Best of Cambodia: Siem Reap to Phnom Penh 5-Day Tour

Over the course of five days, you will have the opportunity to explore two of Cambodia's most fascinating cities, Siem Reap and Phnom Penh, and experience the rich culture, history, and natural beauty of this beautiful country.

We will start our journey in Siem Reap, where we will spend our first day exploring the city and getting acclimated to our new surroundings. On the second day, we will discover the highlights of the world-renowned Angkor Archaeological Park.

On the third day, we will visit the beautiful Tonle Sap Lake, the largest permanent freshwater lake in Southeast Asia, and witness the unique floating village lifestyle of local fishermen. In the afternoon, we will take a shuttle bus to Phnom Penh, where we will spend the rest of our trip.

On the fourth day, we will explore the fascinating history and culture of Phnom Penh through a full-day city tour. We will visit the Royal Palace, Silver Pagoda, Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, and the Killing Fields of Choeung Ek.

On the final day of our tour, we will have breakfast before checking out of our hotel in Phnom Penh and departing for our onward journey.

Join Legend Travel Group on this unforgettable journey to Cambodia and create memories that will last a lifetime!
 

1. Angkor Archaeological Park: This vast archaeological site boasts impressive ancient temples, including the iconic Angkor Wat, and is one of the most visited tourist destinations in Southeast Asia.
2. Tonle Sap Lake and Floating Village: This unique ecosystem is the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia and is home to a fascinating floating village community with schools, markets, and even a floating police station.
3. Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda: The stunning Royal Palace is the official residence of the Cambodian monarch and is home to the impressive Silver Pagoda, with its floor made of 5,329 silver tiles.
4. Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum: A sobering and important site that documents the atrocities of the Khmer Rouge regime in Cambodia, providing insight into the country's dark past.
5. Killing Fields of Choeung Ek: This memorial site is a reminder of the brutal genocide that took place in Cambodia and is a place to pay respects to the many lives lost during this tragic period.
6. Local Cuisine: Cambodia is renowned for its delicious cuisine, and sampling traditional dishes like Amok, a coconut-based curry, and Nom Banh Chok, a rice noodle dish, is a must during any visit to the country.

Today, you will be arriving in Siem Reap, a charming city located in the northwestern region of Cambodia. You will be picked up from the airport and transferred to your hotel in Siem Reap for check-in. Once you have settled into your accommodation, you will have the rest of the day free at leisure to explore the city and its surroundings. You may choose to visit the famous Angkor Wat temple complex, take a stroll through the bustling night market, or simply relax and enjoy the local cuisine. Overnight in Siem Reap.

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Accommodation Options:

La Niche D’angkor Hotel - 3-star or similar

Royal Angkor Resort - 4-star or similar

Angkor Village Hotel - 5-star or similar

After enjoying breakfast at the hotel, we will drive to Angkor Thom, which was a magnificent architectural masterpiece built by King Jayavarman VII. The king built this fortress in the heart of his empire as a response to the occupation of Angkor by the Chams from 1177 to 1181.

Our first stop will be the Bayon Temple, which is located at the exact center of Angkor Thom. This temple is an eccentric expression of the creative genius and inflated ego of Cambodia's most celebrated king. We will also have a photo stop at the Terrace of the Leper King, which is a unique stone terrace located in the Royal Square of Angkor Thom.

Next, we will visit the Terrace of Elephants, which was originally used as a viewing gallery for the king to preside over parades, performances, and traditional sports. At the southern end of the terrace lies the Baphuon, one of the most beautiful temples at Angkor, dating from the reign of Uditayavarman I in the 11th century.

We will also visit the picturesque Ta Prohm temple, which has nearly disappeared into the jungle and remains overgrown, creating an exotic and haunting scene. The magnificent roots of a tree, which are pushing between the huge stone blocks of the temple in a sort of embrace, evoke feelings that you may remember forever.

Our final stop will be the mother of all temples, Angkor Wat. This temple is believed to be the world's largest religious building and is the perfect fusion of symbolism and symmetry. It is a source of pride and strength to all Khmers.

After a long day of exploring, we will return to the hotel for an overnight stay in Siem Reap.

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Accommodation Options:

La Niche D’angkor Hotel - 3-star or similar

Royal Angkor Resort - 4-star or similar

Angkor Village Hotel - 5-star or similar

We will have the opportunity to explore the beautiful Tonle Sap Lake with a boat ride. This lake is the largest permanent freshwater lake in Southeast Asia and connects to the Tonle Sap River, eventually joining the Mekong River in Phnom Penh. During the boat ride, we will witness the fascinating lifestyle of local fishermen in a "floating village" with unique features such as floating schools and even a floating police station. This village is like a big community floating on the lake, moving from one location to another depending on the water levels and current.

After the boat ride, we will transfer to the Siem Reap bus station and board a shuttle bus to Phnom Penh. Once we arrive at the Siem Reap bus station, our driver (no guide) will be waiting to take us to the hotel for check-in. We will spend the night in Phnom Penh, ready to explore more of this vibrant city the following day.

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Accommodation Options:

Okay Boutique Hotel - 3-star or similar

Anik Palace Hotel - 4-star or similar

Palace Gate Hotel - 5-star or similar

After enjoying breakfast at your hotel, the tour will begin with a visit to the Royal Palace compound, which was built in 1866 by the predecessors of King Norodom. The palace boasts an impressive and colorful Khmer-style architecture and is the most prominent feature in Phnom Penh. Adjacent to the Royal Palace is the Silver Pagoda, also known as the Emerald Buddha temple, which displays numerous Buddha statues decorated with diamonds, emeralds, gold and silver.

Next, you will proceed to the National Museum, a distinctive red building with beautiful Khmer architecture that has been standing since 1917. It contains over 5,000 art objects made of sandstone, bronze, silver, copper, wood and other materials. The tour continues with a visit to the Independence Monument, which was constructed in 1954 to commemorate Cambodia's independence from French colonial rule.

At noon, you will visit Phsar Thmey, also known as the Central Market. This large market, constructed in 1937, features a dome-shaped building with four branching arms leading to vast hallways filled with countless stalls selling a wide range of products, including gold and silver, antique coins, money exchange, books, flowers, fabrics, shoes, souvenirs, seafood, and more.

Next, you will head to Wat Phnom, also known as the Mountain Pagoda, a Buddhist temple located on a hill that symbolizes the name of Phnom Penh. According to legend, the first pagoda on this site was erected in 1372 to house four Buddha statues discovered by Lady Penh in the waters of the Mekong River. Wat Phnom is a popular place for locals to come and play, pray for good luck, and admire the stunning sunset.

In the late afternoon, you will enjoy a sunset cruise on the Mekong River to view the Royal Palace from the water as it bursts into four branches. Overnight in Phnom Penh.

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Accommodation Options:

Okay Boutique Hotel - 3-star or similar

Anik Palace Hotel - 4-star or similar

Palace Gate Hotel - 5-star or similar

After enjoying a hearty breakfast at your hotel, you will have some free time to explore Phnom Penh at your leisure. Perhaps you can visit any attractions that you might have missed or indulge in some last-minute shopping. Later, a driver will pick you up from your hotel and transfer you to the airport for your departure flight. We hope that you had a wonderful time in Phnom Penh and we look forward to seeing you again on your next adventure with Legend Travel Group. Your airport transfer is included in the itinerary.