Cambodia Highlights
Experience Overview
This short twin-centre adventure focusses on the iconic highlights of Cambodia. We spend three full days exploring the vast complex of the Temples of Angkor and discover the charming river-side capital of Phnom Penh.
Phnom Penh - Learn about Cambodia's dark history of the Khmer Rouge in its French colonial capital
Siem Reap - The gateway to exploring the incredible UNESCO-listed Angkor temples
Tonle Sap Lake - See stilt houses when cruising amongst the floating villages of Tonle Sap
Highlights
8-day Cambodia highlights trip to the vast temple cities of Angkor and capital Phnom Penh|Learn about Cambodia's dark history of the Khmer Rouge in its French influenced capital|Discover floating villages and stilt houses on a cruise of Tonle Sap Lake
Trip Details
Product Code: 20257
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Moderate
Transport: BusBoat
Guide Language: English
Tour Operator:
Explore Worldwide
Supplier Code: KCH
Starts: Cambodia
Finishes: Cambodia
Duration: 8 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical Rating:
Easy
Includes
- Explore Tour Leader
- Boat Crew
- Driver(s)
- Local Guide(s)
Accommodation
- HM Grand Central Hotel
- HARI Residence & Spa
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $1,110 ($139 /day)
Itinerary
Arrive in Cambodia's lively capital of Phnom Penh. Rooted in history and myth dating back to the 14th century with the divine discovery by 'Grandmother Penh', the city is a treasure trove of historical architecture. From grand monuments to glittering temples and French Colonial buildings, each construction reflects the city's rich history and character. For those arriving on time our Leader plans to meet you in the hotel reception at 7pm for the welcome meeting and for those that wish, there is the chance to go out for dinner. There are no other activities planned today, so you are free to arrive in Phnom Penh at any time. If you would like to receive an airport transfer today, you'll need to arrive into Phnom Penh International Airport (PNH), which is 45 minutes from the hotel. Should you miss the welcome meeting, your Leader will inform you of any essential information by note left at the front desk. If your flight arrives earlier in the day, perhaps you might choose to visit the Central Market, which runs all day every day, in an Art Deco building built in 1935. Here you will find a vast array of items for sale from food stalls to souvenirs, and everyday home items. This dark-yellow building is located in the heart of the city and within a 15 minute walking distance from the hotel.
Phnom Penh took over from Angkor as Cambodia's capital city in the 1440s. It is now a lively city with many French colonial buildings and plenty to see. Accompanied by a local guide we visit the National Museum, a treasure trove of beautifully preserved carvings and lintels rescued from Angkor; the Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda as well as the temple of Wat Phnom. This afternoon we visit the emotive Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, formerly a high school that became the Khmer Rouge's main torture and interrogation centre; and the Killing Fields of Choeung Ek - the memorial stupa is a glass tower filled with human skulls - a gruesome reminder of the scale of Pol Pot's atrocities before returning back in the city.
Today is free allowing you the opportunity to explore the city or its surrounds further. Optional excursions close to the city include a trip to Silk Island, Chiso Mountain or the abandoned Royal City of Oudong. Each of these excursions are half a day in duration and may be combined, your tour leader will discuss in more detail. Silk Island or Koh Dach is reached by a short ferry journey along the Mekong where the majority of villagers on the island earn a living through producing handicrafts. It is a great opportunity to learn more about traditional ways of life and interact with locals as you learn about the island's iconic silk weaving. Chiso Mountain (380m), located in Sia village about 62 km south of Phnom Penh, is topped by the ruins of an 11th century Khmer Brahmanic Temple with fine views of the surrounding paddy fields. Oudong is about an hour north of the capital and offers the opportunity to explore attractive historic temples and stupas.
This morning we make an early start for our drive to Siem Reap, stopping somewhere for lunch on the way. Later in the day we journey to nearby Tonle Sap Lake where we board our charter boat for a leisurely cruise through the fascinating floating village of Chong Kneas, where we see stilt houses, floating markets and an array of boats.
Our exact programme over the next three days may change slightly at our local guide's discretion (to avoid crowds, coincide with sunsets, etc.). Angkor was actually a series of cities, built between the 9th and the 13th centuries by the Khmer kings, with a population of 750,000 in its heyday. The Angkor complex is spread out over some 155 square kilometres, scattered with magnificent carved stone temples, elegant sculptures and incredible bas reliefs. We visit the Rolous group, which are some of the earliest temples. In the afternoon we visit the temples of Banteay Srei, a small but beautiful temples with exquisite carvings. We end the day at East Mebon, with a visit to Pre Rup temple for sunset.
We continue our exploration with a visit to the temples of King Jayavarman Vll, reputedly Angkor's greatest king. The fortified city of Angkor Thom, which he built at the end of the 12th century is enclosed by a square wall with five monumental gates decorated with stone elephant trunks. Originally, crocodiles inhabited the moat and huge statues of 54 different gods protected each gate. The city contains another of Angkor's true gems - The Bayon. Although not as impressive as Angkor Wat from a distance, The Bayon is nevertheless incredible for its maze of corridors, gothic style towers and magical central temples. We'll explore The Terrace of the Elephants and the Leper King, the Baphuon and Phimeanakas, and some of the surrounding temples such as Preah Khan.
