2008
Cambodia Discovery
Cambodia blends a fascinating history with its genuine hospitality, smiling people and culinary delights.
Our opinion
Experience the awesome remains of the once mighty Khmer Empire at Angkor Wat, in the Province of Siem Reap. The temple has unbelievable majesty and stunning architecture of carved sandstone walls. The jungle setting enhances the mystery of this ancient civilisation.
Escorted
The Cambodia Discovery tour is escorted from arrival in Cambodia on Day 4 to Day 11 by a local guide.
Itinerary
- Bangkok: 2 nights
- Siem Reap: 4 nights
- Phnom Penh: 3 nights
Day 1 London/Bangkok
Depart the UK today on your overnight flight to Bangkok with Thai Airways. On arrival transfer to your hotel and spend two days sampling the sights and sounds of bustling Bangkok. Perhaps prebook one of our experiences
Day 4 Bangkok/Siem Reap
Take an early morning flight with Bangkok Airways and arrive in the charming town of Siem Reap. On arrival check in to your hotel. The next four days will be spent exploring the culturally rich area of Siem Reap and the awe inspiring temples of Angkor. Learn a little of this great empire and the reason for its downfall. See intricate carvings depicting stories dating back thousands of years, hear of myths and legend passed down through generations and see the efforts taking place to restore these temples to their former glory. Visit the Rolous group of temples, which provided a blueprint that would shape the Angkor Kingdom for the next four centuries. See the mystical temples of Banteay Kdei, Kravan Sra Srang, Takeo and Pre Rup. View the remarkable sunset over Angkor Wat from the top of Phnom Bakheng and explore the mysterious and overgrown temple of Ta Prohm. Experience the subdued faces of the Bayon peering down from above and explore the intricately carved bas reliefs of Angkor Wat, the largest and most intricate of the temple complexes. Hear the stories behind the creation of the Elephant and Leper King Terraces and the lesser visited temples of Banteay Srey. Along with your temple exploration you will also see touches of life in and around this area as they are today, including a boat cruise down the Tonle Sap Lake to observe life on the shores of South East Asia’s largest lake. Dine on Khmer cuisine in the restaurants of Siem Reap and visit a local primary school to observe how the teachers promote the cultural traditions and Khmer values.
Day 8 Siem Reap/Phnom Penh
Depart Siem Reap today for your journey south to Cambodia’s capital city – Phnom Penh. This journey is by road and can take six to seven hours and can be bumpy at times. En route visit a number of historical sites including the ancient capital city of Chenla with 100 temples dating back to the pre Angkorian period. Pass villages and communities whose lives revolve around the tidal waters of the Tonle Sap Lake which provides food and water for so much of Cambodia’s population. Arrive late afternoon in Phnom Penh, check in and enjoy your first evening in this city at leisure to explore at your own pace.
Day 9 Phnom Penh
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before starting your tour of Phnom Penh. This city lies on the banks of the Mekong and the Bassac Rivers and has experienced both turbulent and nostalgic eras, now re-emerging as a must see city within Asia. Your tour starts with a visit to the Apsara Arts Association. Observe the students rehearsing traditional dance, a part of Khmer culture once thought lost under the strict regime of the Khmer Rouge. Continue your tour mid morning with a visit to the National Museum; learn more about the Khmer culture and the Angkor period and see many artefacts found within the country dating back as far as the 9th Century. Visit the Central Market and its busy alleyways of traders selling produce from both near and far, try your hand at bartering for souvenirs or traditional hand woven cloths. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. This afternoon your tour takes you to see the Silver Pagoda, the Royal Palace and Wat Phnom, the founding religious structure and namesake of the city. Dinner is enjoyed at the ‘Friends’ restaurant, part of a N.G.O. school that encourages Cambodian youngsters to work in the gastronomy and tourism industries.
Day 10 Phnom Penh
Your last day in Phnom Penh starts with a visit to the gruesome Toul Sleng, also known as S21. This former prison and house of torture provides a stark reminder of how life was under the Khmer Rouge. See the many pictures of those who perished under the regime and the small cells used to house both male and female inmates. Continue your journey this morning with a visit to the Russian Market. Take time to shop with the many bargains on offer in this large undercover market including a selection of handicrafts, garments and electrical goods. After lunch take an optional boat cruise (extra cost locally) on the Tonle Sap River to explore life at the waters edge of this large and surprising capital city, or choose to continue your shopping and exploration of the city at leisure. Enjoy your final dinner at a local restaurant this evening.
Day 11 Phnom Penh/Bangkok/London
Today depart Cambodia for your journey with Bangkok Airways to Bangkok and onward with Thai Airways to the UK arriving the next day.
