Cambodia Discovery

Welcome to Cambodia! Upon arrival, you will be met by your tour guide and driver before being transferred to your hotel. The remainder of today is at your leisure to explore independently.

This morning embark on a cyclo ride through the bustling streets taking in Central Market, riverside and the Independence Monument. Also see the famous Royal Palace which was built in 1866 and the incredible solid silver-floored Silver Pagoda - famous for its lavish decorations, silver paved floor and Buddha statues made from precious metals and stones, before bidding farewell to your cyclo driver.

Then visit the National Museum, a treasure chest of Angkorian and pre-Angkorian artefacts before ending your city tour with a visit to Wat Phnom pagoda and shopping at the Russian market. End the day with a scenic, sunset boat cruise on the Mekong River.

Phnom Penh - Kompong Thom. After breakfast bid farewell to Phnom Penh and travel by road to Kompong Thom province. The province is large in size with some 13,814 km making it the second biggest province of Cambodia. It is one of the most popular historical and cultural sites to explore due to its pre Angkorian temples. Later visit Sambor Prei Kuk, the most impressive group of pre-Angkorian monuments in Cambodia.

Kompong Thom - Ton Le Sap - Siem Reap. Depart after breakfast and drive to Siem Reap, stopping en route to visit the beautiful Tonle Sap Lake. Enjoy a cruise on the lake, passing a floating village and seeing the daily life of local people there.

Spend a full day discovering the famous Angkor Complex on a guided tour today. This morning, visit spectacular Angkor Wat, built for king Suryavarman II in the early 12th century as his state temple and capital city. The largest and best-preserved temple at the site, it is the only one to have remained a significant religious centre – first Hinduism, then Buddhism since its foundation.

Enter the South Gate of Angkor Thom Temple and marvel at the striking Bayon, see the terrace of Elephants and terrace of Leper King. Then continue on to Ta Keo, an incomplete temple in the Khleang style built as the state temple of Jayavarman V. Also visit the famous Ta Prohm temple, shrouded in jungle and Thommanon Temple, one of a pair of Hindu temples built in the end of the 11th century. Later climb up Bakheng Hill to enjoy the superb view as the sun sets over Angkor Wat.

Today travel to Banteay Srey, one of the most unusual temples of Angkor Cambodia. It lies 20 km due north of the main group of temples and is built largely of red sandstone, which is covered with elaborate and intricate carvings. Then there's the opportunity to support Cambodian reforestation efforts by planting a tree in Preah Dak Village. You may be planting a jackfruit or mango tree, which will help carbon offsetting and directly benefit the local community.

The Srah Srang, a royal bathing Palace located east of Banteay Kdei, is your next destination. It was constructed in the mid-10th century, and modified in the 12th or 13th century. Final stop of the day is at Banteay Kdei Temple, a massive Buddhist monastery from the latter part of the 12th century.

Spend a day at leisure in Siem Reap, relaxing by the pool, taking a stroll around town or souvenir shopping at the local market.

Alternatively take an optional excursion to visit Beng Mealea Temple, a spectacular jungle temple around 60 Kms drive to the north east of Siem Reap. It is one of the "new" highlights of Cambodia; having only been cleared of mines at the end of 2003. Built by Jayarvaman VII; in the style of Angkor Wat; its scale is huge. Being well over one square kilometre in area and all located within a moat. Approached by four causeways, Beng Mealea appears to be a huge pile of rubble partially hidden in the trees, it's not until you get closer to the high walls that the ancient Khmer Architecture reveals itself. Cloaked in vegetation the temple looks as it did when French explorers first stumbled across it.

Arrangements conclude after breakfast and onward departure transfer to the airport.