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| Classic Cambodia |
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| Detail Itinerary |
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Phnom Penh |
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Arrival in Phnom Penh - Transfer - Overnight in Phnom Penh |
| Day
2 |
Phnom Penh - Siem Reap |
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Sightseeing in Phnom Penh
Explore PHNOM PENH, a chaotic, energetic and always fascinating city. Graceful tree-lined boulevards and riverfront
promenades are reminders of bygone eras; today they teem with life and activity, as motorcycles weave in and out of
traffic, vendor hawk their wares, and pedestrians go about their business. Start your tour with an insight into
Cambodia's cultural heritage with a visit to the ROYAL PALACE, still the official residence of King Norodom Sihamoi
and the adjacent SILVER PAGODA, also known as the Pagoda of the Emerald Buddha. Continue to the elegant NATIONAL
MUSEUM, which contains a comprehensive collection of Khmer Art. Finally, explore the modern-day city, visiting one
of Phnom Penh's two great markets, the CENTRAL MARKET, located in a distinctive domed Art Deco building (Central
Market is currently underconstruction but can be visited as usual), OR the sprawling RUSSIAN MARKET, a labyrinth of
stalls selling everything from CDs and DVDs to silks, crafts, jewelry and more.
Transfer - Flight from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap. - Transfer - Overnight in Siem Reap |
| Day
3 |
Siem Reap |
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Sightseeing in Angkor
The crowning jewel of Khmer architecture, ANGKOR WAT is the national symbol and the highlight of any visit to
Cambodia. The largest, best preserved, and most religiously significant of the Angkor temples, Angkor impresses
visitors both by its sheer scale and beautifully proportioned layout, as well as the delicate artistry of its
carvings. To approach the temple, first cross the vast moat, continuing along a broad causeway lined with naga
balustrades. As you enter the main building, ascend through a series of galleries and courtyard before reaching the
central sanctuary, which offers beautiful views back over the causeway and across the surrounding countryside. On
the way, stop to enjoy the intricate stonecarvings that adorn nearly every surface, with some 1,700 Apsaras, or
celestial dancers, sculpted into the walls. Along the outer gallery walls run the longest continuous bas-relief in
the world, which narrates stories from Hindu mythology, including the famous Churning of the Ocean of Milk. Angkor
Wat is stunning at any time of the day, but sunrise and sunset are especially beautiful times to watch the play of
light on the stones.
The fortified city of ANGKOR THOM covers an area of 10 square km. Enclosed by a wall and wide moats, the city
includes many of Angkor's most popular sights. Enter by the monumental SOUTH GATE over a causeway lined on either
side by statues of demons and gods, each carrying a giant naga. Continue to the TERRACE OF THE ELEPHANTS and the
TERRACE OF THE LEPER KINGS, former spaces for public cermonies, both adorned with dramatic bas reliefs. Visit the
ruined BAPHUON, ROYAL ENCLOSURE and PHIMEANAKAS before continuing to the mysterious BAYON TEMPLE. In this temple,
one of the most popular and compelling in Angkor, explore the galleries of beautifully preserved bas reliefs and
ascend narrow stairs to reach the central sanctuary, where you will find giant stone faces smiling enigmatically
down at you from every angle.
Visit TA PROHM, one of the most popular attractions of Angkor as much of the jungle has not been cleared and it
looks very much as most of the Angkor monuments would have appeared when European explorers first stumbled across
them.
Watch the sunset over the Cambodian countryside from the upper terraces of an ancient Angkorian temple.
Overnight in Siem Reap |
| Day
4 |
Siem Reap |
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Departure transfer. |
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