Highlights of Cambodia From Hong Kong

Itinerary

• Day 1: Hong Kong, Arrival

  Welcome to Hong Kong! Upon arriving in this amazing city, you will be greeted by your private driver, who will also escort you to your hotel for check-in. Settle down in your comfortable room and you are free to relax and recover from jet lag or discover this bustling metropolis on your own.

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• Day 2: Exploration Hong Kong

  Accompanied by your knowledgeable private guide, you will discover the best Hong Kong Island has to offer today. Ride on Asia's first funicular railway - the Peak Tram - to Victoria Peak, and you will be rewarded with a breathtaking panorama of the city's skyline. Next up is Repulse Bay. Situated on the island's southern coast, this stretch of white sandy beach is flanked by luxurious villas, apartment buildings, and elaborately decorated cafes and restaurants. The harbor of Aberdeen is where you will visit next. Delve into its history and learn about the unique lifestyle of local fishing families living on houseboats as you discover the area on a sampan ride.

  Afterward, proceed to the open-air Stanley Market in a small seaside village. Soak up the laid-back vibe as you stroll past shops selling everything from clothing and artifacts to lovely souvenirs such as chopsticks, tea sets, and lanterns. Your Hong Kong discovery then takes you north to Tai Kwun, an art complex transformed from the former Police Married Quarters and Xiqu Center. Hear the fascinating hidden stories as you stroll through the heritage buildings. Have a moment of quietness at the nearby Man Mo Temple, a century-old complex dedicated to the Literature God and the Martial God, and head to Golden Bauhinia Square for gorgeous vistas of the Victoria Habor, before getting back to your hotel for the night.

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  • Hong Kong

• Day 3: Hong Kong - Macau - Hong Kong

  In the morning, you will be picked up and escorted to the ferry terminal for the TurboJET ride to Macau. Upon arrival, meet your local guide and start your Macau exploration from the Macau Tower, a convention and entertainment hub and a landmark of the city. Your next destination is A-Ma Temple, a temple with a history longer than the city itself where you will be impressed by the fusion of elements of Confucianism, Taoism, Buddhism, and multiple folk beliefs. See the Ruins of St. Paul's, which was once one of the largest Catholic churches in Asia, and the adjacent St. Paul's College. A beautiful, granite facade standing on the top of a small hill is their most outstanding structure left to this day, with delicately carved Jesuit images adorning the surface.

  Next up is the Leal Senado building situated next to Senado Square. Once the seat of Portuguese Macau's government, this two-story architecture now houses an exhibition hall, a convention hall, and a public library. Your Macau discovery then takes you to Taipa and its Cunha Street brimming with souvenir shops and snack stalls selling an eye-dazzling array of local specialty snacks, such as almond cakes, curry fish balls, and of course, the creamy egg tarts! Munch on the local delicacies (at your own expense) and appreciate the Portuguese-style architecture as you roam around. Your Macau day trip comes to an end at one of the casinos (The Venetian Macao, MGM Macau, or similar) to have moments of thrill. Return to Hong Kong by TurboJET and retreat to your comfortable hotel for a good night's sleep.

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  • Hong Kong

• Day 4: Hong Kong - Phnom Penh

  Enjoy some free time before heading to the airport for your flight to Phnom Penh. Nonstop flights generally take 3 hours, while flights with a layover will take longer. Upon arrival, meet your friendly local guide and proceed to the hotel for check-in. The rest of the day is reserved for you to have a good rest or discover the surroundings on your own.

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  • Phnom Penh

• Day 5: Phnom Penh City Tour

  Today, start your tour from the gleaming Royal Palace, a stunning showcase of Cambodia's rich cultural heritage and impressive architecture. The palace's intricate carvings and towering spires exemplify Khmer design. Inside, the Silver Pagoda is a breathtaking sight to behold, with every inch of its floor covered in shimmering silver tiles that reflect light in all directions. Next, proceed to the National Museum of Cambodia to explore the country's history and culture through its impressive collection of Khmer artifacts. Finally, visit Wat Phnom, the most important Buddhist temple in the city with significant historical and cultural value.

  This afternoon, visit the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum. Once a secondary school, it was used as a security prison from 1975 to 1979. As you walk through this former school-turned-prison, you can see the cramped cells where prisoners were held and tortured. Afterward, visit the Killing Fields of Choeung Ek Memorial. You will see mass burial plots containing thousands of human remains and learn about the horrors back then. Visiting these sites may be emotionally challenging, but it is an essential part of understanding Cambodia's history.

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  • Phnom Penh

• Day 6: Phnom Penh - Siem Reap

  At the appointed time, head to the airport by private transfer for your flight to Siem Reap. Upon your arrival, be greeted at the airport by your local guide with a friendly smile. Then, set off on a scenic drive to visit a Khmer Village, enjoying countryside views of rice fields and palm trees along the way.

  Afterward, embark on a journey through the rural landscape to reach the shores of Tonle Sap Lake, the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia. Board a boat and observe the floating villages and inhabitants sustained by Cambodia's Great Lake, and witness firsthand the unique lifestyle of those residing in these buoyant communities. Proceed to your hotel after the tour ends and relax in your comfortable room for the evening or discover the surroundings on your own.

