12 Days in Cambodia: Where Sacred Heritage Meets the Sea

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

Discover the multifaceted heart of Cambodia on a captivating 12-day journey that seamlessly blends rich cultural immersion with serene coastal relaxation. This tour invites you to explore the vibrant energy of Phnom Penh, delve into the tranquil riverfront life of Kratie, uncover the historic charm of Kampong Thom, and stand in awe before the iconic ancient temples of Siem Reap. But the adventure doesn't end there; a refreshing extension takes you to the pristine beaches of Sihanoukville, offering a perfect tropical escape. Designed for those who wish to truly experience Cambodia's breathtaking landscapes and warm, welcoming local communities, every day is an opportunity for new discoveries, creating a truly memorable adventure through the Kingdom of Wonder.

OVERVIEW ITINERARY

Here is overview itinerary. Please contact for more details and better offers. 

Day 1: Phnom Penh: Arrival & Capital's Initial Exploration

Day 2: Phnom Penh: Historical Depths & Royal Splendor

Day 3: Phnom Penh → Kratie: Rural Transitions & Mekong Sunset

Day 4: Kratie: Dolphin Encounters & Island Immersion

Day 5: Kratie → Kampong Thom: Countryside Transit & Panoramic Views

Day 6: Kampong Thom → Siem Reap: Ancient Sites & Angkor Gateway

Day 7: Siem Reap: Majestic Angkor Wat & Angkor Thom Grandeur

Day 8: Siem Reap: Hidden Temples & Tonle Sap Lake Life

Day 9: Siem Reap: Remote Jungle Temples & Artisanal Beauty

Day 10: Siem Reap → Sihanoukville: Temple Farewell & Coastal Flight

Day 11: Sihanoukville: Beachfront Bliss & Relaxation

Day 12: Sihanoukville → Phnom Penh / Departure: Coastal Morning & Farewell

DETAIL PROGRAM:

Day 1: Phnom Penh / Arrival – Capital's Initial Exploration

• Meals: None

• Accommodation: Hotel in Phnom Penh

• Activities:

  • Upon your arrival at Phnom Penh International Airport (PNH), you will receive a warm welcome from your private representative.

  • Enjoy a comfortable, private transfer directly to your pre-arranged hotel in the bustling capital.

  • After checking in and settling into your accommodation, the rest of the day is entirely at your leisure. Take this opportunity to relax after your journey or begin a gentle self-exploration of the city's lively atmosphere, perhaps with a stroll along the tree-lined riverfront promenade.

Day 2: Phnom Penh – Historical Depths & Royal Splendor

• Meals: Breakfast (B), Lunch (L)

• Accommodation: Hotel in Phnom Penh

• Activities:

  • Morning: Embark on a poignant journey through Cambodia's recent past. Visit the notorious Choeung Ek Killing Fields and the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S21 prison). These sites serve as powerful and essential testaments to the tragic crimes committed by the Khmer Rouge regime (1975–1979), offering vital insights into Cambodia's history.

  • Mid-day: Enjoy a reflective lunch at a local restaurant, savoring authentic Cambodian cuisine.

  • Afternoon: Transition to explore the city's rich royal and cultural heritage. Take some moments for a photo opportunity at the majestic Independent Monument. Afterward, immerse yourself in the opulence of the Royal Palace, the official residence of Cambodia’s Royal family, and marvel at the shimmering Silver Pagoda with its floor made of thousands of silver tiles. Continue your visit at The National Museum, home to a superb collection of Khmer art and historical artifacts. The final visit of the day is Wat Phnom, the most famous and historically significant Buddhist temple in Phnom Penh, perched atop a tree-covered hill.

Day 3: Phnom Penh → Kratie – Rural Transitions & Mekong Sunset

• Meals: Breakfast (B), Lunch (L)

• Accommodation: Hotel in Kratie

• Activities:

  • Morning: Depart from Phnom Penh on a scenic journey northeast towards the tranquil riverside town of Kratie. Enjoy the captivating scenery of rural Cambodia, driving through vast cashew nut plantations, emerald rice fields, and charming traditional villages.

