Discover Cambodia

Welcome to Phnom Penh, the vibrant capital that gracefully blends traditional Khmer heritage with enduring French colonial charm. Once hailed as the "Pearl of Southeast Asia", the city still boasts elegant colonial-era villas nestled along leafy boulevards. In recent years, Phnom Penh has undergone a remarkable transformation, with a dynamic mix of modern hotels, lively cafés, world-class restaurants, and stylish nightlife venues breathing new energy into the city.
Your driver and guide will pick up you at the airport and transfer you to city center. Check in hotel and relax. 

Meet your private tour guide and driver at hotel after breakfast. Begin your discovery with a visit to the Royal Palace, constructed in 1866 by the predecessors of King Norodom. This striking complex of ornate Khmer-style architecture is one of Phnom Penh’s most iconic and visually arresting landmarks.

Adjacent to the palace lies the Silver Pagoda (also known as the Emerald Buddha Temple), home to a priceless collection of Buddha statues crafted from gold, silver, emerald, and adorned with diamonds. The grandeur and spiritual importance of this temple make it a must-see cultural gem.

Continue your journey with a stop at the Independence Monument, built in 1954 to commemorate Cambodia’s liberation from French colonial rule. Next, explore the National Museum of Cambodia, housed in an elegant terracotta building dating back to 1917. Inside, you’ll find over 5,000 artifacts, including ancient sculptures, bronzes, and finely carved wood and metalwork that trace Cambodia’s rich artistic heritage through the ages.

In the afternoon, shift focus to Cambodia’s more somber past with a deeply moving visit to the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S-21). Once a peaceful school, this site became an infamous Khmer Rouge prison and interrogation center during the brutal regime of the late 1970s.

Though emotionally powerful, this visit offers essential insight into the resilience of the Cambodian people and the importance of remembrance and reconciliation. It is an experience that will stay with you long after your journey ends. 

Rest of the day, explore the city on the bank of Mekong River on your own pace. 

After enjoying breakfast at your hotel, embark on a scenic overland journey from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap via National Road No. 6A. This 6-hour drive offers a fascinating glimpse into Cambodia’s rural life and landscapes, with cultural highlights along the way.

En route, make two brief stops, including one at Skun District, famously known for its local delicacy—giant fried spiders—a unique and adventurous experience for the curious traveler.

Upon arrival in Siem Reap, check in to your hotel and refresh before setting out for an afternoon excursion to the iconic Tonlé Sap Lake—Southeast Asia’s largest freshwater lake and a UNESCO-designated Biosphere Reserve.

Travel along the eastern shores of the lake to visit a remarkable stilted village, where homes, schools, and shops rise high above the floodplain on wooden stilts. This is a rare opportunity to observe the daily rhythm of life in one of Cambodia’s most unique communities.

Board your private boat for a peaceful cruise along a narrow tributary, passing fishermen casting their nets and children playing in the shallow waters. Arrive at a floating village, where you may choose to disembark and explore, or continue cruising through the tranquil waterways, taking in the authenticity and simplicity of life on the lake.

Full-Day Exploration of Angkor Archaeological Park – A Journey Through the Heart of the Khmer Empire

After a delightful breakfast at the hotel, begin your immersive cultural adventure with a visit to the West Gate of Angkor Thom, a rarely visited and peaceful entrance, offering a serene start away from the typical tourist flow.

Step into the grandeur of Angkor Thom, the ancient royal city built in the 12th century and the last capital of the Khmer Empire. Marvel at its remarkable monuments:

• South Gate of Angkor Thom: An iconic photo stop, flanked by statues depicting gods and demons from the Hindu myth of the Churning of the Ocean of Milk.
• Bayon Temple: One of the most extraordinary temples in Cambodia, known for its 54 towers adorned with over 200 serene and smiling faces of Avalokitesvara, symbolizing compassion and watchfulness.
• Baphuon Temple: Just north of Bayon, this majestic pyramidal temple represents Mount Meru, the sacred cosmic mountain in Hindu and Buddhist cosmology.
• Phimeanakas Temple:  Once part of the royal palace complex, this stepped pyramid served as a private sanctuary for Khmer kings.
• Elephant Terrace: An impressive platform used by the king and his court to view royal processions and public ceremonies.
• Preah Palilay; Hidden deep within the forest, this tranquil and atmospheric site, older than Angkor Thom itself, offers a sense of timeless mystery. Along the path, encounter local monks blessing visitors with holy water, adding a spiritual element to your journey.

Continue to the world-renowned Ta Prohm Temple, made famous by the film Tomb Raider. Left largely in its natural state, Ta Prohm is a hauntingly beautiful fusion of nature and architecture, where massive tree roots twist through ancient stone. It stands as a powerful reminder of nature’s relentless reclamation and the impermanence of empires.

In the afternoon, arrive at the majestic Angkor Wat, the largest religious monument in the world and a symbol of Cambodian national pride. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1992, this 12th-century masterpiece is famed for its exquisite design, spiritual symbolism, and grandeur.

• Admire the temple’s harmonious proportions and intricate carvings, representing a microcosm of the Hindu universe.
• Walk along the world’s longest continuous bas-relief, an epic visual narrative carved in stone that depicts scenes from Hindu mythology, including the legendary battle of Kurukshetra and the Churning of the Ocean of Milk.

As the day draws to a close, soak in the spiritual energy of Angkor Wat’s golden light—a highlight of any journey through Southeast Asia.

Transfer to Siem Reap airport for departure to next destination. It’s time to say goodbye, we thank you for traveling with us and warmly welcome you to come again.