Explore in and around Siem Reap on this seven-day tour. Visit the “must-see” main Angkor Temples before heading to the quiet villages and forgotten temples which serve as fascinating reminders of the ancient civilization that once thrived here. Round out your experience by kayaking through the flooded forests of Tonle Sap Lake, and spend some time getting to know the locals through JWOC’s Hospitality Class.
Day 1 Siem Reap: Arrival and Orientation Tour
When you arrive at the airport in Siem Reap, you will be met by a Journeys Within representative just outside the airport exit doors and will be driven to the main part of town for a quick orientation tour. You will be given a quick introduction to the city, and the Journeys Within representative will point out the main roads, markets, some recommended restaurants and Wat Bo, before dropping you off at your hotel to check in.
Meals Included: None
Overnight at Heritage Suites Hotel – Bungalow Suite
Day 2 Siem Reap: Angkor Wat and Angkor Thom: Sunrise to Sunset
Wake up early and head to Angkor Wat for sunrise and a morning tour of the temple before the crowds arrive. Mid-morning head back to your hotel for breakfast before relaxing in the garden, by the pool, or in your own room through the heat of the day.
In the early 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 great spots from which to watch the sunset and your guide will discuss the options with you.
Meals included: Breakfast
Overnight at Heritage Suites Hotel – Bungalow Suite
Day 3 Siem Reap: Beng Mealea and Rolous Group
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before leaving the crowds behind and heading to Beng Mealea, one of Angkor’s more mysterious temples, located about an hour and half from the town center. After an hour you will leave the paved road and head out onto the beaten track running through rice fields and villages of rural Cambodia. At the temple your guide will help you imagine how it once was as you pick your way through the rubble which now surrounded by jungle. Head back towards Siem Reap, along the way stopping to visit the Rolous Group, a group of Angkorean temples located 15 minutes outside of Siem Reap in a beautiful area.
Return to your hotel for lunch or have your guide help you find a good spot in town. Remember to take a look at our Cheat Sheet which lists a number of our favorite restaurant recommendations!
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Overnight at Heritage Suites Hotel – Bungalow Suite
Day 4 Siem Reap: Tour to the Lingas, Banteay Srei and Other Temples
This morning you will be taken by your guide to explore the fascinating Kbal Spean. Once there hike for about two hours to get to the “River of a Thousand Lingas.” In ancient times if water ran over lingas it was said to be holy water. The ancient Khmers therefore made thousands of lingas along this riverbed so the water that flowed to their rice fields was blessed. The lingas and other stone carvings remain today. After exploring the surrounding jungle, enjoy lunch at local restaurant.
This afternoon set off with your guide to Banteay Srei, the intricately carved temple just 30km beyond Angkor Wat. Then head back to the local temples where you will visit Banteay Kdei and Ta Prohm, two of the prettiest temples in the complex. There are several beautiful spots from which to watch the sunset.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Overnight at Heritage Suites Hotel – Bungalow Suite
Day 5 Siem Reap: Kayaking Tour
Experience a unique Journeys Within day kayaking on the Tonle Sap Lake. You will set out around 8am and drive for about an hour before boarding a boat for a 40 minute ride to one of the lake villages. Here the homes are built on stilts because, while in the dry season the surrounding area is dry, in the rainy season it is flooded and so they rise above the water level. You will arrive at the local home that stores the canoes and after a short safety briefing head off with your guide who will lead you through waterways, flooded forests and out into the Tonle Sap Lake where you can take a dip if you wish. After you’ve explored around, wind your way back through the village, taking in local life in this watery environment before returning to a local home for some lunch and a leisurely boat and car ride back to town.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Overnight at Heritage Suites Hotel – Bungalow Suite
Day 6 Siem Reap: Village Tour, Market and JWOC Community Library Class
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. From there head to Pua District and visit the fascinating Artisans de Angkor Silk Farm where many local women are trained in the art of silk weaving.
Please note: your guide for this tour will be different than your temple guide.
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.
Come and spend an hour in JWOC’s Community Library where you’ll get to meet some of the children from the surrounding communities. Between 3pm and 4pm you can help the younger children complete a puzzle, engage in some arts and crafts, or perhaps enjoy constructing a castle from the building blocks, while helping them practice their basic English. Or if you prefer something quieter, there’s always someone looking for story time. You will also have a chance to meet with our scholarship students and gain a greater understanding about the work we do within our community.
Please note: You should arrive at 2:30pm so you can get an overview of JWOC before jumping in to help!
Meals included: Breakfast
Overnight at Heritage Suites Hotel – Bungalow Suite
Day 7 Siem Reap: Departure
Your driver will meet you at your hotel for your private transfer to the airport, where you will arrive in time for your onward flight.
Meals included: Breakfast
Tour Rate: $1,755 per person based on 2 people traveling (double occupancy) with a single supplement of $1,560
Price includes:
- Boat tickets as specified above
- 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
