9-Day Immersive Experience in Captivating Cambodia

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

Imagine a country full of ancient and modern history, saturated with beautiful religious monuments, teeming with wildlife, and lush with rice fields, grasslands, and rivers. This is probably not how most people typically envision Cambodia, but after traveling through this incredible nation on this immersive 9-day tour, your perspective is bound to change. This journey is designed to take you off the conventional tourist trail, allowing our expert guides to reveal the true heart of Cambodia, from its awe-inspiring ancient wonders to the vibrant daily life of its resilient and welcoming people. Prepare to be enchanted by a land of profound history, breathtaking scenery, and unforgettable encounters.

OVERVIEW ITINERARY

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

Day 1: Phnom Penh: Arrival & Capital's First Impressions

Day 2: Phnom Penh: Historical Reflections & Royal Heritage

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

Day 4: Kratie: Dolphin Encounters & Island Life

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

Day 6: Kampong Thom → Siem Reap: Jungle Temples & Angkor Gateway

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

Day 8: Siem Reap: Remote Temples & Jungle Discoveries

Day 9: Siem Reap: Cultural Insights & Departure

DETAIL PROGRAM:

Day 1: Phnom Penh / Arrival – Capital's First Impressions

• Meals: None

• Accommodation: Hotel in Phnom Penh

• Activities:

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

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

  • After checking in and settling into your accommodation, the rest of the day is entirely at your leisure. You can choose 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.

Day 2: Phnom Penh – Historical Reflections & Royal Heritage

• Meals: Breakfast (B), Lunch (L)

• Accommodation: Hotel in Phnom Penh

• Activities:

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

  • 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 Scenery & 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 Life

• 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 & Mountain 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 – Jungle Temples & 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 far less touristy than Angkor, offering a peaceful 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

• 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 – Remote Temples & Jungle Discoveries

• 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 9: Siem Reap / Departure – Cultural Insights & Farewell

• Meals: Breakfast (B), Lunch (L)

• Accommodation: None (Departure Day)

• Activities:

  • Morning: Enjoy breakfast at your hotel. Start your day with a visit to the National Museum (Siem Reap). Here, you can explore a rich collection of Khmer art, artifacts, and historical exhibits that provide deeper insights into the culture and history of Cambodia, enhancing your understanding of the Angkorian era.

  • Mid-day: After the museum, embark on a unique boat trip on Tonle Sap Lake, one of the largest freshwater lakes in Asia. This is an opportunity to enjoy stunning views of the vast lake and observe the fascinating daily life of local fishing villages and floating communities that call it home.

  • Afternoon: After the lake tour, head back towards downtown to visit Artisan's D'angkor, a renowned carving art school where you can witness the intricate artistry of stone carving and other traditional Cambodian crafts. Next, continue your visit to Wat Thmei, a beautiful pagoda known for its memorial stupa containing the skulls of Khmer Rouge victims, offering another important historical reflection.

  • Late Afternoon: Afterward, enjoy lunch and spend some leisure time in Siem Reap for any last-minute souvenir shopping or relaxation until it is time for your transfer to Siem Reap International Airport (REP) for your departure flight home.