CAMBODIA HINDU TEMPLES DISCOVERY | 7 DAYS

Breakfast at the hotel. This morning, our guide and driver will pick you up from your hotel to begin your Phnom Penh city exploration. Your first stop is Wat Phnom, the symbolic heart of the capital. Built on a small hill, this sacred temple marks the legendary founding place of Phnom Penh and remains an important religious site for local worshippers. Continue to The Independence Monument, built in 1958 to commemorate Cambodia’s independence from France. The monument’s design is inspired by traditional Khmer temple architecture. Next, visit the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S-21). Originally a high school before 1975, it was converted into a notorious interrogation prison during the Khmer Rouge regime. Today, it stands as a memorial museum preserving the memory of the thousands of innocent Cambodians who suffered during this tragic period. Walking through the preserved classrooms and corridors offers a sobering but important insight into Cambodia’s turbulent history. • Lunch at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, visit the magnificent Royal Palace, one of the finest examples of Khmer architecture. Built in 1866, the palace complex remains the official residence of His Majesty King Norodom Sihamoni. Within the same compound, explore the Silver Pagoda, famous for its floor made of 5,329 solid silver tiles. The pagoda houses an impressive collection of sacred Buddha statues, including the highly prized 17th-century Baccarat crystal Buddha and a gold Buddha adorned with thousands of diamonds. Continue to The National Museum of Cambodia, home to the world’s most important collection of Khmer art and sculpture. The museum showcases masterpieces from the pre-Angkor and Angkor periods, offering valuable background knowledge before your discovery of the Hindu temples in Siem Reap. • Dinner at a local restaurant. Services Included: • Transportation: Private vehicle with driver • Guide: English-speaking guide • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner • Accommodation: Hotel in Phnom Penh

Breakfast at the hotel. This morning, our guide and driver will pick you up from your hotel for an overland journey to Siem Reap. The drive covers approximately 314 km and takes around 6 hours. En route, we will make a few interesting stops: • Spider Market (Skun) – a well-known local market famous for its fried tarantulas and traditional Cambodian snacks. • Ancient Bridge at Kampong Kdei (Spean Praptos) – a remarkable Angkorian-era stone bridge dating back to the 12th century, built during the reign of King Jayavarman VII. This impressive structure once formed part of the royal road connecting Angkor to other major cities of the empire. We expect to arrive in Siem Reap at approximately 2:00 PM. A late lunch will be provided at a local restaurant upon arrival. After lunch, check in at your hotel and enjoy some free time to relax. In the late afternoon (around 4:30 PM), our guide and Remork (Tuk Tuk) driver will pick you up to visit Wat Damnak. Formerly a royal residence during the reign of King Sisowath, the name “Damnak” means “Palace.” Today, the temple complex is home to the Centre for Khmer Studies, an independent research institution promoting a deeper understanding of Khmer culture and history. The temple grounds also serve as a residence for Buddhist monks and offer a peaceful introduction to Siem Reap’s spiritual atmosphere. • Dinner at a local restaurant. Services Included: • Transportation: Private vehicle with driver • Guide: English-speaking guide • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner • Accommodation: Hotel in Siem Reap

Breakfast at the hotel. This morning, we depart for Phnom Kulen National Park, located approximately 1.5 hours north of Siem Reap. Rising 487 meters above the surrounding plains, Phnom Kulen is considered the birthplace of the ancient Khmer Empire. It was here in 802 AD that King Jayavarman II proclaimed independence and declared himself “Devaraja” (God-King), marking the beginning of the Angkorian era. First, visit the impressive reclining Buddha statue carved from a massive sandstone boulder. This sacred site remains an important pilgrimage destination for Cambodian people. You may wash your hands at the holy Linga carvings as a symbolic purification ritual. Continue to the famous River of One Thousand Lingas, where countless Shiva Lingas are carved directly into the riverbed. These sacred carvings were created to bless the water that flowed downstream to Angkor, symbolically purifying the land and sustaining the empire. Your guide will explain the spiritual and religious significance of these carvings within Hindu tradition. Nearby, enjoy the beautiful Phnom Kulen waterfall. You may relax or take a refreshing swim in the natural pool. • Lunch at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, drive back toward Siem Reap with a stop at Banteay Srei Temple, often referred to as the “Citadel of Women.” Built in the 10th century and dedicated to Lord Shiva, this exquisite red sandstone temple is renowned for its exceptionally detailed carvings depicting Hindu mythology. The intricate reliefs are among the finest examples of classical Khmer art and remain remarkably well preserved. - Return to the hotel for refreshment. • Dinner at a local restaurant. Services Included: • Transportation: Private vehicle with driver • Guide: English-speaking guide • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner • Accommodation: Hotel in Siem Reap

