Essence of Cambodia

Welcome to Phnom Penh, the capital of Cambodia, located at the confluence of the Tonle Sap and Mekong rivers. The city combines modern Asian life with provincial charm, French-colonial touches and reminders of Cambodia’s ancient Khmer heritage.
Upon arrival at the airport, you will meet your local guide and travel by private vehicle to your hotel for check-in. The remainder of the day is free to settle into your surroundings and relax.

Today discover Phnom Penh, Cambodia’s capital and historic centre, situated at the meeting point of four branches of the Mekong River.
This morning, travel through the capital to visit the Killing Fields, one of numerous sites where thousands of people were forced to take their last breath before being killed and buried during the Khmer Rouge regime, which ruled Cambodia from 1975 to 1979.
In the afternoon, visit Tuol Sleng, a historic school that was used as a prison during the Khmer Rouge period. Continue to the Royal Palace, built in 1866, and the Silver Pagoda, located within the Royal Palace compound. The majority of treasures on display were supplied by the King of Cambodia and include gifts from various other countries. Among the treasures is a solid gold Buddha weighing 90 kilograms and encrusted with 9,584 diamonds, together with a small 17th-century emerald and Baccarat crystal Buddha.
Conclude your sightseeing at Wat Phnom, an ancient pagoda standing atop a hill. The pagoda was built by a wealthy Khmer woman named Penh in 1372 to house sacred relics.

Today travel northwest from Phnom Penh towards Battambang, officially Cambodia’s second-largest city. Along the way, make several interesting stops. First, visit a village on the banks of the Tonle Sap River renowned for its skilled goldsmiths, who have perfected the art of working with precious metals over generations. Next, explore Oudong, one of the former capitals of the Khmer kingdom and an important pilgrimage site today. Discover ancient pagodas housing royal relics and other buildings dedicated to Buddha. From the hilltop, enjoy sweeping views across the Cambodian countryside, encompassing forests, rice fields, lakes, villages and pagodas.
The journey then leads to Kampong Chhnang, located at the gateway to the vast Tonle Sap Lake. Here, you will encounter the region’s distinctive floating villages. Kampong Chhnang translates as “port of pottery”, reflecting the area's long tradition of terracotta production and clay craftsmanship. Further west, visit Pursat, a town known for the marble quarries that surround it. Stop at a local workshop where artisans transform marble into sculptures, including small Buddhas, lingas and other traditional items.
Travelling through a landscape of rice fields and rural villages, arrive in Battambang later in the day. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel for check-in and time to relax.

Today discover the countryside surrounding Battambang by tuk tuk. The tour begins at Wat Balat, an ancient pagoda approximately 3 kilometres from the city centre. Follow a small stream through the countryside and observe traditional houses, rice paddies, local workshops and everyday village life.
Along the way, see the preparation of sticky rice, traditional custom knife making and the preparation of prahok, Cambodia’s traditional fish paste.
This is an opportunity to experience rural Cambodian life and observe traditional skills and activities that have remained largely unchanged for generations.

This morning visit a silk farm in a peaceful green setting surrounded by approximately five hectares of mulberry plantations. During the visit, your local guide will explain the complete silk-making process, from the cultivation of mulberry trees and cocoon unwinding through to silk weaving. Witness the skills and talents of Cambodian artisans and discover the considerable amount of work involved in producing traditional silk products. After the visit, continue by road to Siem Reap. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel for check-in and relaxation. The remainder of the day is free.

Optional (supplement applies): A Taste of Cambodian Cuisine – daily except Monday & festive holidays
Discover Siem Reap through its cuisine with a multi-stage dinner across three carefully selected local restaurants. Begin at Pou with a starter and one drink per person, continue to The Sugar Palm for the main course and one drink per person, and finish at Malis for dessert and one drink per person. This evening experience offers the opportunity to sample a selection of Cambodian dishes while discovering some of Siem Reap’s favourite dining venues.
Included:
1.   Pou – starter and one drink per person
2.   The Sugar Palm – main course and one drink per person
3.   Malis – dessert and one drink per person

Before your flight, take the opportunity to visit the Old Market for some last-minute shopping and souvenirs at your own arrangement. At the appropriate time, transfer by private vehicle to Siem Reap Airport for your onward flight.

• 24/7 local operator support in Cambodia
• 6 nights' accommodation in carefully selected hotels
• Breakfasts daily
• Private air-conditioned transfers and transportation throughout
• English-speaking local guides and entrance fees for all included sightseeing
• All sightseeing, excursions and cultural experiences as outlined in the itinerary
• Entrance fees to included sites
• Cambodia Travel Notes - issued by Innovative Travel

• International airfares
• Optional tours and excursions
• Porterage
• Tipping/Gratuities (please refer to tour notes for a recommended guideline)
• Personal Expenses
• Hotel charges for minibar or any extra charges
• Visas (unless specified)
• Travel Insurance (compulsory)
• Any other services not clearly mentioned in the inclusions above