An Introduction to the Khmer culture tour 1Day

Cooking Class, Angkor in miniature, the old market, Wat Bo temple

Duration Full Day
Experiences Tour Guide English
Instant Confirmation
No Deposit Required
Free Cancellation 48Hour before start
Mobile Voucher Accepted

We will pick you up at your hotel and bring you to the friendly local restaurant, where you will attend an initiation to the Khmer cuisine, enjoy cooking class. Khmer cuisine is quite similar to the Thai cuisine but less spicy, with accents from Indian, Vietnamese and Chinese food. Cambodian cuisine derives its flavor from spices and aromatic herbs as well as from the prahok, a fermented fish paste which is the most unique Cambodian ingredient. You will learn about the specific products used in Khmer cuisine, such as cardamom, nutmeg, ginger, turmeric, lemongrass, galangal, cilantro, kaffir lime and many more and choose your menu before to join the cook who will teach you how to prepare and cook these meals. At lunch, you will enjoy your own meals.
In the afternoon, we will visit Angkor Wat in Miniature where your guide will give you a short introduction of the ancient Khmer history. This place is the work of the artist Ky Proeung who created several beautiful, hand carved and cast sandstone and concrete miniatures of Angkor Wat, Bayon, Banteay Srei and other Angkorian era temples and figures. It is an interesting place to have a view from the sky of the temples. Then, we will go to the Phsar Chas (old market). You will be guided from the local part of the market, where people buy food, clothes and household items to the tourist-oriented part where souvenirs and handicrafts such as statues, silver, basketry, silks, musical instruments are sold. The main aisle, through the center of the market, where fruits, vegetables and meat are sold, is colorful and potentially very photogenic. You will also be able to calm a small hunger with some delicious grilled-grasshoppers! Afterwards, we will continue this introduction of the city with the visit of Wat Bo, a temple founded in the 18th century. It is a large, highly respected pagoda. Like the Silver Pagoda in Phnom Penh, the vihear of Wat Bo contains very unique wall painting of the Reamker from the 19th century. A large collection of Buddha statues is another point of interest. In this holy place, your guide will give you some information about Khmer Buddhism and religious observance. We will finish the tour with a fresh drink at the Butterfly Garden, a romantic setting which support some community projects. Then, we will take you back to your hotel.