This hand crafted tour provides you with the opportunity to experience Siem Reap and all its wonders dating back to the 10th century. Your tour begins with the history of Angkor taking you on a journey from the past to the present. As you move through the history you will begin to see how far the Cambodian people have come, you will experience the creative and artistic side of this beautiful culture and the everyday lives of the Cambodian people today.
Day 1 Siem Reap: Arrival, Banteay Srei and Other Temples
Arrive in Siem Reap where you will be met by a Journeys Within representative and will be transferred to your hotel.
This afternoon set off with your guide to Banteay Srei, the intricately carved temple located just 30km beyond Angkor Wat. Head back to the local temples where you will visit Banteay Kdei and Ta Prohm, two of the prettiest temples in the complex.
Meals included: Lunch
Overnight at Jaya House River Park – 1 Double Deluxe Room
Day 2 Siem Reap: Angkor Wat and Angkor Thom Sunrise to Sunset with Sala Kdei Breakfast
Wake up early and head out to watch the sun rise over Angkor Wat, taking some time to explore this temple during the cool morning hours and before the crowds arrive. Follow this with a delicious breakfast set amidst the grounds of a beautiful traditional wooden house, overlooking the royal bathing pool of Sra Srang.
In the afternoon head to Angkor Thom, the famous walled city, and see the many temples within its borders, including the fascinating Bayon temple with its many magnificent faces smiling out. There are several beautiful spots from which to watch the sunset. Discuss with your guide where you would like to be and then relax and enjoy a memorable end to your day at the temples.
Meals included: Breakfast
Overnight at Jaya House River Park – 1 Double Deluxe Room
Day 3 Siem Reap: Hidden Temples and Phare Ponleu Selpak Circus
This morning your guide will meet you at the hotel at 7am and you will head into the temple complex via a special hidden road. Here you will find a smaller temple rarely visited by tourists. Despite being inside the Angkor temple complex, this is a quiet escape from the noise and bustle of some of the other temples. Once at the temple relax and do some exploring. When you’re ready to move on you can walk to a nearby Ta Keo Temple. Climb to the top and enjoy the amazing views! From Ta Keo head to the Angkor Thom Gate and take a walk along the Angkor Thom wall. Again, no one visits this beautiful area and it’s quiet and peaceful. At the end of the wall you will get to the East Gate, which was used for taking dead bodies to be cremated in Angkorian times. A beautiful gate with Bayon faces and you’ll be the only tourists there to see them. Return to your hotel for lunch or have your guide help you find a good place to eat in town. Remember to take a look at our Cheat Sheet which lists a number of our favorite restaurant recommendations!
This evening you will be treated to a unique performance by the Cambodian Circus, also known as the hugely talented Phare Ponleu Selpak from your VIP seats. Literally translated as ‘’the brightness of the arts’’, this Artistic and Social Center has been running as a non-profit association since 1994, and was founded by a group of young ex-refugees from Battambang Province. With your reserved VIP seats, there is no need to wait in line your seat is reserved for you! Sitting in the center of the big top tent, you will witness some remarkable acrobatics and visual arts while supporting one of Cambodia’s most inspiring projects. Performances start at 8:00pm.
Meals included: Breakfast
Overnight at Jaya House River Park – 1 Double Deluxe Room
Day 4 Siem Reap: Market, Artisan D’Angkor and Bambu Stage: 150 Years of Photography
Take a walk around the Old Market where the locals and tourists shop side by side. Then pay a visit to Artisans d’Angkor to see their workshop in town. Here you will be taken on a short tour to see the students learning the skills needed to produce works of art in a variety of different materials before visiting their beautifully displayed shop. From here you will head out to the Pua District, passing through Cambodian villages and countryside, until you reach the Artisans d’Angkor Silk Farm. Learn about the silk weaving process before seeing the beautiful finished products.
This evening you will be treated to a unique dinner experience. 150 years ago, in 1866, the Scottish photographer John Thomson and the Frenchman Emille Giselle took the first images of Angkor Wat and of the royal family in the palace in Phnom Penh. Using that as an impetus, the Bambu Stage show directors spent months sifting through photographic libraries to assemble a montage of images and short archival film clips that trace Cambodia’s recent history. Using themes of Angkor temples, entertainment and politics and war, this forty minute show unearths rare and powerful images, mashing the archival with the popular. The doors and the bar open at 6:30pm, with the show starting at 7pm.
Meals included: Breakfast
Overnight at Jaya House River Park – 1 Double Deluxe Room
Day 5 Siem Reap: Village Tour and Departure
Set out on the Journeys Within Village Tour with our guide who will take you to his village, showing you rice paddies and typical homes along the way. Once there take some time to explore this beautiful area, enjoy a fresh coconut drink and meet his family and neighbors.
Please note: Your guide for this tour will be different than your temple guide.
This afternoon your driver will meet you at your hotel for your private transfer to the airport, where you will arrive in time for your departure flight.
Meals included: Breakfast
PLEASE NOTE: This itinerary is currently in progress and does not reflect hotel room availability. The pricing is not final until the itinerary has been confirmed and booked.
Tour Rate: $1,215 per person based on two people traveling
Price includes:
- Accommodation as specified above
- Air-conditioned car/van with driver
- Licensed English speaking guides
- Tours and admission fees as mentioned above
- Meals as specified in itinerary, including water
Price excludes:
- Personal expenses
- Visa fees
- Airport tax
- Drinks (except water) and meals not mentioned in itinerary
- Tips
