Cambodia Family Tour with Beach Break – 9 Days

Day 1: Siem Reap Arrival

Welcome upon arrival by local tour guide and driver, then transfer to hotel while receiving an interesting briefing about the history of Angkor, its culture, people and lifestyle.

Later, head to the Angkor Archeological Park to see the South Gate of Angkor Thom to see all huge causeway, moats, guardian gods, and head of the snake “Sheisha”… Then walk along the wall of Angkor Thom to Prasat Chrung, the best corner to view the setting sun and lastly take a Royal boat journey along the ancient moat. Overnight in Siem Reap.

Day 2: Siem Reap – Angkor Temples (B, L)

After breakfast, begin the magical day at the mystical Ta Prohm temple where ancient stones and massive tree roots engulf the ruins. The exploration will take approximately one hour, walking through this jungle temple. After that, journey into the ancient city of Angkor Thom to explore the treasures of this ancient walled city and visit to the mystical Bayon temple adorned with its smiling faces. Travel further into the temple complex and visit Baphoun, a hilltop pyramid-temple consecrated to the God Shiva that just opened to the public recently after renovation. Also visit the Elephant and Leper King Terraces, the royal enclosure temple of Phimean Akas and the serene Preah Pithu groups of smaller temples. Enjoy a walk along the ancient walls of this city and relax with a hot Cambodian style picnic lunch in a shaded area or alternatively, have lunch at a local restaurant.

In the afternoon, we head to the jewel of the Khmer Empire and visit the amazing Angkor Wat which was constructed to express the wealth and power of the Khmer Empire at the time. Come and dig out some secrets of Angkor with our experienced guide, reveal the stories and legends behind the sandstone carved bas-reliefs, gables, and lintels. Stroll around this massive monument to admire the Khmer architectural masterpiece and engineering.

Later today, enjoy sunset time and stunning sightseeing of Tonle Sap Lake, Western Baray, Angkor Wat and dense jungle of Angkor Thom at the top of the mountain temple of Phnom Bakheng. Overnight in Siem Reap.

Day 3: Siem Reap – Angkor Temples (B, L)

Today, descend from the mountaintop and head to see the pink sandstone temple of Banteay Srei, which stands alone in the jungle. This is a favorite site of many visitors. The special charm of this temple lies in its remarkable state of preservation, and the intricate, high-quality carvings in the solid sandstone. The unanimous opinion amongst French archaeologists who worked at Angkor is that Banteay Srei is a ‘precious gem’ and a ‘jewel in Khmer art.

Later today, visit the Cambodia Landmine Museum where we can learn about the period of civil war in Cambodia which was only ended as recently in 1998.
Tonight, your family will be amazed by the spectacle of the Phare Cambodia Circus; a troupe of young Cambodians offering a spectacular and exciting blend of traditional and modern theatre, music, dance, acrobatics, juggling and contortion beautifully choreographed and performed as a story about Cambodian life and society. Overnight in Siem Reap.

Day 4: Siem Reap – Tonle Sap Lake (B, L)

This morning, travel to the eastern part of Siem Reap to visit the Kompong Phluk or Kompong Khleang floating village in the Tonle Sap Lake area. Here, your family will know about the daily life of local people during the dry season and the wet season. Then stop at local houses to touch with the local families, discover the culture of nowadays Khmer people…

In the afternoon, enjoy a horse trail ride through the countryside and villages, riding for about 2 hours around Siem Reap. This is a different way to take us through the scenic rice fields and villages as well as suitable for both beginners and advanced riders to have fun. Tonight, your sumptuous dinner will be accompanied by a Classical Apsara Dance performance depicting scenes from Khmer Mythology. Overnight in Siem Reap.

Day 5: Siem Reap – Fly to Phnom Penh (B)

After breakfast, travel to Phnom Penh, the capital of Cambodia by one-hour domestic flight then we explore the Capital city of Cambodia by visiting the Royal National Museum, Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda. In the complex, you will know all about the history of the Royal Palace as well as the Silver Pagoda with a solid Buddha encruisted with 9,584 diamonds weighing 90kg and a small 17th-century emerald and baccarat crystal Buddha. End of the day, enjoy a cyclo tour along the Mekong River front passing Wat Phnom and Phsar Chass. Overnight in Phnom Penh.

Day 6: Phnom Penh – Koh Dach Mekong Island & City Tour (B)

After breakfast, take the local transportation known as the Moto Remork or Tuk Tuk to Koh Dach Island where you will have our local’s eye view of life on the river. Later, stroll around the village, stop at a community craft workshop and relax at the thatched roof of a water bungalow on a hammock. Besides fishing and farming, the local people guard many arcane skills in arts and crafts, put to excellent use in their high-quality products sold in the local market.

In the afternoon, return to the hasher times of Cambodian history while ruled by the Khmer Rouge (1975 – 1979) with a visit to the Tuol Sleng Museum which used as an interrogation center before sending the victims to the Killing Fields about 15km south of Phnom Penh. After that, stop at the Russian market where your family will have a short visit or shopping. There are many things such as souvenirs, curios, and silks…Overnight in Phnom Penh.

Day 7: Phnom Penh – Sihanoukville (B)

This is time for the family to relax at the most beautiful beach in Cambodia. Hideaway from the cities, travel 3-hour driving to Sihanoukville where we enjoy our best time in a nice resort with a sandy beach and sunny. Overnight in Sihanoukville.

Day 8: Sihanoukville (B)

Relax at the beach

Day 9: Sihanoukville – Phnom Penh Departure (B)

This morning, travel back to Phnom Penh for our flight home. Trip ends.