Classic Cambodia

Day 1: Arrival in Phnom Penh and Welcome Dinner

Your Cambodian adventure begins in Phnom Penh, the bustling capital city. Upon arrival, you’ll meet your fellow travelers during a welcome meeting. If you arrive early, you can explore the city and admire its French colonial architecture. In the evening, enjoy a riverside dinner at a local restaurant where you’ll sample traditional Cambodian dishes like beef lok lak or fish amok. It’s a great opportunity to get to know the group as you begin your journey.

Day 2: Phnom Penh City Tour and History Exploration

Today, you’ll embark on a city tour of Phnom Penh. The day includes visits to the Royal Palace and the sacred Silver Pagoda, followed by sobering stops at the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S21) and the Killing Fields of Choeung Ek. These sites offer a glimpse into Cambodia’s tragic history under the Khmer Rouge regime. The contrast between the grandeur of the Royal Palace and the painful history of these sites captures the essence of Cambodia’s journey. Optional visits to Wat Phnom are available in the afternoon.

Day 3: Scenic Drive to Siem Reap

Today you’ll begin your scenic journey from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap. Along the way, stop at Skun Market and Santuk Silkfarm, where you’ll enjoy a delicious home-cooked meal prepared by local women. This social enterprise offers you a chance to witness the silk production process and support a great cause. Once in Siem Reap, the gateway to Angkor Wat, you’ll go on an orientation walk with your tour leader. In the evening, explore the local market or discover Siem Reap’s street food scene.

Day 4: Full Day Exploring Angkor Temples

Start your day with an unforgettable visit to the ancient Angkor temples. Begin early to witness the magical sunrise over Angkor Wat, the largest religious monument in the world. Your tour will take you to some of the most significant temples, including Bayon, known for its carved faces, and Ta Prohm, famously overtaken by jungle trees. You’ll also participate in a traditional monk blessing ceremony. Lunch will be served at Sala Bai, a training restaurant for disadvantaged youth. The day will conclude with an optional sunset view of the temples.

Day 5: Kampong Phluck Village and Countryside Experience

Today, you’ll venture out to Kampong Phluck, a lakeside village with stilt houses and mangrove forests. You’ll explore the village by riverboat, observing how the locals adapt to seasonal flooding. Later, you’ll head into the countryside to see traditional rice fields and visit a local family’s stilt house. Here, you’ll enjoy sunset drinks and snacks, immersing yourself in the peaceful village life. In the evening, the group will share a final farewell dinner at a local restaurant, celebrating the incredible journey through Cambodia.

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.