  • Mid-day: Your tour will include a stop in Kampong Cham to visit its town center, admiring the beautiful French colonial architecture and perhaps meeting some friendly local people in nearby villages. Continue your journey to Wat Nokor (Nokor Bachey Temple), an 11th-century Angkorian temple with unique dual structures.

  • Afternoon: Arrive in Kratie. After checking into your hotel, the afternoon is at your leisure to relax in this serene town. As evening approaches, enjoy a spectacular Mekong sunset from the riverbanks, a truly serene and picturesque experience.

Day 4: Kratie – Dolphin Encounters & Island Immersion

• Meals: Breakfast (B), Lunch (L)

• Accommodation: Hotel in Kratie

• Activities:

  • Morning: Begin your day with an authentic experience at a local market, observing the bustling trade and daily life of the community. Then, embark on a countryside tour before boarding a boat for a special excursion. This is your chance to try and catch a glimpse of the critically endangered, freshwater Irrawaddy dolphins in their shallow river pools, a truly unique wildlife encounter. Continue towards the village of Sambo for a visit to Wat Sorsor Mouy Roy Pagoda, a pagoda known for its 100 columns.

  • Afternoon: Cross the river by boat to the charming island of Koh Trong. Explore the island's serene landscape, opting for a relaxed horse cart ride or biking around. Discover the unique floating village, lush fruit orchards, and friendly local faces. Return to Kratie by boat in the late afternoon.

Day 5: Kratie → Kampong Thom – Countryside Transit & Panoramic Views

• Meals: Breakfast (B), Lunch (L)

• Accommodation: Hotel in Kampong Thom

• Activities:

  • Morning: Depart from Kratie for Kampong Thom. Enjoy the picturesque countryside scenery and observe local life unfold during the comfortable transfer.

  • Mid-day: Along the way, embark on a rewarding climb of approximately 1000 steps up to Phnom Santuk Mountain. From the top, you will be rewarded with spectacular panoramic vistas of the surrounding plains and rice fields, a perfect photo opportunity.

  • Afternoon: Continue by road to Kampong Thom. After checking into your hotel, the afternoon is at your leisure to relax and enjoy the tranquility of this provincial town.

Day 6: Kampong Thom → Siem Reap – Ancient Sites & Angkor Gateway

• Meals: Breakfast (B), Lunch (L)

• Accommodation: Hotel in Siem Reap

• Activities:

  • Morning: Heading out to the north of Kampong Thom, visit Sambor Prei Kuk, a sprawling, jungle-enclosed pre-Angkorian temple complex. This UNESCO World Heritage site is remarkably less touristy than Angkor, offering a serene and immersive experience as you witness the ancient melding of architecture with surrounding nature.

  • Mid-day: Enjoy a delicious lunch featuring authentic local food.

  • Afternoon: Continue your journey towards Siem Reap, the bustling gateway to the magnificent Angkor temples.

  • Evening: On arrival in Siem Reap, check-in at your hotel and enjoy the remainder of the afternoon at leisure. You can relax by the pool or prepare for your exciting Angkor adventures.

Day 7: Siem Reap – Majestic Angkor Wat & Angkor Thom Grandeur

• Meals: Breakfast (B), Lunch (L), Dinner (D)

• Accommodation: Hotel in Siem Reap

• Activities:

  • Morning: Begin your profound exploration of the Angkor complex. You will visit Angkor Thom, the ancient capital of the Khmer empire, entering through its magnificent South Gate and discovering the enigmatic, smiling faces of the Bayon Temple, along with the Terrace of the Elephants and the Terrace of the Leper King. Then, continue your visit to Ta Prohm, a stunning temple complex famously embraced by giant trees and lush vegetation, creating a magical, ethereal atmosphere.

  • Mid-day: Lunch will be served at a local restaurant, offering a taste of authentic Khmer cuisine.

  • Afternoon: Prepare to be awe-struck by Angkor Wat, the most famous and iconic of all the temples in Angkor. This massive temple complex is one of the largest religious monuments in the world, renowned for its intricate bas-reliefs and architectural grandeur. Spend ample time exploring its galleries and towers.

