KHMER CUISINE AND CRAFTS: CULTURAL CAMBODIA

Continue the international theme with a trip to Le Wok for lunch, which serves excellent Asian fusion cuisine. 

Hop in a cyclo this afternoon to further see the city. Your first stop will be the National Museum where over 5000 Khmer artifacts are displayed, covering almost 1000 years of the Kingdom’s history. 

Next is the 19th century Royal Palace, which houses a collection of Buddha images; as well as the Silver Pagoda, the floor of which is covered entirely in heavy silver tiles. 

Cyclo back to your hotel and freshen up in time for dinner. This evening you’ll dine at Le Lotus Blanc; a restaurant which teaches former street children the principles of hospitality, giving them a chance to support themselves.

After dinner, head to the Sovanna Phoum Theater and Art Gallery to see a performance of classical dance and shadow puppet theatre. Note: Shadow puppet performances are held on Fridays and Saturdays. On other days, visit the Royal Arts School to see a traditional Apsara dance performance.

Cruise down the Stung Sangker River to the Prek Toal bird sanctuary; a breeding ground for many kinds of water bird.

After this you’ll reach Tonle Sap Lake, arriving in charming Siem Reap in the afternoon. Note: This boat trip is only possible during the rainy season as water levels are too low during the dry season. Alternative transport is by road. 

This afternoon, visit the Angkor National Museum, which uses multimedia technology to bring to life the Golden Age of the Khmer Empire. 

In the evening you’ll dine at Abacus Restaurant, which serves delectable Cambodian influenced French cuisine al fresco in a beautiful, relaxed garden setting.

You have a chance to further explore the countryside this afternoon with a trip to the Western Baray (reservoir) area. Here you’ll see everyday Cambodian life; from water buffaloes bathing and oxen pulling carts to farmers working in their fields and children cycling to school. Visit the Angkor Silk Farm where you can see the whole process of silk creation, from the rearing of silkworm right though to the finished silk items.

Later, visit the magnificent Angkor Wat. Said to symbolise the soul of the Khmer people, the temple was built in the early 12th century during the reign of King Suryavaman II; and some of the wars he fought are depicted in the bas-reliefs and stone carvings which cover the walls. Hindu mythology also features heavily in the designs, along with the beautiful forms of over 2,000 Apsara dancers; representations of feminine grace and beauty.

The crowds disperse before sunset; and this is a great time to be at Angkor Wat, as the Apsaras are illuminated by the setting sun’s golden rays. 

In the evening, enjoy a farewell dinner at Cuisine Wat Damnak. This famous restaurant serves authentic, first-rate Khmer cuisine in a tasteful setting.