Embark on a breathtaking journey to the spiritual land of Cambodia. Visit major temples in Siem Reap including Bayob Temple, The Royal Enclosure, Phimeanaka, Elephant and Leper King Terrace, Temple tour, Ta Promh and Ta Keo. With this 3 days itinerary in Cambodia go on a fun city tour of all the major tourist attractions.
Day 01 Arrive Siem Reap
Welcome to Cambodia! Upon arrival in Siem Reap you will obtain your VIP fast track Cambodian visa, if you haven’t already. After clearing immigration and customs, proceed into the arrival area where you will be meet by your private guide and driver.
Depending on your arrival time, after you have settled-in and freshened-up we will take you on your
first journey into the kingdom of Angkor. With your private guide and driver we will first visit the spectacular temple from which all other temples get their name, Angor Wat. Angkor Wat is particularly fantastic in the late afternoon light after the crowds have subsided.
After exploring your first and grandest temple, we’ll take a moment to relax at a secret spot on the wall of the ancient city of Angkor Thom to take in sunset with bottle of sparkling wine and enjoy the ambience as tour busses give way to frogs in lotus ponds.
Day 02 Siem Reap – Biking to Less Known Temples (By Road) (12kms / 25 M)
A total area of more than 200 km² several main cities and temples were constructed with a large main temple in the center. To date, more than 1000 temples and sanctuaries were discovered, all with different sizes. On this trip you get an idea of what it must have been like here, before the area was discovered and restored. We leave Siem Reap on a path through the jungle until we reach the old Angkor road. We continue in northern direction to another mountain temple Phnom Bok. There are two towers, on whose tips a Frangipani tree grows. Our route next brings us to the temple of Banteay Samre, a beautifully restored temple from the Angkor period. Finally, we start our way back towards Siem Reap with the option to visit other temples on the go: Pre Rup, Eastern Mebon, Sra Srang, Prasat Kravan or Ta Phrom.
Spend the afternoon relaxing poolside at your hotel, getting a massage or perhaps even going on a helicopter or micro light flight over the temples. At 3pm you will leave Siem Reap to visit Merchrey floating village. Once you have arrived at the port you will board the boat that will take you down the river through the local village communities. At around 05:30 – 6 pm you will arrive on the Tonle Sap meaning ‘’Great Lake’’. Here you will stop and view what usually is an amazing sunset over the water. The lake is so large that it gives the illusion of being in the ocean.
Day 03 Siem Reap – Banteay Chhmar – Siem Reap (162 km / 3H – One Way)
You will be picked up at your hotel around mid-day and then start the drive by 4WD to the exquisite 12th century Temple complex of Banteay Chhmar. Listed as one of the ‘Four most threatened sites in the world’ the complex has seen severe looting over the years but now due to more interest from the outside world the temple now rests peacefully . The road is quite basic so makes for an interesting ride. The temple site of Banteay Chhmar is located only 20km’s from the Thai border. Because of its remote location and its proximity to the Thai border, the complex has been subjected to severe looting, especially in the 1990s. In 1998, 2000 and 2002 the temple was listed by the World Monuments Fund as one of the hundred most endangered sites in all countries.
Upon arrival you will start to explore the temple ruins of Banteay Chhmar on foot. The ruins are constantly undergoing restoration so you will be able to see the process used in restoring the once mighty temple. The massive restoration task is being undertaken by The Global Heritage Fund. Banteay Chhmar is one of the most decrepit of the Angkor era temples. The massive temple of Banteay Chhmar, along with its satellite shrines and reservoir (baray), comprises one of the most important and least understood archaeological complexes from Cambodia’s Angkor period. Despite the damage caused by looting the surreal bas reliefs are still some of the most exquisite examples of Khmer craftsmanship from the Jayavarman VII period.
Later you will settle in to your room for the night – a luxury tented camp. The custom-designed tents are high quality Gore-Tex and allow substantial comfort including toilet facilities. There are two tents. Each one can sleep two people in comfort. Villagers cook on site using as many local ingredients as possible. The project is a partnership with the local community and is working to build a sustainable business for the local villagers. The aim is to help them learn additional skills, which bring much needed extra income. The initiative is a partnership between Khiri and Banteay Chhmar Community Based Tourism project.
Here you can enjoy a fantastic local meal overlooking the temple facade. Although the temple is being gradually reclaimed by nature the size and minute details remain incredibly impressive.
