Sua s’dei! Welcome to Siem Reap, Cambodia.

Upon arrival at Siem Reap Airport, your private guide and driver are waiting to meet you with a beaming smile, holding up a welcome signboard with your names on it and take you directly to your hotel.

After checking-in, you will have time to relax and adjust to the pace of Siem Reap. Once you check in, the remaining day is yours to enjoy on your own.

Overnight in Siem Reap

Today, with the assistance of your private driver, you'll embark on a full-day sightseeing adventure within the expansive Angkor Archaeological Park, spanning approximately 400 square kilometers, including forested areas. This park holds the awe-inspiring remnants of several ancient capitals of the illustrious Khmer Empire, which thrived from the 9th to the 15th centuries.
Morning
Commence your day with an early visit, avoiding the crowds, to the 13th-century Ta Prohm temple. This hauntingly beautiful temple is a captivating sight, where the roots of towering banyan trees and strangler figs intertwine with the stonework, preserving scenes that have changed little since French explorer Henri Mouhot rediscovered Angkor in the 1850s. This temple, often referred to as the 'Tomb Raider Temple,' ranks among the most picturesque and unforgettable of all Angkor's temples.
Continue your exploration by journeying to the ancient capital city of Angkor Thom, the final capital of the Great Khmer Empire that once held sway over much of Southeast Asia. Encircled by an imposing 8-meter-high wall, this city forms a perfect square. Your entry into the city will be through the ancient South Gate, an impressive stone gate adorned with carved elephants and four colossal faces. Along the entrance path, you'll encounter a line of 54 gods and demons, each grasping the sacred Naga snake.
Return to your hotel for a midday break, sheltered from the scorching sun.
Afternoon Your adventure resumes as you explore Banteay Kdei, known as the "Citadel of Chambers," a Buddhist monastery dating back to the late 12th century, and Sra Srang, also known as the "pool of ablutions." From there, proceed to the Bayon Temple, situated at the precise center of the ancient city. This 12th-century marvel is a testament to grandeur and is renowned for its 54 towers adorned with enigmatic faces, representing the 54 provinces of the Great Khmer Empire.
You'll also visit the Terrace of the Elephants and the Terrace of the Leper King, both acclaimed for their intricate bas-reliefs. As you stroll through the former Royal Palace grounds, you'll stumble upon hidden temples that rarely receive visitors.
Conclude your day of sightseeing with a serene gondola boat ride along the moats surrounding Angkor Thom. Amidst tranquil solitude, envision the bygone royal city that once governed two million people nearly 800 years ago. As the sun nears the horizon, make your way to Prasat Chrung, a petite temple designed in the style of Bayon, where you can ascend an iron staircase to a serene vantage point offering splendid sunset views over the ancient ruins.
Overnight in Siem Reap

Today, you'll continue your journey through ancient temple relics, immersing yourself in an experience that transports you a thousand years back in time, to an era when life was simple, and nature held an otherworldly charm.

Morning

As the first light breaks, you'll find yourself at the nation's most significant religious monument, gazing in wonder at the magnificent Angkor Wat Temple, set across a tranquil reflecting moat.

As the sun ascends behind the triple towers, the crowds begin to dissipate, with many returning to their lodgings or hotel breakfasts. Seizing the opportunity of the cool morning temperatures and gentle daylight, you'll embark on a serene exploration of Angkor Wat in a more serene setting.

Your guide will provide you with a takeaway breakfast to enjoy near the temple before you delve into one of the Seven Wonders of the World: Angkor Wat. While you may have caught glimpses of its towers peeking through the treetops and its grand gates during your past days, now you'll satisfy your curiosity that has been growing. Step inside Angkor Wat and discover the stories and astonishing architecture that have left archaeologists both astounded and intrigued. The temple boasts some of the world's most intricate and extensive stone carvings. Remarkably, it is four times the size of Vatican City, making it the largest religious site globally. Spend the morning traversing the numerous passageways, levels, and chambers that once housed treasures of the ancient world. It will be an experience etched in your memory forever.

Leaving Angkor Wat behind, you'll venture into the countryside to encounter the "gem" of the Angkor region: the exquisite Banteay Srey Temple. Often referred to as the "Citadel of the Women," it remains Cambodia's best-preserved temple. This small temple is renowned for its exceptional fine bas-reliefs and showcases some of the finest examples of classical Khmer art. What makes Banteay Srey truly unique is its construction from pink sandstone, a feature not found elsewhere in Angkor.

