Cambodia Real Food Adventure- 9 Days

Start your day with a morning cyclo tour through Phnom Penh, where you’ll explore the city's vibrant sights, sounds, and scents. One highlight is the art deco Psar Thmei (Central Market). During your ride, sample some of the city’s best street food, including sticky rice with beans wrapped in banana leaves and spiced fried crickets! After returning to the hotel to refresh and check out, delve into Cambodia's somber history with a guided visit to the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, once a high school that became Security Prison 21 (S-21) under the Khmer Rouge from 1975 to 1979. You'll also visit the Killing Fields of Choeung Ek, which bear witness to the Khmer Rouge’s dark legacy. Following this, you'll head south by private vehicle to Kampot, a charming historic town known for its pepper, which was a staple in French restaurants during colonial times. Kampot is also famous for its durian, a distinctive fruit that you may either love or dislike intensely—give it a try if you're up for it! Spend your free time wandering along the riverside to admire the French colonial architecture or enjoy a coffee at a riverside café with views of the Bokor Mountain Range.

Accommodation: Hotel

After breakfast, embark on a countryside tour where you'll sample a variety of locally grown, seasonal fruits. Depending on the time of year, you might enjoy durian, rambutan, lychee, pineapples, mangoes, or bananas. Next, visit the Kampot Pepper Project. Kampot pepper, cultivated in Cambodia for centuries, is renowned globally for its exceptional quality and is a symbol of the province’s recovery, as its cultivation was nearly eradicated during the Khmer Rouge era due to the focus on rice production. Continue to the bustling Kep Crab markets, where crabs are kept alive in floating pots in the warm waters of the Gulf of Thailand. Savor a lunch of freshly prepared crab on a pier with ocean views. After lunch, you can stroll along Kep Beach and explore the remnants of the old oceanfront buildings. Once Cambodia’s most esteemed beach destination, Kep's mansions and villas were devastated during the Khmer Rouge period, leaving behind hauntingly beautiful ruins. Alternatively, you might choose to unwind in a hammock or take a swim in the warm waters of the South China Sea.

Accommodation: Hotel

Wake up early to witness the fishing boats arriving at the port with their fresh catch of the day. For breakfast, you might enjoy a dish featuring crab, prawns, or squid prepared with Kampot green peppercorns and served with rice. Alternatively, you could savor some of Kampot’s famous baguettes at a local wood-fired oven. This French influence is widespread, with many street vendors offering baguettes filled with meats, sauces, and salads as a popular snack for workers. After breakfast, you’ll head back to Phnom Penh (approximately 3.5 hours). There, you’ll meet a passionate chef for a market tour, where you’ll learn about the essentials of Khmer cuisine. Participate in a cooking class where you’ll prepare Khmer classics like Samlor Machou Yuon (a sour "Vietnamese" soup with fresh fish and tamarind) or Bok Svay (a green mango salad typically served with dried fish or shrimp). Enjoy a delicious dinner featuring the dishes you’ve made.

Accommodation: Hotel

Travel by private bus to Battambang, a journey of about 6-7 hours with several stops along the way. As Cambodia's second-largest city, Battambang (pronounced Battambong) is a charming riverside town known for its French-influenced architecture, friendly Khmer locals, and well-preserved colonial buildings. The city is adorned with numerous statues of animals and deities, and it offers a quieter alternative to the bustling Phnom Penh and the crowded Siem Reap. During your free afternoon, your guide can suggest local activities. You might consider dining with a local Battambang resident, who can offer a taste of traditional dishes such as amok, Khmer curry, and spicy fried chicken with homemade rice noodles.

Accommodation: Hotel

Embark on a bicycle journey through the picturesque countryside, primarily along shaded paths that meander through local villages. Along the route, you'll have the chance to observe traditional practices such as rice paper production, fruit drying, the making of prahok (fish paste), and rice wine. Conclude your ride at the top spot in the district for Kralan, a popular sticky rice treat cooked in bamboo. Following this, take a private bus to the ancient temple city of Banteay Chhmar, also known as the Citadel of the Cat, which is about a 3-4 hour drive. The route includes some unpaved sections, but the effort is rewarded by a visit to this remote area. The 9th-century temple here is a strong contender for World Heritage Status, featuring similar face towers to those of the Bayon temple and encircled by an impressive 9-kilometer-long wall. Experience genuine Cambodian hospitality by staying with a local family in a traditional Khmer wooden stilt house. As evening falls, enjoy a memorable Khmer dinner by torchlight within the temple grounds. If the weather during the rainy season makes the temple grounds too wet, an alternative option will be a traditional dinner at a local Community Center.

Accommodation: Homestay

Start your day early with a visit to a local temple. After enjoying a traditional Khmer breakfast, explore the village food market to gather ingredients and assist your community hosts in preparing lunch, picking up some culinary tips along the way. Savor the delicious meal before saying goodbye to your hosts and traveling to Siem Reap by private vehicle (approximately 4 hours). Siem Reap, a growing town and the gateway to Angkor, is one of Cambodia’s most frequented destinations, and possibly even in Southeast Asia. Here, you'll find a noticeable change in pace. Take some time to stroll around the town center and soak in the atmosphere. With its array of cafes, bars, restaurants, and food stands, Siem Reap is a haven for food enthusiasts. Be sure to visit the old market, where the vibrant displays of silks, cottons, sarongs, silver, and statues are visually stunning, even if you're not shopping for souvenirs. In the evening, embark on a motor remork ride to discover Siem Reap’s hidden street food gems: grilled corn, skewered meats, Khmer Fried Chicken, green mango with chili and salt, duck eggs, and more. Conclude your culinary adventure at a dessert stall featuring fruit shakes, fruit with sweetened condensed milk, and baked puddings.

Accommodation: Hotel

Spend an entire day exploring the renowned Angkor complex with your local guide. This remarkable site, constructed between the 9th and 13th centuries, stands as a testament to the Khmer empire’s dominance in Southeast Asia. The extensive ruins cover around 160 square kilometers, but the main temple cluster near Siem Reap allows ample time to thoroughly experience these magnificent archaeological treasures. Key highlights include Angkor Wat, Bayon, and the overgrown Ta Prohm. The temples were designed to reflect the cosmic world, achieving a remarkable balance, symmetry, and composition. The intricate bas-reliefs and architectural details are truly awe-inspiring, offering fantastic photo opportunities throughout the day. In the evening, enjoy a final dinner at a restaurant that showcases contemporary Khmer cuisine.

Accommodation: Hotel

Your Real Food Adventure wraps up this morning. On your last day, there are no scheduled activities, giving you the freedom to depart at your convenience. If you'd like to extend your visit to the Angkor complex, please consult with your guide about extending your access pass.