  • Evening: Enjoy a delightful buffet dinner accompanied by a captivating Khmer Traditional Dance Show (Apsara Dance) at a local restaurant, providing a perfect cultural conclusion to your day.

Day 8: Siem Reap – Hidden Temples & Tonle Sap Lake Life

• Meals: Breakfast (B), Lunch (L)

• Accommodation: Hotel in Siem Reap

• Activities:

  • Morning: Continue your temple exploration, visiting some of the unique and famous temples in the Siem Reap area. These include East Mebon, Ta Som, Neak Pean (a unique island temple), Preah Khan (a massive monastic complex), and Pre Rup (a pyramid-shaped temple known for sunset views).

  • Afternoon: Embark on a fascinating sightseeing tour at the Tonle Sap Lake, known as the “Great Lake” of Cambodia. Board a traditional wooden boat to visit a local floating village, observing the unique way of life of the communities living on the lake. Witness homes, schools, and even markets floating on the water, offering a vivid glimpse into this vibrant ecosystem.

Day 9: Siem Reap – Remote Jungle Temples & Artisanal Beauty

• Meals: Breakfast (B), Lunch (L)

• Accommodation: Hotel in Siem Reap

• Activities:

  • Morning (approx. 8:00 AM): Depart the city and head to Koh Ker (about 1.5 hours drive), which served as the former capital of the Angkorian empire during the years AD 928 to AD 944. Upon arrival, venture into the deserted ruins and surrounding forest to explore the unique Koh Ker temple complex, including its impressive pyramid-shaped Prasat Thom.

  • Mid-day: Drive back towards Siem Reap. On the way, stop at two historically significant temples: Prasat Neang Khmaw and Prasat Pram. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant near Beng Mealea temple.

  • Afternoon (approx. 1:30 PM): Visit the enchanting Beng Mealea temple. Enjoy a captivating walk through the dense jungle as you discover the wonders of this overgrown temple, which lay largely undiscovered for centuries, offering a truly adventurous feel. Proceed to your final visit of the day, Banteay Srey, often called the “gem” of the Angkor area, renowned for its intricate and delicate pink sandstone carvings.

Day 10: Siem Reap → Sihanoukville – Temple Farewell & Coastal Flight

• Meals: Breakfast (B), Lunch (L)

• Accommodation: Hotel in Sihanoukville

• Activities:

  • Morning: Enjoy breakfast at your hotel. Spend your leisure time in Siem Reap, perhaps for some last-minute souvenir shopping or a relaxing start to the day.

  • Mid-day: At the appropriate time, you will be transferred to Siem Reap International Airport (REP) for your domestic flight to Sihanoukville (KOS).

  • Afternoon: Upon arrival at Sihanoukville International Airport, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Check-in and enjoy the remainder of the afternoon at your leisure, perhaps taking your first stroll along the beach or settling into the coastal ambiance.

Day 11: Sihanoukville – Beachfront Bliss & Relaxation

• Meals: Breakfast (B)

• Accommodation: Hotel in Sihanoukville

• Activities:

  • Full Day Leisure: Enjoy breakfast at your hotel. This entire day is dedicated to pure relaxation and enjoyment on the beautiful beaches of Sihanoukville. You can soak up the sun, swim in the clear waters, indulge in watersports (optional, at own cost), enjoy a beachside massage, or simply unwind with a good book, embracing the laid-back coastal vibe.

Day 12: Sihanoukville → Phnom Penh / Departure – Coastal Morning & Farewell

• Meals: Breakfast (B)

• Accommodation: None (Departure Day)

• Activities:

  • Morning: Enjoy breakfast at your hotel. Spend your leisure time at the beach for relaxation in Sihanoukville, making the most of your final moments by the sea.

  • Afternoon: At the appropriate time, you will be transferred by private vehicle from Sihanoukville to Phnom Penh International Airport (PNH) for your departure flight. This transfer allows for a comfortable journey back to the capital for your international connection. Depart with cherished memories of Cambodia's rich culture and beautiful coast.