15D14N Cambodia Explorer

This morning, we'll embark on a Remork (TukTuk) tour around the village, visiting various spots to discover local products like rice paper—an essential element in Asian cuisine, dried bananas, and homemade rice wine, known for its sweet and smooth flavor. You'll also experience a ride on a "norry" or bamboo train, a unique rail vehicle in Cambodia, traveling along a newly constructed railway where you'll enjoy scenic views of rice fields and local villages.

After lunch, we'll head to Banan Temple, a site where 11th and 12th-century architectural styles blend. Originally constructed by King Ut Tak Yea Tit Tya Varman II (1050-1066) and later completed by King Jayavarman VII (1181-1219), this temple sits atop a 400-meter-high mountain.

You’ll return to your hotel afterward to relax for the evening.

In the morning, you'll be transferred privately to Siem Reap City, a journey of about 4 hours.

Once you arrive in Siem Reap, proceed directly to check-in at your hotel. Please be aware that the standard check-in time is 2:00 PM.

At 5:00 AM, set off to witness the sunrise at the iconic Angkor Wat, a UNESCO World Heritage site. After sunrise, explore the vast Angkor Wat Temple, the largest religious monument globally and a central feature of Angkor Park. Inside, marvel at the stunning stone carvings and bas-reliefs that adorn the temple walls. Your guide will share the stories behind these intricate details and give you plenty of time to explore both the inner and outer areas of the temple.

In the afternoon, delve deeper into the history of Angkor. Begin with a visit to the South Gate, where colossal statues depict the churning of the ocean of milk, and continue to Angkor Thom, the ancient capital established in the late 12th century. Explore Bayon Temple, known for its 54 towers adorned with over 200 serene faces of Avalokitesvara. Next, see Baphuon, an artificial mountain recently restored, and visit the Royal Enclosure, the Terrace of the Elephants, and the Terrace of the Leper King. End your day at Ta Prohm, a late 12th to early 13th-century temple renowned for its role as a filming location for the movie Tomb Raider.

This morning, immerse yourself in Khmer cuisine with a hands-on cooking class. Begin with a guided tour of a local market, where your chef will introduce you to Cambodian fruits, vegetables, and spices. At the cooking school, you'll first observe the chef’s demonstration, then have the opportunity to practice preparing traditional Khmer dishes to enjoy for lunch.

In the afternoon, visit Tonle Sap Lake to explore the various aspects of life in the floating villages. You'll see activities such as crocodile farming, fishing, traditional medicine shops, boat repairs, spirit houses, and floating schools. Afterward, head to Wat Preah Prom Rath, a 500-year-old temple and monastery located in central Siem Reap.

For a memorable final evening in Siem Reap, attend a performance of the Cambodian Traditional Circus. This unique show combines theater, music, dance, and modern circus skills to tell captivating Cambodian stories, blending historical, folk, and contemporary elements. The talented young performers will impress you with their vibrant energy and skillful artistry.

Your exploration of Cambodia’s past and present begins with a pickup from your hotel at 8:30am. The morning itinerary includes visits to two remarkable temples: Banteay Samre and Banteay Srei. Banteay Samre, constructed during the early 12th century under Kings Suryavarman II and Yasovarman II, is a Hindu temple reflecting the Angkor Wat architectural style. Following this, you'll visit Banteay Srei, renowned for its intricate red sandstone carvings and its stunning pink hue, making it one of Angkor’s most striking temples. Enjoy a lunch break at a local restaurant.

In the afternoon, explore Preah Khan, a vast monastic complex built by King Jayavarman VII in the late 12th century. This temple was used for religious and educational purposes and is known for its extensive restoration by the World Monuments Fund, preserving its enigmatic charm and original structure. Next, visit Neak Pean, a unique fountain situated in the center of a large pool. Conclude your temple tour at Pre Rup, a late 10th-century temple built by King Rajendravarman II. Known for its bold architectural style, it offers a picturesque setting for a sunset view if weather permits.

