Best of Cambodia: Temples and River 8-Day Tour | Super discount price by Legend Travel Group

Explore the best of Cambodia with our 8-day tour package, taking you on a journey through the country's rich history and breathtaking natural beauty. Begin your adventure in Siem Reap, where you will marvel at the ancient temples of Angkor and the intricate carvings of Banteay Srei. Experience the unique culture and way of life of Cambodia's floating villages on Tonle Sap Lake before heading to the bustling capital city of Phnom Penh. Here, you will learn about the country's past and present, from the tragic events of the Khmer Rouge regime to the vibrant and dynamic city it is today. Embark on a jungle trek and join Wildlife Alliance Rangers on patrol in the Cardamom Mountains, where you can spot a diverse range of flora and fauna. This package offers the perfect blend of history, culture, and adventure, leaving you with unforgettable memories and a deeper appreciation of Cambodia.
 

1. Angkor Wat: Explore the iconic temple complex and witness the stunning sunrise and sunset views over the ancient ruins.
2. Tonle Sap Lake: Experience the largest permanent freshwater lake in Southeast Asia and observe the unique lifestyle of the floating village community.
3. Cardamom Tented Camp: Get closer to nature and enjoy a half-day hike through the dense forest, accompanied by English-speaking guides and Wildlife Alliance Rangers.
4. Preah Khan and Banteay Srei: Discover the ancient ruins and intricate carvings of these two lesser-known but equally impressive temples.
5. Phnom Penh: Discover the capital city's past and present by visiting the historical landmarks such as the Royal Palace, National Museum, and the Killing Fields.
6. Local cuisine: Taste the unique flavors of Cambodia's cuisine, including Amok, Khmer curry, and other traditional dishes.

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

After breakfast, we will depart for Preah Khan Temple. It is located northeast of Angkor Thom and just west of the Jayatataka baray, with which it was associated. It was the center of a substantial organization, with almost 100,000 officials and servants. Next is Neak Poan, “the entwined snakes,” a small temple located on an island in the center of the now-dry Jayatataka baray, a water reservoir 3,500 meters long and 900 meters wide. We will continue to Tasom, which offers some beautiful photo spots, especially the rear entrance where tree roots adorn the gateway. You’ll also visit the Akira Landmine Museum to learn more about Cambodia’s modern history. By the end of the day, you’ll have a greater understanding of Cambodia’s ancient and recent past.

We will drive to the rural outskirt 35km from the Angkor area to visit the smallest but magnificent Banteay Srei, built in the 10th century and dedicated to Shiva. The temple was the birthplace of Khmer classical style architecture, and the bas-relief work is the best example of Khmer classical art remaining. The pink sandstone structure bears a series of striking and beautiful sculptures, lintels, pediments, and friezes. The Khmers say the temple must have been carved by women, for the details are too fine for the hands of a man. On the way back, we will stop at Pradark Village, where you will see the villagers making palm sugar and handicrafts for selling to tourists. It’s a nice chance for you to see the local people living in the countryside and struggling for their daily life.

Not to be missed is Banteay Samre: Its rose-colored sandstone walls are decorated with carvings and bas-reliefs, which are among the most accomplished Angkor has to offer.

For the late afternoon, we will head back into the main Angkor Park and journey to Pre Rup. We will finish by experiencing sunset over the rice fields from the royal crematorium of Pre Rup, a classic view of the Cambodian countryside.

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

We will enjoy a boat ride on the Tonle Sap Lake, which is the largest permanent freshwater lake in Southeast Asia and flows into the Tonle Sap River, joining the Mekong in Phnom Penh. During the ride, we will see a fishermen's "floating village" that includes floating schools, floating police stations, and other floating establishments. This village is like a big community that floats on the lake, moving from place to place depending on the water levels and current.

In the afternoon, we will be picked up by the bus company and take a shuttle bus from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh. Upon arrival at Phnom Penh bus station, our driver will meet us and transfer us to the hotel for check-in.

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 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

At 08:30 - 09:00 am, you will be picked up by a private air-conditioned vehicle (no guide) from your hotel in Phnom Penh and driven to Trapeang Rung, which takes approximately 4 hours. There will be coffee stops and a light meal en route (on your own account). Once you arrive, freshen up at the lodge's lounge in Trapeang Rung before embarking on an hour-long trip over the Preak Tachan River to Cardamom Tented Camp.

Settle into your comfortable safari-style tent and in the afternoon, go on an exploratory hike in the jungle around the camp. You'll be amazed by the diversity of the fauna! You'll also receive information on the conservation and protection work of Wildlife Alliance.

Overnight in Cardamom

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Accommodation: Overnight in Tent

On this day, you will have the opportunity to join a tour and explore the Cardamom Mountains. After an early breakfast, you will be met by Wildlife Alliance Rangers and an English-speaking guide, who will take you on a patrol over a network of abandoned poaching and logging trails through the dense forest. You will have the chance to spot a variety of wildlife, so be sure to keep your eyes peeled.

During the half-day hike, you will make a stop at the Ranger Station, where confiscated snares, traps, and improvised hunting rifles are on display. This is a great opportunity to learn more about the important conservation and protection work being done in the area.

After the hike, you can choose to use one of the kayaks provided, or hike back to the camp. You will spend another night in your comfortable safari-style tent at the Cardamom Tented Camp, where dinner will be provided.

Overnight in Cardamom

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Accommodation: Overnight in Tent

Enjoy your breakfast at your leisure. If you are an early riser, take the opportunity to go on a self-guided hike on the trails around the camp. At around 10:00hrs, board the boat back to Trapeang Rung and then transfer to Phnom Penh airport (no guide) for your departure flight.

Alternatively, you can continue your trip to Koh Rong Island for a beach holiday. Please inform Legend Travel Group in advance if you wish to extend your stay in Cambodia.

Thank you for choosing our services for your travel adventure in Cambodia. We hope you had a memorable time and we look forward to serving you again in the future. Safe travels!