Unveiling Cambodia's Past Shadow

Day1: Arrive Phnom Penh City

-In the afternoon, take a trip to Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and Choeung Ek Genocidal Center (Killing Fields). These two sites offer a harrowing but important look into the Khmer Rouge regime’s atrocities during the 1970s. Be prepared for emotionally difficult experiences.

-After visited the Generacidal Museum, and the Killing Field, we move to Independence Monument, this monument was built in 1958 to commemorate Cambodia’s independence from French rule in 1953. It stands in the city center and represents an important symbol of national pride and freedom.

-If time is possible, after visit Independence Monument, you can also visit the Phnom Penh Central Market, a bustling marketplace where you can find everything from souvenirs to fresh produce.

-Walk along the riverside. The riverside area of Phnom Penh, also known as Sisowath Quay, offers a captivating vista and vibrant atmosphere for tourists, making it a must-visit during your stay in the city. Enjoy breathtaking views of the mighty Mekong River.

Day2: Cyclo Ride-Royal Palace-National Museum-Udong-Pottery Village-Marble Artisans

8:00 AM– Take a Cyclo ride, a traditional Cambodian rickshaw, for a unique way to explore the city, and Start your day with a visit to the Royal Palace. The Royal Palace of Cambodia, also known as the Preah Barom Reachea Veang Chaktomuk, is a complex of buildings that serves as the official residence of the King of Cambodia. Construction of the palace began in 1866, under the reign of King Norodom.  

9:30 AM– Next, head to the National Museum of Cambodia to learn about the country’s rich history and culture. The museum houses an extensive collection of artifacts, including sculptures, ceramics, and textiles, from different periods of Cambodian history.

11:30 AM– Depart from Phnom Penh to Kampong Thom provice.

12:30 PM– Have lunch.

3:30 PM– Visit Santuk Artisans. Immerse yourself in the ancient art of sandstone carving at Santuk Artisans. Steeped in generations of tradition, these skilled craftspeople transform ordinary stone into breathtaking sculptures, intricate carvings, and awe-inspiring architectural elements.

4:00 PM– Heading onto Kampong Thom Town.

4:30 PM– Arrives Kampong Thom Town, Check in.

Day3: Sambor Prei Kuk temple Group-Sra-Aem

8:00 AM– Head to Sambor Prei Kuk. Sambor Prei Kuk a sprawling archaeological site, dating back to the 7th century, the pre-Angkorian Chenla Kingdom, established by King Isanavarman I as central royal sanctuary and capital, known as “Isanapura”.  In 2017, Sambor Prei Kuk was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Imagine towering brick temples, once bustling with religious fervor, standing now as silent sentinels, adorned with intricate carvings that speak of ancient beliefs and lost civilizations.   More than just impressive ruins, Sambor Prei Kuk offers a unique glimpse into the roots of Khmer culture.

9:00 AM– Explore the three main complexes – Preah Sambor, Preah Tor, and Preah Yeay Poun – each with its distinctive character and captivating stories. Marvel at the octagonal towers, a unique feature not found at Angkor, and lose yourself in the serenity of Prasat Chrey, a small temple almost consumed by a giant tree, symbolizing the harmonious interaction between nature and faith.

At Noon– Lunch

1:00 PM– depart from Sambor Prei Kuk to Sra-aem.

5:00 PM– Arrives Sra-Aem, and Check in Hotel.

Day4: Preah Vihear Temple-Koh Ker Temple Group-Siem Reap

7:00 AM– Depart from Hotel to Preah Vihear temple.

7:30 AM– Arrive at the Preah Vihear Ticket Selling Office.

8:00 AM- Explore the Preah Vihear temple complex. It is spread out over a large area spent your time to walk on a long walkway, see an architectural elegance, intricate carving, motifs, Hindu mythical depicting, culminating at the central sanctuary with panoramic views, and taking a fresh breath. The views from Preah Vihear are truly spectacular, so be sure to take some time to soak them in. Once you will feel that you are on the aerial palace where the god lives.

