This morning, our tour guide will pick you up at your hotel as you leave the high-energy of Phnom Penh behind and explore the off-the-beaten track village of Koh Dach, known as Silk Island, where village artisans make a living by weaving silk into beautiful creations.  Board a local boat to enjoy a close-up view of the countryside and river life. Exchange boat for a bicycle for an easy ride over effortless, level terrain along narrow village lanes. Meet some of the families that still preserve traditional hand looming of silk and dyeing it with bright colors. Be amazed by the homemade spinning wheels made from old bicycle parts.
 
In the afternoon, you will visit the Royal Palace that includes the official residence of the royal family with parts of the massive palace compound, partially opened to the public. Wind your way to the nearby Silver Pagoda that boasts many national treasures including several golden and jeweled Buddha statues. Continue to the hillside temple of Wat Phnom that gave the Cambodian capital its name. The temple was originally built to preserve four statues of the Buddha that had been discovered in the heart of the Mekong River. Tour the temple surrounded by huge trees and mischievous monkeys while learning about the legend of Lady Penh, the founder of the city.
 
Overnight in Phnom Penh
Meal: Breakfast

Breakfast at your hotel, then you will be transferred to the airport for flight to Siem Reap.
On arrival in Siem Reap, our tour guide and driver will pick you up and transfer you to your hotel in Siem Reap city center.
Free time at your leisure.
 
Overnight in Siem Reap
Meal: Breakfast
 
OPTIONAL: HOME HOSTED MEALS
Take in the one-of-a-kind activity which allows you to escape the noise and crowds of downtown Siem Reap and discover the lives of the region’s inhabitants with a visit to a peaceful countryside village. Meet your friendly host and stroll around her garden to learn how local people traditionally grow herbs and vegetables. Select fresh produce and ingredients essential to Khmer cuisine and then participate in a cooking demonstration with your host. After the meal, it will be time to chat with your host family to understand more about relationships in a Khmer family

After breakfast, your guide will pick you up to explore the Angkor Complex, including the following temples:
 
Banteay Srei which translates to “Citadel of Women” is the modern name of a 10th-century Khmer temple: it is an interesting site for nearly everyone. The special charm of this temple lies in its compact size, remarkable state of preservation, and excellence in decorative sculpture. It is widely praised as the “jewel of Khmer art”.
 
Banteay Samré is a Hindu temple named after the Samré, an ancient people of Indochina. The structure is often recognized as a mini Angkor Wat: the sandstone rose- colored walls are decorated with sculptures and bas-reliefs, which are among the most accomplished things Angkor has to offer.
 
We continue to visit the fabulous Ta Prohm Temple, considered to be one of Angkor’s jewels, which is embraced by the roots of enormous fig trees and gigantic creepers. Ta Prohm was built in the 12th century and is a Buddhist temple dedicated to the mother of King Jayavarman VII.
 
Pre Rup Temple was built in the 10th century during the reign of King Rajendravarman II.

Prasat Kravan Temple is famous for its unique sculptures on the bricks
 
Srah Srang Reservoir was dug in the mid-10th century and the waters were once used as royal ritual baths.
 
Banteay Kdei Temple (Citadel of Monks) had been occupied by monks at various intervals over the centuries until the 1960s. The structure is surrounded by four concentric walls.
 
The evening is your free time for strolling on the busy street pubs or shopping at the Angkor Night Market.
 
Overnight in Siem Reap
Meal: Breakfast.

Today, we will set off for a full day exploring two main ruins of Angkor Complex. Start your exploration with the fortified city of Angkor Thom with its centerpiece, the Bayon temple. As you get inside this architectural marvel, you will admire the enigmatic faces of former King Jayavarman VII facing in every direction. Follow your guide to visit the Terrace of the Elephants, which served as a platform where the King could welcome back his victorious army, and the Terrace of the Leper King, which holds detailed carvings winding along a narrow passageway that leads to the Baphuon Complex.
 
In the afternoon, you will visit the famous Angkor Wat Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1992, famous for its beauty and splendor. For several centuries Angkor was the center of the Khmer Kingdom. Angkor Wat features the longest continuous bas-relief in the world, which runs along the outer gallery walls and narrates stories from Hindu mythology. The stories include topics such as the beginning of time, victory of good over evil and the tug of war between gods and demons. Angkor Wat is also featured on the national flag of Cambodia. 
 
Later in the afternoon, you will visit a local night market, where you will see a variety of local food, snacks, fruits, and clothes on display for sale. Walk through the market, you may sample fried Cambodian snacks including grasshoppers, spiders, cockroaches, crickets, baby frogs, and so on. These are all Cambodian favorites. Give it a try and take a picture to show your friends back home.
 
Overnight in Siem Reap
Meal: Breakfast.
 
OPTIONAL: Angkor Balloon  
Enjoy a bird’s eye view of the majestic temple ruins of the Angkor Complex and its surroundings as you will get on a tethered helium balloon and sail through the clouds.  From the stationary balloon’s vantage point, you will catch a perfect panoramic view of the city of Siem Reap, temple ruins and the Cambodia countryside surrounded by its lush farmland, paddy fields and sleepy villages.

Free time and transfer to the airport for the flight back home.
 
OPTIONAL: Blessing Ceremony at Khmer Pagoda
Coming to Cambodia – the country of Buddhism and Temples, is more than visiting the famous temples of the World Heritage Site:  you have a chance to deeply understand and feel the culture, history, and spiritual values of the country by going to a pagoda and being blessed by the monks.
 
Go to one of the most beautiful pagodas in town and participate in a private good luck blessing ceremony, performed by local monks that reside at the temple. Sit on carpets while the monks chant blessings and sprinkle holy water and flowers on you – a traditional way which is believed to bestow the good luck of the gods upon you. Afterwards, a sacred thread will be tied around your wrist. This will protect you from any evil spirits or misfortunes - then say goodbye to the monks and head for the next destination or back to the hotel.   
 
Best time to do: Early morning before main activities of the day or before flight time after 11.00am

Free time and transfer to the airport for the flight to Sihanoukville. On arrival, our driver will pick you up and transfer you by jetty to your boat to Koh Rong Island.
 
Overnight in Koh Rong
Meal: Breakfast

Koh Rong Island has long been a favorite getaway for tourists,- a true island paradise. It is known for its white sandy beaches and calm turquoise waters and coral reefs, such as those located around the Koh Rong pontoon. Unsurprisingly, it has recently become a top tourist destination.
Breakfast at your resort,
Free time for relaxing on the beach.
 
Overnight in Koh Rong
Meal: Breakfast