8-Day Immersion into the Soul and Grace of Cambodia

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

Experience the stunning grace of Cambodia on an incredible 8-day journey designed to deliver your ideal holiday filled with magical moments. This tour connects three of Cambodia's most captivating destinations, offering exciting experiences and excellent accommodation throughout. Beginning in Phnom Penh, once considered the loveliest city of Indochina, you'll delve into the heart of Cambodian history and daily life. Continue to the charming provincial town of Battambang, where ancient temples and the unique bamboo train await. The adventure culminates in Siem Reap, where you will explore the world-famous heritage sites of the Khmer Empire, including the legendary Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom, Ta Prohm, and Banteay Srei. Prepare to be enchanted by Cambodia's enduring beauty and vibrant culture.

OVERVIEW ITINERARY

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

Day 1: Phnom Penh: Arrival & Capital's Charm

Day 2: Phnom Penh: Royal Heritage & Poignant History

Day 3: Phnom Penh → Battambang: Riverside Life & Ancient Temples

Day 4: Battambang: Countryside Immersion & Natural Phenomena

Day 5: Battambang → Siem Reap: Remote Temples & Angkor Gateway

Day 6: Siem Reap: Iconic Angkor Complex Exploration

Day 7: Siem Reap: Rural Charms & Floating Village Life

Day 8: Siem Reap: Departure

DETAIL PROGRAM:

Day 1: Phnom Penh: Arrival & Capital's Charm

• Meals: None

• Accommodation: Hotel in Phnom Penh

• Activities:

  • Welcome to Phnom Penh, the captivating capital city of Cambodia.

  • Upon your arrival at Phnom Penh International Airport (PNH), you will be warmly met by your private representative.

  • Enjoy a comfortable transfer to your hotel for check-in or to drop off your luggage (early check-in is not guaranteed and subject to hotel availability).

  • The rest of the day is free for you to relax and settle in, or to begin your self-exploration of this charming city at your leisure.

Day 2: Phnom Penh: Royal Heritage & Poignant History

• Meals: Breakfast (B), Lunch (L)

• Accommodation: Hotel in Phnom Penh

• Activities:

  • Morning: Embark on a comprehensive city tour. Begin with a visit to the Royal Palace, a stunning complex built in 1866 by King Norodom, serving as the official residence of the Cambodian Royal Family. Within its compound, discover the magnificent Silver Pagoda, famously named for its floor made up of 5,000 gleaming silver tiles, showcasing immense national treasures.

  • Mid-day: Continue your journey to reflect on Cambodia's poignant recent history. Visit the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S-21 prison), a former high school that was transformed into a Khmer Rouge torture, interrogation, and execution center. This must-see site provides a very moving and horrific, yet essential, insight into the regime's brutality.

  • Afternoon: Head to Choeung Ek, commonly known as "The Killing Fields," located approximately 17km from Phnom Penh. Despite its peaceful appearance today, this site was a place of immense suffering, where over 17,000 victims perished under Pol Pot's regime. A large memorial stupa, filled with the remnants of victims, and mass graves dotting the area, serve as a powerful reminder of the atrocities. This deeply moving experience offers a profound background on the cruelty of the Khmer Rouge and highlights the tremendous courage of the Cambodian people in rebuilding their nation.

Day 3: Phnom Penh → Battambang: Riverside Life & Ancient Temples

• Meals: Breakfast (B)

• Accommodation: Hotel in Battambang

• Activities:

  • Morning: Depart from Phnom Penh for a scenic drive (approximately 5 hours) to Battambang. Along the way, immerse yourself in local life with a stop at Kampong Luong, a traditional village renowned for its silversmiths. Observe skilled artisans creating intricate silver objects. Learn how the community makes pottery in the traditional way and watch as locals collect sugar from towering sugar palm trees. Your guide will assist with translations, allowing you to engage with villagers and learn more about their daily routines.

  • Mid-day: Lunch will be on your own arrangement, allowing flexibility.

  • Afternoon: Upon arrival in Battambang, check into your hotel. Later, visit the well-preserved 11th-century Angkorian temple of Phnom Banan, perched atop a hill. After climbing over 350 steps, you'll be treated to a serene setting and superb panoramic views across the surrounding countryside.

  • Late Afternoon: Experience one of Battambang's most unique attractions: a ride on the iconic bamboo train (Norii). This exhilarating journey provides an authentic glimpse into the countryside landscape and the daily activities of indigenous people.

Day 4: Battambang: Countryside Immersion & Natural Phenomena

• Meals: Breakfast (B)

• Accommodation: Hotel in Battambang

• Activities:

  • Morning: Spend your day exploring the charming countryside around Battambang. Opt for a bicycle tour to visit Cambodian families who produce traditional goods. You'll witness how fermented fish paste, rice paper, dried bananas, bamboo sticky rice, and rice wine are made in ways that have remained unchanged for generations. This hands-on experience offers firsthand insight into everyday life in rural communities, which make up over 70% of Cambodia’s population. Your guide will ensure you visit non-touristy places for an authentic and insightful experience.

  • Mid-day: Lunch will be in town, at your own arrangement.

  • Afternoon: Conclude your day with a visit to Phnom Sampeau, a massive limestone outcrop. Explore some of its caves, which hold unexpected reminders of Cambodia’s turbulent history. As nightfall approaches, witness a truly remarkable natural phenomenon: thousands of bats emerge from the hillside caves to feed, creating an unforgettable spectacle.

  • Evening: For dinner (at your own account), consider visiting recommended spots like Lotus Bar and Gallery or Bric a Brac for a drink, followed by dinner at Jaan Bai restaurant, known for its menu crafted by a Michelin Star chef.

Day 5: Battambang → Siem Reap: Remote Temples & Angkor Gateway

• Meals: Breakfast (B)

• Accommodation: Hotel in Siem Reap

• Activities:

  • Morning: Bid farewell to Battambang and embark on a drive (approximately 2.5 hours) northwest to the seldom-visited province of Banteay Meanchey. This province is home to the ancient temple of Banteay Chhmar, also known as the “Fortress of the Cat.” Due to its remote location, this large temple is rarely visited by tourists, offering a refreshing contrast to the crowds at Angkor Wat.

  • Upon arrival, the local community, who has established a low-key tourism project to supplement their incomes by caring for the temple, will welcome you. Members of the community will join you to explain the temple’s history, despite severe looting in the past which has left much of its original function to speculation.

  • Afternoon: Continue your transfer to Siem Reap, arriving mid-afternoon.

  • Evening: Check into your hotel and enjoy the remainder of the day at your leisure, perhaps relaxing by the pool or exploring Siem Reap town.

Day 6: Siem Reap: Iconic Angkor Complex Exploration

• Meals: Breakfast (B), Lunch (L)

• Accommodation: Hotel in Siem Reap

• Activities:

  • Early Morning (approx. 7:00 AM): Beat the crowds with an early start to visit the picturesque Ta Prohm temple. This temple has been famously left largely as it was found, with magnificent tree roots pushing between its huge stone blocks, creating an oddly haunting and exotic scene that will be etched in your memory.

  • Continue to explore the intricately carved Khmer ruins at Angkor Wat, one of the world’s most impressive and largest religious monuments. Marvel at its architectural grandeur, detailed bas-reliefs, and the thousands of Apsara dancers adorning its walls.

  • Mid-day: Enjoy a delicious lunch at a local restaurant.

  • Afternoon: Explore the mysterious Royal city of Angkor Thom. Enter through its iconic gates and discover the enigmatic Bayon temple, an awesome sight with its 54 towers, each adorned with massive, silent faces. Continue to visit the surrounding structures including the pyramid-shaped Baphuon, the intricately carved Elephant Terrace, the mysterious Terrace of the Leper King, and the Royal Palace area.

  • Evening: The evening is free for your leisure, allowing you to explore Siem Reap's vibrant night market or dining options.

Day 7: Siem Reap: Rural Charms & Floating Village Life

• Meals: Breakfast (B), Lunch (L)

• Accommodation: Hotel in Siem Reap

• Activities:

  • Morning: Transfer out of Siem Reap town to a beautiful village in the countryside. Begin a walking tour through the village, witnessing the daily activities of the locals, from washing vehicles to small street-side food stalls. Enjoy the wonderful views of the area and interact with the friendly villagers.

  • Leisurely walk through the rice paddies and observe how families engage in daily work such as making rice wine and various handicrafts. A family member will offer you a fresh coconut and some homemade rice wine to taste, providing a truly authentic local experience.

  • Afternoon: Hop back into your van and drive to a floating community. Arrive at the quay and embark on a motorized boat to visit a floating houses village on Tonle Sap Lake. This offers an incredible natural phenomenon of communities living on the lake in a respectful and meaningful way. Witness the unique way of life, including floating schools and shops, providing a great chance to see one of Cambodia's most amazing natural wonders. (Note: The floating community visit is highly recommended from September to February when the water levels are higher). Kayaking on Tonle Sap Lake is also available upon request at an additional cost.

  • Evening: Drive back to Siem Reap. The evening is at your leisure.

Day 8: Siem Reap: Departure

• Meals: Breakfast (B)

• Accommodation: None (Departure Day)

• Activities:

  • Enjoy breakfast at your hotel.

  • At a scheduled time, your private driver will pick you up from your hotel lobby and transfer you directly to Siem Reap International Airport (REP) for your departure flight. (Please note: this transfer is without a guide).

  • Depart with sincere thanks for your journey to Cambodia, hoping you have enjoyed your trip and looking forward to welcoming you again!