Siem Reap: Angkor Culture & Cuisine

Welcome to Cambodia! Upon arrival in the historic town of Siem Reap, you will be met at the airport and taken to your hotel. The gateway to Angkor, Siem Reap was first settled around 802, although it was little more than a village by the time the French arrived in the 19th century and rediscovered the ancient temple city in the jungle nearby.

This afternoon, you’ll begin your exploration of the temple complex with a visit to Angkor Wat, the largest religious building in the world. A magnificent moat surrounds the temple on all sides, with a long causeway providing access. As you walk through the temple, take time to observe the intricate carvings and bas-reliefs. After watching the sunset over the iconic temple, you’ll return to town via tuk-tuk and stop at the local night market to sample traditional Cambodian foods.

Wake up early to enjoy the cooler morning at the temples before returning to the city around lunchtime. Travel by remork (Cambodian tuk-tuk) to Angkor Thom, the last capital of the Khmer Empire, home to some of the most impressive temples in the Angkor complex, including the Bayon temple.

Continue to visit the Baphoun, the Terrace of the Elephants, and the Terrace of the Leper King. After returning to the city, spend the afternoon at leisure before heading out for dinner and a traditional Apsara dance performance, unchanged for centuries and once performed in the royal courts of Angkor.

This morning, you’ll travel to a local village outside Siem Reap to learn about traditional Cambodian food and farming methods. Walk through the village to see how vegetables are grown and harvested before heading to the cooking school, where you’ll prepare a three-course Cambodian meal using fresh seasonal ingredients.

After returning to the city, the afternoon is free to relax or explore further. In the evening, enjoy a performance of Phare, the Cambodian Circus, blending theatre, dance, music, and acrobatics.

Leave the hotel early to experience sunrise at Pre Rup, with views over the forest canopy and rice paddies. Continue to Sra Srang, the royal bathing pool, and stop at a nearby village to enjoy a traditional Cambodian breakfast prepared by a local family.

Next, visit Ta Prohm, known for the giant tree roots reclaiming the temple. The rest of the day is flexible, with options to visit temples such as Preah Khan, Ta Som, or Banteay Srei. In the evening, enjoy an aperitif of infused rice wine at the Sombai workshop before dinner at a Khmer restaurant in Siem Reap.

It’s your last day in Cambodia. Depending on your flight time, you can spend the morning exploring the city, shopping at the Old Market, or relaxing before your transfer to the airport for your onward journey.