Breakfast at the hotel. This morning, our guide and driver will meet you at the hotel and transfer you to explore the magnificent temples of Angkor. Begin with the iconic Angkor Wat, one of the greatest religious monuments in the world and the pinnacle of classical Khmer architecture. Originally dedicated to Lord Vishnu in the 12th century during the reign of King Suryavarman II, Angkor Wat represents Mount Meru — the sacred mountain at the centre of the Hindu universe. Its five towers symbolize the peaks of Mount Meru, while the surrounding moat represents the cosmic ocean. Stroll through the vast galleries adorned with intricate bas-reliefs depicting scenes from Hindu epics such as the Ramayana and Mahabharata, as well as the famous “Churning of the Ocean of Milk.” Your guide will explain the spiritual symbolism and cosmological concepts embedded within the temple’s architecture. Continue to Prasat Kravan, a 10th-century brick temple dedicated to Vishnu. The temple is renowned for its unique brick bas-reliefs, including an eight-armed Vishnu and depictions of Lakshmi, his divine consort. • Lunch at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, visit the atmospheric Ta Prohm, where ancient stone structures are intertwined with towering tree roots. Although later associated with Mahayana Buddhism, Ta Prohm was originally influenced by the religious transformations of the Angkor period and offers insight into the evolving spiritual landscape of the Khmer Empire. Proceed to Pre Rup Temple, a 10th-century Hindu temple mountain dedicated to Shiva. Built of brick and laterite, it offers panoramic views over the surrounding plains and is a beautiful spot to enjoy the late afternoon light. Continue to Angkor Thom, the last great capital of the Khmer Empire. Enter through the monumental gates and explore the impressive Bayon Temple, famous for its serene stone faces. While Bayon reflects a later Buddhist influence under King Jayavarman VII, it stands within the broader sacred landscape that evolved from earlier Hindu traditions. Your guide will also take you to the Terrace of the Elephants and the Terrace of the Leper King, where detailed carvings reveal layers of mythological and royal symbolism. - Return to your hotel in Siem Reap for refreshment. • Dinner at a local restaurant. Services Included: • Transportation: Private vehicle with driver • Guide: English-speaking guide • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner • Accommodation: Hotel in Siem Reap

Breakfast at the hotel.  Lunch and dinner are at your own arrangement. Today is free at leisure. You may explore the downtown Old Market area, where you will find a variety of shops, bars, and restaurants. Siem Reap is a safe and peaceful city, and most locals speak English well. They are friendly and happy to assist should you require any information. Alternatively, you may enjoy a relaxing day with a local spa treatment, massage, or swimming at your hotel. Optional Excursion: Linga City of Koh Ker & Beng Mealea SIC (Seat-in-Coach / Shared Tour) Located approximately 2.5 hours northeast of Angkor, Koh Ker was constructed between the 8th and 10th centuries. It briefly served as the capital of the Khmer Empire from A.D. 928 to 944 under King Jayavarman IV, who relocated the capital from Angkor. Koh Ker: • For many years, Koh Ker remained largely inaccessible due to its remote jungle location. Since road improvements were completed in 2007, the site has gradually welcomed more visitors. Despite this, it remains far less crowded than Angkor, offering a peaceful and atmospheric temple experience. Beng Mealea: • Beng Mealea was constructed during the reign of Suryavarman II (1113–1150) and is believed to have served as a prototype for Angkor Wat. Unlike Angkor Wat, Beng Mealea features minimal carvings and bas-reliefs. The temple remains largely overtaken by vegetation, with crumbling stone walls and collapsed galleries, creating a dramatic and mystical atmosphere that many visitors find uniquely captivating. Tour Details Type: SIC (Seat-in-Coach / Shared Tour) Price: USD 72 per person Included: • English-speaking guide • Air-conditioned vehicle • Mineral water • Entrance fees Schedule: • Pick-up time: 7:40 – 8:10 AM (from your hotel) • Departure time: 8:30 AM • Return time: Approximately 6:00 PM Services Included in the Original Tour Package (Without Optional Excursion) • Transportation: Not included • Guide: Not included • Meals: Breakfast • Accommodation: Hotel in Siem Reap

Breakfast at the hotel. This morning, we drive to the southern part of Siem Reap to embark on a short cruise at Chong Kneas Floating Village, located on Tonle Sap Lake — the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia. During the boat ride, observe daily life on the water as you pass floating houses, schools, small shops, fishing boats, and local families going about their routines. Tonle Sap plays a vital role in Cambodia’s ecosystem and economy, and this visit offers insight into the traditional lifestyle of lakeside communities. After the cruise, return to Siem Reap town. Continue to visit Artisans d’Angkor, a social enterprise dedicated to preserving traditional Khmer craftsmanship. Here you will witness artisans working with ancient techniques such as wood and stone carving, lacquering, gilding, and silk painting. The guided visit provides deeper understanding of the organization’s mission to create employment opportunities for rural youth while preserving Cambodia’s artistic heritage. Return to the hotel for check-out.  Lunch at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, if time permits, enjoy a final visit to the Old Market (Psar Chas) for souvenir shopping before transferring to Siem Reap International Airport for your departure flight. We hope this journey through Cambodia’s Hindu heritage and cultural treasures leaves you with unforgettable memories. Services Included: • Transportation: Private vehicle with driver • Guide: English-speaking guide • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch