Cambodia in 13 Days: A Grand Exploration

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

Imagine a country brimming with ancient and modern history, adorned with magnificent religious monuments, teeming with unique wildlife, and lush with endless rice fields, golden grasslands, and winding rivers. This is the often-unseen Cambodia, and after traveling through the country on this meticulously crafted 13-day circuit, your perspective is bound to transform. Leave the typical tourist trail behind as our seasoned travel experts guide you to the real heart of Cambodia, revealing its vibrant soul and the indelible smiles of its people.

Your journey begins in Phnom Penh, a capital where the former grandeur of French Indochina gracefully mingles with rapidly growing modern architecture. From here, venture north to the tranquil riverside towns of Kratie and Kampong Thom, where pre-Angkorian temples stand amidst untouched nature, and the elusive Irrawaddy dolphins grace the Mekong's shallow pools. Three unforgettable days in Siem Reap serve as your gateway to the legendary Temples of Angkor, an ancient kingdom's breathtaking legacy, with an added option for a unique hot air balloon perspective. Conclude your loop through rural Cambodia in Battambang, a town with quiet colonial charm and a captivating countryside, before returning to Phnom Penh, having witnessed the very best of Cambodia, from ancient wonders to the everyday life of its incredibly resilient and friendly people.

OVERVIEW ITINERARY

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

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

Day 2: Phnom Penh: Historical Echoes & Royal Splendor

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

Day 4: Kratie: Dolphin Encounters & Island Life

Day 5: Kratie → Kampong Thom: Countryside Charms & Mountain Vistas

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

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

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

Day 9: Siem Reap: Remote Temples & Jungle Discoveries

Day 10: Siem Reap → Battambang: Cultural Shift to Colonial Charm

Day 11: Battambang: Countryside Adventures & Local Life

Day 12: Battambang → Phnom Penh: Scenic Return & Historical Landmarks

Day 13: Phnom Penh: Leisure & Departure

DETAIL PROGRAM:

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

• Meals: None

• Accommodation: Hotel in Phnom Penh

• Activities:

  • Upon your arrival at Phnom Penh International Airport (PNH), you will receive a warm welcome and a comfortable transfer to your hotel.

  • After checking in and settling into your accommodation, the rest of the day is at your leisure. You can take this time to relax and acclimate, or begin a gentle self-exploration of the bustling city, perhaps with a stroll along the tree-lined river quay to soak in the local atmosphere.

Day 2: Phnom Penh – Historical Echoes & 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), both serving as a powerful testament to the tragic crimes of the Khmer Rouge regime (1975–1979). These sites offer a solemn and essential understanding of Cambodia's history.

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

  • Afternoon: Transition to explore the city's royal and cultural heritage. Stop for a photo opportunity at the majestic Independent Monument. Then, immerse yourself in the opulence of the Royal Palace, the official residence of Cambodia’s Royal family, and admire 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, including sculptures and artifacts from Angkor. The final visit of the day is Wat Phnom, the most famous 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 and head northeast towards the sleepy riverside town of Kratie. Enjoy the scenic journey as you soak in the captivating scenery of rural Cambodia, driving through vast cashew nut plantations, emerald rice fields, and charming traditional villages.

  • Mid-day: Make a stop in Kampong Cham, a vibrant provincial capital. Tour its town center before continuing to Wat Nokor (Nokor Bachey Temple), an 11th-century Angkorian temple with a unique blend of ancient and modern structures.

  • Afternoon: Arrive in Kratie. After checking into your hotel, the afternoon is at your leisure to relax in this tranquil town. As evening approaches, enjoy a spectacular Mekong sunset from the riverbanks, a truly serene 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, set out for a countryside tour, leading you to the Mekong. Board a boat for a special excursion, hoping to catch a glimpse of the critically endangered, freshwater Irrawaddy dolphins in their shallow river pools. 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 Charms & Mountain Vistas

• 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 transfer. Along the way, visit Phnom Santuk Mountain. Embark on a rewarding climb of approximately 1000 steps to the summit, where you will be rewarded with spectacular panoramic vistas of the surrounding plains and rice fields.

  • 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 Temples & Angkor Gateway

• Meals: Breakfast (B), Lunch (L)

• Accommodation: Hotel in Siem Reap

• Activities:

  • Morning: Head out to the north of Kampong Thom to 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. A local lunch will be provided.

  • Afternoon: Continue your journey towards Siem Reap, the bustling gateway to the 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, explore the vibrant Pub Street, or prepare for your exciting Angkor adventures.

Day 7: Siem Reap – Grandeur of 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 by visiting Angkor Thom, the ancient capital of the Khmer empire. Explore its magnificent South Gate, the enigmatic faces of the Bayon Temple, 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.

  • Optional: For a truly unique perspective, consider an early morning or late afternoon hot air balloon ride over the temples of Angkor (weather permitting, additional cost).

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

• Meals: Breakfast (B), Lunch (L)

• Accommodation: Hotel in Siem Reap

• Activities:

  • Morning: Continue your temple exploration, visiting some of the lesser-known but equally captivating temples in the Angkor 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, 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 glimpse into this vibrant ecosystem.

Day 9: Siem Reap – Remote Temples & Jungle Discoveries

• Meals: Breakfast (B), Lunch (L)

• Accommodation: Hotel in Siem Reap

• Activities:

  • Morning: Depart the city at approximately 8:00 AM and head to Koh Ker (about 1.5 hours drive), which served as the former capital of the Angkorian empire between AD 928 and 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 → Battambang – Cultural Shift to Colonial Charm

• Meals: Breakfast (B), Lunch (L)

• Accommodation: Hotel in Battambang

• Activities:

  • Morning: Enjoy breakfast at your hotel. A comfortable transfer will take you from Siem Reap to the charming city of Battambang (approximately 3-4 hours drive).

  • Afternoon: Arrive in Battambang, Cambodia's second-largest city, renowned for its well-preserved French colonial buildings and quiet, artistic charm. After checking into your hotel, the rest of the day is spent at your leisure. You can take a relaxed stroll along the Sangker River or explore the city's charming architecture.

Day 11: Battambang – Countryside Adventures & Local Life

• Meals: Breakfast (B), Lunch (L)

• Accommodation: Hotel in Battambang

• Activities:

  • Morning: Begin your exploration of Battambang and its surrounding countryside. Visit Phnom Sampeau, a historical site home to the infamous "killing caves" and a peaceful small temple at its summit, offering panoramic views. Continue your tour with a thrilling ride on a unique bamboo train, an improvised rail vehicle offering a fun, local experience through the rice paddies.

  • Afternoon: Disembark from the bamboo train and visit local villages and farms, gaining insights into rural Cambodian life. Continue your journey to Wat Banan, an 11th-century temple majestically perched on a mountain. Climb to the top and enjoy the expansive views over the beautiful countryside. In the afternoon, visit more of the many cultural villages around Battambang, observing traditional livelihoods and crafts.

Day 12: Battambang → Phnom Penh – Scenic Return & Historical Landmarks

• Meals: Breakfast (B), Lunch (L)

• Accommodation: Hotel in Phnom Penh

• Activities:

  • Morning: Depart from Battambang and begin your return journey towards Phnom Penh. Along the way, make a stop in Kampong Chhnang, a town renowned for its traditional pottery. You'll observe local artisans at work, crafting beautiful clay pieces.

  • Mid-day: Continue to Oudong, the former royal capital of Cambodia (17th to 19th centuries). Here, enjoy a charming ox-cart ride through the traditional countryside, a truly authentic experience. Climb the stairs to the top of Oudong Mountain, adorned with numerous stupas, and enjoy magnificent panoramic views of the surrounding plains.

  • Afternoon: Resume your drive to Phnom Penh. En route, make a stop at Koh Chen, an island in the Tonlé Sap River known for its silver and copper smithing villages.

  • Evening: Arrive in Phnom Penh and check back into your hotel. The evening is at your leisure.

Day 13: Phnom Penh / Departure – Leisure & Farewell

• Meals: Breakfast (B)

• Accommodation: None (Departure Day)

• Activities:

  • Morning: Enjoy breakfast at your hotel.

  • Daytime: Spend your leisure time walking around and doing some last-minute shopping in Phnom Penh, perhaps picking up souvenirs or enjoying a final taste of Cambodian cuisine.

  • Afternoon: At the appropriate time, you will be transferred to Phnom Penh International Airport (PNH) for your departure flight. Depart with a rich tapestry of memories from your great Cambodian circuit.