Discover Cambodia: An 11-Day Journey Through Its Heart

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

Imagine a country brimming with ancient and modern history, adorned with magnificent religious monuments, and lush with endless rice fields, golden grasslands, and winding rivers. This is often not the perception of Cambodia, but after embarking on this meticulously crafted 11-day tour, your opinion is destined to change. Step off the well-trodden tourist trail and allow our travel experts to unveil the real heart of Cambodia, revealing its vibrant soul, incredible resilience, and the infectious warmth of its people.

Your adventure begins in Phnom Penh, a capital city where glimpses of former French Indochina grandeur intertwine with modern development. From there, venture into the tranquil rural areas of Kampong Thom, a region dominated by pre-Angkorian temples and serene landscapes. The circuit then leads you to Siem Reap, your base for three unforgettable days exploring the hundreds of temples that comprise the mighty Angkor complex. As you continue your loop through the heart of Cambodia, discover Battambang, a city with quiet colonial charm nestled amidst vast rice paddies and traditional villages. Conclude your journey back in Phnom Penh, departing with a profound understanding and deep appreciation for the unique and special place that is Cambodia.

OVERVIEW ITINERARY

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

Day 1: Phnom Penh: Arrival & Capital's Vibrant Introduction

Day 2: Phnom Penh: Echoes of History & Royal Grandeur

Day 3: Phnom Penh → Kampong Thom: Countryside Charms & Sunset Vistas

Day 4: Kampong Thom → Siem Reap: Ancient Sites & Angkor Gateway

Day 5: Siem Reap: Majestic Angkor Wat & Angkor Thom Exploration

Day 6: Siem Reap: Diverse Temples & Tonle Sap Lake Immersion

Day 7: Siem Reap: Remote Jungle Temples & Artisan Craftsmanship

Day 8: Siem Reap → Battambang: Cultural Shift to Colonial Beauty

Day 9: Battambang: Authentic Countryside & Local Traditions

Day 10: Battambang → Phnom Penh: Scenic Return & Historical Stops

Day 11: Phnom Penh: Leisure & Departure

DETAIL PROGRAM:

Day 1: Phnom Penh / Arrival – Capital's Vibrant Introduction

• 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 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 strolling along the riverfront.

Day 2: Phnom Penh – Echoes of History & Royal Grandeur

• Meals: Breakfast (B), Lunch (L)

• Accommodation: Hotel in Phnom Penh

• Activities:

  • Morning: Embark on a profound journey through Cambodia's poignant 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).

  • 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 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 → Kampong Thom – Countryside Charms & Sunset Vistas

• Meals: Breakfast (B), Lunch (L)

• Accommodation: Hotel in Kampong Thom

• Activities:

  • Morning: Depart from Phnom Penh on a scenic journey towards Kampong Thom. The route offers a fascinating glimpse into rural Cambodian life. Your tour will include stops in Kampong Cham and the surrounding areas of Kampong Thom.

  • Mid-day: Along the way, visit charming nearby villages, offering opportunities to interact with friendly local people and observe traditional daily life. Admire the beautiful French colonial architecture found in Kampong Cham.

  • Afternoon: Continue your journey to Kampong Thom. As evening approaches, prepare to witness an impressive sunset view from the top of Phnom Santuk, offering panoramic vistas of the sprawling countryside.

  • Evening: Check into your hotel in Kampong Thom.

Day 4: Kampong Thom → Siem Reap – Ancient Sites & Angkor Gateway

• Meals: Breakfast (B), Lunch (L)

• Accommodation: Hotel in Siem Reap

• Activities:

  • Morning: Heading north from 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 local Cambodian 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 your leisure, perhaps relaxing by the pool or preparing for your exciting Angkor adventures.

Day 5: Siem Reap – Majestic Angkor Wat & Angkor Thom Exploration

• 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 6: Siem Reap – Diverse Temples & Tonle Sap Lake Immersion

• 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 7: Siem Reap – Remote Jungle Temples & Artisan Craftsmanship

• 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 8: Siem Reap → Battambang – Cultural Shift to Colonial Beauty

• Meals: Breakfast (B), Lunch (L)

• Accommodation: Hotel in Battambang

• Activities:

  • Morning: Enjoy breakfast at your hotel. A comfortable private 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 9: Battambang – Authentic Countryside & Local Traditions

• 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 10: Battambang → Phnom Penh – Scenic Return & Historical Stops

• 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 11: Phnom Penh / Departure – Leisure & Farewell

• Meals: Breakfast (B)

• Accommodation: None (Departure Day)

• Activities:

  • Morning: Enjoy a final breakfast at your hotel in Phnom Penh.

  • 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 immersive Cambodia circuit.