For 10 days explore Cambodia’s rich culture and history on a tour that takes you deep into the heart of the Khmer Kingdom. Discover the ancient Angkor temples and enjoy a rustic homestay; see the endangered freshwater dolphins that inhabit the Mekong and visit Cambodia’s bustling capital city. This vacation includes all of Cambodia’s highlights, offering something for everyone
Day 1: Siem Reap – Arrival – Angkor Wat
Welcome to Siem Reap, the provincial capital and gateway to the ancient Angkor Temples. Designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, the Angkor Archaeological Park encompasses dozens of temple ruins including Bayon, Banteay Srei and the legendary Angkor Wat. Our guide and driver will meet you at the airport and take you to your hotel for check-in. In the late afternoon, Take a orientation walk aroudn hotel area and later in the afternoon explore the Psar Chass, also known as the “Old Market".
You have voucher of 90 minutes foot massage today as complimentary.
- Meals: N/A
- Accommodations: Hotel in Siem Reap
Day 2: Siem Reap – Angkor Thom – Ta Prohm – Banteay Srei
Enjoy an entire day devoted to the mystical and ancient Angkor temples. After an early breakfast at the hotel, we set out to Angkor Thom’s imposing South Gate, topped with the four serenely smiling faces of Avalokiteshvara. Next, visit Bayon temple, the Elephant Terrace and the Terrace of the Leper King. Leaving Angkor Thom by the north gate, we travel to Preah Khan (Sacred Sword), one of Angkor’s largest temples, constructed in the 12th century by Jayavarman VII, before heading to the mystical, jungle-entwined Ta Prohm temple. In the afternoon, drive 35km to Banteay Srei temple, the birthplace of classical Khmer architecture. Next explore Banteay Samre. Enjoy the balloon over Angkor Wat and return to the town in the late afternoon.
- Accommodations: Hotel in Siem Reap.
- Meals: Breakfast.
Note: This balloon service could be cancelled incase of storm, heavy rain or too strong wind)
Day 3: Siem Reap – Floating Village – Home stay
Today is dedicated to exploring Cambodia’s daily life and rich culture with trips to Chres Village and the floating villages on Tonle Sap Lake. Travel down winding picturesque roads on the way to Tonle Sap, stopping to admire the rice plantations and various season activities, such as roof building and banana harvesting. Enjoy a picnic lunch in the countryside before proceeding to Komong Phluk floating village—a must see on Tonle Sap Lake. Board a boat and visit the floating village before heading to the nearby flooded mangrove forests. In the afternoon we drive to Chres Village. Take a cooking class on traditional Khmer cuisine before joining with a local family for a cozy homestay.
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, Dinner
- Accommodations: Home stay in Chres Village
Day 4: Siem Reap – Free Day
After breakfast at Chres Village, return to Siem Reap and enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure to relax and explore this charming town.
- Meals: Breakfast
- Accommodation: Hotel in Siem Reap
Day 5: Siem Reap – Koh Ker – Beng Mealea
Today we travel outside of Siem Reap to explore a distant group of Angkorian temples. Enjoy breakfast at the hotel then leave in the morning on your drive to Koh Ker. Here we will discover the long abandoned temples in the forests of northern Cambodia. Also known as Chok Gargyar, this region once served as the capital of Jayavarman IV until his son and successor, Harshavarman I, moved the capital back to Angkor. There are more than 30 major structures and archeologists believe there may have been as many as 100 minor sacred buildings in the region. In the afternoon, drive back to Siem Reap, stopping en route to visit the remote and jungle-covered Beong Melea temple.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
- Accommodations: Hotel in Siem Reap
Day 6: Siem Reap – Sambor Prei Kuk – Kampong Thom
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel then set out on a drive to Kampong Thom (147km, 2 hours drive), home to Cambodia’s most impressive group of pre-Angkorian monuments. Here we will visit the ancient temple complex, Sambor Prei Kuk, situated just north of Kompong Thom. The main temples are divided into three complexes, all dedicated to Shiva. Enjoy the serene atmosphere as you wander through these 7th century brick monuments, artfully scattered about the jungle. Return to the town of Kampong Thom in the afternoon and proceed to Paray Village for dinner and a homestay.
- Meals: Breakfast, dinner
- Accommodations: Home stay in Paray Village
Day 7: Kampong Thom – Kratie – Mekong Dolphin
Today we travel to Kratie, a vibrant riverside town and home to the endangered freshwater Irrawaddy dolphins. Stop for breakfast at a local restaurant and then continue on to tour to the Cham Ka Lour rubber plantation, before crossing the Mekong River by ferry at Stung Trong / Krochmar district of Kampong Cham province. Arrive in Kratie in the afternoon and check in at your hotel. Then drive north of town and take a local boat to view the freshwater dolphins that inhabit this stretch of the Mekong. Enjoy an hour on the river, before returning to the quaint French colonial town for the evening.
