Tuol Sleng was a former high school that the Khmer Rouge turned into a centre for interrogation, torture and death. Today it is a museum of torture and serves to remind visitors of the terrible atrocities that came to pass in Cambodia. 17,000 people passed through the gates of this prison and only seven lived to tell the tale. Experience and not everyone will want to visit. However, it is key to understanding the hell into which Cambodia descended and how far it has come in the years since.

We then travel out of town to the Killing Fields of Choeng Ek. Prisoners from Tuol Sleng followed this same route to their fate. An old Chinese cemetery, Choeng Ek was turned into an extermination camp for political prisoners. The remains of 8985 people were exhumed from mass graves and are kept in a memorial stupa here. Despite the horrors of the past, it is a peaceful place to go and a tranquil spot to reflect on the tragic events that engulfed Cambodia and its people.

We travel to the impressive Central Market, one of the city landmarks. Originally completed by the French in 1937, this striking structure is known as PsarThmei in Khmer or New Market. The huge dome is wonderfully ventilated, a testament to the design, and this market is loaded with anything and everything available in Cambodia. Buy with caution, as this market has a reputation for overcharging or 'shaving your head' as Cambodians like to call it.

At 8AM, we will depart from Phnom Penh for Battambang province. Battambang is a province of Cambodia that is nestled in the northwest of the country and bordered with Thailand. Known as the largest rice-producing province. its economy lies heavily on the agricultural industry. On the way, we will have a few stops: stop at Kompung Chnang to look at the workers making pottery, stop at Posat to look at the statues of Buddha made of marble stone.

Upon arrival, check in hotel. Then we take Battambang city tour by visit Sangker Riverbank, Old statue of Ta Dambong Kranhung and riding Bamboo train which is an unique activity in Cambodia.

Ek Phnom, an 11th century Angkorian ruin built as a Hindu temple under Suryavarman 1. Then, visit fermented fish paste market and some local producers of spring roll, bamboo sticky rice and Buddhist monastery.

In afternoon, we go to visit Phnom Sambov steeped in legend, and topped by Wat Sampeou and a group of caves used as “Killing caves” by the Khmer Rouge. Wait for watching thousands of bats flying out for their food in the night.

Rising eight meters high, the laterite wall measures 3x3km and guards many treasures inside, protected by a moat still flooded today. You will enter the ancient city through its South Gate. In the very centre lies the temple of Bayon – silent witnesses of time, the 216 enigmatic faces gaze over the horizon and one can only wonder what they have seen throughout the ages. Your guide will point out the best angles for photography here and give explanation of the many intricate carvings on the walls of the galleries. You will then continue to Baphuon with its long causeway and an impressive giant Reclining Buddha, a jigsaw puzzle only put back together in 2011 following a 37 year-long disruption caused by the war. Phimeanakas is hiding in the shaded jungle and offers a decent over-the-tree-tops view to those who conquer the steep steps to the top. Continuing along the Esplanade of the Royal Palace more commonly known as the Terrace of the Elephants you will wind up your exploration in the shaded area of the picturesque Preah Palilay.

Sunset atop of Phnom Bakheng with stunning vistas and tips of the five lotus-like Angkor Wat towers visible in the south-east direction.

Banteay Srei well known for its beautiful delicate carvings in warm pink sandstone. This late 10th century structure is fairly compact and very different from other Angkorian temples.

Banteay Samre: built in the third quarter of the 12th century. It consists of a central temple with four wings preceded by a hall and accompanied by two libraries, the southern most of which is remarkably well preserved. Two concentric walls enclosed the ensemble.

Ta Prohm, gained its 21st Century fame from the movie Tomb Raider featuring Angelina Jolie as Lara Croft. Today, with Lara long gone, this temple is on the itinerary of most visitors and rightfully so. Many corners of Ta Prohm showcase an intricate relationship between the roots of Spung tree (Tetrameles Nudiflora) and ancient stones covered in moss. Truly a photographer's paradise, don't miss the opportunity to capture your own explorer's moments.

Angkor Wat Temple, the architectural master piece was built in the 12th century, took 30 years to complete and represents the Khmer civilization at its grandest. Covering 81 hectares, it is one of the largest religious monuments ever built. Angkor Wat (the biggest Hindu temple in the world and the one of the largest religious monument in the world, built in between the 9th – 13th century, its general view are five ancients towers’ figure that embroidered or printed to the Kingdom of Cambodia’s Flag now.

The late 9th century Hindu temples Bakong, Lolei and Preah Ko form what is collectively known as the Rolous group located 15km west of Siem Reap, away from the main Angkor Archaeological Park. Explore the early capital of Angkor and let your guide show you the most attractive sites in this location, the most impressive being the pyramid-like Bakong surrounded by moat still containing water today.

Kompong Phluk, an authentic stilted village on the edge of the great Tonle Sap Lake. The Khmer, Vietnamese and Cham people live in harmony with the rising and falling water levels of the lake. Fun fact: most households here own boats as well as motorbikes as their road becomes a water channel during the monsoon. The biggest attraction in this neighbourhood is the eerie Flooded Forest accessible by boat during the wet season.

To lighten up the mood a little we suggest a visit to the Artisans d'Angkor workshop where skilled artists produce gorgeous pieces of lacquer, stone carvings and silver plating and seeing them at work shows the positive direction of the path Cambodia finds itself on today. If you don't find your souvenirs and gifts here then perhaps the Old Market will have what you are looking for. Browse and use your bartering skills to bring home your memories of Siem Reap.