Best of Cambodia- 14 days

Phnom Penh stands as a poignant reminder of Cambodia's historical challenges and achievements. During your visit, you will explore the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S21) and the Killing Fields of Choeung Ek, which reveal the somber history of the Khmer Rouge era. Tuol Sleng, originally a school, was repurposed as a torture center where over 20,000 individuals were imprisoned and tortured. The Choeung Ek Memorial features a stupa containing approximately 8,000 skulls, commemorating the victims of these notorious Killing Fields. The peaceful surroundings starkly contrast with the grim reality of nearly 9,000 bodies that have been unearthed from this site. In the afternoon, you may wish to visit the Royal Palace. While the private residence of King Sihamoni remains off-limits to the public, you can explore the Silver Pagoda within the palace grounds, which is the nation's most revered temple. For a relaxing evening, consider unwinding at a riverside café.

Accommodation: Hotel

This morning, you'll travel by private vehicle to Kampong Cham, which is about a 3-hour drive away. Nestled along the Mekong River, this city is renowned for its frontier charm and French colonial architecture. Upon arrival, you might want to explore the 11th-century Wat Nokor complex, an ancient capital from the pre-Angkor era. The site features a collection of sandstone and laterite temple ruins, constructed during the reign of Khmer King Jayavarman VII.

Accommodation: Dormitory

Travel by private vehicle to Sambor Prei Kuk and your homestay, a journey of about 3 hours. Upon arrival, you'll be greeted by your local guide, who will show you around the village and introduce you to the daily life of the local community. You'll also get to know your hosts and familiarize yourself with the simple amenities of your homestay. This is a great chance to immerse yourself in rural Cambodian life. Nearby, the Sambor Prei Kuk temple ruins, some of the oldest in Cambodia dating back to the 6th century, are definitely worth exploring. In the evening, you’ll have the chance to unwind and enjoy a traditional Khmer dinner with your host family.

Accommodation: Homestay

Dedicate a full day to exploring the renowned Angkor complex with your local guide. This site, constructed between the 9th and 13th centuries at the height of the Khmer Empire’s influence in Southeast Asia, spans approximately 160 square kilometers. The majority of the temples are located near Siem Reap, allowing ample time to thoroughly enjoy these magnificent ruins. Highlights include Angkor Wat, the Bayon Temple, and the overgrown Ta Prohm. These temples were designed to reflect the cosmic world, showcasing an exquisite balance, symmetry, and composition. The detailed bas-reliefs and architectural intricacies are breathtaking, offering fantastic photo opportunities throughout the day, with sunrise and sunset being particularly memorable.

Accommodation: Hotel

Continue your exploration of the Angkor Complex with a half-day tour this morning. You’ll revisit Angkor Wat, the largest and most intact of the temples, uniquely oriented westward, unlike the others which face east. Next, you'll explore Angkor Thom, the "Great Royal City," renowned for its massive stone faces. The Bayon Temple stands out with its iconic 200+ smiling faces and over 50 gothic towers. Also on the itinerary is Ta Prohm, where the temple's stone foundations are intertwined with giant trees, showcasing nature’s reclaiming force.

In the afternoon, you'll have free time to choose from various optional activities. For a thrilling experience, consider the Angkor zip-line course, which offers stunning aerial views of the lush rainforest and an adrenaline rush. Alternatively, delve into Cambodian cuisine with a cooking class or visit the poignant Landmine Museum, a bit further afield but a significant and educational stop.

Accommodation: Hotel

Today, you'll travel by boat to Battambang (depending on the season). As Cambodia’s second-largest city, Battambang (pronounced Battambong) is a charming riverside town known for its French colonial architecture, warm Khmer hospitality, and well-preserved historical buildings. Unlike the bustling streets of Phnom Penh and the tourist crowds of Siem Reap, Battambang offers a more authentic Cambodian experience.

In the afternoon, you might explore the hilltop Wat Banan temple, which provides sweeping 360-degree views of the Sang Ke River. Alternatively, visit the Killing Fields and Caves in Battambang for a reflective and educational experience. As evening approaches, consider strolling along the riverfront where you can see locals engaged in activities such as yoga and traditional folk dancing.

Accommodation: Hotel

This morning, embark on a half-day bicycle tour through the scenic countryside surrounding Battambang. As you ride, you'll have the opportunity to observe local rural life and visit small-scale workshops where sticky rice, noodles, and fish paste are made.

In the afternoon, you have several options for activities. You can watch students practice at the local circus and music school or see young artists at work in the visual arts (available on Mondays and Thursdays). Alternatively, consider taking a cooking class to master local specialties like amok, Khmer curry, and spicy fried chicken.

Accommodation: Hotel

Set out on a 3.5-hour drive from Battambang to Kampong Chhnang, situated near the confluence of Tonle Sap Lake and the river of the same name. Today’s itinerary includes a boat tour of Tonle Sap Lake, where you’ll glide past around 173 floating villages, which are often referred to as Cambodia's aquatic heart. The lake is a haven for bird enthusiasts, so be on the lookout for various bird species both on and above the water.

Afterwards, visit a pottery workshop to discover traditional techniques used by the locals and even try your hand at pottery if you’re interested. In the evening, you have the option to enjoy a home-cooked dinner with a local family. Please inform your group leader if you wish to arrange this.

Accommodation: Hotel

Travel by private vehicle to Kampot (approximately 4.5 hours), a charming and historic town in Cambodia. Kampot, known for its high-quality pepper, was once a key supplier to French kitchens during the colonial era. Nowadays, the area is also famous for its durian plantations—this distinctive fruit, known for its strong odor and unique taste, is worth trying if you’re adventurous.

During your free time, you may wish to take a leisurely walk along the riverside, appreciating the French colonial architecture, or relax with a coffee at one of the riverside cafes while enjoying views of the Bokor Mountain Range. A traditional massage is another highly recommended activity. You can support a local charity by receiving a massage from a trained blind therapist. In Cambodia, where social security is limited, organizations like Seeing Hands provide vital support and training to blind individuals, enabling them to earn a living with dignity.

Accommodation: Hotel

Spend the day exploring the countryside of Kampot Province and uncover its hidden treasures. Begin with a visit to the Pepper Project, where you'll discover why Kampot pepper is celebrated globally as one of the finest spices. Next, head to Cambodia's sole salt field to learn about local salt production. Enjoy a scenic stroll through the rice paddies, followed by a climb that offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape.

Your journey continues with a visit to Phnom Chhnork, where you can explore a limestone cave housing a small 7th-century brick temple. Afterwards, head to Kep to explore the historic beachfront area. Once Cambodia's premier coastal retreat from the early 1900s until the 1960s, many of Kep's grand mansions were ravaged during the Khmer Rouge era. Today, the remnants of these once-majestic buildings stand as silent witnesses to the past.

Accommodation: Hotel

This morning, you'll travel from Kampot to Phnom Penh by private vehicle, a journey that takes around 4.5 hours. Once you arrive, the remainder of the afternoon and evening is yours to explore or indulge in some final shopping. Consider a stroll along the Chatomok riverfront, where the Tonle Bassac, Tonle Sap, and Mekong Rivers converge. To wrap up your Cambodian adventure, you might want to join your fellow travelers for dinner, with market stalls offering an array of delectable local dishes in the early evening.

Accommodation: Hotel

On your final day, no activities are scheduled, allowing you to check out of your accommodation at your convenience.