Heritage Trails and Hidden Treasures

Welcome to the Kingdom of Wonder!

Upon your arrival at Phnom Penh International Airport, you will be warmly greeted by your dedicated Hok Cambodia Journeys representative, who will assist you with your luggage and ensure a smooth transition to your hotel.

Check-In and Relaxation:

Settle into your comfortable hotel room, where you can unwind and refresh after your journey. Take a moment to soak in the vibrant atmosphere of the city around you.

Evening: Culinary Delights Await

Indulge in your first taste of Cambodia with a delightful dinner at a local restaurant or within the comforts of your hotel. Savor the rich flavors of Khmer cuisine, featuring dishes like Fish Amok and Khmer BBQ, as you embark on a culinary adventure.

Morning: A Journey Through History

Pick-up Time: 8:00 AM

After a hearty breakfast, embark on a guided exploration of Phnom Penh’s iconic landmarks.

Royal Palace: Marvel at the exquisite architecture and lush gardens of the Royal Palace, the official residence of the King of Cambodia. The Royal Palace in Phnom Penh is the official residence of the King of Cambodia, built in the 1860s during King Norodom’s reign. This stunning complex features a blend of traditional Khmer and French colonial architecture, highlighted by the Silver Pagoda, which houses precious artifacts, including a gold Buddha adorned with diamonds.

Surrounded by beautifully landscaped gardens, the palace serves as a symbol of the Cambodian monarchy and cultural heritage. While it remains an active royal residence, parts of the palace are open to the public, making it a significant tourist attraction and a representation of Cambodia’s rich history. Silver Pagoda: Step inside this sacred site, home to a solid gold Buddha and countless national treasures, and feel the spiritual essence of Cambodia.

National Museum of Cambodia: Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of Khmer history as you explore a vast collection of art and artifacts. The National Museum of Cambodia, located in Phnom Penh, is the country’s largest museum dedicated to preserving and showcasing Khmer art and cultural heritage. Opened in 1920, the museum features a stunning collection of over 14,000 artifacts, including sculptures, ceramics, and ethnographic items, primarily from the Angkor period.

Lunch: A Taste of Tradition

Savor a delightful lunch at a local eatery, where you can sample traditional Cambodian dishes bursting with flavor.

Afternoon: Reflecting on History

Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum: Gain profound insights into Cambodia’s poignant past during the Khmer Rouge regime. S-21, also known as Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, was a former high school in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, that was converted into a prison and interrogation center by the Khmer Rouge regime from 1975 to 1979. Under the leadership of Pol Pot, the Khmer Rouge sought to create an agrarian socialist society, leading to widespread persecution, torture, and execution of perceived enemies of the state.

Cheung Ek Killing Fields: Pay your respects at this somber site, where you will learn about the atrocities that occurred and reflect on the resilience of the Cambodian people. Cheung Ek, also known as the Choeung Ek Killing Fields, is one of the most infamous sites of mass graves in Cambodia. Located about 15 kilometers south of Phnom Penh, it was one of the many killing fields where the Khmer Rouge executed and buried victims. After being tortured at S-21, many prisoners were transported to Cheung Ek, where they were executed and disposed of in mass graves.

Evening: A Serene Sunset Cruise

Unwind with a scenic sunset cruise on the Mekong River, where you can witness the breathtaking views as the sun dips below the horizon, painting the sky in hues of orange and pink.

Return to Hotel:

After a day filled with exploration, return to your hotel for a restful evening, preparing for the adventures that lie ahead.

Morning: Scenic Travel Awaits 

Pick-up Time: 8:30 AM

After checking out, embark on a picturesque journey to Battambang, one of Cambodia’s charming cities.

Local Pottery Village: Stop at a traditional pottery village to witness skilled artisans at work, creating beautiful, handcrafted pottery.

Lunch: A Culinary Stop

Enjoy a delicious lunch at a local eatery, savoring authentic flavors and local specialties.

Arrival in Battambang:

Check in to your hotel and take some time to relax and refresh.

Afternoon: Nature’s Spectacle

Phnom Sam Pov Bat Cave: In the late afternoon, witness the mesmerizing sight of thousands of bats emerging from the cave at sunset, creating a stunning natural display.

Return to Hotel: 

After a day of exploration, return to your hotel for dinner and relaxation.

Morning: Bamboo Train Adventure

Pick-up Time: 8:00 AM

Experience the unique bamboo train, a fun and bumpy ride through the picturesque Cambodian countryside.

Explore Local Villages: Visit nearby villages and farms, interacting with locals and gaining insights into their daily lives.

Tasting Local Products: 

Sample local delicacies, including rice wine, rice paper, banana paper, and fresh fruits, as you immerse yourself in the local culture.

Lunch: A Taste of Home

Return to your hotel for a refreshing break and enjoy a delightful lunch.

Afternoon: Journey to Siem Reap  

Check out from your hotel and embark on your journey to Siem Reap. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel and take the evening to relax and unwind.

Early Morning: Witness the Dawn

Pick-up Time: 4:30 AM  

Depart for Angkor Wat to witness the breathtaking sunrise over this iconic temple, a truly magical experience that will leave you in awe.

Angkor Wat, the largest religious monument in the world, is a breathtaking sight, especially at sunrise. As dawn breaks, the temple’s silhouette emerges against the vibrant hues of the sky, creating a stunning backdrop reflected in the surrounding moat. Visitors gather in anticipation, cameras in hand, to capture the moment when the first rays of sunlight illuminate the intricate carvings and towering spires of this ancient Khmer masterpiece. The serene atmosphere, coupled with the soft sounds of nature awakening, makes the sunrise at Angkor Wat a truly magical experience, evoking a sense of wonder and reverence for the rich history and culture of Cambodia.