- Meals: Breakfast
- Accommodation: Hotel in Kratie
Day 8: Kratie – Kampong Cham – Phnom Penh
Today we continue our overland expedition, leaving Kratie and passing through Cambodia’s largest rubber-producing region on our way to Kampong Cham. Admire the contrast of lush vegetation and red basaltic soil as we drive through the countryside. Arrive in Kampong Cham in the late morning and visit the Wat Nokor Pagoda. This 11th century Mahayana Buddhist shrine is home to a large reclining Buddha as well as many carved Buddha images. In the afternoon we continue on to Cambodia’s capital, Phnom Penh. Check in at the hotel then enjoy the rest of the evening at your leisure.
- Meals: Breakfast
- Accommodations: Hotel in Phnom Penh
Day 9: Phnom Penh – Killing Field – Royal Palace
Welcome to Phnom Penh, Cambodia’s vibrant and bustling capital city. Despite its recent turbulent history, Phnom Penh’s wide tree-lined boulevards and faded colonial mansions hold an undeniable charm. Phnom Penh was founded in the 14th century and has long been a vital trading hub at the confluence of three rivers: the Mekong, Tonle Sap, and Bassac. Start the day learning about the Khmer Rouge and Cambodia’s recent history on a guided tour of the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and the notorious Choeung Ek “Killing Fields.” In the afternoon, try out your best bargaining skills on a walk through the city’s expansive “Russian Market,” where you can find anything from motorcycle parts to valuable gems. Enjoy some free time in the afternoon to relax.
- Meals: Breakfast
- Accommodations: Hotel in Phnom Penh
Day 10: Phnom Penh – Free at leisure – Departure
Start the day with a visit to the Royal Palace, home to the royal family and the opulent silver pagoda. Then enjoy free time for some last minute souvenir shopping before driving to the airport to catch your departure flight home.
Meals: Breakfast
Note:Please be aware that flight times, hotels and all other logistics, services and days of travel are subject to availability.If the listed hotel is fully booked, alternate accommodation will be offered.
All hotels are rated according to local standards.All itineraries are flexible and can easily be altered to suit your needs and interests. Contact one of our travel consultants for more information.
Day 1: Siem Reap – Arrival – Angkor Wat
Welcome to Siem Reap, the provincial capital and gateway to the ancient Angkor Temples. Designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, the Angkor Archaeological Park encompasses dozens of temple ruins including Bayon, Banteay Srei and the legendary Angkor Wat. Our guide and driver will meet you at the airport and take you to your hotel for check-in. In the late afternoon, Take a orientation walk aroudn hotel area and later in the afternoon explore the Psar Chass, also known as the “Old Market".
You have voucher of 90 minutes foot massage today as complimentary.
- Meals: N/A
- Accommodations: Hotel in Siem Reap
Day 2: Siem Reap – Angkor Thom – Ta Prohm – Banteay Srei
Enjoy an entire day devoted to the mystical and ancient Angkor temples. After an early breakfast at the hotel, we set out to Angkor Thom’s imposing South Gate, topped with the four serenely smiling faces of Avalokiteshvara. Next, visit Bayon temple, the Elephant Terrace and the Terrace of the Leper King. Leaving Angkor Thom by the north gate, we travel to Preah Khan (Sacred Sword), one of Angkor’s largest temples, constructed in the 12th century by Jayavarman VII, before heading to the mystical, jungle-entwined Ta Prohm temple. In the afternoon, drive 35km to Banteay Srei temple, the birthplace of classical Khmer architecture. Next explore Banteay Samre. Enjoy the balloon over Angkor Wat and return to the town in the late afternoon.
- Accommodations: Hotel in Siem Reap.
- Meals: Breakfast.
Note: This balloon service could be cancelled incase of storm, heavy rain or too strong wind)
Day 3: Siem Reap – Floating Village – Home stay
Today is dedicated to exploring Cambodia’s daily life and rich culture with trips to Chres Village and the floating villages on Tonle Sap Lake. Travel down winding picturesque roads on the way to Tonle Sap, stopping to admire the rice plantations and various season activities, such as roof building and banana harvesting. Enjoy a picnic lunch in the countryside before proceeding to Komong Phluk floating village—a must see on Tonle Sap Lake. Board a boat and visit the floating village before heading to the nearby flooded mangrove forests. In the afternoon we drive to Chres Village. Take a cooking class on traditional Khmer cuisine before joining with a local family for a cozy homestay.
