Best of Cambodia 8 days

DAY 1: DEPARTURE

Depart from San Francisco or Los Angeles on  major international carrier.

DAY 2: SIEM REAP

Arrival in Siem Reap
Overnight in Siem Reap

DAY 3: SIEM REAP

Sightseeing in Angkor (9 hours)
The crowning jewel of Khmer architecture, Angkor Wat is the national symbol and the highlight of any visit to Cambodia. The largest, best preserved, and most religiously significant of the Angkor temples, Angkor impresses visitors both by its sheer scale and beautifully proportioned layout, as well as the delicate artistry of its carvings. To approach the temple, first cross the vast moat, continuing along a broad causeway lined with naga balustrades. After entering the main building, ascend through a series of galleries and courtyards before reaching the central sanctuary, which offers beautiful views back over the causeway and across the surrounding countryside. On the way, stop to enjoy the intricate stone carvings that adorn nearly every surface, with some 1,700 Apsaras, or celestial dancers, sculpted into the walls. Along the outer gallery walls run the longest continuous bas-relief in the world, which narrates stories from Hindu mythology, including the famous Churning of the Ocean of Milk. Angkor Wat is stunning at any time of the day, but sunrise and sunset are especially beautiful times to watch the play of light on the stones.
The fortified city of Angkor Thom covers an area of 10 square km. Enclosed by the walls and wide moat, the city includes many of Angkor's most popular sights. Enter by the monumental South Gate over a causeway lined on either side by statues of demons and gods, each carrying a giant naga. Continue to the Terrace of the Elephants and the Terrace of the Leper Kings, former spaces for public ceremonies, both adorned with dramatic bas-reliefs. Visit the ruined Baphuon, Royal Enclosure and Phimeanakas before continuing to the mysterious Bayon Temple. In this temple, one of the most popular and compelling in Angkor, explore the galleries of beautifully preserved bas reliefs and ascend narrow stairs to reach the central sanctuary, where you will find giant stone faces smiling enigmatically down at you from every angle.
Visit Ta Prohm, one of the most popular attractions of Angkor as much of the jungle has not been cleared and it looks very much as most of the Angkor monuments would have appeared when European explorers first stumbled across them.
Watch the sunset over the Cambodian countryside from the upper terraces of an ancient Angkorian temple.
Overnight in Siem Reap

DAY 4: SIEM REAP

All day at leisure
Overnight in Siem Reap

DAY 5: SIEM REAP - PHNOM PENH

Flight from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh
Overnight in Phnom Penh

DAY 6: PHNOM PENH

Sightseeing in Phnom Penh (8 hours)
Explore Phnom Penh, a chaotic, energetic and always fascinating city. Graceful tree-lined boulevards and riverfront promenades are reminders of bygone eras; today they teem with life and activity, as motorcycles weave in and out of traffic, vendors hawk their wares, and pedestrians go about their business. Start your tour at Wat Phnom, the birthplace of the capital; according to legend the city began here when a woman named Penh found four Buddha statues and built the temple to house them. Afterwards, see the splendour of Cambodia's royal heritage by visiting the Royal Palace, still the official residence of King Norodom Sihamoni, the adjacent Silver Pagoda, also known as the Pagoda of the Emerald Buddha, and the elegant National Museum, which contains a comprehensive collection of Khmer art.
In the afternoon, learn about a chapter from Cambodia's more recent, tragic past at the Tuol Sleng Museum (Museum of Genocide). Formerly the Tuol Svay Prey High School, in 1975, this became the interrogation and torture facility for the Khmer Rouge regime - at that time known as Security Prison 21, or simply S-21. Kept largely unchanged, this prison now showcases photographs and exhibits about the thousands of victims that passed through these doors - only seven of whom came out alive.
Finally, explore the modern-day city, visiting one of Phnom Penh's two great markets, the Central Market, located in a distinctive domed Art Deco building or the sprawling Russian Market, a labyrinth of stalls selling everything from Cds and Dvds to silks, crafts, jewellery and more.
Overnight in Phnom Penh

DAY 7: PHNOM PENH - KEP

By vehicle from Phnom Penh to Kep
Overnight in Kep

DAY 8: KEP

All day at leisure
Overnight in Kep

DAY 9: KEP

By vehicle from Kep to Phnom Penh

• Round-trip airfare on major airlines
• Fuel surcharge and Other Taxes
• English speaking guides
• Meals according to itinerary/ Breakfast box in lieu of ABF when early morning flight
• Flight from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap.
• Ground transportation in private A/C vehicle (complimentary cold towel and drinking water)
• 1 complimentary bottle of drinking water and 1 cold towel per person per half day tour/ 2 bottles of water and 2 cold towels per person per full day tour.
• Sightseeing includes admission fees according to the itinerary
• Accommodations in hotels as mentioned above or equivalent.

• Visa fees, drinks, personal expenses. **Visa Procedure: Cambodia
• Porter fees and tipping
• Other personal expenses such as laundry, telephone calls, shopping, etc.