Discover the hidden treasures of Cambodia as you embark on a journey to explore its awe-inspiring temples, stunning landscapes, and rich culture. Start planning your trip today and prepare to immerse yourself in the enchanting beauty of this incredible country.
Embark on an exciting journey through the diverse regions of Cambodia, starting with the bustling streets of Siem Reap Town. From there, you can explore the ancient temples of Angkor Wat located in Siem Reap. You can also discover local producers in Battambang, you will have a few days on the island to relax and adjust to island life. And pay your respects to Cambodia's tragic history at the solemn sites of Phnom Penh. This adventure will take you away from the crowds and into the heart and soul of this captivating country and its equally enchanting people.
Group Size
1 to 12
Duration
14-Days
Minimum Age
3 years old
Style
Original
Theme
Explorer
Physical Rating
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Is this trip suitable for you?
This itinerary features the development of Khmer architecture and art throughout history.
Welcome to Phnom Penh, the vibrant capital and your entry point to an unforgettable Cambodian journey! Upon landing, you'll be met by a local guide at the airport, ready to introduce you to all the highlights this dynamic city has to offer. Phnom Penh is a compact yet fast-growing metropolis, and the drive from the airport takes roughly forty-five minutes. Along the way, you'll get a glimpse of the city's energy and charm. The crown jewel of Phnom Penh is undoubtedly the Royal Palace and the Silver Pagoda—a must-see attraction for every visitor to Cambodia. After settling in, make sure to set aside some time to wander through the Central Market, even if shopping isn't really your thing—it's an experience in itself.
Phnom Penh is a remarkable city that mirrors Cambodia's historical hardships and triumphs. Today, you have the chance to visit two significant sites that recount the heartbreaking legacy of the Khmer Rouge era. First, you will begin with the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S21), and then continue on to the Killing Fields of Choeung Ek. In the afternoon, you might like to explore the Royal Palace, which houses the nation's most sacred temple—the Silver Pagoda—as well as the private residence of King Sihamoni. Although the King's private quarters are not accessible to visitors, you can still admire the magnificence of the palace grounds. You can round off your day by unwinding at a riverside café, soaking in the city's allure and elegance.
In the evening, embark on a unique City Tour by Cyclo, which is an experience you wouldn't want to miss. You will visit the Independence Monument, where a knowledgeable guide will share the place's fascinating history with you. Then you will head to Wat Phnom, a serene temple located on top of a hill, where you can relax and enjoy the peaceful surroundings. The legend has it that a woman named Penh found sacred Buddhist objects in the nearby river and placed them on top of the hill.
Prepare for an unforgettable adventure as you travel to Koh Rong, Cambodia's beautiful island paradise. The journey takes approximately 3.5 hours to reach Sihanoukville port, followed by a 45-minute speedboat ride to the island. With its stunning location off the coast, surrounded by turquoise waters and fringed with white sandy beaches, Koh Rong is steeped in natural beauty and laid-back charm, making it a must-visit destination. Your day will be filled with exciting activities, starting with a visit to the island's famous shoreline, where you can explore the pristine beaches, lush jungle trails, and vibrant coral reefs, showcasing the country's fascinating marine life. Moreover, the massive and stunning tropical landscape surrounds you at every turn. Today, you will be leaving the mainland behind and stepping into a world of relaxation and adventure. You will have a couple of days on the island to unwind and adjust to island time. This afternoon, you can enjoy swimming, lounging on the warm sandy beach, and taking a leisurely stroll along the coast in the balmy evening. You can also explore the area to find a great spot for dinner.
Today is the ideal day to kick back and enjoy some well-deserved rest by the sea. Soak up the gentle sunshine, sip on a cool cocktail or an ice-cold beer, and wade into the peaceful waters of Koh Rong. Should you feel like a bit of exploration, simply chat with your guide about trekking possibilities—they can lead you to secluded waterfalls and breathtaking jungle trails waiting to be discovered.
