Classic Cambodia with River Cruise

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Tour Code: ODY-KH-009

Destination: Cambodia

Duration10 Days
Tour TypePrivate & Bespoke
Tour Style Cruise

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About This Trip

Explore the Highlights of Siem Reap and Phnom Penh, and revel in a 4-day cruise around the Tonle Sap Lake and Mekong River. During the city tour, you will discover the ancient Angkor Wat, encounter the mysterious smiling face at the Bayon Temple of Angkor Thom, and learn about the locals' daily life by strolling in the Central Market of Phnom Penh. When cruising around the Tonle Sap Lake and Mekong River, you will glance at the local floating villages, and meet the local artisans - from which you will learn about their craftsmanship.

Itinerary Summary

DAY

PLACE

HIGHLIGHTS
1 - 3

Siem Reap

Angkor Wat, Bayon Temple, Ta Prohm, Banteay Srei, Temple Takeo, Angkor Thom Sunset Cruise
4 - 7

Tonle Sap Lake, Mekong River

Tonle Sap Lake Cruise: Floating Villages, Bird Sanctuary
Mekong River Cruise: Dyeing and Weaving of Krama
8 - 10

Phnom Penh

Central Market, Traditional Cambodian Dance, Royal Palace, National Museum, Wat Phnom

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Itinerary

Day 1:Arrival, Siem Reap

Sua s'dei! Welcome to Siem Reap, home to the incredible temples of Angkor. Upon arrival, you will be greeted by your tour guide at the airport and transferred via private vehicle to your hotel. The rest of today is free for you to relax or explore at leisure.

Siem Reap

Day 2:Siem Reap, Angkor Wat

There is no doubt that any trip to Siem Reap would not be complete without visiting Angkor temples. Start early this morning to witness a majestic sunrise over the iconic spires of Angkor Wat, if you like. After breakfast at your hotel, return to this Cambodia's most renowned temple complex and continue with in-depth explorations into its magnificent buildings and amazing bas-reliefs. Move on to visit other awe-inspiring temples within UNESCO-listed Angkor Archaeological Park, including Ta Prohm, Temple Takeo, and Banteay Srei.

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Siem Reap

Day 3:Siem Reap, Angkor Thom with Cruise

Yesterday was an incredible journey into the past, and today will be equally-impressive. Within the ancient royal city of Angkor Thom, stand in awe at Bayon Temple when facing 216 gargantuan smiling faces, marvel at archaeological wonders like the Elephant Terrace, and spot other ancient ruins hidden amongst trees. You are then free to relax for a few hours before heading out for a sunset cruise around Angkor Thom.

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Siem Reap

Day 4:Siem Reap - Tonle Sap Lake

Check out this morning and head out of the city to embark on a four-night cruise along the fascinating waterways of Tonle Sap and Mekong River, all the way down to Cambodia's capital - Phnom Penh. The following days are truly yours to enjoy the cruise as you wish.

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Tonle Sap Lake

Day 5:Cruise around Tonle Sap Lake

Today's excursions include a boat trip around the Tonle Sap Lake, designated as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 1997: spot large waterbirds like the spot-billed pelicans, milky stork, and black-headed ibis within the stunning bird sanctuary of Prek Toal, and then sail to the floating village of Moat Khla with a Buddhist blessing ceremony.

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Tonle Sap Lake

Day 6:Cruise around Tonle Sap Lake

Today's excursions may take you around more remote villages around the Tonle Sap, with plenty of opportunities to interact with the locals. Make a boat trip first to the village of Chhnok Tru, where everything from gas stations to monasteries is afloat on the river, and explore their intriguing ice factory. After lunch on board, continue experiencing Khmer riverside life in Kampong Chhnang, a well-known center of local craftsmanship. Meet traditional potters and palm-sugar producers and watch them practice age-old craftsmanship and techniques dating back to the 6th century.

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Tonle Sap Lake

Day 7:Cruise around Tonle Sap River & Mekong River

This morning, hop on a skiff to glide into the silversmith village of Koh Chen on the banks of the Tonle Sap River, for a first-hand encounter with artisans producing magnificent Khmer silverware favored by Khmer royalty. Set off in the afternoon for the "Silk Island" on the great Mekong River - Koh Oknha Tey, where Khmer artisans showcase the dyeing and weaving of krama, a silk scarf loved by locals. If you wish, hop on a bike and explore the island further.

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Tonle Sap Lake

Day 8:Phnom Penh, City Highlights

As your cruise ship sails into the port at Phnom Penh this morning, embark on an excursion to explore the essential sights of this Cambodian capital aboard a motorized tuk-tuk. Start by visiting the stunning Royal Palace along with the sacred Silver Pagoda, before heading to the nearby National Museum of Cambodia, which boasts the world's largest collection of classic Khmer craftsmanship. There are optional visits to the somber Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S21) or the vibrant Russian Market for handicrafts or souvenir shopping. Disembark and transfer to your hotel for check-in, with the rest of today to relax.

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Phnom Penh

Day 9:Phnom Penh, Local Life & Evening Show

For the final full day in Cambodia, savor a leisurely morning before visiting the Buddhist temple of Wat Phnom, standing on the top of a 27-meter-high man-made hill. Climb the steps up to the hilltop overlooking the city, and join the locals in praying for good luck and prosperity. Later, stroll leisurely through Central Market, which promises plenty of goods and bargains, and observe the up-close daily life of the locals. Round off the day with a delightful evening of traditional Cambodian dance by the Cambodian Living Arts organization.