PHNOM PENH SHORT STAY

Welcome to Cambodia… upon arrival at Phnom Penh International Airport, you’ll be greeted by our friendly tour guide and brought to the hotel to settle in. This afternoon, we’ll visit the Central Market (Psar Thmei), constructed in 1937 in the shape of a dome with four arms branching out into vast hallways brimming with wares. The countless stalls feature goods ranging from gold and silver, antique coins, money exchanges, books, flowers, food, fabrics, shoes, souvenirs, seafood and anything else you might desire. From the market we’ll continue on and visit Wat Phnom, a Buddhist temple dating to 1327 and the central point of the city, before embarking on a boat ride to view the setting sun over three converging rivers. Tonight we’ll be treated to a traditional dance show and dinner at a local restaurant — we’ll overnight in Phnom Penh. (D)

This morning you’ll visit the Independence Monument, built in 1958 to memorialize Cambodia’s independence from France in 1953, the Royal Palace, built by King Norodom in 1866 on the site of the old town, and the Silver Pagoda, a temple located within the grounds of the Palace filled with jeweled sculptures. We’ll visit the moving Toul Sleng Genocide Museum, a high school used as a prison by Pol Pot’s security forces that became the largest centre for detention during the rule of the Khmer Rouge. From here we’ll head out of the city to enjoy an authentic Khmer lunch at Koh Dach, a picturesque island on the banks of Mekong River. It’s a popular tourist destination and famed weaving centre. After lunch, we’ll explore the island and observe villagers weaving garments of silk amid plantations of corn, sesame, and bananas before returning to the city for the night. (B, L)

This morning you are in for a special experience… you’ll travel by tuk tuk to a local monastery, a residence and place of learning for Buddhist monks, to participate in a traditional early morning prayer ceremony. Your guide will introduce you to the entrancing daily rituals and roles of the monks. Back to the hotel for breakfast, and the rest of the day is yours to explore or relax – we’ll get you to the airport for flight home or onward. (B)