On our final day we make a visit to the 2nd Angkor capital that includes the temples of Prasat Kravan, Banteay Kdei and Takeo. A highlight for many is a visit to the atmospheric temple of Ta Prohm, where the film Tomb Raider was filmed, lying half consumed by the jungle. We leave the best known and most breathtaking of all the sights, Angkor Wat, to the end - where we stay until the sun sets on the last night of our adventure.
The trip ends after breakfast at our hotel in Siem Reap. There are no activities planned today, so you are free to depart from Siem Reap at any time. If your flight is departing later in the day luggage storage facilities are available at our hotel. If you would like to receive a airport transfer today, you need to depart from Siem Reap International Airport (SAI), which is approximately 60-80 minutes from the hotel. If you have time you may choose to browse the old market for some last minute bargains, visit a fish spa or enjoy afternoon tea at The Foreign Correspondent's Club.
Similar Tours
Tour Operator
Explore Worldwide
A prominent adventure travel company with over four decades of experience, this business that offers a comprehensive array of unique and thrilling experiences worldwide. Catering to various interests, they provide small group journeys, walking and cycling trips, solo holidays, and family adventures.
In Business Since 1981
Reviews
Robyn - Traveled, January 2023
Angkor Wat was fantastic
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/04/2023
Janet - Traveled, February 2023
Really enjoyed the temples but also seeing the killing fields was deeply moving and something I have felt I wanted to do for a long time. I think this is an important part of the itinerary.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/24/2023
Sarah - Traveled, February 2023
The temples of Angkor and (odd to call it a highlight), the visit to the Killing Fields And our guide, Sita - he was the real highlight!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/25/2023
Cerie - Traveled, August 2023
Hard to choose just one. Learning about the Khmer regime was a real eye opener for us as although we were aware of it we knew very little about the detail. Our tour guide had personal experience that he shared with us which was very moving.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/22/2023
Erie - Traveled, February 2023
Difficult to choose a high light all the visits were good.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/04/2023
Dinah - Traveled, February 2023
Our Guide Vutha was wonderful and shared personal stories about the Kymer Rouge which gave us a deeper insight to the atrocities. The temples were amazing.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/07/2023
De - Traveled, March 2023
Lake boat trip and pretty much all the templates in Siem Reap. Sitha our tour leader was excellent.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/18/2023
Helen - Traveled, November 2023
Some of the more deserted temples surrounded by the jungle with the sounds of the gibbons and birds
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/17/2023
Robyn - Traveled, January 2023
Angkor Wat was fantastic
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/04/2023
Janet - Traveled, February 2020
Everyone in the group chose this particular trip for the right reasons ie accurately described, no-one was disappointed.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/20/2020
Peter Voss - Traveled, February 2020
An excellent introduction to a fascinating country
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/11/2020
Dale - Traveled, December 2020
It was a great trip, managed to fit all the important things into a very short time. Well done.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/04/2020
Lynsey Patterson - Traveled, November 2019
This was a great introduction to Cambodia. We saw the contrast between the cities and the countryside on our journey between Phnom Pehn and Siam Reap. Our guide Vutha was excellent, providing us with detailed information at the Angkor temples and local knowledge and insights throughout the tour.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/04/2019
May - Traveled, November 2019
DO IT!!!! For me it was the most special holiday of my lifetime.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/19/2019
Eleanor - Traveled, May 2019
Thank you very much, a great trip to an amazing location. I had a great week.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/17/2019
Andrew - Traveled, May 2019
Great trip and thank you Explore team for helping me when I missed my flight. Your response was superb.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/17/2019
Kerry - Traveled, May 2019
I would have benefitted from some pre trip reading etc (beyond a guide book) and it would be good to have some reading / film recommendations or suggestions to help prepare for the trip ... from previous travelers perhaps?
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/17/2019
Vanessa - Traveled, May 2019
Will definitely be looking at booking another trip with Explore. Had an amazing time in Cambodia, felt the trip was well organised & even when I went off on my own for 2nd week to the beach the Vidotour manager Mr Chantha gave me his card to call him if I had any problems getting back to the airport.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/17/2019
Emma - Traveled, May 2019
We should have arrived at Angkor Wat earlier to see the sunrise. We were unable to get a good spot to watch it because of the crowds already there. I had a fantastic time on this trip. The group, guide and country were all fabulous. I am now planning my next Explore holiday!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/17/2019
Share a personalized trip brochure!
Why Choose Us?
We Work for You
Our goal to make you happy! That means ensuring our travel consultants have the best product knowledge and excellent customer service. A positive customer experience is our #1 goal!
Our Products
We offer an broad selection of travel products, including all-inclusive vacation packages, pre-packaged tours, custom travel itineraries, destination weddings, and luxury vacations.
Escapes Cares
We believe in giving back. When you book with us, you are contributing to tree planting through our partners at Veritree, as well ocean conservation though Oceana Canada.
