Phnom Penh to Siem Reap: culture & history of Cambodia

Phnom Penh

Day 1: Dive into the flavors of Phnom Penh

Get ready for an unforgettable adventure! Upon your arrival at the airport, you will be met by a driver and transferred to your hotel. There, you'll be greeted with a refreshing welcome drink and given a run-through of your upcoming itinerary.

Craving an unforgettable culinary journey through Phnom Penh? Embark on a tantalizing exploration of the city's vibrant street food scene, hidden-gem restaurants, and a trendy cocktail bar! A feast for your senses awaits: savor authentic flavors as you indulge in over 20 delectable dishes and beverages across seven unique stops. An expert foodie guide will be your compass, navigating you through bustling markets and charming backstreets. Along the way, they'll unveil fascinating stories about the city's food culture and rich history.

Phnom Penh

Day 2: The historical landmarks of Phnom Penh

This morning, embark on a journey through Phnom Penh's history aboard a traditional Khmer cyclo - a bicycle-powered tuk-tuk. First you'll stop at the Royal Palace, a wonderful showcase of ancient Khmer architecture, before climbing the 35m hill to Wat Phnom - a tranquil pagoda offering a haven of peace amidst the city bustle.

Keep your eyes peeled for playful monkeys swinging in the shade of surrounding trees, before continuing your tuk-tuk journey towards a more somber experience: a visit to the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, a former detention and torture center that offers a chilling glimpse into Cambodia's turbulent past.

Finally, you'll end the tour at Choeung Ek, also known as the Killing Fields. This memorial site serves as a reminder of the atrocities committed during the Khmer Rouge regime, and is crucial to uncovering Cambodia's history.

Phnom Penh - Sambor Prei Kuk - Siem Reap

Day 3: An entrancing journey to Siem Reap

Your day begins with a comfortable private transfer to Siem Reap, journeying back in time along the way as you visit the Sambor Prei Kuk temple complex. Dating back to the 6th-7th centuries, it is the oldest temple complex in Cambodia, and you can choose to explore it on foot, by bike, or by car.

Make a brief stop afterwards at Kampong Kdie, an ancient Angkorian bridge that once served as a vital part of the Angkor "highway". Enjoy this glimpse into the engineering marvels of the Khmer Empire, before finally reaching Siem Reap, gateway to the famous Angkor Wat.

Siem Reap

Day 4: Tour Siem Reap's iconic temples

After breakfast, hop aboard a tuk-tuk for an open-air ride to Angkor Wat, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and sprawling temple complex that dates back to the 12th century. Adorned with intricate sculptures, it never fails to impress with its sheer scale and beauty.

From there, take a short trip to Angkor Thom, where you'll marvel at the Bayon Temple with its 54 enigmatic, four-headed Buddha statues. Finally, visit Ta Phrom to soak up the haunting displays of towering trees and gigantic roots intertwining with ancient stone blocks.

Siem Reap

Day 5: Take a rural vintage jeep adventure!

At around 8.30am, leave Siem Reap aboard a vintage jeep for a trip into the captivating countryside. There, you'll trade the city bustle for a scenic bike ride along flat, red dirt roads, weaving your way through traditional villages. Stop at a local fish market, visit a floating village, and enjoy a glimpse into local life as you visit a stilt home to share a delicious Khmer lunch with the locals.

Further sights on the list today include a peaceful island pagoda and a fascinating monk school, followed by a self-contained, Vietnamese floating village. On your return to Siem Reap, you'll make a last stop in a local village for a relaxing dinner show - a great chance to savor local flavors as you watch stunning apsara and bokator performances.

Siem Reap

Day 6: Culture & wonder in Siem Reap

Your day begins with a trip to the Theam's Gallery, a captivating haven housed in breathtaking pavilions. Discover a treasure trove of Khmer culture here, immersing yourself in its private collection of local artifacts and heritage. Then, you'll take a tour of the unique APOPO, where African giant pouched rats are trained to sniff out landmines; watch these "HeroRATs" in action for a truly unforgettable experience.

Up next, experience Cambodian hospitality firsthand as you join a family to prepare a traditional meal. More laid-back than a cooking class, it's followed with the chance to sit alongside the locals and connect over shared stories as you feast on your lunch.

Take some time afterwards to spend the afternoon at leisure, before an evening circus performance at Phare - a truly unique and thrilling way to end your last night in Cambodia!

Siem Reap

Day 7: Farewell, Cambodia

Your Cambodian adventure is coming to an end: at a suitable time, check out of your hotel and take a private transfer back to the airport in Siem Reap, where your onward flight awaits.