Cambodia – Memorable Family Holiday 5 days

After breakfast, pick up at your hotel and drive to visit the walled city of Angkor Thom, the royal city itself, covering four square miles and located in the complex’s geographic centre. Its 50-tower temple is an awesome sight. At first glance it seems a shapeless mass of stone, but further scrutiny reveals a face and then another and another until suddenly you are engulfed by the silent, heavy, enigmatic and silent gaze through half-closed eyes, staring out from a former time which now seems so remote. We then go on to the surroundings of the complex including the Baphou, Elephant Terraces, King’s Terrace and Royal Palace area.

Then continue to visit Preah Khan Temple. Built by King Jayavarman VII, Preah Khan is a place of towered enclosures and shoulder-hugging corridors. Ongoing restorations at Preah Khan are intended to maintain and indeed its present condition. We will also see Neak Pean, a fountain built in the middle of a pool and representing the paradisiacal Himalayan mountain-lake, the temple of Ta Som, as well as the unique brick sculptures of Prasat Kravan. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.

This afternoon, further our visit to a floating village at Tonle Sap Lake, also known as the Great Lake of Cambodia. Upon arrival at a local pier, embark on a boat and cruise to discover many communities on floating houses and boats, including schools, markets, children playing and swimming, and fresh water aquariums with different fish species displayed – a wonderful example of floating village life. Return to your hotel and overnight in Siem Reap.

In the early morning at about 04:45, you may wish to wake up early and set out for Angkor Wat, in front of the water lily pond, enjoying the temple’s reflection and the sunrise over the complex. Then continue exploring the intricately carved remains of Angkor Wat, one of the world’s most impressive temple sites. The temple still displays hundreds of fine carvings of Apsara and scenes from Hindu mythology. The Khmer constructed the temple between the 9th and 13th Centuries. Strolling around the massive hallways, you will find many small shrines still in use by the Cambodians. Return to your hotel for breakfast.

After breakfast, drive to visit the Angkor National Museum, known as the grand entrance to a world-class heritage that reveals the glory of Angkor Civilization. This museum enhances the cultural heritage of the Golden Era of Khmer Kingdom through amassed collection of invaluable artifacts and through state of the art multimedia technology exhibition for a full picturesque legendary story. Here a special lecture on Khmer civilization and archeology will be conducted by a famous archeologist. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.

This afternoon, enjoy shopping chance at one of the citi’s lively open markets, Psar Chars, also called the “Old Market”, where anything and everything is for sale!. Then take part in a blessing ceremony by Buddhist monks for happiness, prosperity and safety for your journey before returning to your hotel for fresh-up.

Later, meet up again with your guide and take a tuk-tuk ride (a local transport) or a motorbike (with driver) to enjoy Khmer cuisine. On this wholesome food tour you are invited to see and taste exotic foods and brews in authentic Khmer places that you never imagined existed in Siem Reap. Return to your hotel and overnight in Siem Reap

After breakfast, drive about 1.5hour to the remote Beng Mealea temple through the typical Khmer countryside (60kms from Siem Reap). We will pass through many lively villages and along kilometers of rice paddies, explore the long abandoned temple (11th century), strangled by the jungle. Lunch box will be provided on the site.

This afternoon, return to Siem Reap with a stop on the way to visit Banteay Srei, the birthplace of Khmer classical style architecture. This is a small temple complex but with carvings, which are impressive. Then if interested, visit the Land Mine Museum, which tells you the story of landmines in Cambodia, how they have impacted the country’s past, present and will continue to impact its future. Return to your hotel and overnight in Siem Reap.

Today is free at leisure until the time you will be taken to the airport for your departure flight or to next destination. End the trip in Siem Reap.