Captivating Cambodia - 9 Days

Once you have arrived at Phnom Penh International Airport, you will be met and transferred to the hotel. Once you have arrived, you will receive a welcome drink as you check in. You will then have the rest of the day at leisure.

Today, we explore Phnom Penh by cyclo, taking in the city’s vibrant streets at a relaxed pace. We begin at Wat Phnom, the spiritual heart of the capital, before heading to the grand Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda, still home to Cambodia’s monarchy. Our morning continues at the National Museum, where centuries of Khmer art and sculpture are beautifully displayed.

After a traditional Khmer lunch at a local restaurant, we visit the deeply moving Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum. Once a school, it was turned into a prison under the Khmer Rouge, now serving as a powerful reminder of Cambodia’s recent history.

We round off the day at two of Phnom Penh’s most atmospheric markets. The Central Market, a striking Art Deco landmark, offers everything from jewellery to local crafts. Then, we lose ourselves in the Russian Market, a lively maze of stalls filled with silks, antiques, and souvenirs, as the city winds down into evening.

Phnom Penh - Skun - Kompong Thom. This morning, we depart Phnom Penh and head to Kompong Thom, the provincial capital. En route, we’ll stop in Skun to visit the Spider and Insect Market, known for its unique local snacks. We then continue to our accommodation in Kompong Thom, where lunch will be served.

This afternoon we travel to one of Cambodia’s oldest and most atmospheric archaeological sites, Sambor Prei Kuk. Once the heart of the ancient Chenla Kingdom, this quiet forested complex lies around 30 km from Kompong Thom and features dozens of brick temples with intricate carvings. Many have stood since the 7th century, offering a striking glimpse into the early roots of Khmer architecture and design.

Kompong Thom - Kampong Kdei - Kampong Kleang - Siem Reap. After breakfasts, we will start our journey towards Siem Reap, stopping in Kampong Kdei to see the Naga Bridge. Next, we will visit Kampong Khleang, a stilted and floating village located about 55 kilometres from Siem Reap. This large community sits on Tonle Sap, the biggest lake in Southeast Asia. Here, we’ll take a boat trip through the flooded forests and fishing villages, experiencing a unique way of life as the floating houses shift with the seasons.

We will then enjoy lunch at a local restaurant or a local homestay before continuing to Siem Reap, where you will have the rest of the day at leisure.

We will have an early start this morning before dawn as we head to Angkor Wat to enjoy the sunrise. After taking in the breathtaking views, we’ll explore the central complex and admire the intricate bas-reliefs in the peaceful early morning light. We will then enjoy breakfast at a local restaurant nearby. After, we experience an authentic monk blessing ceremony at an active pagoda within Angkor, where monks chant sacred Pali scriptures and sprinkle holy water to bestow health and good fortune.

We will then explore the southern gate of Angkor Thom, marveling at the towering stone faces of Avalokiteshvara and the stunning Bayon Temple at its centre. We visit the Terrace of Elephants and the Terrace of the Leper King, followed by the 11th-century temples Baphuon and Phimeanakas.

In the afternoon, we visit Ta Prohm, famous for its ancient trees entwined with temple ruins. The day concludes with a return to Siem Reap, enriched by Cambodia’s remarkable history.

Siem Reap - Damdek - Siem Reap. We start the day at Damdek’s lively local market, soaking in the vibrant atmosphere. Then we head to Beng Mealea, a 12th-century temple partly overgrown by jungle. Its sandstone blocks and detailed pediments tell stories from the Ramayana. Though rich in Hindu motifs, the temple is primarily Buddhist, highlighted by the statue of the Bodhisattva Lokeshvara now housed at the Angkor Conservancy.

After lunch at a local restaurant, we visit the finely carved Banteay Srei temple. On the return journey, we stop at the Landmine Museum, where we can see defused mines and learn about clearance efforts. Finally, we visit a village to observe traditional sugar palm production, offering a glimpse into local life and crafts.

Siem Reap - Battambang. Today, we depart from Siem Reap on an approximately 3-hour drive to Battambang. Once in Battambang, we will pass Battambang’s well-preserved French Colonial architecture, quaint temples, lively markets, and art galleries showcasing local emerging talent.

After arrival, we will enjoy a unique half-hour ride on the Bamboo Train, a simple bamboo platform once common across Cambodia but now limited to an 8 km stretch in Battambang. Afterwards, we’ll stroll through the town to admire charming colonial buildings and visit the small art galleries scattered throughout the old quarter.

Battambang - Siem Reap. In the morning, we’ll explore the countryside around Battambang by Tuk Tuk, known as Remork. We’ll visit local families who still produce traditional goods like rice paper, dried bananas, bamboo sticky rice, fish paste, and rice wine using age-old methods. This is a chance to experience rural life firsthand and taste these fresh, authentic products.

We’ll also relax in a traditional Khmer house, enjoying seasonal fruits and coconut water, before visiting a memorial dedicated to the victims of the Khmer Rouge. After lunch at a local restaurant, we’ll return to Siem Reap.

In the evening, we’ll enjoy a Khmer farewell dinner at a local restaurant, celebrating the end of our journey.

Please note: The tukt tuk fees are no included in todays vist.

After your final breakfast, depending on your departure flight time, you might have some time for some last-minute shopping, exploring, or relaxing before your transfer to the airport for your onward flight.