"The use of traveling is to regulate imagination by reality, and instead of thinking how things may be, to see them as they are."
- Samuel Johnsom
- Samuel Johnsom
Angkor Wat tours and Cambodia travel information with the country specialist
Siem Reap Phnom Penh Tour
Summary
The Siem Reap-Phnom Penh one week tour is an example tour, typically of those wanting to see as much of Cambodia as possible in a one-week stay. At a glance it may look like many other mass market, week-long tours of Cambodia but the routing and attention to crowd avoidance around Angkor Wat, the Angkor Archaeological park and the lake give a vastly different experience to the visitor.
This week in Cambodia gives a flavour of modern contemporary life, from the bustling capital to the rural communities and fishing villages, as well as enough time to see all of the major sights that Cambodia offers - and some of the more obscure ones. Staying for a week gives more flexibility in designing your tour: customise this itinerary to your own taste, or Contact us to book it "as is".
Variations and inspirations for your vacation to Cambodia can be found on our Cambodia tours library or browse the tours by travel style collection.
Typical Costs (pp)
With 5 nights accommodation in Siem Reap, and 2 nights in Phnom Penh
Raffles Grand Hotel d'Angkor, Raffles Le Royal - $1856/$1428
La Residence d'Angkor, Amanjaya Pancam - $1543/$1061
FCC Angkor, The Quay - $1006/$806
Steung Siem Reap, Anise - $737/$677
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Prices per person for 2010 peak/low season, twin shared accommodation, all touring and entry fees included
Itinerary
Day 0 - Arrive at Siem Reap
Met from your flight, with a private transfer to your chosen hotel
Day 1 - Angkor Thom & Temples of the Forest
We begin the day at the peaceful bathing pool of Srah Srang, before moving to the highly photogenic Ta Prohm temple ruins (featured in the film "Tomb Raider").We then move on to the little-visited Ta Nei temple, which yuo may have to yourself, before finishing the morning at the temple mountain of Ta Keo.
After lunch at your hotel, we drive to the walled city of Angkor Thom, arriving at the Victory gate, and then walking along a section of the 8m high laterite wall to the East (Death) Gate. We visit several of the Angkor Thom temples, and the Elephant Terrace and Terrace of the Leper King, before arriving at Bayon.
We finish the day with Sunset drinks at a beautiful secluded spot that we know of.
Day 2 - Tonle Sap and Roluos
We start the day by visiting the main local market of Psa Leu, then journey by road to the Tonle Sap lake, where we glimpse the life of the lake dwellers of the stilted village of Kompong Khleang. We return via the Roluos group of temples, visiting Preah Ko and Bakong, with the option of stopping at Wat Attvea for a water blessing by the buddhist monks there.
Day 3 - Angkor Wat & the Twin Temples
Depending on the season, we may start at sunrise on our exploration of Angkor Wat, one of the great achievements of mankind, taking time to explore the central complex and bas-reliefs that line its galleries, with an optional local breakfast if starting early.
Returning from lunch we can have a relaxed walk and exploration of Angkor Wat's moat and perimeter before moving on to the Twin Temples of Pre Rup and East Mebon, with an option to visit Banteay Samre before returning home.
Day 4 - Remote Scenes
Across ancient reservoirs and through pretty villages and rice paddies, we travel by road to Banteay Srei to see the finest Angkor-period carvings, before proceeding to Phnom Kulen, with its linga river carvings, waterfalls and shrines. After enjoying a local lunch, we can continue by road to Beng Mealea, ruined ancient blueprint for Angkor Wat.
Day 5 - Arrive at Phnom Penh
Explore the villages, markets and rural scenery along NR6 (private transportation): Stop in Skuon to see (try?) the deep fried spiders, the ancient carving villages and the large markets of Kompong Thom, and Jayavarman VII's wonderful bridge - still going strong after 800 years (and no cement!). After checking in to your hotel, relax and enjoy a private boat cruise (weather allowing) on the Tonle Sap and Mekong rivers to watch the sunset.
Day 6 - Khmer Rouge and Jewels of Phnom Penh
A tough beginning to the day, with visits to the Choeung Ek Killing Fields and Tuol Sleng (S21) Prison, where only 7 survived from 1000s incarcerated. You will make more sense of modern Cambodia with a familiarity of the events of the late 1970s and how the country continues to recover from this tragedy.
We continue to the Royal Palace built in 1866 by King Norodom, and the Silver Pagoda located within the Royal Palace compound, named due to the floor being composed of over 5,000 silver tiles. We then head to the National Museum which houses the world's best collection of Khmer art, especially sculpture, and can choose to explore the shops and boutiques in the Street 178 area, or move on to climb the small hill within the city to see Wat Phnom and learn how the city got its name.
Day 7 - Depart
Transfer to your onward flight.
Not staying this long?
It is possible to save some time by flying between Siem Reap and Phnom Penh, and having 3-3½ days touring in Siem Reap, and a full day in Phnom Penh. If staying less than 5 days, perhaps consider the 4-day Angkor tour, or 6 day Siem Reap tour as a basis for your stay.
Staying for longer?
You have the time to visit other great places such as Koh Ker, or spend more time exploring Phnom Penh. Alternatively travel further afield to Battambang, or Kep & Kampot - have a look at the Cambodia 2 weeks tour for inspiration.
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