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  • Siem Reap

• Day 7: Siem Reap

  Today, embark on a full-day tour to explore some of Angkor's most beautiful temples. You will first visit Angkor Thom, which comprises the ruins of what was once the most impressive royal city of Cambodia's Angkor period. One of the must-see sites is Bayon Temple. It was commissioned by Jayavarman VII, whose smiling face are represented in the temple's 216 stone sculptures. Other structures you will visit this morning include the Terrace of the Elephants. Marvel at the delicate sculptures and bas-reliefs of elephants and learn about the hidden stories from your knowledgeable guide.

  After Angkor Thom, you will visit Angkor Wat, a 12th-century complex designated a World Heritage Site. It features the longest continuous bas-relief in the world, which runs along the outer gallery walls and tells stories from Hindu mythology. Be awed by the ruins' beauty and splendor as you stroll through its galleries, libraries, pavilions, and courtyards. Afterward, enjoy a stunning sunset view from Bakheng Hill (or at the less crowded Pre Rup Temple, a 10th-century Hindu temple).

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  • Siem Reap

• Day 8: Siem Reap, Angkor Wat & Ta Prohm Temple

  Meet your guide bright and early for the fabulous sunrise at Angkor Wat. You will want to have your camera ready for this gorgeous view. Return to the hotel for a filling breakfast, then visit some local villages on your way to the Banteay Srei, which is also known as the "Citadel of Women". This 10th-century temple is dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva and is one of the prettiest temples in the area because of its exquisite carvings and pinkish sandstone architecture.

  In the afternoon, step into Ta Prohm Temple. Originally built in the late 12th and early 13th century as a Buddhist monastery and center of learning, the complex after centuries of abandonment was embraced by the roots of enormous fig trees and gigantic creepers at the time of its rediscovery. With long, dark hallways and huge tree roots growing out of centuries-old stone walls, Ta Prohm exudes a mystical aura and provides the chance to capture some great photos. Next up is Ta Keo Temple, an unfinished temple-mountain predating Angkor Wat. Five sanctuary towers sit on top of a 22-meter-high stepped pyramid, offering a great view of the surroundings.

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  • Siem Reap

• Day 9: Siem Reap, Kulen Mountain & Beng Mealea

  About 1-hour drive in the morning will take you to Kulen Mountain (Phnom Kulen), the birthplace of the ancient Khmer Empire. This mountain is of symbolic significance for Cambodians for it was at Phnom Kulen that King Jayavarma II proclaimed independence from Java in 804 CE. The 1000 carved lingas in the "Valley of the Lingas", or "River of the Lingas", as it's often referred to, are a tribute to the Hindu god Shiva.

  On the way back to Siem Reap, you will stop at Beng Mealea. Rediscovered in the late 19th century by French explorers, it remains one of the most mysterious jungle temples at Angkor. Step carefully upon the wooden walkways and try your best to imagine what has happened in the Lotus Pond which is the literal meaning of Beng Mealea.

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  • Siem Reap

• Day 10: Siem Reap - Sihanoukville - Koh Rong

  Fly south from Siem Reap to the seaside city of Sihanoukville, which takes around 1 hour and 10 minutes, then take a 45-minute ferry ride to Koh Rong Island, where you will spend the next few days enjoying your beach vacation.

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  • Koh Rong

• Day 11: Koh Rong, the Fascinating Marine World

  Located off Cambodia's southern coast, the tropical island of Koh Rong is an island paradise boasting pristine beaches framed by nodding palm trees and turquoise waters brimming with colorful fishes, offering the perfect chance for you to delve into the fascinating marine world.

  Today, you will embark on an exciting snorkeling trip to the nearby waters. Witness for your own eyes a plethora of fish and corals, relax and sunbathe on white-sandy beaches, and enjoy a delicious BBQ meal and fresh fruits as the sun is setting down the horizon. If you are lucky enough, you will get to see the glowing plankton, a natural phenomenon where tiny marine organisms turn the surface of the ocean into a sparkling blue.

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  • Koh Rong

• Day 12: Koh Rong, Explore at Your Own Pace

  Today is reserved for you to discover the best Koh Rong has to offer under your own steam. Pack your day with exciting water sports, including kayaking, scuba diving, and snorkeling around the nearby coral reefs. The adventurous souls may want to try jet skiing and windsurfing to feel the thrill. Head to the beaches on the western and northern sides of the island for splendid sunset colors. Delight your taste buds with a delectable meal of seafood coupled with fresh fruits. Re-energize yourself after a day's worth of exploration with a wide selection of spa treatments and soothing massages. Have fun!

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  • Koh Rong

• Day 13: Koh Rong - Sihanoukville - Phnom Penh - Exit

  Your idyllic vacation draws to a close today. Board the ferry and journey towards Sihanoukville Port, enjoying a scenic 45-minute boat ride. Your private driver will then pick you up and take you to Phnom Penh International Airport for your flight home/to the next destination. Safe travels!

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