Angkor Temples Unveiled

On arrival at the airport your guide will greet you and transfer you to your hotel. Settle into your room and then take a private tour of the National Museum of Cambodia, followed by a sunset boat trip on the Tonle Sap and Mekong Rivers.

The morning will be dedicated to the recent history of Cambodia with a guided tour of the Toul Sleng genocide museum, housed in the school building that was taken over by the Khmer Rouge and used as S-21, its main detention and torture center, and then the Killing Fields of Choeung Ek, where thousands of people were killed between the years of 1975 and 1978 and buried in mass graves. These sites may be distressing for some visitors, but they are important pieces of the historical and cultural puzzle of Cambodia.

Enjoy a delicious lunch before visiting the Royal Palace, residence of the king of Cambodia, and the Silver Pagoda, named for the over 5000 heavy silver tiles that cover its floors. Continue to Wat Phnom, a fine example of Khmer architecture and carving, and learn how Phnom Penh got its name.

Take a short flight across Tonle Sap Lake to Siem Reap, gateway to the magnificent temple ruins of Angkor. You will be collected from the airport and driven to your hotel. Once you have settled in, embark on a tranquil, late afternoon boat cruise on Tonle Sap Lake, the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia. From Mechrey village, a boat will take you across the lake to the floating village, where you can observe the daily life of the lake-dwelling people and the natural beauty of the lake. Afterwards, return to your hotel and enjoy the evening at your leisure.

Visit Ta Prohm, the temple made famous by the movie Tomb Raider. The most atmospheric of the ruins, it has been partly reclaimed by the jungle, and massive tree roots now form an inseparable part of the structure. For the rest of the morning, visit the impressive fortified city of Angkor Thom and the Bayon temple, with its 216 enigmatically smiling faces. Enjoy lunch at a restaurant in the magnificent setting of the temple complex. Next, take an extensive tour of the extraordinary Angkor Wat. Your guide will help you explore its courtyards and chambers and make sense of one of the world’s greatest man-made wonders. Your day ends with a sunset cruise at Angkor Thom.

Optional tour: We suggest watching the sun rise at Angkor Wat on day 4 for an iconic travel experience.

Spend your last day in Siem Reap at your leisure. You may visit the Angkor National Museum to learn more about the Khmer civilization or shop for a memento at Artisans D’Angkor workshop, where you will find Siem Reap’s best collection of handicrafts such as silk, stone and lacquer. You will be driven to Siem Reap airport for your onward flight.