. End the afternoon with a visit to jungle-envelopped Ta Prohm, one of the most atmospheric of all temples in Angkor and sister site of Preah Khan. Once home to 2,740 monks, Ta Prohm today looks much as it did in the early 1850s, when French explorer Henri Mouhot 'rediscovered' this crumbling site.
Day 7: Tonle Sap Lake
The Tonle Sap is called the 'Great Lake' and is one of the two main topographical features of Cambodia. During the rainy season it can swell from 3000 sq. km to 7500 sq. km. Tonle Sap is also one of the world's richest sources of freshwater fish. During the morning drive to the departure point at Chung Khneas village and board a boat to cruise along a canal, past floating villages complete with schools, restaurants and even a hospital. See fishing nets being mended, children swimming and playing, floating pigpens and even crocodile enclosures. Pause at the Gecko Environment Centre. Funded by the United Nations Development Program and the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations, this centre aims to educate both the local community and visitors on the ecological importance of the Tonle Sap Lake and the threats it faces.
Continue through a section of mangroves and out onto the massive lake, past local fishermen and an amazing array of boats, stopping at a floating fish and crocodile farm. This journey provides a truly amazing look into a remarkable way of life. In the afternoon, having returned to your hotel there is plenty of time for shopping at local markets or souvenir shops near the hotel or simply relax by the hotel pool.
Day 8: Depart Siem Reap City
In the morning, transfer to the airport for your onward flight to the UK.
Best of Cambodia itinerary map
Prices from
Prices from: £1,710 to £2,440 per person, twin share
Valid for Travel: 01 August 2011 to 31 March 2012.
Package includes: Return international economy flights with Malaysian Airlines from London, 7 days tailormade touring as specified.
Terms & Conditions: Prices are per person based on two people sharing a twin/double room; prices are subject to availability and change; normal booking conditions apply.
Please note that surcharges may apply at peak times including Christmas and New Year.
To book, call 0845 643 6561
To book this travel offer, call one of our tailor-made travel experts now, quoting reference WEX102416.
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