Colors of Cambodia

Day 1 : Phnom Penh arrival – Toul Sleng Museum – Royal Palace Activities : Learn about the Khmer Rouge and Cambodia’s recent history in the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, visit the National Museum and the Royal Palace

Meal : Lunch

Itinerary : Welcome to Phnom Penh, Cambodia’s vibrant and bustling capital city. Despite its recent turbulent history, Phnom Penh’s wide tree-lined boulevards and faded colonial mansions hold an undeniable charm. Upon arrival, Tour guide and driver of Best Cambodia Tours will meet you at the airport and take you to your hotel for check-in. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant then set out on a city tour to acquaint yourself with Phnom Penh’s major sites. Start your visit learning about the Khmer Rouge and Cambodia’s recent history on a guided tour of the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum. Our cultural exploration continues as we visit the National Museum, an excellent introduction into ancient Khmer art and civilization, and the Royal Palace, home to the royal family and the opulent silver pagoda.
Overnight in Phnom Penh.

Day 2 : Mekong & Koh Dach Islands – Boat Cruise Activities : Travel to two nearby islands (Mekong and Koh Dach), enjoy a cyclo ride along Sihanouk Boulevard and visit the grand Independence Monument.

Meal : Breakfast, Lunch

Itinerary : Today we travel to two nearby islands (Mekong and Koh Dach), known for their weaving and vegetable farming. Spend half a day touring these villages and learning about local life. Return to Phnom Penh for lunch. In the late afternoon we enjoy a Cyclo ride along Sihanouk Boulevard and visit the grand Independence Monument.
Overnight in Phnom Penh.

Day 3 : Phnom Penh – Siem Reap – National Angkor Museum – Floating Village – Sunset Activities : Move to Siem Reap, visit a market, embark on a short cruise along Tonle Sap Lake to visit the local floating villages, drive to the Angkor Archeological Park to watch the sunset from the foot of Phnom Krohm Mountain

Meal : Breakfast

Itinerary : After breakfast our driver will meet you at your hotel and take you on the 5 hour drive from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap. The journey offers an excellent opportunity to observe rural Cambodia up-close. Stop along the way and visit a market, where every assortment of street food is available, including the Khmer favorite: fried spiders! Once you arrive in Siem Reap
In the afternoon, head out of town and embark on a short cruise along Tonle Sap Lake to visit the local floating villages. Drive to the Angkor Archeological Park in the evening to watch the sunset from the foot of Phnom Krohm Mountain.
Overnight in Siem Reap.

Day 4 : Tuk Tuk ride to Ta Prohm – Angkor Wat – Angkor Thom Activities : Discovering Angkor temples, take a tuk-tuk ride to Ta Prohm, at sunrise, visit Angkor Wat, proceed to Angkor Thom’s imposing South Gate, visit Bayon temple, the Elephant Terrace and the Terrace of the Leper King.

Meal : Breakfast

Itinerary : Enjoy an entire day dedicated to discovering the mysterious Angkor temples. Wake before dawn and take a tuk-tuk ride to visit the jungle-entwined temple, Ta Prohm, at sunrise. Dawn is one of the most beautiful and haunting times to visit the temples, whose ancient sandstone blocks are gilded gold by the early morning rays. Return to the hotel for breakfast then set back out on a full day temple tour. Starting with the magnificent Angkor Wat the largest Khmer temple and finest example of Angkorian art and architecture, we proceed to Angkor Thom’s imposing South Gate, topped with the four serenely smiling faces of Avalokiteshvara. Next, visit Bayon temple, the Elephant Terrace and the Terrace of the Leper King.
Overnight in Siem Reap.

Day 5 : Rolous Group – Lunch in Village – Beng Mealea temples Activities : Visit Angkor complex, a shadow puppet workshop and enjoy a traditional performance put on by the “Little Angels” orphanage and school

Meal : Breakfast

Itinerary : Today we visit some of the oldest temples in the Angkor complex. After breakfast drive out of town to the ancient capital of King Indravarman I (877-889), now referred to as the Rolous Group and known as the birthplace of classical Khmer art and architecture. Stop for lunch then continue on to visit the incredible jungle-covered temple: Beng Mealea. This distant temple is a gem in the midst of the jungle; half strangled with vines and decorated by lichen, Beng Mealea is the true adventure experience. On the way back to Siem Reap, visit a shadow puppet workshop and enjoy a traditional performance put on by the “Little Angels” orphanage and school. Return to Siem Reap in the late afternoon.
Overnight in Siem Reap.

Day 6 : 1000 lingas – Waterfall at Kulen Mountain – Banteay Srei – Preah Khan Temples Activities : Set off around Kulen Mountain, the Khmer Empire’s capital, visit countless ancient temples, the River of 1000 Lingas, a reclining Buddha and cascading waterfall, drive to Banteay Srei, enjoy Apsara dance performace

Meal : Breakfast

Itinerary : Enjoy breakfast at the hotel then set off to the tranquil countryside around Kulen Mountain, the Khmer Empire’s capital in the early 9th century. Here we will visit countless ancient temples, the River of 1000 Lingas, a reclining Buddha and cascading waterfall. After lunch drive to Banteay Srei, home to Angkor’s finest stone carvings, followed by Preah Khan (Sacred Sword): one of Angkor’s largest temples, constructed in the 12th century by Jayavarman VII.
Overnight in Siem Reap.

Day 7 : Old market – Departure Activities : Explore the Psar Chass, go shopping

Meal : Breakfast

Itinerary : After breakfast, explore the Psar Chass, also known as the “Old Market,” for some last minute souvenir shopping, before driving to the airport to catch your departure flight home. Bon voyage!