Overnight in your luxury safari tent
Day 04 Siem Reap – Phnom Penh (By Flight)
Wake up to the sounds of the jungle and take some more time to explore the wander the temple complex, which you will most likely have all to yourself.
This morning you will have breakfast near your tent and after a shower go for a walk to the local market. You will then take your vehicle, and travel to Banteay Top through typical rural Cambodian landscape with oxcarts, buffalo and local villagers working the fields. Visit the small sanctuary Banteay. This temple is 9km south of Banteay Chhmar. The temple consists of three soaring and precarious looking towers teetering on the verge of collapse. The nearby pagoda has some truly beautiful wall paintings.
Later return to Banteay Chhmar. On the way back we will stop and visit the locally named ‘Pol Pot Baray’ – This baray was constructed during the brutal Pol Pot regime under, as you can imagine, horrific conditions. Today, ironically the baray is an important water source for the villagers in the area. The baray is about 3km north of Banteay Chhmar and can be difficult to reach in the rainy season.
We will then start the drive back towards Siem Reap where you will catch your short afternoon flight to Phnom Penh where your private guide and driver will be waiting to transfer you to your hotel.After a full day, take the late afternoon and evening to relax and enjoy the city at leisure.
Day 05 Phnom Penh- A Living History Food Walking Tour
Today’s tour is walking and in a local tuk-tuk to truly get a feel for the city. Bring an empty stomach and an open mind on a tour through Cambodia’s unique and diverse cuisine. Enjoy a noodle soup or nom pain (French bread) at a local coffee shop opposite the Central market, housed in a beautiful Art-Deco building. Wandering past stalls selling fresh meat and vegetables, your guide talks about traditional Khmer food. If you are feeling adventurous you will have a chance to try aping (fried spiders). Strolling further, fill your taste buds with snacks as mi char (fried noodle), sach kor ang (bbq beef) with papaya salad, and nom krok (made of rice and coconut juice cooked in a clay pan). We also try nom bort, sticky rice wrapped in a banana leaf. Walking past some of the capitals stunning colonial buildings, we reach the Old Market and Kandal Market. Try more of the Khmer delights and exotic fruits like mangosteen and jackfruit.
Next we will venture into the darker side of Cambodian history by visiting the harrowing Toul Sleig Museum, left as a reminder of the atrocities of the Cambodian genocide.
In afternoon you have the option to explore the bustling area in front of the Royal Palace where you’ll see monks relaxing, family’s enjoyed the open public space and have an opportunity to join in a local aerobics class.
Day 06 Depart Phnom Penh
Departure transfer to onwards destination.
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| City | Nights | 4* Hotels | 5* Hotels |
| Siem Reap | 03 | Maison 557 | Heritage Suites |
| Phnom Penh | 02 | iroha Garden | Raffles Hotel Le Royal |
- Accommodation as per the program.
- Meal Plan – Half Board basis (i.e. breakfast & dinner).
- Entrance fees.
- Air Ticket for Siem Reap – Phnom Penh.
- Local English speaking guide.
- All transfers, sightseeing, excursions.
- Air Ticket for Siem Reap – Phnom Penh.
- All taxes.
- Personal Expenses.
- Camera / Video Camera Fees.
- Medical Aid.
- Tips.
- Travel Insurance.
- Visa (If any).
– Accommodation in good hotels.
– Check-in / out time is 12 noon at most of the hotels.
– Extension to other places is also possible with a minimal extra cost.
– Additional nights are available at each place with minimal supplement.
– A visa is required and must be obtained prior to your departure from your Country.
– If quoted hotel is not available, we will provide one of a similar category and standard.
– Small deviations in the tour program are sometimes necessary, depending on weather, road conditions, flight schedules and room availability.
– In case the government changes presently applicable taxes, increase in airlines prices, fuel surcharge our rates will need to be adjusted accordingly.
– In Asia, there is no relevance between the distance and time of travelling, as it depends upon the condition of the roads and congestion of the traffic.
– While every effort will be made to maintain the itinerary, in view of local strikes etc that are beyond our control all schedule and itineraries are subject to last moment changes.
– Clients must be fully insured, as the company cannot accept liability for loss or damage to client’s property, medical emergencies or any other loss suffered by them whilst on tour.
– In Case of issuing Domestic or International air tickets, SGV is not responsible for any refund if the flight is delayed or cancelled, as it is the responsibility of airline.