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, Dinner
- Accommodations: Home stay in Chres Village
Day 4: Siem Reap – Free Day
After breakfast at Chres Village, return to Siem Reap and enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure to relax and explore this charming town.
- Meals: Breakfast
- Accommodation: Hotel in Siem Reap
Day 5: Siem Reap – Koh Ker – Beng Mealea
Today we travel outside of Siem Reap to explore a distant group of Angkorian temples. Enjoy breakfast at the hotel then leave in the morning on your drive to Koh Ker. Here we will discover the long abandoned temples in the forests of northern Cambodia. Also known as Chok Gargyar, this region once served as the capital of Jayavarman IV until his son and successor, Harshavarman I, moved the capital back to Angkor. There are more than 30 major structures and archeologists believe there may have been as many as 100 minor sacred buildings in the region. In the afternoon, drive back to Siem Reap, stopping en route to visit the remote and jungle-covered Beong Melea temple.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
- Accommodations: Hotel in Siem Reap
Day 6: Siem Reap – Sambor Prei Kuk – Kampong Thom
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel then set out on a drive to Kampong Thom (147km, 2 hours drive), home to Cambodia’s most impressive group of pre-Angkorian monuments. Here we will visit the ancient temple complex, Sambor Prei Kuk, situated just north of Kompong Thom. The main temples are divided into three complexes, all dedicated to Shiva. Enjoy the serene atmosphere as you wander through these 7th century brick monuments, artfully scattered about the jungle. Return to the town of Kampong Thom in the afternoon and proceed to Paray Village for dinner and a homestay.
- Meals: Breakfast, dinner
- Accommodations: Home stay in Paray Village
Day 7: Kampong Thom – Kratie – Mekong Dolphin
Today we travel to Kratie, a vibrant riverside town and home to the endangered freshwater Irrawaddy dolphins. Stop for breakfast at a local restaurant and then continue on to tour to the Cham Ka Lour rubber plantation, before crossing the Mekong River by ferry at Stung Trong / Krochmar district of Kampong Cham province. Arrive in Kratie in the afternoon and check in at your hotel. Then drive north of town and take a local boat to view the freshwater dolphins that inhabit this stretch of the Mekong. Enjoy an hour on the river, before returning to the quaint French colonial town for the evening.
- Meals: Breakfast
- Accommodation: Hotel in Kratie
Day 8: Kratie – Kampong Cham – Phnom Penh
Today we continue our overland expedition, leaving Kratie and passing through Cambodia’s largest rubber-producing region on our way to Kampong Cham. Admire the contrast of lush vegetation and red basaltic soil as we drive through the countryside. Arrive in Kampong Cham in the late morning and visit the Wat Nokor Pagoda. This 11th century Mahayana Buddhist shrine is home to a large reclining Buddha as well as many carved Buddha images. In the afternoon we continue on to Cambodia’s capital, Phnom Penh. Check in at the hotel then enjoy the rest of the evening at your leisure.
- Meals: Breakfast
- Accommodations: Hotel in Phnom Penh
Day 9: Phnom Penh – Killing Field – Royal Palace
Welcome to Phnom Penh, Cambodia’s vibrant and bustling capital city. Despite its recent turbulent history, Phnom Penh’s wide tree-lined boulevards and faded colonial mansions hold an undeniable charm. Phnom Penh was founded in the 14th century and has long been a vital trading hub at the confluence of three rivers: the Mekong, Tonle Sap, and Bassac. Start the day learning about the Khmer Rouge and Cambodia’s recent history on a guided tour of the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and the notorious Choeung Ek “Killing Fields.” In the afternoon, try out your best bargaining skills on a walk through the city’s expansive “Russian Market,” where you can find anything from motorcycle parts to valuable gems. Enjoy some free time in the afternoon to relax.
- Meals: Breakfast
- Accommodations: Hotel in Phnom Penh
Day 10: Phnom Penh – Free at leisure – Departure
Start the day with a visit to the Royal Palace, home to the royal family and the opulent silver pagoda. Then enjoy free time for some last minute souvenir shopping before driving to the airport to catch your departure flight home.
Meals: Breakfast
Note:Please be aware that flight times, hotels and all other logistics, services and days of travel are subject to availability.If the listed hotel is fully booked, alternate accommodation will be offered.
All hotels are rated according to local standards.All itineraries are flexible and can easily be altered to suit your needs and interests. Contact one of our travel consultants for more information.
