4 days, 3 nights
From 435 $
1 Jan. 2024 - 31 Dec. 2024
Min. 2 People
Well-selected hotels
Phnom Penh is a captivating riverside capital featuring illustrious temples, chic hotels and a lively nightlife. Cultural attractions include the stately Royal Palace and the National Museum. French rule brought colonial architecture such as the grandiose central Post Office, tree-lined boulevards, neat public gardens and fine cuisine, with dishes comparable to those served up in France – but at a fraction of the cost. Known as ‘The Pearl of Asia,’ before the civil war, Phnom Penh has regained its shine.
Soak up the Cambodian capital’s top attractions during an afternoon city tour. After arriving at Phnom Penh pier, we will transfer to the hotel before lunch at our leisure. We then set off on a tour to learn about Cambodian culture and history. We start at the National Museum, housed in sprawling grounds that contain tropical gardens and a Khmer-style terracotta museum. Here we will browse the vast collection of Khmer sculpture and artefacts dating back to the 4th century. Our next stop is the Silver Pagoda and adjacent Royal Palace. Home to Cambodia’s official royal residence, the grounds are awash with regal structures, intimate temples, collections of gifts from foreign leaders and murals that paint a picture of the country’s past. Our final stop is the revered hilltop temple of Wat Phnom, which dates back to 1372. Please note: Visitors to the Royal Palace and Wat Phnom are required to keep their knees and shoulders covered. Dinner is at the hotel.
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Overnight in Phnom Penh
Trade in the rapidly-developing capital for the historic streets of Siem Reap. After breakfast, we will have free time to relax or squeeze in some final sight-seeing before we head to the airport for a short flight to Siem Reap. Upon arrival, we check-in at the hotel in time for lunch before enjoying a leisurely afternoon visiting some of Temple Town’s top attractions. We head to Theam’s Gallery, which doubles up as an art gallery and then continue to a market to catch a glimpse into local life and learn about local produce. Dinner is at your leisure.
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Overnight Siem Reap
Take a step back in time and delve into the jewel of Cambodia’s crown, the temples of Angkor Wat Archaeological Park. We start the day at the South Gate of Angkor Thom, the Khmer Empire’s last capital built in the late-12th century. Inside the city’s ancient walls, we visit Bayon to stand in the shadows of its hundreds of giant smiling carved faces; 11th century Baphoun; the small Hindu temple of Baksei Chamkrong; and Elephant Terrace and the Terrace of the Leper King. After lunch at local restaurant, we visit root-riddled Ta Prohm, made famous after featuring in Lara Croft: Tomb Raider starring Angelina Jolie. We then head to incredible Angkor Wat, which dates back to the 12th century. Please note: Appropriate dress is required at Bakan Tower at Angkor Wat since it is a sacred site, shoulders and knees should be covered - short skirts or short trousers are not permitted. Only 100 people are allowed to climb Bakan Tower at any time, and children under twelve years old are not permitted to do so. It is closed on Buddhist Sabbath days, Buddhist religious days, and four days a month in accordance with the Lunar Calendar. Dinner with Khmer Tradition Performance at local restaurant.
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Overnight Siem Reap
Today we have the day free to explore Siem Reap at our own pace. You can choose to kick back and relax at the hotel, or explore some more of the city centre’s top attractions ahead of the transfer to Siem Reap Airport for our departure flight to next destination.
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