Discover the Best of Angkor and the Siem Reap - 7 Days
Tour Code: CT-3
Experience the incredible diversity, fascinating history and natural beauty of Cambodia on this seven-day tour. You’ll be amazed by Cambodia’s rich and vibrant culture as you visit famous temples like Angkor Thom and Angkor Wat, sail along the Tonlé Sap River and take a walk with Elephants through the Kulen Elephant Forest. Choose a three-star or four-star accommodation package with an English-speaking tour guide, daily breakfasts, ‘Phare’ The Cambodian circus performance, entry fees as per the itinerary, airport transfers and more included.
Start ~ Siem Reap, Cambodia
Finish ~ Siem Reap, Cambodia
Physical rating: 2 out of 5
The Itinerary
On arrival in Cambodia, you’ll be met by your airport transfer team, who will accompany you to your hotel. The remainder of the day is at leisure.
Accommodation: Hotel / Meals: Meal is not included on this day.
After breakfast at the hotel, we will set off to visit Angkor National Museum, which is an archaeological museum dedicated to the collection, preservation, and presentation of Angkorian artifacts, also to provide information and education about art and culture of Khmer civilization, with collections mainly dated from Khmer Empire’s Angkor period circa 9th to 14th-century. Most of the artifacts were discovered in and around the Angkor archaeological sites nearby. The museum exhibits are arranged flowing single direction through themed galleries.
With fascinating exhibitions on the history of Angkor and the Khmer Empire, a visit to the Angkor National Museum in Siem Reap is the perfect complement to a tour of the UNESCO-listed Angkor Temples.
We’ll then drive to Wat Preah Prom Rath. Set back from the west bank of the Siem Reap River, Wat Preah Prom Rath temple boasts a history that may date back to the 13th century. However, everything to be seen here was built after World War II. Colorful statues and lush gardens in the heart of downtown offer the chance to see how Cambodian Buddhism is practiced today.
Our next stop is at the War Museum where you’ll learn about Cambodia’s dark history and where you can see some of the weapons and vehicles used during the Khmer Rouge and the subsequent civil war which lasted for nearly two decades. It shows visitors an insightful view of the lives of the Cambodian nation when it was engulfed in war for three decades.
The tour will end with a safe trip back to your hotel with a visit to a market en-route.
Accommodation: Hotel / Meals: Breakfast
This tour is hands down the best way to explore Cambodia’s incredible feats of religious architecture.
Begin with an early morning pick up at your hotel, right before you head off to Angkor Wat to watch the captivating sun rise behind the temple complex. Walk through one of the largest religious structures in the world and admire the intricate carvings of heavenly nymphs on the walls. You’ll also learn some interesting history facts as well as fun trivia from your local tour guide as you stroll through the complex. Once the sun has fully risen, you’ll have some free time for breakfast! Breakfast is followed by a stop at the Bayon Temple, in the heart of Angkor Thom, where you can marvel at the numerous massive faces of Avalokiteshvara engraved on the towers.
Next, we’ll visit Ta Prohm Temple, filled with crumbling towers and overgrown trees that are centuries-old! Inspect the curious root formations on the walls and live out your Tomb Raider fantasy.
The tour will end with a sunset at the Pre-Rub Temple before you will be dropped off at the hotel. The glow of the evening light produces reddish hues that contrast beautifully with the surrounding green jungle. The temple also offers stunning views over the rice fields of the Eastern Baray.
Accommodation: Hotel / Meals: Breakfast
Explore some of Siem Reap temples that lie off the beaten tourist path on this one-day tour that takes you to five different temples! Start your tour off with a visit to the Banteay Srei Temple, or the “Citadel of Women”, believed to have been made by a woman as the carvings are thought to be too elaborate for the hand of men. This tour will then continue to Preah Khan Temple, filled with vaulted corridors, fine carvings and delicate stonework.
