6 days The Spirit of Mekong Delta & Cambodia

Day 4: Phnom Penh - Siem Reap

This morning, we depart Phnom Penh for Siem Reap. On the way, we stop at the Spider Market in Skun, known for its unusual local delicacies. Following that, we visit Kampong Kleang, located on the northern edge of the lake about 55 km east of Siem Reap town. Kampong Kleang is more remote and less conventional than Kampong Pluk, offering a unique glimpse into local life. Upon arriving in Siem Reap, we check into our hotel and spend the night. (Breakfast and lunch are included)

Day 5: Siem Reap - Angkor Thom - Angkor Wat

We rise at dawn to embark on our journey to the majestic Angkor Wat, the largest religious building in the world. This 12th-century temple, a symbol of Khmer pride and strength, captivates with its perfect blend of symbolism and symmetry. As we explore the intricate bas-reliefs that stretch for nearly a kilometer, we unravel tales of Hindu mythology and the glories of the Khmer empire.

Ascending to the upper levels of the sanctuary, we experience the steep final steps leading to the sacred heart of Angkor Wat, where spirituality and symmetry converge in an awe-inspiring manner. In the afternoon, we venture into the immense walled city of Angkor Thom, an architectural masterpiece by King Jayavarman VII.

The staggering scale of the city leaves us in awe as we approach its gates. The causeway adorned with a captivating bridge depicting the Churning of the Ocean of Milk sets the stage for our exploration. We begin at the Terrace of the Leper King, originally thought to represent a leprous ruler but now believed to depict Yama, the god of death.

Continuing along the Terrace of Elephants, once a grand viewing gallery, we reach the resplendent Baphuon Temple, meticulously restored and open to visitors. Our ultimate highlight is the enchanting Bayon Temple, located at the center of Angkor Thom. Its iconic 54 towers, crowned with the serene faces of Avalokiteshvara, exude both power and compassion. We unravel the mysteries of the bas-reliefs, portraying ancient battles and snapshots of everyday life during the Angkor period, before embarking on a climb upward. The night is spent in the same hotel. (Breakfast is included)

Day 6: Siem Reap - Kbal Spean - Banteay Srei

In the morning, we will visit the enchanting Banteay Srei. The temple leaves no space undecorated, with fine carvings in pink sandstone that are truly unique. We will then continue by car to a small chain of hills. After about an hour, we will arrive near Kbal Spean and continue our journey on foot. After approximately a 40-minute walk, we will hear the sound of a waterfall.

We will discover that the riverbed and surrounding rocks are covered with carvings representing the gods of the Brahma religion, dating back as far as the 11th century. This site is known as the "Thousand Lingas River." The water flows over sculptures of Vishnu, Lakshmi, Hanuman, Rama, and many Lingas, which were carved in stone to sanctify the water and thank the gods for their gift.

The sound of a small waterfall invites us to follow the river further through the small gorge. In the evening, we will enjoy a performance at Phare, the Cambodian Circus. The performers use theater, music, dance, and modern circus arts to tell uniquely Cambodian stories—historical, folk, and modern. We will spend the night in the same hotel. (Breakfast and lunch are included)