Essence of Cambodia

Day 1: Arrival in Phnom Penh and Welcome Dinner

Welcome to Phnom Penh, Cambodia’s vibrant capital! Upon arrival, meet your tour leader and fellow travelers at the hotel during a welcome meeting. If you arrive early, take time to explore the city’s lively boulevards and French colonial architecture or relax at a riverside café.

In the evening, enjoy a group welcome dinner at a traditional restaurant along the Tonlé Sap River. Sample iconic Khmer dishes like beef lok lak, fish amok, and freshwater prawns, and toast to the journey ahead.

Day 2: Phnom Penh City Tour – Royal Splendor & Historical Reflection

After breakfast, set off on a full-day city tour exploring both the cultural and historical heart of Cambodia.

• Visit the Royal Palace and the adjacent Silver Pagoda, known for its dazzling silver-tiled floor and emerald Buddha.
• Next, delve into Cambodia’s tragic past with a visit to the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S-21), a former school turned prison under the Khmer Rouge.
• Continue to the Killing Fields of Choeung Ek, a powerful and sobering memorial site.
• In the afternoon, you may opt for a visit to Wat Phnom, the city’s spiritual heart.

Evening at leisure—consider a sunset walk along the river promenade or enjoy Phnom Penh’s buzzing food scene.

Day 3: Scenic Overland Journey to Siem Reap

After an early breakfast, begin your scenic road journey (approx. 6–7 hours) northward to Siem Reap, the cultural heart of Cambodia and gateway to the Angkor temples.

Along the way:

• Stop at Skun Market, famous (or infamous) for its fried tarantulas and other exotic snacks.
• Enjoy a delicious home-cooked lunch at Santuk Silk Farm, a community-run social enterprise where you can learn about traditional silk weaving and support local women artisans.

Arrive in Siem Reap in the late afternoon. After check-in, join your guide for an orientation walk through the Old Market and Pub Street. The evening is free to explore night markets or sample local street food.

Day 4: Sunrise & Temples of Angkor – Ancient Wonders

Rise early to witness the sunrise at Angkor Wat, a breathtaking spiritual experience and a highlight of the trip.

Continue your full-day temple exploration:

• Angkor Wat – The crown jewel of Khmer architecture and the world’s largest religious monument.
• Bayon Temple – Known for its serene, smiling stone faces and intricate bas-reliefs.
• Ta Prohm – The jungle-covered “Tomb Raider temple” where nature and architecture intertwine.
• Midday, enjoy lunch at Sala Bai, a hospitality training restaurant that empowers underprivileged youth.

Later, receive a blessing from a Buddhist monk, a peaceful and spiritual moment of connection.
Optional: Return to the temples in the late afternoon for a sunset view from Phnom Bakheng (limited entry, early arrival needed).

Day 5: Kampong Phluk Floating Village & Rural Life Experience

Today, discover the life and beauty of Cambodia’s water world. Travel to Kampong Phluk, a floating village on the Tonlé Sap Lake.

• Explore the stilt houses, floating schools, and mangrove forests by boat.
• Learn how villagers adapt their lives to the lake’s dramatic seasonal changes.

In the afternoon, venture into the Siem Reap countryside, where you’ll:

• Visit a local family’s home
• Walk through lush rice fields
• Relax with sunset drinks and snacks, surrounded by the quiet rhythm of rural life.

Evening: Share a farewell dinner with your group at a local restaurant—celebrate your Cambodian adventure with new friends and lasting memories.

Day 6: Departure from Siem Reap

After breakfast, the tour concludes, and you’re free to leave at any time. If you wish to extend your stay in Siem Reap, your tour leader can help arrange additional accommodations or onward travel plans.