Cambodia Essential 5 Days

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.

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.

Is the ancient royal city of the Khmer Empire with its centerpiece.

You will notice the enigmatic faces of former King Jayavarman VII looking in every direction. Continue 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. 

We then 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. 

Drive about 45 minutes to the countryside, stopping en route to visit a local village. 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 floating schools, markets, 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 have a few more stops to visit the ancient bridge and spider market. On arrival, check-in hotel and free at leisure. Then, meet your local guide for a ride 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).

It 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. 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. 

You will have lunch here then enjoy a walk in 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). 

These two are the most striking buildings in the capital and are considered some of the finest examples of Khmer architecture. The Royal Palace is home to the current King Sihamoni. The neighboring Silver Pagoda stands out in its own distinctive way. The building houses many golds and jeweled Buddha statues including the highly prized 17th-century baccarat crystal Buddha.