Kingdom of Wonder Tour: Phnom Penh, Majestic Mekong & Siem Reap & Cruise Southeast Asia cruise

Itinerary

• Day 1-2 - Flight departs
  Say goodbye to your current destination, for it’s time to head somewhere new! Flight information will be available closer to your embarkation date, but this will be when you’re hopping on a plane to continue your adventure – be that travelling somewhere new, or heading home.
• Day 2-4 - Phnom Penh Hotel Stay - 2 Nights
  An impressive modern metropolis littered with remarkable historical landmarks, Phnom Penh is a spectacular city to stay in when visiting Cambodia; and, you’re going to be spending two nights in a hotel here while you explore some of its best bits. So, while you’re spending some time learning more about this countries’ culture and history, you’ll be fully immersed in the Cambodian capital.
• Day 3 - Phnom Penh - Royal Palace & Silver Pagoda
  Cambodia’s most populous city and acting capital since 1865, Phnom Penh is a destination boasting an incredible blend of unique histories and modern delights; an important location for both the Khmer Empire and the subsequent European colonialists, you’ll find an abundance of culturally significant and politically important sites in Phnom Penh. Among the most important, and certainly some of the most impressive, are found in the Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda complex – and you’re going to have a chance to explore this during your time in the Cambodian capital. A site established in 1866, the Royal Palace is the official residence of the King of Cambodia; featuring a defensive wall, elaborate throne room, and several towering spires, this is a fantastic example of Khmer architecture in action. The Silver Pagoda, a temple inlaid with over 5,000 silver tiles, houses some of Cambodia’s most significant national treasures – the Emerald Buddha of Cambodia and life-sized Maitreya Buddha chief among them. While exploring this incredible location, you’ll also visit the National Museum of Cambodia, a stunning sandstone museum showcasing the world’s largest collection of Khmer artwork. An experience that offers invaluable insight into how Cambodia’s rich history influences its society today, you won’t forget your time in Phnom Penh.
• Day 3 - Phnom Penh - Infamous Killing Fields
  The significant impact of the radical Khmer Rouge regime is felt throughout Cambodia, and this part of your tour aims to highlight why that is through an exploration into some of the atrocities committed by the Khmer Rouge under dictator Pol Pot in the late 1970s. Starting with a visit to the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, a former schoolhouse that was transformed into one of the regime’s largest detention and torture centres, you’ll have the chance to learn more about Cambodia’s darkest years through exhibits that feature contemporary equipment, first-hand accounts, imagery pulled directly from Khmer Rouge records, and preserved rooms showcasing the conditions here during its use. A sobering sight, it’s important to be prepared; this museum does not shy away from the brutality of the past. You’ll continue on from the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum to Choueng Ek, one of Cambodia’s most infamous Killing Fields, where a Buddhist stupa now stands in memorial to the millions who suffered under the Khmer Rouge. This impactful tour highlights Cambodia’s resilience and the nation’s significant journey towards healing the wounds of its past.
• Day 4-7 - 3 Nt Mekong River Cruise - Phnom Penh to Kampong Cham (Cambodia)
  The Mekong River, an impressive waterway that flows from Southwest China into the Mekong River Delta in Vietnam, is a fascinating natural wonder boasting immense cultural, economic, and ecological significance to several Southeast Asian nations, including Myanmar, Laos, Thailand, and Cambodia. For the next three nights of your adventure throughout Southeast Asia, you’ll be invited to embark on a thrilling river cruise along the Mekong River, enjoying daily excursions to fascinating destinations alongside sensational regional cuisines and engaging onboard entertainment. Starting your first day onboard with a walking tour of Koh Chen, a charming village known for its metalworking, you’ll travel by coach to Oudong, Cambodia’s ancient capital, to explore this intriguing city. Then, after lunch, you’ll travel by tuk-tuk to Silk Island, learning more about Cambodia’s traditional silk weaving techniques, before immersing yourself in a fascinating Krama demonstration. As evening arrives, a relaxing evening of incredible regional cuisine and entertainment awaits you onboard. Day two sees you spend some time in the morning exploring the village of Angkor Ban before sailing along the Mekong River to Kampong Cham. While here, you’ll spend some time onboard learning the delicate art of folding lotus flowers, learning more about their significance as a symbol in Southeast Asian tradition, before venturing ashore on a walking tour of Kampong Cham. You’ll then have another chance to enjoy an evening of incredible food and entertainment onboard. After breakfast on day three, you’ll disembark at Kampong Cham and travel through the luscious Cambodian countryside to reach Siem Reap, Cambodia’s second-largest city and your gateway to the remarkable Angkor Wat temple complex. Upon arrival, you’ll sit down for a final lunch at a local restaurant, a wonderful chance to indulge in regional cuisines. While this marks the end of your river cruise experience along the Mekong, your adventures through this fascinating region are far from over and more excitement awaits.
