Cambodia Encounter – 14 Days

Emerging from years of turmoil, Phnom Penh is a city on the rebound, blending its French colonial heritage with modern developments along the riverfront. This morning, explore the National Museum, the Royal Palace, and the remarkable Silver Pagoda with its solid silver flooring. In the afternoon, visit the haunting Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and the Killing Fields at Choeung Ek. In the evening, unwind with a refreshing drink at a riverside café while enjoying the sunset.

Today, we journey towards the south coast via Route 2, a drive of about 3 to 4 hours. Along the way, we visit Ta Prohm Temple to experience Khmer architecture. Our next stop is the small town of Takeo, where we board a speedboat for a scenic ride through rice field canals to Phnom Da Temple perched on a hilltop. We then continue by boat to explore the museum in Angkor Borei village. After passing near the Vietnamese border, we reach Kep Beach, just in time to catch the sunset and enjoy a swim in the lodge's pool.

Kep, once a coastal getaway for French and Khmer aristocrats, is now known for its overgrown streets and dilapidated beachfront villas. In the mid-morning, we head west through scenic limestone karst landscapes, taking a short walk through rice paddies to a cave perched on a hilltop. Next, we continue to Kampot for a tranquil sunset cruise along a river bordered by lush forests. We’ll conclude the day with an evening walk to explore this charming colonial port town.

At the southern end of the Elephant Mountains lies the haunting Bokor Hill Station. Once a mountain retreat for Phnom Penh's elite, it was also the scene of intense clashes with the Khmer Rouge. Today, the area is marked by an old Catholic church and a weathered casino and hotel. We will spend the morning climbing up to this intriguing location, and in the afternoon, we will proceed to Sihanoukville to check into our seaside hotel.

This morning, embark on a boat journey through Ream National Park, a labyrinth of mangroves, waterways, and jungle. Spend some time relaxing on a stunning white sand beach at the park's edge, where you can swim, take a leisurely stroll, and enjoy a picnic lunch. Return to town in the afternoon to catch the sunset from the beautiful Wat Leu.

Around mid-morning, we depart for Phnom Penh, making a stop at a halfway shrine frequented by pilgrims. We arrive in Phnom Penh by early afternoon, giving you some free time to unwind and explore the city's shops and dining options.

This morning, head to the twin peaks of Oudong, which served as Cambodia’s capital until 150 years ago. Explore the historic hilltop spires before continuing on to Kampong Chhnang, where you can observe traditional pottery production. By late afternoon, we arrive in Battambang, a charming town known for its well-preserved colonial architecture and scenic location along the Sangker River.

This morning, venture out to discover nearby temples and the charming countryside. Visit Phnom Sampeau, a site once marked by intense battles and killing fields, now home to a captivating temple. Continue on to Wat Banan, believed to have inspired the grandeur of Angkor Wat. After returning to Battambang for lunch and leisure time, savor the evening ambiance at Wat Ek Phnom, rounding off your visit to Cambodia's 'second city.'

Set off on a boat journey along the meandering Sangker River to reach Siem Reap. This extensive voyage, which can last up to eight hours, will take you past intriguing Cham villages, scenic countryside, and across the vast Tonle Sap Lake. Arrive in Siem Reap in the late afternoon and transfer to your comfortable hotel. Please note that during the dry season, the journey from Battambang to Siem Reap is made by road through the rice-rich region of Western Cambodia, passing through the town of Sisophon.

The Angkor temples span 600 years (802-1432) of Khmer history, showcasing one of Asia's most impressive empires. Start your day early to witness the sunrise over the majestic Angkor Wat, the world’s largest religious monument. This 12th-century marvel, completed over 30 years, epitomizes the grandeur of Khmer civilization. Later, enter Angkor Thom through its southern gate and be awed by the enigmatic Bayon, the Terrace of Elephants, and the Terrace of the Leper King. Before breaking for lunch, enjoy panoramic views of Angkor from a fixed cable balloon, soaring 200 meters above the site. In the late afternoon, experience local village life and an ancient temple on a charming horse-drawn cart.

We kick off the day by hopping into a local-style motorized tuk-tuk. Our first stop is the enchanting Ta Prohm, enveloped in jungle and preserved as it was discovered by French explorers in the 1850s. Later in the morning, we'll visit Preah Khan, a sister temple that, despite recent restoration efforts by the World Monuments Fund, still presents a captivating mix of crumbling corridors and overgrown walls. After returning to town for a brief rest, we'll head to 'Petit Baray,' a traditional Khmer-style wooden house. Here, we’ll explore lovely gardens and enjoy an engaging, interactive cooking demonstration.

Today, we venture to three unique temples situated beyond the primary Angkor complex. Our first stop is the intricately carved and remarkably preserved Banteay Srei, often referred to as the 'Citadel of the Women.' Many consider Banteay Srei to be the crown jewel of Angkor due to the exquisite detail of its carvings. Next, we explore the 11th-century Boeng Mealea, built by King Suryavarman II and a precursor to the renowned Angkor Wat. Although Boeng Mealea was isolated during Cambodia's civil war, it has recently become accessible and remains one of the largest temples outside the main Angkor complex, still largely intact and rarely visited by tourists. In the late afternoon, we'll visit the tranquil Banteay Samre temple before heading back to Siem Reap to commemorate the end of this remarkable journey.

This morning, you'll be transferred from your hotel to the airport for your next flight.