Phnom Penh Package Tours

Day 1: From Siem Reap to Phnom Penh through Sambor Prei Kuk

Leave Siem Reap and travel southeast on National Highway 6. This was old Angkor road and we stop in Kampong Kdei to see one of the ancient Angkor bridges that were built to span the rivers. Spean Praptos or the Praptos Bridge has more than 20 arches and is a spectacular sight, reinforcing the impression that Khmers were like the Romans of Southeast Asia. Once in Kampong Thom province (the central point of Cambodia), we take a short detour to explore the impressive pre-Angkorian capital of Isanapura, known today as Sambor Prei Kuk. The first major temple city in South-East Asia, the brick temples of Sambor Prei Kuk are peaceful contrast to their more illustrious relatives at Angkor. Visiting these ancient structures before our pilgrimage to Angkor offers a fascinating chronological insight into the development of temple architecture during the Khmer Empire. We explore the main temples here, including Prasat Tao with its elaborately coiffured lions and Prasat Sambor, with its crumbling sanctuaries.

We continue to the provincial town of Kampong Thom, where we stop for lunch. We then continue towards the Cambodian Capital, Phnom Penh. En route, there is the chance to pause at Skun, affectionately known as ''Spiderville'', where it is possible to sample the local delicacy of deep fried tarantula. We arrive in Phnom Penh and check into your hotel for the night.

Overnight in Phnom Penh

Day 2: Sightseeing in Phnom Penh

after breakfast we explore the modern city of Phnom Penh, a graceful capital and small city of old Asia, unlike the developing metropolises in nearby countries. Situated at the confluence of the Mekong, Bassac and Tonle Sap Rivers, the city retains much traditional and colonial charm. French villas hidden among tree-lined boulevards remind the visitor that the city was once considered the pearl of Asia. The riverfront area remains one of the most attractive in the region and is great for a late afternoon stroll. Recent political changes have encouraged a boom, with new hotels, restaurants, bars and nightclubs springing up around the city.

 Visit The Royal Palace

This graceful structure is very much a focus of the city. Standing on the site of the former citadel, it was built for King Norodom in front of the Mekong. Inside its walls are the Throne Hall, the Chan Chaya Pavillion, the Napoleon III Pavillion, and the King's and Queen's residential quarters. Today, only the Silver Pagoda is open. The Silver Pagoda is a gilltering chamber of royal treasures, also known as the Pagoda of the Emerald Buddha, Inside, its floor is made up of 5,000 silver blocks. In the centre of the pagoda, there is a magnificent 17th century emerald Buddha statue made of baccarat crystal. The walls enclosing the pagoda are covered with ancient frescoes depicting episodes from the Ramayana.

Visit National Museum

Another elegant city landmark, the museum is housed in a terracotta-roofed structure of traditional Cambodian design, which was built in between 1917 and 1920. It offers a charming setting for a stunning collection of Khmer art. The intricate sculptures date from both the Angkorian and pre-Angkorian eras, complimented by recent examples of Cambodian art and a wooden Buddha collection.