Cambodia offers rich history, both enchanting and depressing. The Khmer shave been to hell and back, struggling through years of poverty and bloodshed,most recently from the Khmer Rouge – but of late, the country has risen to a destination which should be a must visit on any Asia holiday plans. This 7 day itinerary promises a roller coaster of emotions – the Khmer temples will dazzle you, the sombre scenes at Choeung Ek will give you chills down your spine and the relaxed atmosphere of Cambodia’s south coast will put a smile on your face.

ANCIENT TEMPLES

Start your journey in Siem Reap, whereby day, the town is a buzz with restaurants, bars, boutique shops, colourful markets and tuk tuks – the evenings also offer little respite. Visit Angkor Wat and also Ta Prohm which, unlike most of the temples of Angkor, has been largely left to the clutches of the living jungle. With its dynamic interaction between nature and man-made art,this atmospheric temple makes you feel a little like Indiana Jones or Lara Croft(which was filmed here). You’ll also have an opportunity to admire the incredible carvings of Bayon Temple – known for its huge stone faces of the Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara, with one facing outward and keeping watch at each compass point. The curious smiling image, thought by many to be a portrait of Jayavar man himself, has been dubbed by some as the ‘Mona Lisa of Southeast Asia’.

HISTORY

Fly to the capital city of Phnom Penh with its bustling streets scenes yet relaxed riverfront. Encounter the Khmer Rouge face on with a visit to the notorious Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum. In 1975 Pol Pot’s security forces turned Tuol Svay Prey High School into a prison known as Security Prison 21 (S-21). Slightly further out, the Killing Fields of Choeung Ek offer a stark insight and reminder of some of the country’s darkest moments.

SEA

Then head south to Kep, where crab is the local speciality. Many flock to the nearby offshore islands in search of white sands, turquoise waters and snorkelling, with Koh Tonsai being the closest. With the Bokor Mountains as your backdrop, Kampot is your last stop and home to adeserted hill station, vast salt flats and famed pepper plantations

WHAT’S IN STORE FOR YOU

CAMBODIAN CULTURAL EXPERIENCE TOUR I ANGKOR TEMPLES EXPLORATION I ANGKOR WAT AT SUNRISE I PHNOM PENH CITY TOUR I PHNOM CHISOR MOUNTAIN RELAXATION AT KOH TONSAI I KEP CRAB MARKET I PHNOM CHHNORK CAVES EXCURSION I KAMPOT PEPPER PLANTATION VISIT I KAMPOT EXLORATION I SUNSET RIVER CRUISE

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