Cambodia A la Carte Private Vacation

Upon arrival in Siem Reap, you will meet your local representative for a private transfer to your hotel for check-in. The remainder of the evening is at your leisure to explore the city or take the opportunity to see the renowned Cambodian Circus, Phare, both uniquely Cambodian and daringly modern. Not just a circus, but a blend of theater, music, dance and modern acrobatic arts tell uniquely Cambodian stories; historical, folk and modern.

You will spend the day exploring the intricate temples surrounding Siem Reap. Your driver and guide will meet you at your hotel for a private transfer to Angkor Wat, the largest temple in the world and generally believed to have been a funeral temple for the king. After lunch (not included), continue your exploration with Ta Prohm, recognizable as a filming location for the Tomb Raider films and largely left in its natural state since its re-discovery by French explorers. Next you will witness the monumental magnificence of Angkor Thom, the last capital of the Khmers, including the South Gate of Angkor Thom, Bayon Temple, the Terrace of the Elephant and the Terrace of the Leper King. After your day of exploration, return to your hotel for a well-deserved rest and dinner on your own. (B)Note: During the visit of the Bakan tower of Angkor Wat temple, visitors are required to wear a proper attire, covering shoulders and knees as this temple is still considered as a sacred site (no short, mini-skirt or short trousers). Children under twelve years old are not allowed to climb up this tower. It will be closed on the Buddhist Sabbath Days, the Buddhist religious days, four days a month in accordance with the Lunar Calendar.

After breakfast, meet your driver and guide at your hotel for a private transfer to Banteay Srei, the citadel of women built in the 10th century and dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva. En route, you may stop in a local community where your guide will assist in interactions with the residents. Following your visit to Banteay Srei, your tour will continue to Banteay Samre, a Hindu temple built in the Angkor Wat style. Take some time for lunch (not included), and then visit the floating village of Kampong Phluk, a cluster of three villages of stilted houses built within the floodplain of the Tonle Sap Lake. Board your boat for a chance to experience a truly different way of life. Return to your hotel in the evening for dinner on your own. (B)Note: During the visit of Banteay Srei temple, visitors are required to wear a proper attire, covering shoulders and knees as this temple is still considered as a sacred site (no short, mini-skirt or short trousers).

Following breakfast at your hotel, take your private transfer to the home of Lim Muy Theam, a Cambodian artist and designer whose work draws inspiration from both Khmer and contemporary international design. Explore the art studio and observe various works being created. Later, visit Artisans Angkor, a Cambodian company originally created to help young rural people find work near their home villages. Continue your cultural exploration today with a visit to the Old Market of Siem Reap, known as Phsar Chas, where visitors can find anything from souvenirs to traditional Cambodian fare. Take some time for lunch (not included) then take your private transfer to Siem Reap airport for a short flight to Phnom Penh. Upon arrival, you will meet your local representative for a private transfer to your hotel. (B)

Today you will explore the history of Phnom Penh, starting with a visit to the Royal Palace, home of the King and a symbol of the kingdom. Located within the Royal Palace compound resides the Silver Pagoda, well known for the 5,000 silver tiles which make up the Pagoda’s floor and the treasures held within. Continue on to Toul Sleng Genocide Museum for a deeply moving experience. This former high school was once used as a detention center during the Pol Pot time to house and torture prisoners. If you wish, you may even schedule a meeting with a Khmer Rouge survivor during your visit (not included). After interrogation, the prisoners were transferred to Cheung Ek, the Killing Field, the next stop on your tour. Today, over 8,000 skulls are displayed behind the glass of a memorial stupa, erected to honor those who died. Time permitting, your tour will end with a visit to the Russia Market, or Toul Tompong Market, where foreign merchants would sell their goods. Tonight, return to your hotel for dinner on your own. (B)Note: During the visit of the Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda, visitors are required to wear proper attire, covering shoulders and knees as this temple is still considered as a sacred site (no short, mini-skirt or short trousers).

After breakfast, you will meet your driver and guide at your hotel for a private transfer to Koh Kong. Upon arrival, you will board your boat (shared) for a river transfer to 4 Rivers Floating Lodge. The remainder of the afternoon is at your leisure to take in the astounding natural beauty surrounding the lodge or you may wish to take advantage of one of the lodge’s many activities such as a jungle hike or a visit to Koh Andet Island. Tonight, enjoy dinner at your leisure at the lodge’s restaurant serving Cambodian cuisine with a world-class ambiance. (B)

Enjoy a full day at your leisure to take part in one of the lodge’s excellent sightseeing activities. You may wish to consider a cruise deep into the mangroves (not included) to experience a rare glimpse of life among the fishing communities that live off the natural bounty of this watery paradise. Drinks are served en route to the fishing village where you will spend time with the friendly inhabitants. A barbecue lunch will be served on the beach after visiting the pagoda, school and the homes of a few villagers. Experience the pure magic of life among the mangroves from your boat as you coast quietly through the tranquil waterways. You’ll return to the lodge in the evening for dinner at your leisure. (B)

Following breakfast, you will meet your driver at the hotel for a private transfer to Sihanoukville. Here you will board your ferry (shared) to Krabey Island and your resort accommodation for the evening. You have the remainder of the day at your leisure to enjoy the striking natural beauty of Cambodia’s islands or take part in one of the resorts many activities (not included). Enjoy water sports including kayaking and snorkeling or learn about the market farm on site where fresh produce is grown for the resort. (B)

Today you will have a full day at your leisure to learn about Khmer culture on this resort island. Your hotel offers many activities you may choose to participate in, including Khmer cooking classes. Learn the art of preparing Khmer dishes with local ingredients including seafood and seasonal fruits and vegetables, all under the guidance of a talented chef. (B)

This morning you will return to the mainland by ferry (shared) where you will meet your driver for a private transfer to Phnom Penh airport where you may continue on to your next destination. (B)