Mystical Angkor Journey – 5 Days / 4 Nights
Siem Reap - Phnom Penh
Immerse yourself in the local communities of the Khmer people and discover the rich culture and architecture of Cambodia with our Authentic Angkor Tour. The journey begins in Siem Reap where you will explore the local markets and visit the fascinating Angkor National Museum by Tuk Tuk, followed by an enjoyable street food experience on your first day. During the tour you will visit the magnificent temples of the Angkor region including Banteay Srei, the impressive Bakong, and the iconic temples within Angkor Wat and Angkor Thom. These remarkable sites reveal the grandeur of the Khmer Empire and the artistic achievements of the Angkorian civilization.
Duration: 5 days / 4 nights
Country: 3
Code: CAC7
Classic Highlights
Itinerary
Expand all Collapse allUpon arrival at Siem Reap, you will be welcomed by your guide and transferred to the hotel for check in. Early check in is not included and will be subject to the hotel’s availability.
After a short rest, begin a city orientation with a visit to the local spiritual shrine Preah Ang Chek Preah Ang Chorm Shrine, an important place where local people come to pray for good luck and blessings. Continue to the fascinating Angkor National Museum to discover impressive collections of Khmer artifacts and learn about the ancient history and civilization of Cambodia.
In the early evening, explore the vibrant nightlife of Siem Reap by Tuk Tuk. Walk through lively food markets and local streets to experience authentic Cambodian street cuisine. Dinner will be served at a local beer garden where you may enjoy local beer or soft drinks, and adventurous travelers may try unique specialties such as fried insect snacks. You will also have time to visit the night market and experience the popular fish spa foot massage.
At the end of the evening, take a short Tuk Tuk ride back to your hotel.
Note
If you prefer not to dine at the local beer garden, dinner will be arranged with a set menu at Chanrey Tree (meal only, drinks excluded).
At 7:00 AM, depart from Siem Reap and drive about 35 km to the countryside northeast of the Angkor area to visit the magnificent Banteay Srei. Built in the 10th century and dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva, this temple is renowned for its delicate pink sandstone carvings. Often considered a masterpiece of classical Khmer art, the temple features beautifully detailed sculptures, lintels, pediments, and decorative friezes.
Continue the journey to the peaceful hilltop temple of Chau Srei Vibol. This charming and lesser known temple receives very few visitors and offers a quiet atmosphere away from the main tourist routes.
Lunch will be arranged at a local restaurant. Meals are at your own expense.
In the afternoon, visit the ancient site of Hariharalaya, one of the earliest centers of Khmer civilization dating back to the late 9th and early 10th centuries. This historical area is known today as the Roluos Group, where you will explore the main temple, Bakong, the first large sandstone temple mountain built by the Khmer Empire.
Optional activity
Enjoy a unique sunset experience in the rice paddies with a bottle of champagne. The setup location
Start the day early at 7:00 AM to avoid the crowds and visit the beautiful jungle temple of Ta Prohm. Famous for its giant tree roots embracing the ancient stone walls, the temple creates a unique and mysterious atmosphere that leaves a lasting impression on visitors.
Continue the journey to the magnificent Angkor Wat, one of the most impressive archaeological sites in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The temple is renowned for its grand architecture and the delicate carvings of Apsara dancers that represent the artistic achievements of the Angkorian era. Lunch will be at a local restaurant at your own expense.
In the afternoon, explore the ancient royal city of Angkor Thom. Inside the city walls stands the famous Bayon, known for its 54 towers decorated with hundreds of serene stone faces that quietly gaze in all directions.
Continue visiting other remarkable monuments within the complex including Baphuon, the Terrace of the Elephants, the Terrace of the Leper King, and the Royal Palace area. The tour then continues to the impressive Preah Khan, a large temple complex built in the 12th century by King Jayavarman VII in a style similar to Ta Prohm.
Leave the city of Siem Reap and travel along a newly paved road to visit the remote and fascinating jungle temple of Beng Mealea. Built in the early 12th century during the reign of King Suryavarman II, this mysterious temple is constructed mainly from sandstone and is surrounded by large moats.
The temple follows a classical Angkorian layout with three enclosing galleries surrounding a central sanctuary. The long causeways are decorated with balustrades in the shape of seven headed naga serpents, a common symbol in Khmer architecture. Although smaller than Angkor Wat, Beng Mealea is still considered one of the larger temples of the Khmer Empire and offers a unique atmosphere as many parts remain partially covered by jungle vegetation.
After the visit, return to the hotel in Siem Reap. The rest of the day is free at leisure.
In the morning, depart from Siem Reap and travel to a peaceful countryside village. Upon arrival, begin a walking tour through the village to observe the daily life of local residents. Along the way, you will see many interesting activities such as locals washing their vehicles, selling gasoline in recycled bottles, or running small food stalls along the village streets.
During the walk, you may have the chance to taste fresh fruits from local plants while enjoying the beautiful rural scenery and interacting with friendly villagers. Continue the experience with a traditional 30 minute ox cart ride through the rice paddies to reach a local family house. Here, you will observe daily activities such as making rice wine and handicrafts. Members of the family will warmly welcome you with fresh coconut and homemade rice wine for tasting.
Lunch will be served at this simple but clean village house, giving you the opportunity to chat with the family and learn more about authentic Cambodian village life.
After lunch, continue by vehicle to the floating community of Mechrey Floating Village. Here you will enjoy a kayaking experience through floating houses, schools, and shops that gently move on the water while local residents travel by traditional wooden boats. This activity is recommended from October to February when the water level is higher.
The tour is expected to finish around 5:30 PM. After the excursion, transfer to the airport for your departure flight.
Tour includes:
- Accommodation in a double or twin share room with daily breakfast
- Private air-conditioned vehicle during all tours and transfers.
- Entrance fees for all visits as mentioned in the itinerary
- Experienced English speaking guide during all tours and transfers
- Meals as specified in the itinerary
- Ox-Cart ride
- Local private boat, Kayak
- Water & cool towels
- Government taxes & service charge
Tour excludes:
- Cambodia Visa stamp fee: USD 30/ person
- International airfare and departure taxes
- Meals, if not specified in the itinerary
- Early check in/ late check out
- Domestic flights and domestic airport taxes
- Gala dinner on 24th and 31st December if any
- Surcharged for Peak season: USD80 per room per night from 27 Dec 2018 – 04 Jan 2019 & 04 – 09 Feb 2019
- Drinks and meal not mentioned
- Personal expenses such as laundry, telephone, drinks … etc.
- Personal travel insurance (we highly recommend that you purchase adequate insurance).
- Gratuities/ Tipping
- All other services not specified in the itinerary




