PHNOM PENH – SIEM REAP – OVERLAND TO THAILAND BORDER | 6 DAYS

Breakfast at the hotel. This morning, our guide and driver will pick you up from your hotel to begin your Phnom Penh city tour. Start with a visit to Wat Phnom, the symbolic heart of the capital, situated atop a small hill and considered the birthplace of Phnom Penh. Continue to the Independence Monument, built in 1958 to commemorate Cambodia’s independence from France in 1953. The monument also serves as a memorial to the nation’s war heroes. Next, visit the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S-21). Originally a high school before 1975, it was converted into an interrogation and detention center during the Khmer Rouge regime. Today, it stands as a museum documenting the tragic story of thousands of innocent Cambodians who were imprisoned and tortured. Walking through the former classrooms and narrow corridors provides a sobering insight into Cambodia’s turbulent history. Photographs and preserved artifacts serve as powerful reminders of this dark chapter. Although emotional, this visit offers important historical understanding. Lunch at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, visit the magnificent Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda, among the most impressive examples of traditional Khmer architecture in Phnom Penh. Originally constructed in 1866, the Royal Palace remains the official residence of His Majesty King Norodom Sihamoni. The neighboring Silver Pagoda is famous for its floor, covered with 5,329 solid silver tiles. Inside, the pagoda houses many national treasures, including gold and jeweled Buddha statues, notably the highly prized 17th-century Baccarat crystal Buddha. Within the palace compound, you will also find Wat Preah Keo Morokat, where royal ceremonies are performed, along with several stupas, including that of King Ang Duong. Continue to the National Museum of Cambodia, home to one of the world’s finest collections of Khmer art and sculpture, spanning over a millennium of history. The museum is housed in a graceful terracotta building constructed between 1917 and 1920 and features a serene courtyard garden. • 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 the overland journey to Siem Reap (approximately 314 km, about 6 hours’ drive). En route, make brief stops at the famous Spider Market (Skun) and the historic Ancient Bridge at Kampong Kdei, a well-preserved Angkorian bridge dating back to the 12th century. Arrival in Siem Reap is expected around 2:00 PM. Upon arrival, enjoy a late lunch at a local restaurant before transferring to your hotel for check-in. The remainder of the afternoon is free at leisure. At approximately 4:00 PM, drive to the southern part of Siem Reap to embark on a short cruise at Chong Kneas, a floating village on Tonle Sap Lake, Cambodia’s largest natural freshwater lake. Enjoy a fascinating boat ride through the floating community, passing houses built on stilts or floating platforms, schools, small shops, crocodile farms, and fishermen at work. You may also see children navigating the waters in small boats, offering a unique glimpse into daily life on the lake. • Return to town for dinner at a local restaurant. Services Included: • Transportation: Private vehicle with driver (Phnom Penh – Siem Reap) • 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 your hotel and transfer you to explore the magnificent temples of the Angkor Archaeological Park. Begin with Angkor Wat, one of the modern wonders of the world and the largest religious monument ever constructed. Be amazed by its impressive scale and architectural brilliance while learning about the prosperity of the Khmer Empire between the 9th and 13th centuries. Explore the intricately carved galleries adorned with detailed bas-reliefs and discover small shrines that remain active places of worship today. Continuing to Prasat Kravan, a unique 10th-century brick temple partially restored in 1968. The central tower features remarkable brick bas-reliefs of the Hindu god Vishnu. The largest tower depicts the eight-armed deity taking three giant steps to reclaim the world, while another panel shows Vishnu riding Garuda. The northernmost tower displays carvings of Vishnu’s consort, Lakshmi. • Lunch at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, visit the picturesque Ta Prohm Temple, famous for its massive tree roots intertwined with ancient stone structures. The temple’s dramatic scenery creates a haunting yet exotic “lost city” atmosphere. Enjoy sunset views from Pre Rup Temple, offering panoramic scenery over the surrounding countryside. Continue to Angkor Thom, the ancient royal city of the Khmer Empire. At its center stands the magnificent Bayon Temple, renowned for its serene stone faces believed to represent King Jayavarman VII, gazing in all directions. Explore the Terrace of the Elephants, once used as a royal platform for ceremonies and celebrations, and the Terrace of the Leper King, known for its intricate carvings leading toward the Baphuon complex. Return to your 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, enjoy a scenic 1.5-hour drive north of Siem Reap to Phnom Kulen National Park, a sacred mountain regarded by Cambodians as the birthplace of the ancient Khmer Empire. Rising 487 meters above sea level, Phnom Kulen overlooks the surrounding plains and holds great historical and spiritual significance. Visit the impressive Reclining Buddha, an eight-meter-long sandstone statue carved directly into the rock. Nearby, you may wash your hands at the sacred Linga carvings — a traditional ritual believed to purify the mind and body. Continue to the famous River of One Thousand Lingas, where numerous Hindu symbols are intricately carved into the riverbed, blessing the flowing water. A short walk away, enjoy the magnificent Kulen Waterfall, where you may relax or take a refreshing swim in the natural pool beneath the falls. • Lunch at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, return to Siem Reap for a short rest at your hotel. Later, visit Artisans d’Angkor, an organization dedicated to training rural youth in traditional Khmer handicraft skills. Here, you will discover authentic Cambodian craftsmanship and observe artisans at work using ancient techniques such as wood and stone carving, lacquering, gilding, and silk painting. A guided visit will provide deeper insight into the organization’s mission and operations. You will learn about the artisans’ backgrounds and how this training has helped them develop sustainable livelihoods. After the visit, transfer to a local restaurant for dinner. 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 pick you up from your hotel and transfer you by private vehicle to the Thailand border at Poipet (Cambodia side) – Aranyaprathet (Thailand side). The journey covers approximately 150 km and takes about 2 hours, depending on traffic conditions. Upon arrival at the border, your guide will assist you with the drop-off and bid you farewell. After completing immigration procedures, you will continue your onward journey into Thailand. We wish you a pleasant trip and hope you leave Cambodia with wonderful memories. Services Included: • Transportation: Private vehicle with driver (Siem Reap – Poipet) • Guide: English-speaking guide (drop-off assistance) • Meals: Breakfast