Cambodia Arts and Crafts Tour

Cambodia arts and crafts tour is an example tour, typical of our Cambodia travel itineraries, and should be used as inspiration for your own tailor-made travel itinerary.

Day 0 - Arrive at Phnom Penh

Transfer to your chosen hotel

Day 1 - City and Palace

We start by visiting the Royal Palace, built in 1866 by King Norodom, and the Silver Pagoda, also located within the Royal Palace compound.

After lunch, an architectural tour of Phnom Penh by cyclo. Guided by Cambodian architects and architectural students, this allows a slower pace at which to see the city. Evening: Sovanna Phum Theatre with performances that include traditional music, dancing, acrobatics and shadow puppetry.

Day 2 - Art Ancient and Modern

Start at the National Museum for the best Angkorian era art in the world, then move to the neighbouring Royal University of Fine Arts (RUFA), where the outdoor studios can be visited, including ceramics, sculpture, wood carving and painting.

After a local lunch, move on to the nearby Reyum Institute, and wander around some of the more interesting stores and workshops of Street 178. We continue to the Russian Market, or the Central Market, housed in its unique art deco building. Finish the day with a sunset cruise - a private boat cruise on the Tonle Sap and Mekong rivers.

Day 3 - Fly to Siem Reap

Morning transfer to your flight to Siem Reap. After lunch travel by road to Banteay Kdei and Srah Srang and then to Ta Prohm. From the Northwest of Ta Prohm we shall walk to the temple of Ta Nei, and then finally enjoy a sunset drink at a special place we know of.

Day 4 - Angkor Wat

We shall travel by road to see and photograph the sunrise at Angkor Wat - one of life's great experiences. After returning for a leisurely breakfast, a chef will take you on a private trip (by tuk tuk) to the local market, and then proceed to the restaurant to learn the art of Khmer cooking, and to hopefully enjoy your efforts.

After a long morning, relax in the afternoon, perhaps taking the opportunity to visit some of the art galleries around Siem Reap, such as The Diwo Gallery and the McDermott Gallery, or Artisans d'Angkor. Finish the day enjoying dinner with a traditional Khmer dance performances, commonly referred to as Apsara Dance.

Day 5 - Siem Reap

Visit Kompong Khleang village, one of the largest settlements on the lake with many stilted houses lining the lake inlet to best escape the seasonal high water levels.

We move on to explore the earliest Angkor capital in the region, Hariharalaya, near the contemporary town of Roluos. The moat of Bakong, in particular, is a very photogenic spot. It is also possible to visit the puppet-making workshop in front of Preah Ko temple, or visit Wat Attvea to enjoy a water blessing by the monks.