After breakfast, we will head to Kampong Cham city. On the way, we will visit Spean Praptos, also known as the Kampong Kdei Bridge. Once the longest cobbled stone-arch bridge in the world, it features over twenty narrow arches stretching 285 feet (87 meters). Constructed in the 12th century during King Jayavarman VII's reign, this bridge is one of the few surviving from the Khmer Empire era. Following this visit, we will continue our drive to Kampong Cham, passing through the Chamka Leu area, known for its extensive silk farms and rubber tree plantations.

After lunch at a local restaurant, we will embark on an excursion to Phnom Pros and Phnom Srei, or Man Hill and Woman Hill, respectively. According to local legend, a competition took place between men and women to build the tallest mountain before sunrise. Our final stop will be the Nokor Bachey Temple, Kampong Cham’s first long building, measuring 421 meters by 371 meters, constructed from laterite stones.

After breakfast, your guide will take you to Kratie City, renowned for its rare freshwater Irrawaddy dolphins.

Upon reaching Kratie, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before boarding a ferry to Throng Island. Depending on the season, you may have the chance to sample local fruits from the nearby village. Once you arrive, your guide and the villagers will provide insights into their daily life and traditions. If your visit falls between August and March, the rice harvest season, you might witness farmers at work and even participate in some of the farming activities.

In the late afternoon, embark on a boat ride to spot the wild dolphins swimming in the river before heading to your hotel for the night.

This morning, you will be privately transferred to Phnom Penh, with the drive taking about 4 hours, depending on traffic conditions from Sihanoukville. Upon arrival, proceed to check in at your hotel.

After lunch at a local restaurant, enjoy a cyclo ride to explore the Royal Palace and the Silver Pagoda, which is renowned for its floor covered in 5,000 silver tiles and its impressive collection of Buddha statues made from gold, silver, crystal, and bronze. Following this, visit Wat Phnom, a charming hilltop temple surrounded by well-maintained gardens. The day concludes with a return to your hotel.

At 8:00 AM, start your exploration with a visit to the Independence Monument, inspired by the central tower of Angkor Wat. Erected in 1958, this monument commemorates Cambodia’s independence from France in 1953 and serves as a memorial for those who lost their lives in conflicts. Wreaths are laid here on national holidays. Next, head to Wat Lanka, one of Phnom Penh's oldest pagodas, originally established as a sanctuary for sacred texts and a meeting point for Cambodian and Sri Lankan monks.

Proceed to Boeung Keng Kang Market, a trendy spot for young Cambodians seeking fashionable items at reasonable prices. The market also offers a variety of vintage clothing, shoes, and bags from other Asian countries. Continue to the Russian Market, named for its popularity among Russian expats in the 1980s. It's an excellent place to find wood and stone carvings, jewelry, clothes, and Cambodian silk souvenirs. While the authenticity of some branded items may be uncertain, the market is a fun experience.

In the afternoon, delve into Cambodia’s recent history at the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, a former school repurposed as a detention center during the Khmer Rouge regime. Following this, visit the Killing Fields of Choeung Ek, a sobering site that provides important insights into the country's tumultuous past. Return to your hotel to end the day.

This morning, at 08:00 AM, you will embark on a private transfer to Kampot city. The trip will take around 4 hours, depending on traffic conditions.

Upon arrival, proceed directly to your hotel for check-in.

In the afternoon, explore the renowned Kampot pepper production. Kampot Pepper has gained recognition from top chefs worldwide for its distinctive qualities, making a visit to a pepper farm a must for many travelers. Following this, head to the caves east of Kampot, where you'll find an ancient pre-Angkorian shrine located in Phnom Chhnork Mountain.

Today, you'll travel to Sihanoukville city with your guide in a private transfer. The journey takes about 3 hours, depending on traffic conditions. The rest of the day is yours to enjoy at your own pace.

"Sihanoukville offers a relaxing tropical escape with its pristine white sand beaches and warm waters of the Gulf of Thailand. It's an ideal spot to unwind, savor fresh seafood, embark on snorkeling or scuba diving adventures, and simply enjoy a laid-back beach atmosphere."

Today is free at leisure or own activities

Today is free at leisure or own activities

Before checking out at midday, take some time to stroll around or pick up any last-minute souvenirs. Your driver will be there to help with your luggage and transfer you to Sihanoukville Airport for your departure flight.

We look forward to seeing you again soon!