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Cambodia tourism uncovers the secrets of the mystical land with exploration and adventure. Explore these sacred temples from Angkor Wat to Ta Prohm with a knowledgeable local guide. Trek through the dense, steamy Cambodian jungle to admire Hindu sculptures that were carved into a riverbed over a thousand years ago. They put people in awe not only by the ruins but by stories of lost civilizations, ancient mythology, and fascinating folklore.
Travel from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh and stop over at Kampong Thom, which means “big town on the river”, and visit the oldest temples in Cambodia (dating back to the 6th century): Sambor Prei Kuk. This is a cluster of ancient temples and the inspiration for Angkor Wat may have come from them. Experience the everyday life of rural Cambodia in Kampong Thom and Kampong Cham before heading to the bustling city of Phnom Penh. Delve into the history of Cambodia‘s cultural capital and perceive the combination of colonial French architecture and Buddhist dwellings.
Pick up from the airport and transfer to the hotel for check-in. There, you can take a nap for charging up your energy before jumping into Cambodia tourism. In the afternoon, our Realistic Asia guide will visit the incredible site of Ta Prohm. Surprisingly, there are enormous big trees and gigantic creepers which embrace themselves in the stone foundations, giving an impression of reclaiming man’s creation by the powerful forces of nature. Early this evening, we will take the Tuk Tuk (the local transportation) to cruise around the town.
Overnight in Siem Reap.
Breakfast at the hotel. One of the notable activities in Cambodia tourism is admiring unique architecture at historical sites. Visit Banteay Srei which a Brahmin counselor under the powerful king Rajendarvarman constructed in the late 10th century. It was translated loosely to the citadel of the woman, but it is a modern appellation that probably refers to the delicate beauty of the carvings. En-route stop at Pre Rub (turn the body), its construction was in the late 10th century and dedicated to Hindu gods. This reflects the common belief among Cambodians that people conduct funerals at the temple.
Afternoon, Visit Angkor Thom, the South Gate of Angkor Thom, Bayon Temple which King Jayavarman VII built from the late 12th century to the early 13th century and consists of 54 towers, the Royal Enclosure, the Phimeanakas, the Elephants Terrace and the Terrace of the Leper King, then visit Angkor Wat, the largest temples in the world and covers an area of 200 hectares and surrounded by a moat and an exterior wall measuring 1300 meters x 1500 meters.
Overnight in Siem Reap.
Today we will visit Preah Vihear temple. This temple is at the top of a mountain range called the Damrek Mountains and lies at an altitude of 600m. The location is stunning. We will then take a drive (pick-up truck) from the foot of the mountain to reach the Preah Vihear temple. Its position is at the mountain rank of Dang Rek (Preah Vihear Mountain is 800 Meters x 400 Meters). Preah Vihear temple, which took over 300 years to complete the construction by a few famous Khmer kings. King Yasovarman I who ruled the country from 889 to probably 910 firstly built in 893.
King Suryavarman I (1002 – 1049) is the one who established the majority of the temple’s structure finally the temple’s completion process took place during the reign of great king Suryavarman II (1113 – 1150), the well-known king who was the founder of the magnificent temple of Angkor Wat at Siem Reap province (Rooney 2006). King Suryavarman II known as a great Khmer king, dominate Khorat Plateau, Lopburi, and even further north in Thailand and he extended the Khmer Empire to the border of Pagan in Myanmar; and south into the northern part of the Malay Peninsula (Coe D. 2004).
This temple is the mountain temple which is the symbol of the sacred mountain “Meru” which is the abode of all the gods of Hinduism. The temple was mainly dedicated to the supreme god “Shiva” (Rooney 2006). Return from the top of the mountain and direct to Preah Vihear province overnight.
Overnight in Siem Reap.
Breakfast at the hotel and after that we will drive to Kampong Thom. The roads are in reasonable condition and the landscape is desertification but magnificent. In Kampong Thom, you will check into the hotel and you can spend the evening at your leisure.
Overnight in Kampung Thom.
It’s absolutely a miss in Cambodia tourism if you don’t spend time visiting Kampong Thom town and province is especially known for Sambor Prei Kuk. This is a temple complex that dates from the 6th and 7th centuries. This is the oldest complex in Cambodia and its position is in the forests of Kampong Thom. A drive of an hour will take you to the temples, where you can rent a bike from the local inhabitants. Together with your guide, you can visit the three main temples. Ride the narrow pathways through the forest and discover a temple, completely overgrown, around the corner.
After lunchtime, you will return to Kampong and travel to Kampong Cham. After that, you will visit Hancey pagoda where you can see a beautiful pagoda built on a hill with a spectacular view of the Mekong River. Watch the monks and monkeys living in this temple complex. Extensive fields and rubber plantations form the scenery of today´s stage that brings us to Kampong Cham.
Overnight in Kampung Cham.
In Cambodia, we also insert activities to discover the local culture and lifestyle. In the morning we will discover the island driving. Dirt tracks join small settlements, so this is a good way to get to know the local community and their way of life. After we park our vehicle, we’ll continue our trip by horse-cart. It’s time to leave the island and drive along the Mekong River. On the way, we will stop at a local market where you can try regional delicacies, like a fried spider! In the afternoon we will be in the capital city of Cambodia.
Overnight in Phnom Penh.
After breakfast, today we will visit The Royal Palace, the incredible floor is solid silver. Silver Pagoda is the pagoda which is in the Royal Palace campus, where have thousands of silver tiles on the floor of the pagoda and the biggest golden Buddha statue. Silver Pagoda is in the Royal Palace Compound made of 5000 silver tiles.
Continue to visit National Museum, over 5000 objects are on display including Angkorian-era statues, lingas, and other artifacts. Visit the Royal Palace where His Majesty, the King of Cambodia, and the royal families live. It is like a small town of royal dynasties. Continue to Silver Pagoda, which serves less as a functioning temple than a repository for cultural treasures such as a 90 kg golden Buddha encrusted with 2086 diamonds. We spend the rest of the time at Phnom Penh’s Psar Toul Tom Pong, known as the Russian Market, a great place to hunt for souvenirs, curios, and silks.
Finally, visit Wat Phnom Temple, which is one of the most important pagodas in Phnom Penh. The wealthy widow Daun Chi Penh built it in 1373 on an artificial hill.
Accommodation in Phnom Penh.
Breakfast at the hotel. Free transfer to the airport for the flight departure. Wrap up Cambodia tourism here and see you again on another tour shortly.
Note: In the event of any unforeseen circumstances, the sequence of the itinerary is subject to change without prior notice. We can replace and cancel the activity without prior notice for safety reasons. Alternative sightseeing or activities will be subject to the on-site situations to make sure you have an appropriate schedule for the Cambodia tourism package.
