Essence of Cambodia
$0.00
per item
Highlights:
- In an extended week you can get a fulfilling look at various locations and aspects of Cambodian life.
- In addition to the fabled temples around Siem Reap you will also learn about the “killing fields” and the reign of the Khmer Rouge; poignant but enlightening.
- Complete your visit with a stay on a pristine beach at a luxury resort on the Cambodian coast.
SKU:
Explore: Cambodia
Customizable Itinerary - 13 Days (from $2,691 / person)
Days 1-2: USA-Cambodia
You board your aircraft for the trans-pacific flight to Cambodia where you cross the International Date Line, “losing” a day which you will gain back on the return trip. Plenty of time to anticipate your Luxury Cambodian experience.
Day 3: Arrival in Siem Reap
Upon arrival you will be met by our representative and assisted through customs and baggage claim. You will then be handed over to your guide who will escort you to your unique hotel made up of individual lodges. You have the rest of the day to relax including a few laps in the resort’s pool.
Day 4: Angkor Wat and other Marvels
After breakfast you will be picked up by your guide and taken to Angkor Wat which was built during the reign of King Suryavarman II in the early 12th Century. It was constructed following the model of the temple mountain symbolizing Mount Meru, home of the gods. Inside the temple the walls are covered with stone carvings and bas-reliefs depicting Hindu mythology and the wars Suryavarman II fought during his reign. After touring the complex you will be taken to another famous temple, Ta Prohm where the large fig trees have merged with the ancient stones and left untouched by conservationists. Because of its unusual facade it has starred in many movies including Indiana Jones, Lara Croft, Tomb Raider and Two Brothers. Following lunch at a local restaurant visit the ancient city of Angkor Thom which was the last capital of the great Khmer Empire under the reign of Jayavarman VII. The city is surrounded by a 24 foot wall, creating a perfect square. You enter the city through the ancient south gate, an impressive stone gate carved with elephants and four giant faces. As the sun begins to set, you board a paddle boat on the moat of Angkor Thom compound enjoying champagne and canapes as you watch the sun set over Prasat Chroung temple.
Breakfast and Lunch
Day 5: Day at Leisure, Evening with Dancing
After breakfast you have the day open to explore on your own. Nestled between rice paddies and stretching along the Siem Reap River, this small provincial capital is most famous as the gateway to the temples but, as you will find out, this charming town and its markets, temples, monks and friendly locals is a fun place to explore and modest enough in size so you won’t get lost. In the evening your driver will pick you up and take you to a charming local restaurant for dinner and a traditional dance presentation. You will then be returned to your resort.
Breakfast and Dinner
Day 6: Siem Reap to Phnom Penh
Today you will be transferred to the airport for a one hour flight from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh, the capital of Cambodia. Upon arrival you will be transferred to your iconic luxury hotel where you can enjoy the facilities until dinner time at the hotel.
Breakfast and Dinner
Day 7: The Royal Palace and Tuol Sleng Prison
Today you will see and experience the contrasts between Cambodia in its happier days and under the Khmer Rouge. Fortunately things are improved dramatically. You will begin your tour by boarding a cyclo for a tour of the Royal Palace which stands majestically in the city centre just off the riverfront area. Several buildings are open to visitors including the ‘silver pagoda’ whose floor is lined with art and artifacts dating back to the pre-Angkorian era. At the north end of the city is the hilltop pagoda of wat Phnom, for which the capital was named. Climb the stairs to the top of the hill for fabulous views of the city below. You will then stop for lunch. After lunch you see another side of Cambodia as you take a look into the country’s more recent history with a tour of Tuol Sleng prison (S-21) and the killing fields at Cheong Ek, sobering reminders of the evils of the Khmer Rouge regime. Although not a joyful tour, visiting these monuments unlocks keys to understanding the development of this still developing democratic country.
Breakfast and Lunch
Day 8: Day of Leisure, Night of Dining
You have the day to explore on your own. Cyclo cabs are not expensive and will take you to all different places for a set fee (which your concierge or doorman can arrange). Phnom Penh was once considered as one of the most beautiful cities in the Orient, and, despite the recent turbulent history, it still retains a colonial charm. Cambodia’s capital is a bustling city, majestically located at the confluence of the Mekong and Tonle Sap Rivers. Wide, tree-lined boulevards and many colonial-era buildings reflect the glorious days and add to the allure of the city where Asian and Western traditions meet in a fascinating way. You finish up the day when your guide picks you up and takes you to one of the many fine restaurants that have opened up in the past few years.
Breakfast and Dinner
Day 9: Phnom Penh to the Cambodian Coast
In the morning, your guide will be waiting to drive you through the Cambodian Countryside to the Southern Coast. You will arrive around midday. After checking in you can enjoy the pristine beach or one of the pools. In the evening you have your choice of a variety of restaurants offering everything from Tapas to Peking Duck.
Breakfast and Dinner
Days 10 & 11: Relaxing at Sihanoukville
You have two full days to relax or participate in a variety of water sports. The town of Sihanoukville, named for the country’s former leader, Prince Sihanouk, is close by if you want to do some shopping or exploring.
