Phnom Penh is a crossroads of Asia’s past and present. Sitting at the confluence of the Mekong, Tonle Bassc, and Tonle Sap River, traders from throughout Indochina passed through Phnom Penh all through its history. In the 19th century, the French gave the city its current layout and divided the city into quarters. In 1953, Cambodia declared its independence. The country had a very rough history from independence to 1979, when the Khmer Rouge lost power. Today Phnom Penh is a modern country with a parliament and king who functions as a figurehead.

DAY TWO.  DAY TOUR OF PHNOM PENH The first stop will be the Royal Palace. Built in Khmer style, the Palace features splendid throne rooms, the famous Silver Pagoda, fine mural paintings, and a cast iron pavilion gifted to the King by Napoleon III. The next stop is the national museum where you’ll learn about the long history of Cambodia.

Toul Sleng Museum is a reminder of Cambodia’s grisly, recent past. In 1975 Toul 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 such center of detention and torture in the country. Between 1975 and 1978 about 17,000 men, women, children and infants were detained and tortured at S-21 prison before being transported to the extermination camp of Choeung Ek.

Afternoon options are a visit to the colorful markets, cruise on the Mekong River, or relaxing with a massage. That evening we’ll have dinner at a local restaurant.

DAY THREE.  SIEM REAP AND ANGKOR In the morning, we’ll fly to Siem Reap, the city near the Angkor Ruins. Angkor is an extensive temple complex of soaring towers, elaborate carved murals, colonnades, and courtyards that ushered in the classic age of Khmer art and architecture. For the next three days, the itinerary is flexible and the following sites are examples of possible places to visit.

Bayon temple is located in the center of the complex. This temple rises on three levels with galleries containing bas reliefs depicting daily life and historical Khmer battles. Others sites include Phimean Akas, Leper King and Elephants Terraces, and Baphuon temples.

Back at the hotel, relax in the pool or kick-back with a cocktail before that evening’s dinner.

DAY FOUR.  TEMPLES OF ANGKOR We begin today’s journey before dawn, as to see the ruins in the cooler temperature and as the sun rises.

The Gate of the Death, Thommanon, is a small, attractive temple in very good condition, built at the same time as Angkor Wat. Spean Thma, literally translated 'Bridge of Stone,’ had been reconstructed several times. The bridge as it currently stands is post-Angkorian construction. North Khleang was built in wood under Rajendravarman II and then rebuilt in stone by Jayavarman V. Preah Pithu, five small temples set in a quiet area. One of the temples is Buddhist and may date from the 14th century.

In the evening, after dinner, you may want to walk or take a tuk-tuk to the market where there is a lively street scene with outdoor cafes and nightlife. Here other tourists from around the world and locals sit in bars and cafés, chat, and watch the activity.

DAY FIVE.  WONDERS OF ANGKOR Today we continue to Banteay Srei, the "citadel of the women." This temple was constructed by a Brahmin counselor under a powerful king, Rajendravarman. Banteay Srei displays some of the finest examples of classical Khmer art. The walls are densely covered with some of the most beautiful, deep, and intricate carvings of any Angkorian temple.

The ancient Khmer civilization site of Hariharalaya flourished in the late 9th and early 10th centuries. These are the earliest temples in the Angkor area and are referred as the Roluos group. The three Roluos temples are Bakong Temple Mountain with wonderful carvings on the false doors and lintels, the funerary temple of Preah Ko, and the Lolei temple.

DAY SIX.  DEPARTURE AND FAREWELLS The morning is at your leisure to visit other sites, do some shopping, or just relax in the hotel before heading to the airport to say our farewells.

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