CAM 01: PHNOM PENH - SIEM REAP 5D4N

Pick up: PHNOM PENH (PNH)
See off: SIEM REAP (REP)

Fly into Phnom Penh, the city that retains its traditional Khmer and colonial charm. French villas along tree-lined boulevards remind the visitor that the city was once considered the ‘pearl’ of Southeast Asia. Recent political changes have triggered an economic boom, with new hotels, restaurants, bars and nightclubs springing up across the city.

Visit the Royal Palace compound build in 1866 by the Predecessors of King Norodom, it is the most conspicuous feature and also one of impressive colorful Khmer-style Palaces. Nearside the Royal Palace is the Silver Pagoda (The Emerald Buddha temple), displays plenty of Buddha statues that were decorated and made by diamond, emerald, gold and silver. Travelers will proceed to visit Independence Monument which was constructed in 1954 after Cambodian took their country back from French colony, then visit the National Museum, the distinctive red building with a beautiful Khmer architecture was build in 1917 and contains more than 5000 art objects made of sandstone, bronze, silver, copper, wood and others.
This afternoon, we will learn about the dark side of Cambodia – Its more recent turbulent and harrowing history. Initially you visit the Toul Sleng Genocide Museum (also known as S21), ironically a former school, located in a quiet Phnom Penh suburb, this was the infamous Khmer Rouge prison / torture centre. Once you have gained an initial insight of the brutality of the Khmer Rouge regime you will be driven 15 km from Phnom Penh to visit the ‘Killing Fields’. This is where Toul Sleng prisoners were forcibly marched and then executed ; it is now a memorial site located in a beautiful tranquil setting.

Breakfast at hotel – Transfer to Siem Reap from Phnom Penh by overland take 6hours on the No 6A, within crossing 3 provinces of Cambodia, one stop at Skun dist and visit large of Spider “it’s traditional medicine for breath’s way), then continue to Kampong Thom, take a rest some mins.  
After arrival Siem Reap through to check in hotel. Free leisure by your own time.

Breakfast at hotel, we travel out to the mighty Tonle Sap Lake to visit the floating village of Chong Kneas. Nestled under the hill of Phnom Krom, this floating community moves location with the waters of the lake. During the wet season when the lake swells to five times its size, the village is near Phnom Krom, but during the dry season, it moves as much as 4km from the hill.
Everything floats on water in this living fishing community. There are floating schools, floating shops, floating petrol stations, even floating karaoke bars. Many of the houses are floating fish farms with large pens of fish underneath. For those that are interested, we can also make a stop at the Gecko Environment Centre to learn more about the lake, which is like the heartbeat of Cambodia, providing sustenance to millions of Khmers. 
Transfer to Siem Reap airport for departure to next destination. It’s time to say goodbye, we thank you for traveling with us and warmly welcome you to come again.