Guest Program for Cambodia

A parallel program of activities will be developed for accompanying guests while the professional delegates are participating in the professional exchange.  As the guest program is desigend to compliment the final schedule of professional activities, the daily guest itineray will be sent to guest along with the pre-departure materials.

The program cost for the accompanying guest program is the same as the professional delegates.

 

Please enroll Accompanying Guests using the Citizen Ambassador Program Application Form

 

Preliminary Schedule of Activities for Guests

Day 1 (Sun) Arrive Phnom Penh, Cambodia

Upon arrival in Phnom Penh, delegates and guests will be met by national guide at the airport and assisted to your hotel. Check-in is officially at 2:00 p.m.

In the evening, join your national guide at the hotel for an orientation and cultural briefing. The exact briefing venue will be announced after arrival. The group will be briefed on the political and cultural diversity and receive further information on the program.

Overnight: Palace Gate Hotel: Palace gate Hotel & Resort

 

Day 2 (Mon)  Phnom Penh

This morning delegates and guests will explore the Royal Palace original name is Wat Prakeo, meaning Temple of the Emerald Buddha. See the spectacular reception halls and historic royal costumes. The elegant Silver Pagoda, with its solid-silver floor, is a reminder of the prosperity of the former royal families.

Later in the afternoon visit the Tuol Sleng Museum displays photographs of men, women and children covering the walls from floor to ceiling; virtually all the people pictured were later killed.

Later visit the Killing Fields of Choeung Ek, a concentration camp. Over 8,000 skulls, arranged by sex and age, are visible behind the clear glass panels of the Memorial Stupa.

Overnight: Palace Gate Hotel: Palace gate Hotel & Resort

 

Day 3 (Tue) Phnom Penh

This morning accompanying guests will visit the most remarkable sights Phnom Penh has to offer. First, you will head to the National Museum which was designed by George Groslier and the Ecole des Arts Cambodians. The museum was built in traditional Khmer style in 1917 and was inaugurated in 1920 by King Sisowath. It houses the world’s foremost collection of ancient Khmer archaeological, religious, and artistic artefacts from the 4th to the 13th centuries. Over 5,000 pieces are on display, constituting the repository of the Kingdom’s cultural wealth.

Later visit Wat Phnom Temple, located in the center of Phnom Penh, a revered place of worship for all Khmers. It is the namesake of the capital and is the focal point for many Buddhist ceremonies, especially Pchum Ben, and is highly revered by Phnom Penh residents.

Also experience the Tonle Sap Riverfront, the hub for Phnom Penh residents’ leisure activities. Here, you’ll gain an insight into the everyday lives of Cambodians.

Overnight: Palace Gate Hotel: Palace gate Hotel & Resort

 

Day 4 (Wed) Fly Phnom Penh – Siem Reap

Accompanying guests will have some free time this morning to relax.

Afternoon transfer to airport for flight to Siem Reap. Your travel manager will provide you with specific information on check-out and the exact time to meet in the lobby for transfer to the airport. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel for check-in. You will have the rest of the day at leisure for relaxing at hotel.

Overnight: Sokha Hotel: www.sokhahotels.com.kh/palace-siemreap

 

Day 5 (Thu)  Siem Reap

This morning accompanying guests will explore the highlights of the Small Circuit. Start your tour Banteay Kdei, a Buddhist monastery from the late 12th Century, and Srah Srang, also known as the “pool of ablutions”. From here, it is only a short hop to the most beautiful temples of the Grand Circuit, like the overgrown Preah Khan Temple and Neak Pean with its artificial lakes.

Overnight: Sokha Hotel: www.sokhahotels.com.kh/palace-siemreap

 

Day 6 (Fri)  Siem Reap

Early morning, delegates and guests will depart from hotel to view sunrise over Angkor Wat temple, the 12th century masterpiece is considered by art historians to be the prime example of classical Khmer art and architecture. Delegates and guests will enjoy exploring the many galleries with columns, libraries, pavilions, courtyards and ponds full of water reflecting the towering temple. (Tip: Make sure to wear good walking shoes for the morning site visit to Angkor Wat)

Back to hotel for breakfast and enjoy leisure time at your hotel.

This afternoon, delegates and guests will experience by Remork (Tuk Tuk) to visit the ancient city of Angkor Thom, the last capital of the Great Khmer Empire under the reign of Jayavarman VII. This city is surrounded by an 8 m high wall, drawing a perfect square. Enter the city through the ancient South Gate, an impressive stone gate carved with Elephants and four giant faces.

From here, continue to Bayon Temple in the exact center of the city. This 12th century masterpiece is a study in grandeur and is well-known for its 54 towers with enigmatic faces representing the 54 provinces of the Great Khmer Empire. The Terrace of the Elephants and the Terrace of the Leper King are also must-visits as they are both known for their intricate bas-reliefs.

Later visit Ta Prohm temple, built in the mid-12th to early 13th centuries. Ta Prohm is unique in that it has been left largely as it was found overgrown by jungle trees and vines, with many parts of the temple crumbling to the ground. This makes Ta Prohm one of the most picturesque and memorable of the Angkor temples.

Overnight: Sokha Hotel: www.sokhahotels.com.kh/palace-siemreap

 

Day 7 (Sat)   Siem Reap – Departure

Today transfer to the airport to connect your flight back home.