Continue your day with a drive northward to Kbal Spean, one of Cambodia's earliest Hindu pilgrimage sites. Upon arrival, embark on a brief trek through dense jungle, rewarding you with stunning vistas of the plains and the Kulen hills. At the summit, be captivated by the "River of 1000 Lingas," adorned with remarkable stone carvings of Hindu deities, animals, and other symbolic motifs in the riverbed.

Afternoon

Following a picnic lunch, you can take a refreshing dip in the nearby waterfall, a popular spot among local families.

En route back to Siem Reap, make a brief stop at the Land Mine Museum, dedicated to promoting mine awareness. The museum's founder, Mr. Aki Ra, was trained as a child soldier during the Khmer Rouge regime and now works as a deminer. The museum also serves as a rescue center for several landmine-amputee children rescued by Aki Ra from the streets of Phnom Penh and impoverished rural communities.
Evening
Your guide and driver will accompany you to witness Phare, the Cambodian Circus, a mesmerizing fusion of traditional and contemporary theater, music, dance, acrobatics, juggling, and contortion artfully choreographed to narrate tales of Cambodian life and society.

Overnight in Siem Reap

Morning

After breakfast, you'll be picked up and transported to Artisans d’Angkor, an initiative established in 1992 with the dual purpose of supporting Cambodian arts and crafts while providing employment opportunities to local youth in their villages by preserving and perpetuating traditional artistic practices.
Upon your arrival, you'll have the chance to meet the talented students who are diligently honing their skills in various art forms, including stone carving, ornamental wood sculpture, crafting small furniture, and mastering the intricate crafts of lacquer and polychromy. You'll witness their diverse training methods and view their accomplished projects. Subsequently, your journey will lead you to the Puok district, home to the Silk Farm, where you'll gain insight into the intricate stages of handmade silk production, from nurturing mulberry trees and raising silkworms to the ancient art of silk dyeing and weaving.
Afternoon
Take pleasure in your leisure time and the comforts of your hotel before embarking on a delightful foodie tour in the evening.
Evening
Reconnect with your guide for an exciting street food adventure via tuk-tuk. This engaging 3-hour tour transports you to the heart of Khmer culture and unveils hidden culinary treasures not found in any guidebook. Your culinary journey commences at a local evening market, providing you with a glimpse into the realm of fresh Cambodian ingredients. Subsequently, you'll navigate the bustling streets of this historic town, immersing yourself in the intricacies of Khmer cuisine. Prepare your senses for a gastronomic extravaganza! The tour presents an array of exceptional Khmer dishes, characterized by freshness, adventurous flavors, organic ingredients, and captivating textures.

Overnight in Siem Reap

Morning

After breakfast and hotel check-out, meet your guide and embark on a private boat journey that will transport you across the enchanting Tonlé Sap Lake to Battambang. This picturesque riverside town exudes French elegance and is characterized by its friendly Khmer inhabitants and exquisitely preserved colonial architecture. The city is renowned for its abundance of statues depicting animals and deities that decorate the streets and buildings.

En route, you'll pass floating villages and serene flooded forests, offering a glimpse into life on this expansive body of water that forms the heart of Cambodia. The boat voyage spans approximately 6 hours, and you'll relish a delectable take-away lunch amidst these serene waters.

Please note: This boat excursion is exclusively available during the high water period, from July to December, as water levels recede during the dry season (January to June). Consequently, the alternative transfer is conducted by road.

Afternoon

Upon reaching Battambang, embark on an exploration of the numerous cultural villages surrounding the town. Here, you'll gain insight into the local production of rice paper, prahoc (a typical Cambodian fish paste), grolan (sticky rice stuffed in bamboo), and various other Khmer delicacies.

Evening

Prepare for a transfer to Phare Ponleu Selpak, the School of Music, Visual & Performing Arts. This institution seamlessly melds the arts with education, providing support and entertainment to impoverished communities. The project stands as a testament to how humanitarian efforts can evolve into a vibrant showcase of zest for life, genuine warmth, and creativity against all odds. Attending one of their circus performances promises to leave you with a lasting impression of the remarkable Cambodian people and is an experience not to be missed during your time in Battambang!

Overnight in Battambang

Morning
After breakfast, meet your guide, a short bicycle competency test will be given and you will get fitted for your bicycle (either a mountain bike or sturdy basket bike).