• Day 7 - Transfer to Siem Reap
  Your sensational tour of Southeast Asia continues! At this stage of your unforgettable getaway, you’ll be transferring to Krong Siem Reap, Cambodia’s second-largest city. Sitting just south of the iconic Angkor Wat temple complex, this vibrant city is home to an abundance of fascinating cultural experiences, flavourful cuisines, and so much more. So, it’s time to say suostei to Siem Reap, as adventure awaits!
• Day 7-9 - Siem Reap Hotel Stay - 2 Nights
  Just south of the remarkable Angkor Wat temple complex, Krong Siem Reap is Cambodia’s second-largest city, home to an abundance of fascinating cultural experiences, culinary delights, and engaging insights into this nation, its past, and its people. During this sensational exploration of Southeast Asia, you’ll have the chance to spend some time in this incredible city. Further details of your hotel accommodation will be available closer to your departure date.
• Day 8 - Siem Reap - Angkor Complex Tour
  While admiring the impressive Angkor Wat Temple Complex from afar is far from a bad experience, this comprehensive full-day tour will give you the chance to explore the ancient heart of the Khmer Empire in more detail; throughout the day, you’ll have the opportunity to marvel at the remarkable surviving ruins of Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom, and the wider Angkor area. Starting in the centre of the complex, you’ll head east to Ta Prohm. A jungle-surrounded temple famous for featuring in 2001’s Tomb Raider, this unique ruin was originally completed in 1186 and is known for its dilapidated state due to the invasive snake-like roots of Tetrameles trees. Once you’ve spent some time here and stopped for lunch, you’ll head to the South Gate of Angkor Thom; this dramatic entrance is lined with statues depicting good and evil gods, with many of the original statues restored to give visitors a sense of what it was like in its prime. Through this gate, you will visit Bayon – an intricately-decorated temple adorned with hundreds of smiling faces – before continuing on to Phimeanakas. Climbing to the top of this pyramid-shaped temple, you’ll have the chance to admire the awe-inspiring sight of the Angkor ruins from above. You’ll end your tour of the Angkor Wat Temple Complex by taking in the impressive wall of the Terrace of the Elephants before returning to your hotel.
• Day 8 - Siem Reap - Apsara Dance Show & Dinner
  Tonight, alongside an exquisite dinner exploring Cambodian cuisine and regional flavours, you’ll have the chance to enjoy a traditional Apsara Dance performance: a spectacular display that brings ancient Khmer culture to life through graceful motions, intricate hand gestures, and elaborate gold costumes. A fascinating way to enjoy sensational food, this experience will offer you further insights into this nation’s folklore and mythology. Traditional Apsara Dance is one of this nation’s treasured classical art forms for a reason, and you’re in for a truly delightful experience.
• Day 9 - Flight departs
  Say goodbye to your current destination, for it’s time to head somewhere new! Flight information will be available closer to your embarkation date, but this will be when you’re hopping on a plane to continue your adventure – be that travelling somewhere new, or heading home.