Today is the perfect day to slow down, unwind, and fully embrace the serene beach life. You can stretch out on the soft sand and bask in the gentle warmth of the tropical sun, sip on refreshing cocktails or ice-cold beers as you listen to the soothing sound of the waves, and take a refreshing dip in the crystal-clear, calm waters of Koh Rong. If you're feeling a bit more adventurous and crave a change of pace, simply have a word with your guide—they can suggest some fantastic hiking trails that wind through the island's lush interior. Along the way, you might stumble upon hidden waterfalls cascading into emerald pools and lose yourself in the breathtaking beauty of the dense jungle landscapes, teeming with exotic flora and wildlife.
Today, you will be leaving the beautiful paradise of Koh Rong by speedboat, heading back to Sihanoukville, where a private vehicle will be waiting to take you to the charming riverside town of Kampot. After a couple of days of island relaxation and adjusting to island time—swimming in crystal-clear waters, lounging on warm sandy beaches, and taking leisurely strolls along the coast in the balmy evening—you will now have the chance to explore the quiet allure of Kampot. Kampot is a delightful town perfect for orientation walks, with its sleepy, colonial-era streets lined with faded French shophouses, rustic wooden shutters, and cozy cafés that seem to have stood still in time. Begin your stroll along the serene riverside promenade, where you can take in breathtaking views of the Kampot River and the distant, mist-covered Elephant Mountains that frame the horizon. As you wander through the town center, be sure to visit the lively Central Market, where the air is filled with the fragrant aroma of fresh spices, grilled seafood, and exotic tropical fruits. Meander through the back lanes and discover hidden pagodas, old colonial villas, and vibrant street art that reflect the town's rich cultural heritage. In the balmy evening, take a gentle walk along the riverbank as the golden sunset casts a warm glow over the water, and enjoy the cool breeze that rolls in from the mountains. You can also explore the area to find a great spot for dinner—perhaps a riverside restaurant serving locally caught crab, or a traditional Khmer eatery tucked away in a quiet alley, all while soaking in the town's peaceful and welcoming atmosphere.
Today, we have a fantastic schedule lined up, featuring a tour through the stunning Cambodian countryside. Our first destination is the Trapeang Sangkae Community Eco-tourism project, a wonderful initiative started by local villagers in Kampot to support mangrove reforestation and build a sustainable livelihood for the community. This admirable effort not only helps protect the environment but also uplifts the local population by creating meaningful economic opportunities. We'll kick off our journey with a visit to the country's one and only salt field—the Kampot Salt Field. Along the route, you'll get a glimpse into the everyday lives of villagers in the surrounding communities and soak in the picturesque views of the rural landscape. From there, we'll head to the world-famous Kampot pepper plantation, celebrated by top chefs around the globe for producing the finest pepper you can find. Next, we'll make our way to the Fresh Crab Market, where you can enjoy a tasty lunch and take a well-earned rest. If time allows, you can also take a relaxing stroll along the lovely Kep Beach before we make our way back to Kampot.
You will be visiting Battambang Province today, Cambodia's second-largest city and a cultural gem that offers a fascinating glimpse into the country's rich heritage. The city is located along the Sangkae River and is renowned for its well-preserved French colonial architecture, vibrant art scene, and lush agricultural surroundings. The downtown area of Battambang features many elegant buildings that were constructed during the 19th-century French colonial era, with their charming pastel-colored facades, ornate balconies, and weathered wooden shutters telling stories of a bygone era. There are also several houses, shops, cinemas, schools, and hospitals in the area, giving the city a lively yet relaxed atmosphere. Visitors can explore the bustling central market, marvel at the intricate carvings of ancient pagodas, or take a leisurely stroll along the riverfront to watch the sunset over the surrounding rice paddies. Battambang is also famous for its bamboo train, traditional Khmer pottery villages, and the nearby hilltop temples of Phnom Sampeou and Phnom Banan, which offer stunning panoramic views.
