QUINTESSENTIAL CAMBODIA

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.

This afternoon visit the infamous ‘S-21’; a school which was turned into a detention and torture centre by the Khmer Rouge. Now housing the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, it’s a harrowing yet important reminder of Cambodia’s recent history. 

The Russian market is on the way back. If you like; stop off here to see its large selection of handicraft goods.

Afterwards, get back in the car as we head to the ‘100 Pillar Pagoda’ of Wat Sorsor Mouy Roy, famous for the legend of ‘The Crocodile and the Princess’. Lunch will be prepared for you on the pagoda grounds.

After lunch, cross the river again to Koh Trong island. Once back here take a tour of the island. Local horse cart or bicycle, it’s up to you!

Head to the island’s Wat (temple) and help to cultivate the forest by planting your own tree. The tree will have your name tag on it, so if you come back in the future you can pay a visit to see how your tree is doing. Continue your tour, visiting a Vietnamese floating village and trying out the local fruits for which the island is famous.

Kratie is also famous of its spectacular Mekong sunset, and you’ll get the chance to see it this evening.

There are over 100 well-preserved temples here, built between the 6th and 7th centuries.

Explore the area walking along shaded forest paths and discover the amazing views of the jungle and the vast, ancient reminders of a once-glorious civilization.

Contribute to a sustainable tourism project in this area by enjoying a traditional lunch prepared for you by the local villagers.

Afterwards, we’ll drive on to Siem Reap. Check in to your hotel, where the rest of your day is free at leisure

Bayon temple sits exactly in the centre of the city, a magnificent masterpiece of 12th century Khmer craftsmanship. Its 54 towers represent the 54 provinces of the Khmer empire, and the temple also has amazing, detailed bas-reliefs at The Terrace of The Leper King and The Terrace of The Elephants.

Now go to the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia. A marvel of nature; Tonle Sap Lake swells to almost five times its normal size during the rainy season and supports many communities all-year round.

Take a boat out to the lake village of Kampong Phluck to see its stilt-houses. You’ll pass flooded forests and floating houses along the way, witnessing how people adapt to life on this immense, fertile body of water that is Cambodia’s lifeline.

Note: Due to low water levels during the dry season, the boat trip is only possible from June to March, but we can arrange an overland visit to Kamphong Phluck that is an equally interesting experience, as you can walk among the stilted houses.

Once in Battambang, check in at your hotel. Your afternoon is free to relax by the pool or explore this charming, friendly city.

Visit a village here to see the process of pottery making, and also the production of the local rice wine. Continue past pagodas and quiet farming villages to the former royal capital, Oudong.

 Take a picnic lunch when you arrive, after which an ox-cart will take you on a local-style ride through the Cambodian countryside.

Your ox-cart journey will end at the foot of Mount Oudong, from where you’ll climb the stairs to the top and enjoy the magnificent views of the plains below. Your guide will explain more about Cambodian religion and the history and significance of the buildings you see.

On the way to Phnom Penh, make a stop at ‘Silver Village’, where the people make ornate silver items; including the delicately engraved tropical fruits which are used in traditional ceremonies.

Check in to your hotel once you arrive in Phnom Penh.

Enjoy an authentic Khmer farewell dinner at the delightful Le Wok Restaurant.