4-DAY SIEM REAP HERITAGE AND SUSTAINABILITY TOUR

Overview:

This enriching Siem Reap Cultural & Sustainable Discovery Tour offers a unique and immersive experience, combining the awe-inspiring Angkor temples with local cultural and community initiatives. Over four days, you will explore the breathtaking architecture of Angkor Wat and other historical temples, engage in hands-on culinary activities, visit local markets, and connect with social enterprises focused on sustainability and community development. With a perfect blend of ancient history and modern-day community projects, this tour promises an unforgettable journey into the heart of Cambodia’s heritage and social progress.

Purpose:

The program is designed to:

• Showcase Cambodia’s rich cultural heritage, with iconic temple visits and insights into local life.
• To offer a cultural and educational experience that combines historical exploration with modern social impact.
• Focus on responsible travel by supporting local initiatives related to sustainable farming, environmental programs, and Khmer heritage preservation.

How You’ll Make an Impact:

• Support Local Communities: Your visit to the Touch of Life Program and the Siem Reap Food Bank (SFB) will directly support local families by helping provide nutritious meals and fostering sustainable farming practices.
• Empower Cambodian Artisans: At Artisans D’Angkor and Satcha, you will witness the impact of fair trade and social entrepreneurship, supporting artisans and local workers who preserve traditional craftsmanship while enhancing their livelihoods.
• Cultural Preservation and Education: By attending performances like the Phare Circus and visiting local markets, you will support the preservation of Cambodian cultural heritage and the education of vulnerable communities. This helps to ensure that traditional Khmer arts and skills are passed down through generations.
• Sustainable Tourism: Through eco-friendly experiences, like the Kampong Khleang floating village tour and sustainable farming practices at the Green House and Cricket Farm, you’ll learn about and directly contribute to environmental sustainability, aiding in the reduction of plastic waste and promoting responsible agricultural practices.

Day 1: ARRIVE INTO SIEM REAP

Upon arrival at Siem Reap International Airport, you will be greeted by your guide and transferred to your hotel for check-in and a brief orientation of the city.

Evening: Enjoy welcome dinner at local restaurant.

Meals: Dinner

Day 2: TOUCH OF LIFE PROGRAM – COOKING NUTRITIONAL MEALS FOR FAMILIES AND SIEM REAP CITY TOUR

Morning Tour: Begin your day with a visit to the Touch of Life Program, a community initiative dedicated to promoting health and well-being. Here, you'll have the unique opportunity to engage in a hands-on cooking experience, preparing nutritious meals designed to support local families. Under the guidance of skilled instructors, you will learn about traditional Khmer ingredients and cooking techniques, while contributing to the well-being of the local community. This enriching experience fosters both cultural immersion and a sense of giving back.

Return back to your hotel for relaxing.

Afternoon Tour: Explore the vibrant Old Market (Phsar Chas), where you can immerse yourself in the bustling local atmosphere. Wander through the market’s labyrinth of stalls selling fresh produce, handcrafted goods, and spices, offering a glimpse into daily life in Siem Reap. Continue your journey at Artisans D’Angkor, an inspiring social enterprise that promotes traditional Khmer craftsmanship. Here, you can admire beautifully made wooden carvings, silk products, and stone sculptures, created by local artisans. The day concludes with a visit to Satcha, a sustainable fashion and artisan cooperative, where you can witness the blending of Khmer artistry with modern design, supporting local artisans through fair trade practices.

*Optional tour in the evening – Supplementary charge

OPTION 1: PHARE CIRCUS: A NIGHT OF CAMBODIAN ART AND CULTURE

Join us tonight at 19:30 for an unforgettable evening at Phare Ponleu Selpak, a remarkable circus performance that blends captivating storytelling, acrobatics, and traditional Cambodian art. Founded in 1986 in the Site 2 Refugee Camp on the Thai border, Phare Ponleu Selpak, meaning "the brightness of art," was born out of a vision to help young refugees heal from the trauma of war through creative expression.

The organization aims to support community development and provide social and educational assistance to children, particularly those affected by the horrors of the Khmer Rouge regime. By reviving Khmer culture, which was nearly lost during this dark period, they focus on rehabilitating street children, orphans, and children in high-risk situations, along with their families.

Sit back and enjoy an hour-long performance that will immerse you in the heart of Cambodian culture, all while supporting a noble cause. Your attendance not only promises an evening of breathtaking acrobatics and theatrical brilliance, but also contributes to the uplifting work of Phare Ponleu Selpak.

OPTION 2: SIEM REAP AFTER DARK BY VESPA: A NIGHTTIME CULINARY ADVENTURE

Experience the vibrant nightlife and diverse dining culture of Siem Reap on this exhilarating Vespa tour, combining the best of high-end and authentic local experiences. Your journey begins with cocktails at one of the town's chicest venues, setting the tone for an evening of unforgettable flavors and sights.

Hop on our jazzy modern Vespas as we zip through the lively streets of Siem Reap, immersing you in the city's rich culinary scene. From bustling street markets and food stalls to exotic fruits and fried delicacies, this tour offers a full spectrum of Khmer cuisine. Savor everything from high-end fusion drinks to classic Khmer dishes while embracing the energy of the local atmosphere. Along the way, enjoy the sights, sounds, and smells of the lively markets, street vendors, and local fairgrounds that embody the vibrant spirit of Cambodia.

With stops at a stylish cocktail bar, an evening local market, a night street market, a fun fair, a local restaurant, and a funky Khmer bar, this tour offers a perfect mix of food, fun, and culture. All food and drinks are included, so come hungry and ready for an exciting, 4-hour adventure through Siem Reap's after-dark delights.

Pick-up is at 6:00 PM, with the tour lasting around 4 hours and returning at 10:00 PM.

OPTION 3: DINNER SHOW AT ANGKOR VILLAGE

Indulge in an extraordinary evening of culture, cuisine, and entertainment at the renowned Dinner Show at Angkor Village in Siem Reap. This immersive experience transports you into the heart of Cambodia’s rich cultural heritage through a captivating performance that showcases traditional Khmer dance, music, and theatrical storytelling.

As you enjoy a delectable dinner, featuring an array of authentic Cambodian dishes prepared with fresh, locally sourced ingredients, you’ll be mesmerized by the stunning performances on stage. The show highlights classical Khmer dance, dramatic reenactments, and vibrant music, offering

a glimpse into Cambodia’s ancient traditions and historical narratives.

Set in an elegant, beautifully designed venue that combines traditional Khmer architecture with modern comforts, the Dinner Show at Angkor Village promises an unforgettable evening. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a returning guest, this experience provides a unique opportunity to enjoy Cambodia’s cultural heritage while savoring exquisite local flavors in a memorable setting.

Meals: Breakfast

Day 3: ANGKOR WAT SUNRISE AND SIEM REAP FULL DAY TEMPLES EXPLORATION

Early Morning: Start your day bright and early with a 4:45 AM departure to witness the breathtaking sunrise at Angkor Wat. This early morning excursion is an essential part of any Siem Reap visit, offering a serene and unique experience as the cool dawn light gently illuminates the temple.

Then explore the renowned Angkor Wat, the most famous temple on the Angkor plain. Spanning 81 hectares, this temple complex is as expansive as Beijing's Imperial Palace. Its iconic five towers are featu red on the Cambodian flag, and the 12th-century marvel is celebrated by art historians as a quintessential example of classical Khmer art and architecture. The five towers of Angkor Wat symbolize the five peaks of Mount Meru, the surrounding wall represents the mountains at the world's edge, and the moat encircling the temple symbolizes the ocean beyond.

Return to your hotel for your late breakfast.

Lunch: For a taste of local culture, enjoy lunch in Siem Reap town, offering delicious local dishes prepared with fresh ingredients. The meal, paired with the warmth of Cambodian hospitality, provides the perfect respite before continuing your temple exploration.

Afternoon Tour: We begin our exploration at Angkor Thom, the ancient royal city of the Khmer Empire, highlighted by the remarkable Bayon temple. While it may initially appear as an amorphous mass of stone, a closer look reveals its iconic towers adorned with the enigmatic faces of King Jayavarman VII. We’ll then proceed to the Terrace of the Elephants, a grand platform where the King welcomed his triumphant army, and the Terrace of the Leper King, known for its intricate carvings that line a narrow passageway leading to the Baphuon complex.

Our journey continues to the enchanting Ta Prohm, often regarded as Angkor’s most stunning temple. Here, the massive roots of fig trees intertwine with the temple’s ancient stone blocks, creating a haunting yet captivating atmosphere that evokes the feeling of a ‘forgotten city.’

Evening: Enjoy a relaxing evening with sunset cocktails at Sras Srong, as you unwind with stunning views. Upon arrival, you’ll be welcomed with a refreshing cold towel. The evening features a delightful selection of snacks and canapés, including deep-fried spring rolls, fresh spring rolls, chicken skewers, and fried shrimp. For your drink selection, enjoy a free-flowing hour of soft drinks, beer, and wine. This is the perfect way to end the day, with great flavors, drinks, and the beauty of the setting sun.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Sunset cocktails

Day 4: SIEM REAP FOOD BANK (SFB) PROJECTS & KAMPONG KHLEANG FLOATING VILLAGE TOUR

Discover the inspiring work of the Siem Reap Food Bank (SFB) and its innovative community projects on this enriching tour. Visit the SFB Green House and Cricket Farm, where sustainable farming practices are empowering local communities to grow organic produce and create alternative sources of protein. Learn about the efforts being made to tackle food insecurity and improve nutrition through environmentally conscious initiatives.

Next, enjoy a home-cooked lunch at a local family house, where you will experience the true flavors of Cambodia, with dishes prepared from the organic produce of the Green House Project. This meal reflects the importance of sustainable agr  iculture and the role of local farmers in promoting healthy living.

Continue your journey with a scenic boat ride through Kampong Khleang, one of the largest floating villages on Tonle Sap Lake. Here, you will learn about the Rice for Plastic program, which supports environmental sustainability by exchanging plastic waste for rice, helping to reduce pollution while addressing food security challenges for local families.

*Note: This tour is subject to available depend on your flight departure only.

DEPARTURE TRANSFER TO SIEM REAP AIRPORT

You will be picked up at your hotel and transferred to Siem Reap Airport for your onward flight.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

SERVICES INCLUDED

• Accommodation at selected hotel with daily breakfast included
• All transportation by private air conditioned vehicle for all included sightseeing
• Services of local English speaking guides (Except day free at leisure without transportation and guide as mentioned)
• All entrance fees to sites
• Water & cool towels on vehicle during tour

SERVICES NOT INCLUDED

• Visa for Cambodia (Visa issued on arrival for most nationalities, USD30/pax (tourist visa), please bring 1 passport photo).
• Airport fast track services
• Any surcharge/extra fees for visit of the Angkor Historical site imposed by the Apsara Authorities in Siem Reap which are subject to change without prior notice
• Meals are not mentioned
• International flights to/from Cambodia
• Optional Tour.
• Camera/video entrance fees if applicable
• Personal expenses (drinks, laundry, telephone, tips for the guide, etc)
• Other services not clearly indicated in the package inclusions above