Afternoon is to experience the Cambodia of the past as you travel back in time, all the way to the 9th century, with this daytime exploration of the nearby Roluos Temples (Lolei, Preah Ko, Bakong). Located only about 13 kilometers east of Siem Reap, the Roluos group of temples is the earliest site of the 600-year Angkor full stop that is open to visitors, built in the ancient city of Hariharalaya.
We’ll then return to the hotel with a stop at Neak Pean Temple, which is a small island temple, en-route.
Accommodation: Hotel / Meals: Breakfast
Experience the rural side of Cambodia with this half-day tour of Kompong Phluk Floating Village from Siem Reap! The tour begins with a pick up at your hotel, followed by a scenic drive through small yet beautiful villages as well as some rice paddies. Once we arrive, we’ll jump in a boat to enjoy a serene boat ride through the calm waters of Tonle Sap Lake, where you will see big mangrove trees and herds of cattle feeding on grass. Go into the main area of Kompong Phluk, home to approximately 3000 fishing people, and explore this one-of-a-kind floating village. Learn how rural fishing villages work and what the people’s daily routines are like, as well as discover how they’ve built the village to adapt to the changing seasons. Once you’re done walking around, you’ll make your way back to your hotel. (Please note: During the dry season, boats cannot get all the way to the main villages because the water level may be too low; however, the village can be visited by car.)
In the evening, we’ll head off to enjoy Phare, The Cambodian Circus. This traditional Cambodian performance is a phenomenon not to miss! You’ll be left in absolute awe at the talents of these brilliant young performers. An amazing blend of traditional and modern theater, music, dance, acrobatics, juggling and contortion all beautifully choreographed in a story about Cambodian lives and society. Though performed in Khmer with English subtitles on a screen, the story is easy to follow without words and you’ll probably be too enthralled by the performers to keep up with the narrative anyway!
You will head back to the hotel at the end of the show.
Accommodation: Hotel / Meals: Breakfast
Spend a morning at the Kulen Elephant Forest. This protected forest sanctuary is currently home to a handful of elephants who have spent the majority of their lives carrying tourists around the Angkor temples, and are now able to engage in natural behaviours within the safety of their new home. Over the course of the morning you’ll spend time observing the resident elephants and how they interact with each other, take a walk with them through the forest and assist with feeding them. After a local-style lunch head back to Siem Reap where the rest of your day is at leisure.
Accommodation: Hotel / Meals: Breakfast
Transfer to Siem Reap airport for your onward flight.
Meals: Breakfast
~ 6 nights Accommodation in hotels (twin/double shared)
~ enjoy daily breakfast at hotels
~ all sightseeing as described in program above
~ transportation in private a /c vehicles
~ professional English speaking guide
~ admission fees to sights described in the itinerary
~ boat to explore Tonle Sap Lake
~ Angkor Sunrise Experience
~ ‘Phare’ The Cambodian Circus performance
~ Kulen Elephant Forest Experience
~ mineral Water Bottles
~ enjoy exploring the Best of Angkor and the Siem Reap as per itinerary
~ visa fee
~ Meals not specified in the “Inclusions” section
~ Personal insurance and other personal expense
Do I need a visa to visit Cambodia?
‘E-VISAS’
E-visas are now available for most nationalities through the official website: www.evisa.gov.kh
Please note there have been reports of fraudulent e-visa websites that mimic the official site.
‘VISA ON ARRIVAL’
Visa on arrival is available for most nationalities at airports or land border crossings for approx. US$30 (cost subject to change). You will need a passport photo for your visa.
‘OTHER VISAS’
If you are not eligible for an e-visa or visa on arrival you may need to submit an application through your local consulate. Allow up to 3 weeks for processing.
Do I need any vaccinations before visiting Cambodia?
You should seek medical advice from your local health practitioner before travelling to Cambodia and ensure that you receive all of the appropriate vaccinations. As a guide Tetanus, Typhoid, Hep A, Diphtheria and Polio are recommended.
