Siem Reap - Phnom Penh 6 Days

elcome to Siem Reap! - a gateway to the ancient Khmer civilization, with its famous Angkor Wat temple complex. You will be picked up from the airport for the tour around Siem Reap city. 

This afternoon, we visit Wat Bo, a highly respected pagoda founded in the 18th century, contains very unique wall paintings of the Reamker (Ramayana) that are said to be from late 19th century. 

We continue to Senteurs D'Angkor New Workshop (open from Monday to Friday, close on Saturday and Sunday). Discover how the local artisans make by hand: soap with coconut oil, natural cosmetics, subtly scented balms, aromatic candles. You will also observe the different steps to treat and prepare the local spices (Kampot pepper, lemongrass, chili…), and how people blend them to make the traditional curry or amok. During your visit, you will also be able to taste several of local creations: flavored coffee, flavored tea, exotic jams… and identify various exotic plants and flowers as lemongrass, chili, pepper plant, coffee tree, frangipani, jasmine…

End our visits at one of the city’s lively open markets, Psar Chars, also called the “Old Market”, where anything and everything is for sale. Overnight in Siem Reap.

Please note: 
-    Normal check-in time at hotel is 14:00/15:00. Early check-in is not included. 
-    Normal check-out time at hotel is 11:00/12:00. Late check-out is not included.
 

After breakfast, continue visiting the ancient capital of Angkor Thom starting with the South Gate of Angkor Thom which is famous for its series of colossal human faces carved in stone. Bayon Temple - unique with its 54 towers decorated with over 200 smiling faces, Baphuon temple located in the North of Bayon represented of holy Mount Meru the residence of the gods in Hindu tradition.

Finishing the visit at this ancient city by going around The Royal Enclosure, Phimeanakas, the Elephant Terrace and the Terrace of the Leper King. Continue visiting the jungle covered temple of Ta Prohm. There are enormous fig trees and gigantic creepers which embrace themselves in the stone foundations of the structure giving the impression of man’s creation being reclaimed by the powerful forces of nature. This temple is famous by being chosen for major activities of Tomb Raider acted by Celebrity Angelina Jolie.

Afternoon, visit Angkor Wat, highlighted by the longest continuous bas-relief in the world, carved on the walls and tell the stories of Hindu legends. This architectural masterpiece was constructed in the 12th  century and covers an area of about 210 hectares. Strolling around this massive edifice, seeing many galleries with Colums, libraries, pavilions, courtyards and ponds full of water reflecting the towering temple.

End of the day, visit Phnom Bakheng Temple where you can calmly relax and enjoy sun set view. Return to Siemreap downtown. Overnight in Siem Reap. 
 

After breakfast we explore other Angkor temples including Takeo temple, a mountain temple built in pyramid shape to represent Mount Meru, the mountain of centre of the world in Hindu mythology; The Preah Khan, built by King Jayavarman VII to dedicate to his father, was a Buddhist temple at the original time; Neak Pean - This temple is a delicate highlight of Khmer art. Built by Jayavarman VII, this temple is the perfect representation of the heavens on earth;  Ta Som was a small classic Bayon style monastic complex consisting of a relatively flat enclosure;

The next stop is Banteay Kdei set in a peaceful and quiet place, serving as a Buddhist temple. Its name means Citadel of Chambers. Then continue to Srah Srang – the Royal bathing pool which was once used for ritual washing. 

Afternoon, visit Banteay Samre which is believed to be built around the same time as Angkor Wat, because the architecture is of the classic art of the same period though not much inscription has been found for this temple.

We then drive further to explore the less visited temple at the remote place Banteay Srei or the Citadel of Women, a temple boasts a remarkable preservation of excellent stone carvings in pink color and Late afternoon, return to Siem Reap Town, visit the local market. Overnight in Siem Reap.
 

Breakfast at the hotel and check out. Transfer to the bus station with driver only and take morning bus to Phnom Penh (bus ticket included)

Picked up and transferred to your hotel for check in. Rest time of the day at leisure. Overnight in Phnom Penh.
 

Breakfast at the hotel. This morning we will visit The National Museum of Cambodia, which is a treasure trove of Khmer culture. Its collection of over 14,000 artifacts spans the prehistoric, pre-Angkorian, Angkorian, and post-Angkorian periods, providing a fascinating glimpse into the rich history and culture of this Southeast Asian nation. From the eight-armed statue of Vishnu from the 6th or 7th century to the sublime statue of Jayavarman VII seated in a meditative pose, the museum's exhibits are truly awe-inspiring. Our next stop is Toul Sleng Genocidal Museum (S-21). The Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum is the memorial site of the S-21 interrogation and detention center of the Khmer Rouge regime.

This afternoon, we explore the Royal Palace and the Silver Pagoda, the official residence of the King of Cambodia. Gleaming in gold, the Royal Palace is one of Phnom Penh’s most splendid architectural achievements. The Royal Palace contains some spectacular buildings. Not least of which is the Throne Hall, situated to the left of the main entrance. It boasts a 59-meter tower. The tower roof is beautiful, having been decoratively tiered with golden colored tiles. The Silver Pagoda is located on the south side of the Royal Palace, which is covered with 5 tones of gleaming silver. You can sneak a peek at some of the 5000 tiles near the entrance, but most are covered for protection. Inside is a series of lavish Buddha statues made of precious metals. We pass through the river-front park where 4 rivers met at a junction include mystical Mekong. Walk up to sacred hill Phnom Daun Penh – also the name of a pagoda and name of the capital nowadays.

Last visit Central Market, a large market constructed in 1937 in the shape of a dome with four arms branching out into vast hallways with countless stalls of goods. Initial design and layouts are from French architect Louis Chauchon.  Overnight in Phnom Penh.

Breakfast at the hotel. Time at leisure or shopping until check out time and transfer to the airport with driver only (no guide) for the departure flight back to your sweet home.