Start with the tour of the main market, Psar Nath includes trying a local coffee. Then paddle to the river and cross a couple of minutes on a local boat to the other side of the Sangke River. Here you will visit Wat Povil Remple and take the opportunity to pray with the monks. It is usually possible to accompany the boats back across the river as they begin their morning alms collection.

Once back on the other side, visit the historic 2.5 Street along with a Thai temple before you arrive at a smaller market. Again time for a coffee or a sugar cane juice.

Continue a short distance to Wat Kor Village, known for its many old Khmer heritage houses built around a century ago. Visit one of the best-preserved homes. Cycle along the river and cross a suspension bridge where only motorbikes and bicycles can pass. On the way back into town there is another short drink stop before return to town for lunch at the local restaurant.

Afternoon
Head to the train station to take an 1-hour unique ride on the traditional Bamboo Train, a bamboo platform laid over 2 sets of wheels on a single track. In the old days, this was used to transport goods between Battambang and Phnom Penh and was a typical mode of transport for farmers and villagers. Today, it takes you through the beautiful countryside to a little village you can explore on foot before returning to your starting point. From there, head towards Phnom Sampeau, meaning “Ship Hill” in Khmer, due to its distinctive shape, and one of the few hills standing out in this otherwise pancake-flat plain. From the small temple on the top, you will have a fantastic view of the typical landscape of paddy fields and sugar palm trees below.

Finish the tour and get back to the hotel in the late afternoon where the remainder of the day at your leisure.

Overnight in Battambang
Meals: (B/L/_)

Morning
After breakfast, you will be picked up and driven 5 hours to Phnom Penh, the capital city of Cambodia. You will firsts travel first to Kampong Chhnang, known for its traditional pottery, with many kilns at work in this province. In a village near Kampong Chhnang, you will see the different aspects of pottery making and also experience the production of traditional rice wine.

Continue onto Oudong, the former royal capital of Cambodia. The drive passes through many rural villages and pagodas, and you will see the temple mountain with its dozens of stupas from afar. Upon arrival at Oudong, enjoy a traditional Khmer picnic lunch at a hut at the foot of the hill.

Afternoon
After lunch and a short rest, climb the stairs to the top of Oudong Mountain to enjoy magnificent views over the plains below. Your guide will explain the history of the area and its buildings as well as the religious culture of the Cambodian people.

Keep driving south to Phnom Penh. Pause to take a look at the spectacular Vipassana Dhura Buddhist Meditation Centre. Your guide can explain more about the school of Vipassana (Insight Meditation) as you tour the centre. Don’t forget to see the impressive jade Buddha, the mummified monk, and the brightly painted walls telling the story of the Ramayana, the epic Sanskrit poem that decorates many pagodas seen around the country.

Arrive Phnom Penh in the late afternoon and check into your hotel. Then spend the balance of the day at your leisure. Phnom Penh is the vibrant bustling capital of Cambodia. Situated at the confluence of three rivers, the mighty Mekong, the Bassac, and the great Tonle Sap, what was once considered the ‘Gem’ of Indochina. The capital city still maintains considerable charm with plenty to see. It exudes a sort of provincial charm and tranquillity with French colonial mansions and tree-lined boulevards amidst monumental Angkorian architecture.

Overnight in Phnom Penh
Meals: (B/_/_)

Morning
After breakfast, meet your guide and head out to visit the most remarkable sights of Phnom Penh in a Cyclo (a three-wheeled bicycle taxi), an original Phnom Penh means of transportation and a fun way to explore this lively city.

Begin with a visit to the Royal Palace Compound built-in 1866 by the Predecessors of King Norodom, the most conspicuous feature and also one of the most impressive colorful Khmer-style Palaces. Nearside the Royal Palace is Silver Pagoda (The Emerald Buddha temple), which displays plenty of Buddha Statues that were decorated and made by diamond, emerald, gold, and silver.

Next, proceed to visit Independence Monument which was constructed in 1954 after Cambodian took their country back from the French colony. Continue to visit the National Museum, the distinctive red building with a beautiful Khmer architecture was built since 1917 containing more than 5000 art objects made of sandstone, bronze, silver, copper, wood, and others. Pass through the River Front Park whose scenery is much worth shooting.

For lunch, you will be treated to a delicious Khmer meal at Le Lotus Blanc, a lovely charity restaurant where former street children are taught the principles of hospitality.

