Spiritual Cambodia Discovery

Day 1: Phnom Penh - Arrival

Arrive in Phnom Penh, welcomed by your local guide who will assist you with the transfer and check in at the hotel.

This afternoon, enjoy an atmospheric sunset river cruise and watch how Phnom Penh’s popular riverfront awakens to life and you could refresh yourself with Coconut local favorite.

Tonight, you will be treated to a delicious Khmer welcome dinner at Romdeng, a lovely charity restaurant where former street children are taught the principles of hospitality.

Overnight: Phnom Penh

Day 2: Phnom Penh Discovery

Start your day today at Preah Ang Dong Ker, a Buddhist shrine on the riverfront. This is an interesting spiritual place that is frequented by worshippers at all times. Followed with a visit to the Royal Palace which dates back to 1866 and houses the Silver Pagoda, named for the over 5000 heavy silver tiles that cover its floors.

After that a Cyclo driver who will take you on a tour to the most remarkable sights of Phnom Penh in on Cyclo, an original Phnom Penh means of transportation and a fun way to explore this lively city.

Return to the hotel for a break during the midday heat.

This afternoon, head to Wat Botum. Originally founded in 1422, Wat Botum is one of Phnom Penh's five original wats. It is known as the ‘Temple of the Lotus Blossoms’ and the compound displays many beautifully decorated stupas, some of which contain the ashes of royalty.

Get back to the hotel and the rest of the day at leisure.

Overnight: Phnom Penh

Day 3: Phnom Penh – Battambang

Travel by private vehicle over scenic back roads to Cambodia’s former capital, Oudong, about 39km from Phnom Penh. You will pass rural villages, local pagodas, and scenic rice paddies before reaching the main hill of Oudong. Visit a family that is producing palm sugar at their house. Later on, climb to the top of the stupa-filled hill of Oudong for great views over the rural plains. Enjoy lunch local style in the picnic huts at the foot of the mountain. Near Oudong, a local pagoda has come to some fame because of its fortune teller.
Continue to Battambang (3 hours). You will be taken directly to your hotel for check in. This afternoon, discover the charming and relaxed river town full of fine examples of French-colonial architecture. Even though Battambang is Cambodia’s second largest city, you will find that the atmosphere is very laid-back.

You will head towards Phnom Sampeau, meaning “Ship Hill” in Khmer, due to its distinctive shape, and one of only few hills standing out in this otherwise pancake-flat plain. From the small temple on the top, you will have a fantastic view over the typical landscape of paddy fields, pagodas and sugar palm trees. Phnom Sampeau is home to the so-called ‘killing caves’, which are cruel reminders of Cambodia’s troubled past. Serenity and inhumanity represented in one place make this an interesting visit. Overnight in Battambang.

Day 4: Battambang – Siem Reap

After an early breakfast, embark on a private boat that will take you on a fascinating journey across Tonlé Sap Lake to Siem Reap. You will pass floating villages and flooded forests, portraying life on this body of water that forms Cambodia’s heart. Lunch on board. (Duration 4-5 hours. NOTE: This boat trip is only possible in the raining season as water levels would be too low during the dry season and transfer times extremely long. Alternative transport by road.)

Arrive in Siem Reap, where you will have some time at leisure at your hotel.
This afternoon, depart on a special tour of the famous Angkor Wat by local tuk tuk. Built in the early 12th century, Angkor Wat is constructed following the model of the temple mountain symbolizing Mount Meru, the home of the gods. It is well known for the more than 2,000 Apsara dancers decorating the temple. Construction is thought to have taken around thirty years of intensive labor. Today, Angkor Wat is figured on Cambodia's national flag as the temple symbolizes the soul of the Khmer people.

During sunset time, Angkor Wat is less visited, and it is a magical time to see the Apsaras shine in the most beautiful light. Overnight in Siem Reap.

Day 5: Siem Reap - Angkor Discovery

Get another glimpse of Angkor at the early temples of the Roluos Group. It was the first town built by the Angkorian kings in the 8th and 9th century and consists of three main temples. The surrounding countryside with its paddy fields and sugar palm trees is very typical for Cambodia – enjoy the natural beauty on a cow cart ride, a fun way to get in touch with rural Cambodia and its friendly people. Your destination is Roluos Pagoda, where Buddhist monks will celebrate a private blessing ceremony for you, wishing you health and a safe journey – a memorable experience! Return to Siem Reap for a break during the midday heat.

This afternoon, visit Ta Prohm temple, it has been left largely as it was found: overgrown by jungle trees and vines, with many parts of the temple crumbling to the ground. This makes the ‘Tomb Raider Temple’ one of the most picturesque and memorable of the Angkor temples.

From here it is not far to the ancient city of Angkor Thom, the last capital of the Great Khmer Empire under the reign of Jayavarman VII. This city is surrounded by an 8 m high wall, drawing a perfect square. Enter the city through the ancient Eastern Gate, an impressive stone gate carved with Elephants and four giant faces.
From here, continue to Bayon Temple in the exact center of the city. This 12th century masterpiece is a study in grandeur and is well-known for its 54 towers with enigmatic faces representing the 54 provinces of the Great Khmer Empire. The Terrace of the Elephants and the Terrace of the Leper King are also must-visits as they are both known for their intricate bas-reliefs.

An authentic Khmer Farewell dinner at the renowned Cuisine Wat Damnak Restaurant will stimulate all your senses and crown your spiritual experience in Cambodia. Overnight in Siem Reap.