Best of Cambodia 5 Days

Start to tour to visit Angkor Wat Temple, one of the modern wonders of the world. Be amazed by the sheer size of the temple and learn how the Khmer Empire prospered between the 9th and 13th centuries, around the time when Angkor Wat was built. Stroll through the intricately carved hallways that show hundreds of fine carvings and discover small shrines still in use today by the local people.

Continue to the picturesque Ta Prohm. This beautiful temple is overgrown with fig trees, giving a haunting yet exotic atmosphere. The magnificent roots of the trees have merged over the centuries with the temple’s huge stone blocks, emphasizing a ‘forgotten city’ feeling. Return to hotel for relaxation  

After lunch, we will visit Angkor Thom, the ancient royal city of the Khmer Empire with its centerpiece; the Bayon temple. As you approach, you will notice the enigmatic faces of former King Jayavarman VII looking in every direction. Your guide will take you to the Terrace of the Elephants, which served as a platform from where the King could welcome back his victorious army, and the Terrace of the Leper King, which holds detailed carvings winding along a narrow passageway that leads to the Baphuon complex.

Next, we drive to West Baray to get the nicest spot to view the sunset over this manmade lake, and enjoy the snacks and drinks (local beers and snacks) while the sunset is setting down.  

Arrive at the quay and board a local boat for a 1.5-hour ride on the Tonle Sap Lake (Kampong Phluk Stilt House Village), also known as the Great Lake of Cambodia. Find out how communities live and work on the lake; see the schools, markets, pagodas, and police stations, among others; and observe their daily lives.

Proceed to Phnom Penh, we will stop for lunch at the local restaurant on the way, also making a few more stops to visit the ancient bridge and spider market.

On arrival at Phnom Penh Hotel, check-in and free at leisure. Meet the local guide in Phnom Penh, he/she will ride you by tuk-tuk to discover Phnom Penh after dark through the riverfront where the walking area is, and the main road of Norodom Boulevard (Around the Independent Monument) before having dinner at a local restaurant. 

After breakfast at the hotel, visits Toul Sleng, which was a high school prior to 1975, an interrogation prison known as S-21 during the Khmer Rouge era, and today it is a genocide museum. It tells the sad story of the thousands of innocent 
Cambodian people who were tortured on its grounds. The stories of the victims are documented and some torture devices are on display for visitors to learn about the suffering the people endured. While this experience may be depressing, it is recommended to visit in order to truly understand the cruel methods of control the Khmer Rouge implemented over the country, and visit the Russian Market.

Enjoy the buffet lunch at Tonle Basak Restaurant, or the Khmer Set Menu at another local restaurant, or walk the central market and eat as locals in the foot hall area (you can taste any kind of food, fruits, drinks, and snacks as your lunch).  

Afternoon, visit The Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda two of the most striking buildings in the capital and are considered some of the finest examples of Khmer architecture. They were initially constructed in 1866 by the French. The Royal Palace is home to the current King Sihamoni. The neighboring Silver Pagoda stands out in its own distinctive way. Other important buildings that can be found within the compound include Wat Preah Keo Morokat, where Royal ceremonies are performed, and stupas such as King Ang Doung Stupa – the burial site of former King Norodom.