Breakfast: A Well-Deserved Meal

After the sunrise, return to your hotel for a hearty breakfast.

After breakfast, continue Exploring the Angkor Thom South Gate: Enter the ancient city of Angkor Thom and admire the impressive stone faces of the Bayon Temple.

Bayon Temple: Discover the intricate carvings and serene faces that adorn this historic site. Bayon is a stunning temple located in the heart of Angkor Thom, the ancient capital of the Khmer Empire, near Siem Reap, Cambodia.

Built in the late 12th to early 13th century during the reign of King Jayavarman VII, Bayon is renowned for its distinctive architecture and the iconic stone faces that adorn its towers, which are believed to represent Avalokiteshvara, the Bodhisattva of compassion. The temple features a complex layout with 54 towers, each displaying large, serene faces that gaze in multiple directions, symbolizing the king’s connection to the people and the divine. Bayon is also famous for its intricate bas-reliefs that depict historical events, daily life, and mythological scenes, providing insight into the culture and society of the time. As one of the most celebrated and visited temples in the Angkor complex, Bayon exemplifies the artistic and architectural achievements of the Khmer Empire, making it a must-see destination for tourists and historians alike.

Next is Ta Prohm Jungle Temple: Experience the enchanting atmosphere of Ta Prohm, where nature intertwines with ancient ruins, creating a surreal landscape. Ta Prohm is a famous temple located in the Angkor archaeological park in Cambodia, built in the late 12th and early 13th centuries during the reign of King Jayavarman VII. It is renowned for its unique blend of nature and architecture, as massive trees and roots have intertwined with the temple’s ruins, creating a dramatic and picturesque scene. Originally dedicated to the Buddha, Ta Prohm was designed as a monastery and university for Buddhist monks. The temple features intricate carvings and bas-reliefs, depicting various deities and scenes from mythology. Unlike many other temples in Angkor, Ta Prohm has been preserved in a state that reflects its discovery, showcasing the power of nature reclaiming man-made structures. This has made it a popular site for tourists and photographers, as well as a symbol of the enduring relationship between humanity and the natural world.

Return to Hotel:

After a day of exploration, head back to your hotel for some relaxation and reflection.

Morning: Temples and Culture

Pick-up Time: 9:00 AM 

Begin your day with visits to some of the lesser-known but equally stunning temples.

Prasat Pre Rup: Explore this temple known for its impressive architecture and panoramic views. Pre Rup is a temple located in the Angkor archaeological park in Cambodia, built in the late 10th century during the reign of King Rajendravarman II. It is known for its distinctive red sandstone architecture and is often associated with funerary practices. The temple features a series of tiered platforms and five central towers, symbolizing Mount Meru, the center of the universe in Hindu cosmology. Pre Rup offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape, especially at sunset, making it a popular destination for visitors exploring the rich history of the Khmer Empire.

Banteay Srei: Admire the intricate carvings of this temple, often referred to as the “jewel of Khmer art.” Banteay Srei, often referred to as the “Citadel of Women,” is a 10th-century temple located about 37 kilometers north of Siem Reap, Cambodia. It is renowned for its exquisite pink sandstone construction and intricate carvings, which are considered some of the finest examples of Khmer art. Built during the reign of King Rajendravarman II, Banteay Srei is dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva. The temple features detailed reliefs depicting various Hindu deities and mythological scenes, showcasing the high level of craftsmanship of the artisans of that era.

Unlike many other temples in the Angkor complex, Banteay Srei is notable for its smaller scale and intimate atmosphere, making it a favorite among visitors. Its well-preserved state and stunning artistry contribute to its reputation as a jewel of Khmer architecture.

Beng Mealea: Discover this remote temple, which remains largely untouched and overgrown, offering a glimpse into the past. Beng Mealea is a captivating temple located about 60 kilometers east of Angkor Wat in Cambodia.

Built in the early 12th century during the reign of King Suryavarman II, this sprawling temple complex is a stunning example of classical Khmer architecture, yet it remains largely overgrown and in a state of natural decay, which adds to its mystical charm. Unlike the more restored Angkor Wat, Beng Mealea is often less crowded, allowing visitors to explore its crumbling walls, intricate carvings, and lush jungle surroundings at a leisurely pace. The temple’s design features a series of galleries, courtyards, and towers, all intertwined with trees and vines, creating a breathtaking fusion of man-made and natural beauty. Beng Mealea offers a glimpse into the grandeur of the Khmer Empire while inviting adventurers to discover its hidden treasures amidst the ruins.

Afternoon: Tonle Sap Lake & Kompong Khleang

After lunch, continue to Visit Kompong Khleang Fishing Community to Experience the local lifestyle of the fishing community on Tonle Sap Lake. Explore Tonle Sap Great Lake: Learn about the unique ecosystem and the importance of the lake to the local people and their families.

Return to Hotel:

Head back to your hotel for a relaxing evening, reflecting on the wonders you’ve experienced.

Morning: A Leisurely Farewell

Enjoy a leisurely morning at your hotel, taking in the last moments of your Cambodian adventure. Perhaps take a stroll through the local markets or relax by the pool.

Check-out and Departure:

Your local guide will pick you up from your hotel for check-out. Transfer to Siem Reap Angkor International Airport for your departure.

Farewell: 

As your wonderful holiday with Hok Cambodia Journeys comes to an end, we wish you a safe flight home and hope to see you again in Cambodia!