You will begin your day by discovering the beautiful countryside of Battambang. You'll stop at small, family-owned enterprises that supply most of the local residents with their everyday food essentials. Along the way, you'll have the chance to observe how items such as rice paper wraps, fried bananas, and rice wine are made from start to finish. You'll also get to sample these delicious products and gain a true appreciation for the skill and dedication that goes into crafting them.
In the afternoon, the thrilling ride on the Bamboo Train awaits you—an earth-shaking adventure that will be hard to forget. After that, we'll head to Sampov Mountain to witness over 10 million bats fly out of the cave. Although this is not the best show in town, you can make it interesting by grabbing a beer and sampling street food from the vendors along the road. They will appreciate your patronage.
We will travel from Battambang to Siem Reap, which takes about three hours. Battambang is the third most populous province in Cambodia and the fifth largest. The province boasts rich natural treasures and an ancient cultural heritage. It is located on fertile alluvial soil that produces high-quality rice, earning it the nickname 'the rice bowl of Cambodia.' Before departing, we will take time to experience the highlights of Battambang. During the journey back to Siem Reap, we will make a stop at Chhnour Meanchhey Commune to witness the Bird Sanctuaries. The sanctuary is home to over 10 species of birds, with the Asian openbill being the most common. Additionally, you can spot cormorants, herons, and ibis. The pelican is the largest bird species you can find here. Upon arrival in Siem Reap, you will have the evening to explore the bustling streets, enjoy local cuisine, or simply relax and reflect on the day's adventures.
Set off on a full-day journey to discover the most iconic and revered temples within the Angkor complex. Angkor Wat, originally constructed as a Hindu temple dedicated to the Khmer Empire, now holds the title of the largest religious monument in the world and stands as a proud symbol of Cambodia. Take a few hours to admire its breathtaking grandeur before continuing on to Angkor Thom, the last great capital of the Khmer Empire. The crown jewel of Angkor Thom is the Bayon temple, renowned for its striking towers adorned with enigmatic smiling faces carved on every side. The temple is lavishly decorated, and the intricate bas-reliefs that line the exterior walls of both the lower and upper levels are absolutely spectacular.
Today, you will discover the stunning Banteay Samre and Banteay Srey temples. Banteay Samre is renowned for its exceptional and rare mythological carvings displayed on its pediments and lintels. Banteay Srey, on the other hand, is largely constructed from red and pink sandstone, which makes its intricate decorative wall reliefs truly stand out. Although the structures at Banteay Srey are relatively modest in scale compared to other Angkorian monuments, they remain an awe-inspiring sight. After exploring these temples, you will visit Ta Prohm, also known as the Jungle Temple. It is regarded as one of the most photogenic and captivating tourist attractions in the world. The ruins of Ta Prohm are enveloped by dense jungle, with massive trees growing through and over the stone structures, creating an incredibly atmospheric and picture-perfect scene. Ta Prohm also gained international fame as the filming location for a major scene in the blockbuster movie "Tomb Raider," starring Angelina Jolie. The film was shown in countless countries and helped make the temple even more famous around the globe.
Today, you have an exciting lineup of activities awaiting you. You'll begin with a visit to the Kompong Pluk Floating Village, offering a fascinating window into the daily lives of the local community. En route to the village, you'll travel through charming rural hamlets and vast rice paddies that showcase the beauty of the countryside. Upon arriving at the floating village, you'll board a private boat to explore the Great Lake, Tonle Sap. The journey will take you through enchanting floating settlements and past stunning natural scenery. Depending on the season and water levels, you'll venture as far along the river as conditions allow. This immersive experience will offer deep insight into the people and ecosystems of this unique region, leaving you with lasting and meaningful memories.
As your 14-day adventure draws to a close, it's time to bid farewell to your fantastic guide and driver and make your way to the airport. We truly hope you had a wonderful and memorable journey, filled with incredible experiences and special moments that will stay with you for years to come. We look forward to welcoming you back again someday to create even more unforgettable travel stories together.
Cambodia
(Siem Reap, Battambang,
Koh Rong, Kompot,
Phnom Penh)
Private
Breakfast
Hotels