Afternoon
Gain insight into Cambodia’s recent dark history on a visit to the infamous Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (also known as Prison S21) and listen to English commentary en route. The prison comprises 4 buildings with exhibitions in several rooms. During your visit, you will barely meet a single person who didn’t lose a member of their family during these years, yet they are all willing to talk openly about it with you. They wish you to hear about it and see these places, to ensure that it never happens again.

After an hour and 15 minutes at the museum, take a 40-minute drive to the Killing Fields, see a documentary on the Khmer Rouge regime. Under the leadership of Pol Pot, his government caused the deaths of more than two million people. There will be around 1 hour and 15 minutes to explore the site. An audio guide is available in 15 languages along with a map of the fields.

Continue to visit the fascinating Russian Market, where you will have ample opportunity to shop for some souvenirs. End your day at Wat Phnom, the birthplace of the city, located on a small hilltop that forms the highest elevation of Phnom Penh.

Overnight in Phnom Penh
Meals: (B/L/_)

Morning
You can sleep in and enjoy late breakfast. After that, spend the rest of the morning at your leisure relaxing at the hotel’s swimming pool.

Afternoon
Get picked up by a moto-remork (tuk-tuk) and venture out of Phnom Penh by crossing the historic Japanese Friendship Bridge before sailing across the Mekong River to Koh Oknha Tey – a beautiful Silk island by ferry.

Along the way, you will visit the majestic Bakhaeng temple with stunning architecture, statues, carvings, and artwork.

Upon arrival, you will set out to explore these islands commonly known as the “silk islands” due to their longstanding tradition of silk weaving. Visit one of these villages where the weavers allow us to wander among their looms, admiring their skills at this knotty art form.

You will have a chance to witness the entire silk weaving process, learning how silk starts with the silkworms, see silk thread being looped and dyed, then admire and purchase the beautiful Cambodian silk fabrics, the final shimmering Khmer silk accessories.

Afterward, enjoy Khmer snacks at a local family’s house while admiring the surrounding scenery. Aboard a boat back to Phnom Penh. Marvel at the unique architectural wonders around the area such as the Wat Ounalom, Royal Palace, and the Silver Pagoda as the sun sinks into the horizon.

Evening
Meet your food expert guide and zoom past the streets of Phnom Penh aboard a tuk tuk again and see the city’s famous landmarks by night. Spice up the ride with unlimited beer and drinks you can enjoy as you go from one destination to another.

You will first fill yourself up with the best noodles in town, delight in the rich taste of roasted chicken and ribs, and wrap your own lettuce and rice noodle rolls. Continue to discover the taste of Cambodian cuisine by visiting family-run restaurants that serve authentic Khmer dishes.

Head to a local rooftop bar and enjoy the stunning views of the city as you sip on delicious craft beer or cocktails. Sit among the locals and see how they spend their night with family and friends.

Overnight in Phnom Penh
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End your Cambodia trip of a lifetime with a relaxing stay on Koh Rong, a group of islands just off the Cambodian coast, near Sihanoukville, which offers 23 amazing white-sand beaches bordering azure seas. It is still very much an unspoiled paradise, with 5 tiny islands in the area, 3 of which are uninhabited.

Morning
After breakfast and check out of your hotel you will be picked up and driven 4 hours to the coastal town of Sihanoukville.

Upon arrival at Sihanouk Ville Harbor, take a 40-minute ferry ride to the idyllic Koh Rong Samloem, the most untouched island, and check into your resort for your three lovely nights.

Afternoon
At your leisure. Relax on the white sandy beaches, swim in the beautiful, still, and turquoise waters.

Overnight in Koh Rong Samloem
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Spend your full day for relaxing in the tropical paradise of Koh Rong Samloem. The island is all largely undeveloped means that the beaches are mostly unspoiled, with soft white sand, clear blue seas, and shade provided by nearby trees.

If you want to be active, we can arrange a trip with a local fisherman and try your hand at fishing. Meanwhile, other activities here available include kayaking, paddleboarding, blob jump, and mountain biking.

Overnight in Koh Rong Samloem
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The whole day is free to do as you please. Enjoy the resort facilities, wander, or laze on the beach, or take on one of the many water sports. You may also head into the tropical hinterland of the island. For those looking for adventure, there is even zip-lining available. Take in the majestic island sunset, and feel yourself relax.

Overnight in Koh Rong Samloem
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After breakfast and check out of your resort in Koh Rong Samloem, take a speed boat back to Sihanoukville where your private driver is waiting for you to take you back to Phnom Penh International airport for your departure flight home or travel on to more adventures, we will help you with the planning.

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