7-Day Cambodia Heritage Tour with Angkor, Phnom Kulen and Phnom Penh

Discover Cambodia's cultural and historical treasures on this 7-day journey through Siem Reap and Phnom Penh. Explore the world-famous temples of Angkor, includ...

Duration: 7 Days · Tour type: Private · Activity level: Easy · Accommodation: Included · Premium · Transport: Included · Wheelchair access: Not applicable · Cities: Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, Phnom Kulen · Languages: English

Know before you go: About:Angkor Wat was built in the 12th century by King Suryavarman II and is dedicated to the Hindu god Vishnu.Located just north of Siem Reap, the isolated Phnom Kulen mountain range is formed of sandstone and is widely regarded as the birthplace of the ancient Khmer Empire. Phnom Kulen has now returned to government hands after the fall of the Khmer Rouge and is still fairly inaccessible because of the poor road conditions, especially in the rainy season.Kompong Krei Bridge was known by its original name, "Spean Preah Toeus", which means "The Bridge of indication" in the Khmer language. This bridge is an attractive tourist destination that cannot be ignored when visiting Siem Reap - the former capital of the ancient kingdom of Angkor in Cambodia. The Kompong Kdei spans the Chi Kreng River and is 86 meters long, 16 meters wide, and 10 meters high above the riverbed. The bridge is recognized as the longest corbelled stone-arch bridge in the world, with 21 corbel arches sustained by 20 pillars, all of which are made of laterite. There are four large 9-headed Naga statues engraved with sophisticated carvings at the ends of the parapet. The figure of Naga is so sacred to Cambodian people that they worship Naga as a god, giving them love and protection for their lives and their country.Royal Palace, Phnom Penh: Gleaming in gold, the Royal Palace is one of Phnom Penh's most splendid architectural achievements. It is home to His Majesty Preah Bat Samdech Preah Norodom Sihanouk and Her Majesty Preah Reach Akka-Mohesey Norodom Monineath. The palace was built in 1866 by His Majesty Preah Bat Norodom, great-grandfather to the current King. The Royal Palace is built on the site of the old town. This site was specially chosen by a Commission of Royal Ministers and Astrologers because it had great geographical significance in relation to the King, who was regarded as a direct descendant of the gods, whose role was to live and govern on earth under the influence of heaven.Silver Pagoda, Phnom Penh: Within the Royal Palace compound is the extravagant Silver Pagoda, also known as Wat Preah Keo or the Temple of the Emerald Buddha. It is so named for its floor, which is covered with five tons of gleaming silver. You can sneak a peek at some of the 5000 tiles near the entrance, but most are covered to protect them.The National Museum, Phnom Penh: Located just north of the Royal Palace, the National Museum of Cambodia is housed in a graceful terracotta structure of traditional design, built from 1917 to 1920, with an inviting courtyard garden. The museum is home to the world's finest collection of Khmer sculptures: more than a millennium of masterful Khmer design.The Killing Field: Between 1975 and 1978, about 17,000 men, women, children, and infants, including nine westerners, detained and tortured at S-21 prison, now Tuol Sleng Museum, were transported there for execution to avoid wasting precious bullets. The remains of 8,985 people, many of whom were bound and blindfolded, were exhumed in 1980 from mass graves. Forty-three of the 129 communal graves here have been left untouched. Fragments of human bone and bits of cloth are scattered around the disinterred pits. Over 8,000 skulls, arranged by sex, are visible behind the clear glass panels of the Memorial Stupa, which was erected in 1988. The Killing Fields of Choeung Ek are 15 km from central Phnom Penh. To get there, take Monireth Blvd southwestward out of the city from the Dang Kor Market bus depot. The site is 8.5 km from the bridge near 271 St. A memorial ceremony is held annually at Choeung Ek on 9 May.Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum S21: In 1975, Tuol Svay Prey High School was taken over by Pol Pot's security forces and turned into a prison known as Security Prison 21 (S-21); it soon became the largest centre of detention and torture in the country. S-21 has been turned into the Tuol Sleng Museum, which serves as a testament to the crimes of the Khmer Rouge.; Angkor Wat was built in the 12th century by King Suryavarman II and is dedicated to the Hindu god Vishnu.; Located just north of Siem Reap, the isolated Phnom Kulen mountain range is formed of sandstone and is widely regarded as the birthplace of the ancient Khmer Empire. Phnom Kulen has now returned to government hands after the fall of the Khmer Rouge and is still fairly inaccessible because of the poor road conditions, especially in the rainy season.; Kompong Krei Bridge was known by its original name, "Spean Preah Toeus", which means "The Bridge of indication" in the Khmer language. This bridge is an attractive tourist destination that cannot be ignored when visiting Siem Reap - the former capital of the ancient kingdom of Angkor in Cambodia. The Kompong Kdei spans the Chi Kreng River and is 86 meters long, 16 meters wide, and 10 meters high above the riverbed. The bridge is recognized as the longest corbelled stone-arch bridge in the world, with 21 corbel arches sustained by 20 pillars, all of which are made of laterite. There are four large 9-headed Naga statues engraved with sophisticated carvings at the ends of the parapet. The figure of Naga is so sacred to Cambodian people that they worship Naga as a god, giving them love and protection for their lives and their country.; Royal Palace, Phnom Penh: Gleaming in gold, the Royal Palace is one of Phnom Penh's most splendid architectural achievements. It is home to His Majesty Preah Bat Samdech Preah Norodom Sihanouk and Her Majesty Preah Reach Akka-Mohesey Norodom Monineath. The palace was built in 1866 by His Majesty Preah Bat Norodom, great-grandfather to the current King. The Royal Palace is built on the site of the old town. This site was specially chosen by a Commission of Royal Ministers and Astrologers because it had great geographical significance in relation to the King, who was regarded as a direct descendant of the gods, whose role was to live and govern on earth under the influence of heaven.; Silver Pagoda, Phnom Penh: Within the Royal Palace compound is the extravagant Silver Pagoda, also known as Wat Preah Keo or the Temple of the Emerald Buddha. It is so named for its floor, which is covered with five tons of gleaming silver. You can sneak a peek at some of the 5000 tiles near the entrance, but most are covered to protect them.; The National Museum, Phnom Penh: Located just north of the Royal Palace, the National Museum of Cambodia is housed in a graceful terracotta structure of traditional design, built from 1917 to 1920, with an inviting courtyard garden. The museum is home to the world's finest collection of Khmer sculptures: more than a millennium of masterful Khmer design.; The Killing Field: Between 1975 and 1978, about 17,000 men, women, children, and infants, including nine westerners, detained and tortured at S-21 prison, now Tuol Sleng Museum, were transported there for execution to avoid wasting precious bullets. The remains of 8,985 people, many of whom were bound and blindfolded, were exhumed in 1980 from mass graves. Forty-three of the 129 communal graves here have been left untouched. Fragments of human bone and bits of cloth are scattered around the disinterred pits. Over 8,000 skulls, arranged by sex, are visible behind the clear glass panels of the Memorial Stupa, which was erected in 1988. The Killing Fields of Choeung Ek are 15 km from central Phnom Penh. To get there, take Monireth Blvd southwestward out of the city from the Dang Kor Market bus depot. The site is 8.5 km from the bridge near 271 St. A memorial ceremony is held annually at Choeung Ek on 9 May.; Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum S21: In 1975, Tuol Svay Prey High School was taken over by Pol Pot's security forces and turned into a prison known as Security Prison 21 (S-21); it soon became the largest centre of detention and torture in the country. S-21 has been turned into the Tuol Sleng Museum, which serves as a testament to the crimes of the Khmer Rouge.; Dress standards are conservative throughout Asia, especially outside major cities. To respect this and for your own comfort, please wear modest clothing. This means clothing that covers your shoulders and knees. Loose, lightweight, long clothing is both respectful and cool in the hot Asian climate. Comfortable shoes are a must. The Apsara Authority, which manages the park, reserves the right to refuse entry to certain areas of the site for guests who wear clothing that is considered immodest. No smoking, drinking alcohol, or touching the carvings is permitted in and around the temples.; Closure of site: The third level of Angkor Wat is not open during Buddhist holidays.