The Best of Cambodia & Laos

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SUGGESTED CAMBODIA & LAOS ITINERARIES
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THE BEST OF CAMBODIA IN 1 WEEK
The markets and boutiques of Siem
Reap are stuffed with all kinds of goodies,
so now’s a good time to head back for
some shopping. Hand-woven Cambodian
silks, stone carvings (including replicas of
those mesmerizing Bayon heads and the
shapely serene apsaras that you have just
spent so many hours viewing), woodcarvings,
contemporary Cambodian art, handicrafts
and traditional musical instruments,
temple rubbings, silver betel containers,
colored gems, and wickerwork—you will
find all these around town.
Day 3: Phnom Penh
In the morning, fly to Phnom Penh. If you
arrive in time for lunch, head to the riverfront
around Sisowath Quay where you
can eat while adjusting to the frantic bustle
of the city.
After you have finished your food wander
the few yards to Street 178, have a peek
at the art galleries and boutiques, and take
a look around the stunning collection of
Angkorian and pre-Angkorian sculpture in
the National Museum (p. 82). The Royal
Palace (p. 82) just next door is your next
port of call. Then take a moto up to Wat
Phnom, the namesake heart of Phnom
Penh (p. 84). Since you are already near the
river, head back to Sisowath Quay for some
well-deserved refreshment. Look out for
Phnom Penh’s only elephant, the muchloved
and delightful Sambo.
Phnom Penh is replete with restaurants,
bars, and nightlife of all sorts. Plan your
evening according to your tastes.
Day 4: History & a Mekong Cruise
Cambodia is a country of incredible history,
but some of it is simply horrific. If
you are to have any understanding of this
place, you will need to visit Tuol Sleng or
S21 (p. 83). You may leave the building
weeping at the thought of the fate of all
those faces staring out of the fading blackand-white
photographs, but you will come
away with a greater understanding of
Cambodia. Equally you can follow that
with a trip to Choeung Ek, the Killing
Fields where the terrified victims of S21
met an undeserved oblivion (p. 80). If you
are with younger children, then of course
these places should be skipped. With older
children, it’s a tough call and should be
handled carefully, because it is all very real.
After lunch, take a cruise down the
Mekong. You can find boats near the
Royal Palace. You can see how different
the city looks from the water and you will
also pass traditional fishing villages.
In the evening, cross the Japanese
Bridge to Prek Leap and have dinner at
one of the popular traditional Khmer restaurants.
Some of these have music and
even stand-up comedy, which is slapstick
enough that you will probably laugh, even
if you don’t understand a word.
Day 5: Haggling at the Market
If you aren’t all shopped out from Siem
Reap, take a swing around Psar Toul Tom
Poung, often referred to as the Russian
Market (p. 87). You will be amazed at
what you find. Bargaining here is a tough
and time-consuming game. If you want a
reasonable price it is necessary, but do it
with a joke and a smile.
After lunch take the bus to Sihanoukville,
arriving in the late afternoon in
time for an aperitif while watching the sun
sink over the Gulf of Thailand.
Day 6: Sihanoukville
Today your only goal is to relax on the
beach. You can eat crab or lobster cooked
right in front of you by passing vendors.
Day 7: More Relaxing or Optional
Kampot
Either continue to relax on the beaches of
Sihanoukville, or head the short distance
over to Kampot to enjoy the languid
atmosphere of this small riverside town
before taking the bus back to Phnom Penh
for your flight out.