Cambodia At Glance 5 days 4 nights

Begin your morning exploration of the temples at Ta Prohm, which is considered the most renowned of the Small Circuit Temples. The best time to visit Ta Prohm is at 7:30 am when it opens. Built in the 12th and 13th centuries, Ta Prohm is unique for being partially swallowed by the jungle. Despite some parts being in ruins, it remains one of the most picturesque of the Angkor temples. If crowds or the season make Ta Prohm difficult to explore, consider visiting Preah Khan instead. This temple complex, which is larger and similar in style to Ta Prohm, has fewer visitors and offers a more intimate experience.

Next, explore Angkor Thom, the ancient city that was the last capital of the Great Khmer Empire under Jayavarman VII's reign. This city is enclosed by an 8-meter-high wall, creating a perfect square. Enter the city through a gate adorned with carved three-headed elephants and topped with four giant Buddha faces. On either side of the causeway leading to the entrance, 54 gods and demons stand with a sacred Naga snake. Proceed to Bayon Temple, the center of the Angkor Thom Complex. This massive temple was built in the 12th century and played an essential role in the Khmer's spiritual life. One of the most notable features of Bayon Temple is the almost 200 smiling faces carved into the walls, though some details have been lost due to time and weather.

In the afternoon, take a tour of Angkor Wat, one of the Seven Wonders of the World. The temple's design is modeled after India's great Meru Mountain, with the highest central tower representing Mount Meru, and its five towers corresponding to its peaks. The entire structure was constructed from sandstone and honeycomb. Astonishingly, the giant stone blocks were stacked without any binders or reinforced concrete. Arrive just before sunset, when Angkor Wat is less crowded and the Apsaras, heavenly nymphs carved into the walls, glow in beautiful light. After the tour, your guide will drop you off at your hotel. Spend the night in Siem Reap.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Starting the day with a delicious breakfast and a cup of coffee is always a great idea. Today, you'll have the chance to venture beyond the center of Siem Reap and explore the stunning countryside to discover a lesser-known floating village on Tonle Lake. Kampong Khleang floating village, located 55km from Siem Reap, is currently the largest floating village in the area with a population of 10,000 people. After leaving the main highway, you'll travel along winding dirt roads and stop to observe local farmers working on their rice paddies while enjoying some hot sticky rice.

Upon arriving at Kampong Khleang, you'll take a motor boat to explore the village and two other floating villages, as well as the vast lake. Life on the lake is challenging and often impacted by severe weather conditions. In the rainy season, the lake's surface area typically expands six times, while the depth increases nine times. As a result, most houses have high floors and float on the lake during the rainy season. In contrast, the dry season reveals towering stilts that resemble wooden skyscrapers. During the boat ride, you'll make several stops to visit the Bridge of Life, a stilted home, a Cambodian pagoda, and a small floating village known as the natural flood barrier in the area. After the boat ride, you'll return to the harbor, meet your driver, and head back downtown for lunch.

In the afternoon, you'll take a one-hour flight to Phnom Penh, the capital city. Upon arrival, you'll check-in to your hotel and have the remainder of the evening to explore the city and discover its historical architecture and attractions. Stay overnight in Phnom Penh.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

The day starts with a visit to the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, which is housed in a former school that was taken over by the Khmer Rouge and used as its main detention and torture center. The museum provides a moving but essential insight into Cambodia's tragic past. After this, you will visit the Killing Fields of Choeung Ek, which is a site of mass graves where thousands of people were killed during the Khmer Rouge regime. This visit will be emotionally challenging, but it is an important opportunity to learn about Cambodia's history and gain a deeper understanding of its people.

Afterward, you will have lunch at Le Lotus Blanc, a training restaurant for street children supported by the humanitarian organization Pour un Sourire d’Enfant. Your visit will help support the education and job training of these children who used to scavenge at the municipal dump. It will provide them with hope and a brighter future.

In the afternoon, you will visit Wat Phnom temple, the founding place of the city on a small hilltop. Then you will continue along the riverfront to the Royal Palace, which houses the Silver Pagoda. It is called so because it is covered with over 5,000 heavy silver tiles. Inside the temple, you will see a collection of Buddhas made of gold, silver, crystal, and bronze. Your next stop is the National Museum, which is built in the traditional Khmer style and houses the world's foremost collection of ancient Khmer artistic, archaeological, and religious artifacts from the 4th to the 13th centuries. In addition, the roof space is home to a large bat colony!

In the late afternoon, enjoy an sunset river cruise and watch how Phnom Penh’s popular riverfront comes to life in the early evening which will be a perfect way to end the day. Overnight in Phnom Penh.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch.

Free at your own untill your private transfer meets you at your hotel and escorts you to the airport for your departure flight.

Meals: Breakfast.