Taste of Cambodia

Welcome to Phnom Penh and this tour of Cambodia! Check in at the hotel and, if you arrive early enough, take to the streets to drink in the vibrant bustle of the Cambodian capital. Top sights include the Cambodian Landmine Museum, Angkor Silk Farm and the Wat Thmei monastery. Why not relax at a roadside cafe and watch the world go by or simply walk around and absorb the city’s atmosphere? This evening, meet the tour leader and rest of the group at the hotel for an overview of what to look forward to over the next five days!

Explore Phnom Penh on a city tour today. Start with a visit to the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum. Once a former school, it was later used to hold many prisoners captive under the merciless Khmer Rouge regime. Follow in their footsteps in the Killing Fields (Choeung Ek Extermination Camp). After a morning of the tumultuous past, experience light and humbling experiences this afternoon. Visit the bustling Toul Tom Poung Market and shop for souvenirs and keepsakes. Then, it’s onto the Royal Compound, where you can encounter the famous Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda.  Round it all off with a visit to the Wat Phnom Temple perched atop a hill.

Visit Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S-21 prison): The security forces of the Khmer Rouge, under the instruction of Pol Pot, kept countless prisoners captive at the infamous S-21 prison. 

Experience the Killing Fields of Choeung Ek: In the horrific period between 1975 and 1978, more than 17,000 prisoners were executed at Choeung Ek after being detained at the S-21 prison. This included me, women and children who were kept as political prisoners of the Khmer Rouge. 

Explore the Toul Tom Poung Market: This bustling market is also referred to as the Russian Market because it was favoured by Russian expats in the 1980s. Today it’s a great spot to pick up some travel bargains.

Tour the Royal Compound: The Royal Palace is a complex of structures that serve as the home of the king of Cambodia. There are many wonderful things to see in the area that is passable to the public. This includes the Silver Pagoda, where the king meets with the monks. 

See Wat Phnom Temple: Constructed in the late-1300s, the beautiful Wat Phnom temple is situated atop a tree-lined knoll just shy of 30m high.

Enjoy a local breakfast before travelling to Siem Reap. This resort town is the gateway to the famous ruins of Angkor. Check in at the hotel and kick off with a visit to the friendly and colourful floating village of Chong Kneas. Explore Tonle Sap Lake on a traditional wooden boat, just like locals do! Enjoy the rest of the day at Chantiers Ecoles - Les Artisans d'Angkor, observing how young Cambodians train in the age-old traditions of the Khmer culture.

Experience Chong Kneas floating village: This is a unique shopping experience if ever there was one. Take a traditional wooden vessel to the central market of the floating village on Tonle Sap Lake. 

Visit Chantiers Ecoles - Les Artisans d'Angkor: This social business is instrumental in creating job opportunities for young people from rural communities. They are taught traditional wood- and stone carving, silk painting, lacquerware and other artisanal skills. 

Today, it’s time for a highlight of the tour - Angkor Wat! This temple complex is a symbol of Cambodia and one of the country’s most popular travel attractions. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is also the largest monument of its kind in the world. The Angkor temple complex covers over 400 km2 (including the forested area). It's home to the remains of the different capitals of the Khmer Empire. Take the day to explore the sights, which include the Bayon Temple, Royal Enclosure and more.

Explore Angkor Wat: For many centuries, Angkor was the centre of the Khmer Kingdom. One of its most iconic sites is the Angkor Wat temple, which was constructed in the 12th century. This temple is the largest and best-preserved structure in the Angkor Temple complex. Another notable temple is the Ta Prohm temple. This jungle-covered temple is a testament to the strength of the forces of nature. The huge fig trees and enormous creepers have almost completely absorbed the man-made temple.

After a whirlwind five days, this Taste of Cambodia tour comes to an end today. The tour will finish after breakfast this morning. Take some time to exchange contact details with your fellow travellers so you can keep in touch afterward before saying goodbye! Expat Explore hopes to welcome you on another tour again soon!