Cambodia at a Glance

📍 Phnom Penh Airport - Phnom Penh (10 km): 30 mins

Welcome to Cambodia. Upon arrival in Phnom Penh, you will be welcomed by your local English speaking guide, who will accompany you to your hotel for check in (Normally the check-in time is at 14:00).

Overnight in Phnom Penh    

Inclusions:

Meet the guide in the hotel lobby at 08:00. 
Get to know Phnom Penh, a vibrant city steeped in history. Visit Tuol Sleng Prison (S-21) and the Killing Fields at Choeung Ek, sites used by the Khmer Rouge regime when they ravaged the country in the 1970s and 80s. The lasting effects of this tragic period are still being felt. Although the visits are sombre, studying this era is important in helping to understand present-day Cambodia. 

Lunch at a local restaurant. 

This afternoon, visit the Royal Palace. Explore the majestic compound and step back in time to when the Kingdom flourished. The elegant Silver Pagoda, with its solid-silver floor, is a reminder of the prosperity of the former royal families. Then visit the National Museum. Go inside to see seemingly endless displays of art and artefacts dating back to the pre-Angkorian era. Continue to the hilltop pagoda of Wat Phnom. 

Note: All visitors tare required to wear modest clothing: no short pants or short skirts (knees must be covered) and no sleeveless shirts (shoulders must be covered). See-through clothing will also not be allowed.

Overnight in Phnom Penh

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch

📍 Phnom Penh – Siem Reap (320 km): 6 hrs

This morning the tour begins at 07:30. Depart from Phnom Penh and travel through the Cambodian countryside and small villages towards Siem Reap. 

Stop en route at Kampong Thom to visit Sambor Prei Kuk temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most significant pre-Angkorian archaeological zones in Cambodia.  Sambor Prei Kuk was built in the Chenla period between the 6th and 7th centuries and likely served as the religious centre of pre-Angkorian culture.

Visit the most well-preserved and impressive structures: Prasat Sambor, Prasat Tao "Temple of Lions", Prasat Yeay Poan. The three main sites of the ancient city are linked by small and shady tracks. Enjoy a beautiful walk through the jungle with breath-taking views of these beautiful structures that feature distinctive style. 

Following a visit to the temple, savour a simple yet flavorful lunch prepared by the local community. Your choice helps support their sustainable way of life. After lunch, return to Siem Reap. 

Note: Responsible Travel: This program was created in collaboration with GTZ (German Technical Cooperation) to develop Community Based Ecotourism in Sambor Prei Kuk. The catered lunch at the community, and local English-speaking guides all support the local villagers. Likewise, the stop at Isanborei is a chance to contribute to the local community.

Continue to Siem Reap. 

Overnight in Siem Reap 

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch

📍 Siem Reap – Banteay Srey (36 km): 50 mins

This morning tour starts at 07:30. Visit Ta Prohm, the temple made famous by the Angelina Jolie film Tomb Raider, which is otherwise best known for the trees and vines growing atop the temple walls. The temple is a perfect example of how nature has crept in and reclaimed its land after the fall of the Angkorian Empire.

Then explore the rarely-visited Banteay Srei temple, known for its pink sandstone and intricate carvings. This well-preserved gem is often overlooked due to its location, but you'll enjoy a peaceful visit with close-up views of the reliefs. Continue on to the Landmine Museum. This remarkable project was established by Mr Aki Ra, who is reputed to have served as a child soldier during the Khmer Rouge regime. 

Lunch at a local restaurant. 

Afternoon lunch you will visit a local enterprise, Satcha, where craftsmen and women find a safe and clean space to work as well as receive training to further hone their talent and grow themselves into artistic entrepreneurs. 

Return to the hotel. The rest of the day at leisure. 

Overnight in Siem Reap

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch

📍 Siem Reap – Temples (06 km): 10 mins

Wake up in the early morning 05:00 and travel by Remork (local transportation) to the Angkor Archaeological Park. Select a good viewpoint at Angkor Wat, sit back and watch the sunrise over the back of the temple. Once the sun is up, go inside Angkor Wat for a guided tour. Learn about the history of this 12th century monument and how it was constructed.  Get up close and see depictions of Hindu mythology and famous battles intricately carved into the walls. Then enjoy your packed breakfast (from the hotel) in the nearby local restaurant. 

Hop on Remork then head to Jayavarman VII’s capital city, Angkor Thom, to visit Bayon at the centre of the city, built by the last great king of Angkor: Jayavarman VII. After the exploration, return back to your hotel and free at your own leisure. 

Return to the hotel. 

Afternoon at leisure. 

This evening you will be picked up at 19:30, enjoy an evening of culture at Phare Cambodian Circus Show. Set up by refugees of the Khmer Rouge era, Phare promotes performing arts as a way to cope with trauma. Over the years they have not only helped hundreds of Cambodians but also helped to promote traditional Khmer culture.

Overnight in Siem Reap

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast

📍 Siem Reap – Temples (06 km): 10 mins / Siem Reap – Kompong Kleang (50 km): 1 hrs

Start with an early morning at 07:00! Embark on an authentic rural Cambodia tour to learn about life in a typical village. Meet friendly locals and discover traditional village customs and cultures.

Like most villages in Asia, Ta Brak is busiest in the morning hours. Sit down with a local family and enjoy breakfast (take-away from the hotel) while observing the activities of the village.  By foot, visit the local market. Explore the colourful displays of vegetables, herbs and other locally-grown produce, and mingle with the shoppers who come every morning to buy the fresh ingredients. Continue through the village, providing ample opportunities to stop and chat with locals and to observe their activities. 

Before leaving the village, head to Khmer smokehouse and meet a warm family. Learn the process of smoking fish, discover Cambodian rural life through stories shared amidst fragrant smoke. Over a fresh coconut juice, get to know the family, engage in discussions, and gain a better understanding of the countryside lifestyle in Cambodia. 

Conclude this morning, partake in a special Buddhist tradition. Local monks will impart wishes of good luck and success in a solemn, age-old ceremony.

Then take a road trip to the shores of Tonle Sap Lake. Cruise through the floating village of Kompong Khleang and see this unique way of living. For an even deeper understanding of life on the Tonle Sap, head to a local family house for lunch. This is a unique opportunity to gain first-hand experience of the way of life of the local people- sitting inside a stilted house while watching the boats pass outside. 

Then it is time to say farewell to the host family and return to Siem Reap.

Note:Due to fluctuating water levels on the lake and canals, the village visited will depend on the date and water levels at that time.

Overnight in Siem Reap

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch

📍 Siem Reap - Siem Reap Angkor International Airport (52 km): 1 hrs

Depending on your flight departure time, you may spend the morning exploring Siem Reap’s colourful markets (on your own).

Transfer to the airport for your individual onward flight. 

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast