5-DAY CULTURAL AND COMMUNITY-FOCUSED SIEM REAP ADVENTURE

Overview:

This immersive 5-day journey through Siem Reap offers an enriching experience that combines Cambodia's ancient heritage with modern community-driven initiatives. The tour takes you from the awe-inspiring temples of Angkor to local social enterprises, where you’ll engage with sustainable projects and explore traditional crafts. Begin with the iconic Angkor Wat sunrise and temple explorations, before delving into hands-on activities like supporting local artisans and learning about clean water initiatives. The tour also includes visits to the Siem Reap Food Bank and Kampong Khleang’s floating village, where environmental and social projects offer solutions for local sustainability and food security.

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: By participating in activities like the Bio-Sand Water Filter initiative, visitors directly contribute to improving access to clean water in rural areas, enhancing health and well-being for local families.
• Empower Local Artisans: Visits to Silk Farms and Artisans Angkor support local artisans and their traditional crafts, helping to preserve Khmer cultural heritage while promoting fair trade practices.
• Promote Sustainability: Through the Siem Reap Food Bank’s Green House and Cricket Farm, travelers will learn about and support sustainable agricultural practices that tackle food insecurity and provide alternative sources of protein.
• Environmental Awareness: The Rice for Plastic program at Kampong Khleang offers a unique opportunity to understand the intersection of environmental sustainability and community support, as plastic waste is exchanged for rice to help families in need.
• Cultural Exchange and Education: By experiencing traditional performances, local cuisines, and historical exploration, travelers gain a meaningful connection to Cambodia’s past, present, and future, contributing to the long-term preservation and development of the local culture.

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: VISIT BIO-SAND WATER FILTER, SILK FARM AND ARTISANS D’ANGKOR

Morning: Begin your day with a visit to a local community initiative focused on improving water access and sanitation. The Bio-Sand Water Filter Activity provides a hands-on opportunity to learn about and contribute to a sustainable solution for clean drinking water. Participants will gain insight into the construction and use of bio-sand water filters, a simple yet effective technology that helps  provide safe, clean water to rural households. This experience not only highlights the importance of water filtration but also allows you to directly contribute to the community’s health and well-being.

Lunch: Enjoy a traditional Cambodian Cuisine at a local Restaurant.

Afternoon: Embark on a journey to the Silk Farm, where you will witness the intricate process of silk production, from the cultivation of silkworms to the weaving of delicate textiles. Learn about the traditional techniques that have been passed down for generations, supporting local artisans and promoting sustainable practices in the textile industry.

Next, visit Artisans Angkor, a social enterprise dedicated to preserving Cambodia’s rich craftsmanship traditions. Here, you will explore workshops where artisans produce beautiful hand-crafted goods, including intricate wood carvings, stone sculptures, and silk products. This visit offers a deeper understanding of the craftsmanship that plays a vital role in the local economy and culture.

*Optional tour in the evening – Supplementary charge

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

Join us tonight at 19:3 0 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, Lunch

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.

After visiting temple, start your day with a refreshing sunrise breakfast at Sras Srong, a serene location to enjoy a peaceful morning. Upon arrival, you'll be welcomed with a cool towel to freshen up. The breakfast includes a variety of options such as orange, pineapple, or apple juice, followed by a hearty selection of dishes. For a local touch, savor a traditional Khmer pancake, accompanied by soft drinks and fresh juice to complete your delightful breakfast experience.

After breakfast, return back to your hotel for relaxing.

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.’

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

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 agriculture 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.

Return back to your hotel for relaxing and refreshing.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 5: DEPARTURE TRANSFER TO SIEM REAP AIRPORT

Free time at leisure until your guide pick you up at your hotel and transferred to Siem Reap Airport for your onward flight.

Meals: Breakfast

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