10:00 AM– Descent down to the ticket Selling Office,

10:30 AM– Head toward to Koh Ker Group. It is a city shrouded in mystery and intrigue. Once a powerful capital in the 10th century, Koh Ker reigned before Angkor Wat rose to prominence. Today, its majestic yet weathered monuments await your exploration, each whispering tales of forgotten battles, ambitious kings, and an empire shrouded in time.

1:00 PM– Lunch

2:00 PM– explore the temple in Koh Ker Group:

Prasat Pram is a captivating temple hidden amongst strangler fig trees. Built in the early 10th century and dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva. Prasat Neang Khmao is a fascinating ancient temple, and it holds its own unique charm and historical significance. Prasat Krahom, adorned with exquisite lintels depicting mythical scenes. Prasat Thom, Ascend the seven tiers of this colossal pyramid, a unique blend of Khmer and Mayan influences, and gaze upon the sprawling jungle canopy, imagining the city teeming with life centuries ago.

Prasat Ling is one of many that were constructed during this period in Koh Ker, which was the capital of the Khmer Empire at the time. Prasat Ling is a simple, single-towered temple with a square floor plan and contains the large linga “The phallic Symbol”. There are not just a few of these temples, many temples you could explore within this ancient city.

5:00 PM– After a full day of exploration, we return to Siem Reap.

7:00 PM– Arrive Siem Reap.

Day5- Banteay Srei-Kbal Spean-Banteay Samre-Pre Rup-Srah Srang Sunset.

6:30 AM– head toward Banteay Srei temple.

7:30 AM– explore Prasat Banteay Srei. Banteay Srei “Citadel of Women” which is a modern name for this temple, but based on the inscription this temple was originally called Tribhuvanamahesvara. The special charm of this temple lies in its remarkable state of preservation, small size, and excellence of intricate decoration. The unanimous opinion amongst French archeologists who worked at Angkor is that Banteay Srei is a precious gem and jewelry in Khmer art.

8:45 AM– Move to Kbal Spean.

9:00 AM– Enjoy your new experience with a short trek through Kbal Spean’s “Kulen Hill Range, and National Park”, reaching the sacred “River of a Thousand Lingas.” Witness intricate carvings etched directly onto the riverbed, depicting Hindu deities and mythological scenes. Learn how this hidden sanctuary served as a spiritual retreat for ancient kings. The final stop is a waterfall you can get a refresher from this sacred water.

At Noon-

1:30 PM– Head to your next journey, and stop along the way to explore the palm production village to get more experience about local life.

3:00 PM– Explore Prasat Banteay Samre. It was constructed in the 12th century for dedicated to the Hindu god Vishnu. No inscription has been found for this temple, but the style of most of the architecture is similar to Angkor Wat.

4:00 PM– Explore the 10th-century temple-mountain with five towers on top. This temple was a state temple of King Rajendravaraman II dedicated to the supreme god Shiva as East Mebon dedicated to his ancestor. Unlike many Angkor-era temples that rest on a single level, Pre Rup boasts a three-tiered pyramid base, symbolizing Mount Meru, the mythical abode of the Hindu gods. The temple complex features six brick towers, three on each side of the eastern entrance. Intricate sandstone carvings adorn the lintels above doorways, depicting scenes from Hindu mythology.

5:00 PM– Enjoy the setting sun paints the sky with vibrant colors that reflect on the water’s surface. Compared to other sunset spots in Angkor Wat, Srah Srang offers a more serene experience. There’s plenty of space to relax and soak in the view without feeling crowded.

Day6: Angkor Wat sunrise-Ta Prohm-Banteay Kdei-Angkor thom Complex.

4:30 AM– Depart to Angkor Wat temple whisking you through the sleepy Siem Reap streets, past slumbering cafes and shuttered shops. Reaching the Angkor Wat grounds, let’s begin your day before dawn, to witness the awe-inspiring sunrise over Angkor Wat, the crown jewel of this ancient temple. Witness the temple’s silhouette transform from a majestic outline to a glowing masterpiece bathed in golden light.

7:15 AM– Head toward Ta Prohm temple, while you can enjoy your breakfast box on your private car.

