Phnom Penh:
It is said that in 1372, an old nun named Penh built a temple for five Buddha statues she had found at the river. This humble genesis was followed by a turbulent history. But while vestiges of Khmer Rouge still remain, Phnom Penh is an eternally optimistic and highly hyperactive city, as the constant sounds of chatter, speeding motorcycles and urging vendors will attest. It takes but a little observation to see that Phnom Penh is not a city in mourning. And as sobering as a visit to its memorial sites may be, its lively streets make it impossible to be anything but cheerful.
Siem Reap:
After over three decades of deep slumber, Siem Reap has reawakened and reopened its doors to the world. And the world couldn’t be happier to accept the invitation. Once a sleepy little corner with few people and little traffic, Siem Reap is now a booming tourist hub, thanks in no small part to Angkor Wat. At heart it’s still a most idyllic spot, with languid water buffaloes, sedate monks and rice paddy fields lending even the imposing temples of Angkor an air of majestic serenity.
Sightseeing in Phnom Penh
There’s much to see in Cambodia’s capital. You will visit places like the Tuol Sleng Museum (Museum of Genocide), Wat Phnom, The National Museum and the iconic Royal Palace that celebrate the city’s culture and history; and those more spiritual like The Pagoda of the Emerald Buddha. Phnom Penh leaves you feeling both subdued and excited.
Angkor Wat, Siem Reap
When Antonio da Magdalena, a Portuguese monk visited the 12th century temple in 1586, he was in awe. “It is not possible to describe it with a pen,” he declared effusively; “it is like no other building in the world”. When you behold the jewel of the Khmer Empire, adorned with intricate Hindu motifs, you can’t but agree with him.
Visit to a silk farm, Siem Reap
The Puok Silk Farm really does make you appreciate the sublime fabric. Here you will see cocoons collected to be spun, dyed and finally crafted into finished goods that are on sale.
Artisans D’angkor, Siem Reap
In Cambodia, the love of art and architecture is alive and well. Few places prove this as effectively as Artisans d’Angkor. Here you will find as many as 650 apprentices sculpting, polychroming and carving delightful artefacts.
Excursion to Oudong, Phnom Penh
When the royals of Cambodia left the erstwhile capital Oudong and moved to Phnom Penh in 1866, they left several gems behind. The stupas in the twin ridges that hold ashes of former Khmer rulers. The vihara that houses an 18-cubit Buddha. And the charming Cham Village and Kompong Luong, a silversmithing village.
Travels Through Time (4D/3N)
The beautiful ruins of Angkor Wat and Angkor Thom. And a glimpse into Cambodia’s cultural heritage. Keep the camera ready.
Your Itinerary
- Siem Reap 3 nights
Day 1
Arrive in Siem Reap and check in at your hotel. The rest of the day is free for you to explore the area around your hotel on your own.
Day 2
After a delicious breakfast at your hotel, take a tour of the fortified city of Angkor Thom, which stands in an area of 10 sq. km. Enter through the South Gate and continue to the Terrace of the Elephants and the Terrace of the Leper Kings. Visit the ruins of the Baphuon and the beautifully preserved Bayon Temple. Head to Ta Prohm and Banteay Srei, two ancient, intricately carved temples. Watch the sun set over the countryside from the upper terrace of this ancient temple before you return to your hotel.
Day 3
Today is a day you are unlikely to forget. After breakfast, set off to Angkor Wat, the country’s most revered and best preserved Angkor temple. Wander through the main building, admiring the exquisite carvings of 1,700 celestial dancers all around you. In the evening, you have the choice of visiting Puok silk farm, where you will learn about silk production; or Les Chantiers Ecoles, a vocational centre that trains artisans in sculpture, woodcarving and other arts.
Day 4
After breakfast, set off to the airport to catch your flight home.
A Brief History of Penh (4D/3N)
Legend has it that the city was founded by a nun who found five statues of the Buddha in a hollow Koki tree floating on the waters of the Mekong River. Today, this vibrant city is far removed from its humble beginnings.
Your Itinerary
- Phnom Penh 3 nights
Day 1
Arrive in Phnom Penh and check in at your hotel. The rest of the day is free for you to do a little exploration of the area by yourself.
Day 2
After you have finished breakfast, take a sightseeing trip around this chaotic, fascinating city. Begin at Wat Phnom, continue to the Royal Palace, the Silver Pagoda and the National Museum. Spend the afternoon at the Tuol Sleng Museum (the Museum of Genocide), which served an interrogation and torture facility during the Khmer Rouge regime. Explore the modern city, with a stopover at either the Central Market, housed in a distinctive art deco building; or the Russian Market, a labyrinth of stalls selling a variety of goods, from silks to electronic goods.
Day 3
Take a trip northwards to Oudong, the former capital of the country. Here, at Phnom Oudong, you will explore some of the several stupas and temples. Your next stop will be Cham Village and Kompong Luong, a silversmithing village, where you will visit a workshop. Return to Phnom Penh.
Day 4
After breakfast, set off to the airport to catch your flight home.