Breakfast and Dinner
Day 12: Return to USA
Today you will be transferred back to Phnom Penh where you board a flight for the USA. You “gain” the day you lost coming over and arrive back the same day.
Breakfast
You board your aircraft for the trans-pacific flight to Cambodia where you cross the International Date Line, “losing” a day which you will gain back on the return trip. Plenty of time to anticipate your Luxury Cambodian experience.
Day 3: Arrival in Siem Reap
Upon arrival you will be met by our representative and assisted through customs and baggage claim. You will then be handed over to your guide who will escort you to your unique hotel made up of individual lodges. You have the rest of the day to relax including a few laps in the resort’s pool.
Day 4: Angkor Wat and other Marvels
After breakfast you will be picked up by your guide and taken to Angkor Wat which was built during the reign of King Suryavarman II in the early 12th Century. It was constructed following the model of the temple mountain symbolizing Mount Meru, home of the gods. Inside the temple the walls are covered with stone carvings and bas-reliefs depicting Hindu mythology and the wars Suryavarman II fought during his reign. After touring the complex you will be taken to another famous temple, Ta Prohm where the large fig trees have merged with the ancient stones and left untouched by conservationists. Because of its unusual facade it has starred in many movies including Indiana Jones, Lara Croft, Tomb Raider and Two Brothers. Following lunch at a local restaurant visit the ancient city of Angkor Thom which was the last capital of the great Khmer Empire under the reign of Jayavarman VII. The city is surrounded by a 24 foot wall, creating a perfect square. You enter the city through the ancient south gate, an impressive stone gate carved with elephants and four giant faces. As the sun begins to set, you board a paddle boat on the moat of Angkor Thom compound enjoying champagne and canapes as you watch the sun set over Prasat Chroung temple.
Breakfast and Lunch
Day 5: Day at Leisure, Evening with Dancing
After breakfast you have the day open to explore on your own. Nestled between rice paddies and stretching along the Siem Reap River, this small provincial capital is most famous as the gateway to the temples but, as you will find out, this charming town and its markets, temples, monks and friendly locals is a fun place to explore and modest enough in size so you won’t get lost. In the evening your driver will pick you up and take you to a charming local restaurant for dinner and a traditional dance presentation. You will then be returned to your resort.
Breakfast and Dinner
Day 6: Siem Reap to Phnom Penh
Today you will be transferred to the airport for a one hour flight from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh, the capital of Cambodia. Upon arrival you will be transferred to your iconic luxury hotel where you can enjoy the facilities until dinner time at the hotel.
Breakfast and Dinner
Day 7: The Royal Palace and Tuol Sleng Prison
Today you will see and experience the contrasts between Cambodia in its happier days and under the Khmer Rouge. Fortunately things are improved dramatically. You will begin your tour by boarding a cyclo for a tour of the Royal Palace which stands majestically in the city centre just off the riverfront area. Several buildings are open to visitors including the ‘silver pagoda’ whose floor is lined with art and artifacts dating back to the pre-Angkorian era. At the north end of the city is the hilltop pagoda of wat Phnom, for which the capital was named. Climb the stairs to the top of the hill for fabulous views of the city below. You will then stop for lunch. After lunch you see another side of Cambodia as you take a look into the country’s more recent history with a tour of Tuol Sleng prison (S-21) and the killing fields at Cheong Ek, sobering reminders of the evils of the Khmer Rouge regime. Although not a joyful tour, visiting these monuments unlocks keys to understanding the development of this still developing democratic country.
Breakfast and Lunch
Day 8: Day of Leisure, Night of Dining
You have the day to explore on your own. Cyclo cabs are not expensive and will take you to all different places for a set fee (which your concierge or doorman can arrange). Phnom Penh was once considered as one of the most beautiful cities in the Orient, and, despite the recent turbulent history, it still retains a colonial charm. Cambodia’s capital is a bustling city, majestically located at the confluence of the Mekong and Tonle Sap Rivers. Wide, tree-lined boulevards and many colonial-era buildings reflect the glorious days and add to the allure of the city where Asian and Western traditions meet in a fascinating way. You finish up the day when your guide picks you up and takes you to one of the many fine restaurants that have opened up in the past few years.
Breakfast and Dinner
Day 9: Phnom Penh to the Cambodian Coast
In the morning, your guide will be waiting to drive you through the Cambodian Countryside to the Southern Coast. You will arrive around midday. After checking in you can enjoy the pristine beach or one of the pools. In the evening you have your choice of a variety of restaurants offering everything from Tapas to Peking Duck.
Breakfast and Dinner
Days 10 & 11: Relaxing at Sihanoukville
You have two full days to relax or participate in a variety of water sports. The town of Sihanoukville, named for the country’s former leader, Prince Sihanouk, is close by if you want to do some shopping or exploring.
Breakfast and Dinner
Day 12: Return to USA
Today you will be transferred back to Phnom Penh where you board a flight for the USA. You “gain” the day you lost coming over and arrive back the same day.
Breakfast
