8 Days in Cambodia: A Private Tour Review
Thinking about experiencing the highlights of Cambodia on a private tour? An 8-day trip could be just what you need to take in the culture, see well-known sites, and create lasting memories. So, let’s take a look at what you could expect, and some helpful ideas that might just make your adventure even more special.
Day 1-2: Discovering the Capital – Phnom Penh
You’ll kick off your Cambodia experience in Phnom Penh, the vibrant capital city. That means, you’ll find an interesting mix of activity, history, and places that show the country’s soul. Very first on the list? The Royal Palace. This shimmering complex offers a peek into the lifestyle of Cambodia’s royal family. Walking through the beautifully landscaped gardens and buildings offers up really stunning sights.
Near to the Palace is the Silver Pagoda, a house for a lot of national riches, with a floor made up of silver tiles, now that’s unique! Another place you could see is Wat Phnom, that sits on the only hill in the city and gives you expansive city views.
Think about visiting the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and the Killing Fields (Choeung Ek) to think about Cambodia’s upsetting past. It’s a strong experience, and shows the value of peace and humanity. In a way, a walk near the riverside in the late afternoon may be the best way to take in the activity of city life. What with a river cruise to bring to you views as the sun starts to drop, that too is a chance to calm your body, that is of course, if the sights do not affect you!
Day 3-5: The Temples of Angkor – Siem Reap
Then it’s off to Siem Reap, the gateway to the Angkor area, and the house of ancient temples. The most well-known, Angkor Wat, really needs to be seen at daybreak. You might find a sea of tourists, yet being aware of the temple gradually as the sun goes up is certainly worth that early wake-up call. This building shows traditional Khmer design, telling stories carved into stone. It is, in some respects, extremely magnificent.
Not so far away, you’ll find Angkor Thom, where you could find Bayon Temple, adorned with massive stone faces smiling serenely. Plus, there is the jungle-covered Ta Prohm, that some folks call the “Tomb Raider” temple, as the film has really increased attention on that complex. Apparently, trees’ roots entwine the old stone walls, creating an amazing, stunning effect.
Do make an attempt to fit in a visit to Banteay Srei, too, called the “Citadel of Women.” The detailing of its carvings created in pink sandstone makes it well worth a visit. You might even take a cycle ride in the countryside, going by little towns, rice paddies, and workshops making palm sugar. Should you wish to see the scale of Angkor from another angle, then try a balloon ride at sunset. This really gives views from up high.
Day 6: Culture and Floating Villages
Use one day getting involved with Cambodian culture more. It would almost certainly be ideal to watch a traditional Apsara dance performance, combined with a dinner showcasing Khmer food, for the perfect blend of arts. Plus, a visit to the Tonle Sap Lake, Southeast Asia’s biggest freshwater lake, will allow you to take a boat tour via a floating village. Very much more, that gives insight into the daily lives of local people who’ve built communities on the lake.
In addition, explore local markets, going through the sounds, colours and scents that bring out the town. You might pick up gifts, try regional snacks, or take shots of day-to-day trade. Arguably, in the evening, you might wind down with a calming foot rub, to rest up your legs.
Day 7: Koh Rong Relaxation – Beach Time
Get on a flight to Sihanoukville, then grab a fast ferry over to Koh Rong, and there, at last, rest on the islands lovely beaches. As I was saying, you might decide to soak up the sun, take a bathe in the sea, or simply chill out in a hammock. Could be, you enjoy snorkelling or taking a canoe out to explore the coastal waters.
Long Set Beach provides sandy spots, and clear, low waters, or maybe Sok San Village beach may give more solitude if you need it. Just a little further from the beach, the islands supply a number of hiking trails where you may take in the landscape and see native wildlife.
You will discover some night-time swims in the ocean are quite surreal too because the plankton tends to light up if stirred by motion. What a magical thing that would very nearly make your evening complete.
Day 8: Departure
Unfortunately, the adventure concludes on the last day as you return home to contemplate all you have experienced. That does permit you to hold onto Cambodia’s recollections as they fly back with you.
Taking in everything you are keen to experience is feasible for an 8-day personal journey around Cambodia’s well-known locations, such as sacred locations, historic towns, along with tranquil coastlines.
- The Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda (Phnom Penh): See how Cambodia’s leaders formerly enjoyed luxurious days.
- Angkor Wat & Angkor Thom (Siem Reap): Get involved with old builders’ designs and artwork, especially if this shows up close in all its daybreak majesty.
- Tonle Sap Lake: See how people live in villages floating upon water.
- Koh Rong: If you choose Koh Rong at least you take some beach experiences back home alongside everything historic.