Can I drink the tap water in Cambodia?
Tap water in Cambodia is not considered safe to drink. It’s recommended to only drink bottled mineral water, which is readily available in hotels, shops and restaurants, or purified water. Avoid having ice in your drink as it might have been made with tap water.
What is currency in Cambodia?
The official currency of Cambodia is the Cambodia Riel, but USD is also widely accepted and sometimes preferred in larger stores and supermarkets.
Pound Sterling, US Dollars, Euro and other major currencies can be exchanged in Cambodia at various bureau de changes in major cities and towns. However, foreign currency is also widely accepted and often desired more so it can give the shopper more buying power. ATMs can be found in all larger towns and cities and some five star hotels. We recommend you take a mixture of cash (preferably USD) and credit/ debit cards for ATM’s. It’s advisable to request bank notes in smaller denominations, as it can sometimes be hard to get change from large notes and smaller notes are handy for smaller purchases and gratuities.
Traveller’s Cheques are not recommended as they’re often difficult to exchange and incur high fees.
What do foods and drinks cost in Cambodia?
Street snack = USD 0.50–1
Bottle of local beer = USD 1.50
Simple meal at a local restaurant = USD 5–10
Dinner at a nice restaurant = USD 25–50
What’s the food like in Cambodia?
Cambodian (Khmer) cuisine is similar to Thai cuisine though with fewer spices, but no less flavoursome! It also tends to be healthier than other Southeast Asian cuisine. The staple food is rice, which is served with almost every meal and noodles are also popular. A typical meal usually consists of a soup, a main dish (often curry, stir fry or salad) and dessert. Prahok (fermented fish paste) is used to flavour many dishes and coriander, mint leaves and lemongrass are popular herbs. Another popular dish is Amok, a curry made with fish, spices and coconut milk.
Is tipping customary in Cambodia?
Tipping isn’t mandatory or customary in Sri Lanka, but a tip of spare change or another small amount would be appreciated by restaurants, drivers and other service workers, especially if the service has been particularly good.
What’re the toilets like in Cambodia?
Squat toilets are the most common in Cambodia, but western-style toilets can be found in the tour hotels and in tourist areas. Be prepared to pay a small fee when visiting public toilets, and always carry your own toilet paper and soap as they are usually not provided.
Is WiFi widely available in Cambodia?
In the main tourist areas (Siem Reap, Phnom Penh, Sihanoukville) WiFi is usually available in the majority of hotels, restaurants, bars and cafes. In more rural parts of the country, travellers are unlikely to find a connection and if they do it is sure to be very slow.
Can I use my mobile phone while in Cambodia?
Mobile phone coverage is generally good in Cambodia’s urban areas, but may not be available in rural areas. Ensure global roaming is activated with your service provider before leaving home.
Is it not appropriate for me to wear shorts in Cambodia?
When entering temples in Cambodia, it is important to remember to take your shoes off beforehand. Women wearing trousers or a short skirt will usually be required to put a long skirt on over the top. These are available to borrow at most temples.
What sort of sockets are used in Cambodia and what is the voltage?
Electricity in Cambodia runs on 230 volts at 50Hz. In general, type A, C and G plugs will fit into most Cambodia power outlets. In general, they use a European plug with two circular metal pins but in some rare cases it is also possible to find a flat two pronged socket as used in North America or a 3-pin India-style socket, so it is best to take a universal adaptor and cover your bases.
Weather overview
Cambodia has a tropical monsoon climate with two seasons: the rainy season from May to November when the countryside is lush and green, and the dry season from late November to April when there are long days of glorious sunshine and clear skies. Temperatures in Cambodia remain fairly constant and warm throughout the year, apart from in the north when winters (December to March) are generally colder.
Don’t forget you can modify this tour. Whether you enjoy travelling as a part of a small group with other like-minded travellers, or perhaps you are looking for your very own private journey, we have the right option for you. Click on talk to us button to send us your enquiry.