7:30 AM– Start to explore the North Gate of Ta Prohm, then walk to the main temple, and explore it more. Ta Prohm “Ancestor Brahma” is one of the large temples built in the late 12th century by King Jayavaraman VII for dedicating to his mother. It is renowned for its art, architecture, intricate carving, and complicated plan. This temple is also famous for its dramatic trees growing out of the ruins, creating a mystical, Be sure to see the iconic overgrown trees, then take your time to capture the photogenic spots and soak in the atmosphere.

8:30 AM– Move to explore the nearby temple “Banteay Kdei”. Banteay Kdei, meaning “Citadel of Monks’ Cells,” offers a serene escape within the bustling Angkor Archaeological Park. Built at the end of the 12th century under King Jayavarman VII, it exudes a unique charm distinct from its more famous neighbors.

9:30 AM– Head back to the Hotel.

2:00 PM– Pick up, and head to the East Gate of Angkor Thom.

2:30 PM– Explore the East Gate of Angkor Thom, the grand capital of the Khmer Empire at its peak. Imagine this 9 km² walled city bustling with life in the 12th century. The towering gates, enigmatic sculptures, and grand avenues whisper tales of the past. Then we will walk on and along the city wall towards the Victory Gate of Angkor Thom.

3:15 PM– Head to the next journey, Preah Palilay temple. Upon reaching Preah Palilay we will walk past Tep Pranam Buddhist monastery, where you will see people get the Water-Blessing by Buddhist Monk. Then, continue to Prasat Preah Palilay, which offers a serene escape from the grandeur of its more famous neighbors. Though small, this Buddhist sanctuary holds its unique charm.

4:00 PM– Explore the Centre of Angkor Thom City “Prasat Bayon” a state temple adorned with hundreds of serene, enigmatic faces peering out from its towers. Each face, believed to represent the compassionate king Jayavarman VII, embodies the spirit of the Khmer Empire – powerful yet benevolent. Beyond the Bayon, explore architectural wonders, bas-reliefs depicting the Khmer history and daily life, Apsara the celestial dancers who perform for the god, etc.

5: 00 PM– Move onto the South Gate of Angkor Thom, then view the sunset at the moat of this capital city. After sunset we head back to the Hotel.

Day7: Local Market-Kampong Phluk Community of “Tonle Sap Grat Lake”.

8:00 AM – Pick up and depart to the local market, and start your day bright and early to experience the market at its most vibrant. Most stalls open, offering you a glimpse into the daily routine of local shoppers. Head into the bustling atmosphere, and discover the local daily life from this local market.

10:00 AM – Head back to the Hotel.

2:30 PM– Head toward Kampong Phluk Community.

3:15 PM– Take a private traditional long-tail boat and embark on a cruise onto the Tonle Sap Lake, the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia. It’s more than just a massive freshwater lake (the largest in the region!), it’s a pulsating ecosystem and a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve rich in biodiversity and is home to several floating villages that are deeply intertwined with Cambodian life. Upon you reach the open lake; you pass the Kampong Phluk Community “a cluster of three villages of stilted houses built within the floodplain of the Great Lake Tonle Sap. The village comprises approximately 3000 inhabitants; you will get a firsthand experience of life on the water, observing stilted houses, schools, markets, police boxes, a church, a Buddhist monastery built on an artificial island, floating restaurants, etc. Interact with locals and learn about their fishing practices and adaptation to the changing water levels. Stop at the Floating port, and Take a paddle boat rowing through the Flooded Mangrove Forest. As you paddle through the tranquil waters, you’ll be surrounded by the verdant mangrove trees, their intricate root systems forming a labyrinthine underwater world. The silence will be broken only by the gentle lapping of water and the calls of birds. After paddling the boat through the mangrove forest your next journey is viewing the sunset. Viewing the sunset from a boat allows you to experience the lake from a different perspective. You can observe the floating villages bathed in the warm glow of the setting sun, creating a picturesque scene. Capturing the beauty of the sunset with your camera or simply etching it in your memory will ensure this experience stays with you long after your trip.

5:30 PM– Depart from Kampong Phluk, and return to Siem Reap.