Cambodian Heritage Journey

Upon arrival at Siem Reap International Airport, you'll be warmly welcomed by your local guide and transferred to your hotel for check-in. After some time to refresh, begin your Cambodian adventure with a visit to the Artisans Angkor workshops, where young Cambodians are trained in traditional arts and crafts, helping to preserve ancient Khmer artistic traditions. Watch skilled artisans practice stone carving, wood sculpting, lacquerware, and silk painting. Later, explore the vibrant Psar Chars (Old Market), where you can browse through colorful stalls selling everything from silk scarves and wood carvings to exotic fruits and local delicacies. In the evening, enjoy a welcome dinner featuring authentic Khmer cuisine accompanied by a traditional Apsara dance performance, offering your first glimpse into Cambodia's rich cultural heritage. Overnight in Siem Reap.

Rise early for a full day of temple exploration. Begin your journey at the ancient city of Angkor Thom, entering through the impressive South Gate with its rows of gods and demons. Discover the enigmatic Bayon Temple at the center of the city, famous for its 54 towers decorated with over 200 smiling stone faces. Continue to the Terrace of the Elephants and the Terrace of the Leper King, both featuring intricate bas-reliefs. After lunch at a local restaurant, visit the atmospheric Ta Prohm Temple, left largely as it was discovered – with massive tree roots intertwined among the stone blocks, creating a unique and mesmerizing sight made famous by the Tomb Raider film. Late afternoon, visit Banteay Kdei and Pre Rup temples before returning to your hotel. In the evening, enjoy free time to explore Siem Reap's lively Pub Street and Night Market area, where you can sample local street food and shop for souvenirs. Overnight in Siem Reap.

Wake up before dawn for an unforgettable sunrise experience at Angkor Wat, the world's largest religious monument and the ultimate expression of Khmer genius. After witnessing the magical sunrise, explore this architectural masterpiece with your guide, admiring its intricate bas-reliefs and towering spires that tell stories of Hindu mythology and the ancient Khmer Empire. Return to your hotel for breakfast, followed by some leisure time to relax. In the afternoon, embark on an excursion to Tonle Sap Lake, Southeast Asia's largest freshwater lake and an ecological wonder. Board a traditional wooden boat to visit Chong Kneas floating village, where you'll witness the fascinating daily life of local communities who live on the water. Observe floating schools, markets, and houses built on high stilts, adapting to the lake's dramatic seasonal changes. Return to Siem Reap in the late afternoon and enjoy dinner at a local restaurant featuring Cambodian barbecue specialties. Overnight in Siem Reap.

After breakfast, check out from your hotel and transfer to the airport for your short flight to Phnom Penh, Cambodia's vibrant capital city. Upon arrival, meet your guide and begin exploring this city of contrasts where French colonial architecture stands alongside modern developments. Start with a visit to the Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda complex, still the official residence of King Sihamoni. Admire the Throne Hall, Moonlight Pavilion, and the Silver Pagoda, named for its floor covered with 5,000 silver tiles and housing national treasures including gold and jeweled Buddha statues. After lunch, visit the National Museum, which houses the world's finest collection of Khmer sculpture. In the late afternoon, enjoy a relaxing one-hour sunset cruise on the Mekong River, where you'll see the confluence of the Tonle Sap, Mekong, and Bassac rivers while enjoying fresh coconut juice. Dinner at a riverside restaurant featuring modern Cambodian cuisine. Overnight in Phnom Penh.

Today's itinerary offers insight into Cambodia's recent tragic history and remarkable resilience. After breakfast, visit the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S-21), a former school that was transformed into a prison during the Khmer Rouge regime. While sobering, this important site helps visitors understand Cambodia's past. Continue to the Choeung Ek Memorial (the Killing Fields), where a Buddhist stupa filled with human skulls marks the site where thousands of victims were executed. The audio tour provides moving personal accounts from survivors and guards. After this emotional morning, enjoy lunch at a restaurant supporting vocational training for underprivileged youth. In the afternoon, discover a lighter side of Cambodian culture with a visit to Wat Phnom, the city's namesake temple situated on a small hill. Afterward, explore the Central Market (Phsar Thmey), an art deco landmark where you can shop for souvenirs and local handicrafts. End your day with a special farewell dinner accompanied by a cultural show. Overnight in Phnom Penh.

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at your hotel. Depending on your flight time, you may have free time for last-minute shopping or independent exploration. Perhaps visit the Russian Market (Phsar Toul Tom Poung) for some final souvenir hunting, or simply relax at a café along the riverfront promenade. At the appropriate time, your guide will transfer you to Phnom Penh International Airport for your departure flight, concluding your Cambodian Heritage Journey.