An in-depth journey throughout Cambodia that will take you beyond the highlights of Cambodia beginning in Siem Reap with an open up visit to the temples of Angkor and see unique lifestyle on Tonle Sap Lake, on to Battambang for some of the best preserved colonial building and classic lifestyle, a journey along side Tonle Sap Lake passing through typical Cambodian landscapes of endless ricefields dotted with sugar palms, stop to see the pottery village in Kampong Chhnang, witness the only silver craftsmen village of the country in Kampong Loung Commune near Oudong Mountain.
Day 1: Arrive to Siem Reap. Flexible Tour.
Welcome you at the airport in Siem Reap with your name on board and transfer you to the hotel. You might want to do one of the following:
Day 2: Siem Reap – Temples of Angkor Tour.
See as many temples as you want to in the small circuit but my recommendation of the main temples would be the big three Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom (Bayon, Bapoun, Terrace of leper king, Terrace of elephant, South gate, Takoe) and Ta Promh Temple. We can start from 5:30am if you want to see sunrise over Angkor Wat.
Day 3: Siem Reap – Grand Tours including Royal temples of Khmer Empire.
8:00am, See as many temples as you want to in the grand circuit but my recommendation of the main temples would be the big three Preah Khan, Yeak Poan, Ta Som, East Mebon, and also Banteay Srei Temple. Finish the day by experiencing sunset over the rice fields from the royal crematorium of Pre Rup, a classic view of the Cambodian countryside. Travel back to hotel.
Day 4: Phnom Kulen National Park + Beng Melea Vegetation Temple.
8:00am, We drive through a lush landscape of paddy fields and remote villages to visit Phnom Kulen National park, the origins of the Khmer Empire from AD 802 and also considered the most sacred mountain in Cambodia. Your included visits to the carvings of Yoni and Linga etched into the sandstone riverbed and the stone representation of the Hindu god Vishnu lying on his serpent Ananta, with his wife Lakshmi at his feet, Wat Pre Ang Thom, impressive riverbed rock carvings, and a classic waterfall further downstream which is the perfect place to cool off after exploring.
Afternoon, Visit the remote charming ruin temple covered by vegetation, Beng Mealea temple. This titanic temple is a slumbering giant lost for centuries in the forests of Cambodia. It’s confronted with a mass of ruins half devoured by a ravenous jungle. This temple has a separate fee from the Angkor Complex and it’s 5 US dollars. Travel back to hotel.
Day 5: Drive to Battambang
8:30am, Drive to the rice bowl of Cambodia, Battambang including silk farm at Puok distric and local stone carving at Preah Net Preah distric. 3:30pm, visit Phnom Sampov and witness millions of bat flying out from their cave at 5:30 – 6pm.
Day 6: Battambang tour.
8:30am, A full day tour to visit Bamboo train, old Wat, the 1907 dated house, colonial buildings and learn about rice paper production which is the highlight of the local industry of this charm of the historic riverside city. If we have time, I’ll drive you back to the town centre to visit local market. Return to your hotel.
Day 7: Battambang to Kampong Chhnang.
8:30am, Enjoy a drive passing through typical Cambodian landscapes of endless ficefields dotted with sugar palms. En route, visit Kampong Loung floating village near Pursat, untouched by a mass tourism. Learn how the locals make pottery from clay near Kampong Chhnang. Learn about the local living along the river side and overnight in Kampong Chhnang.
Day 8: Kampong Chhnang to Kampong Cham.
8:30am, Our journey continues to Kampong Cham province. Along the way we’ll see silversmiths make copper and silver articles at Kampong Loung near Oudong. This is the only silver craft-men in Cambodia. You might want to claim up Phnom Udong for the magnificent views over the plains below. Udong was once Cambodia’s capital and there are a number of stupas on the top where former kings, queens and as well as a piece of Buddha bone are buried. Your other included visits to the Spiderville of Skoun where it is possible to sample the local delicacy of deep fried grasshopper, crickets and tarantula, fusion temple of Wat Nokor, Phnom Bros Phnom Srei and drive around the city. Overnight in Kampong Cham.
Day 9: Kampong Chham to Kratie. Cycling on Koh Trong.
8:30am, Our journey continues to Kratie, driving along the Mekong River through countryside, Muslim and Buddhist villages and there are opportunities to stop and see seasonal crops, fishing traps and netsand some beautiful Wats.
In the afternoon, you can take a local ferry across the Mekong to Koh Trong for cycling (7km) around the island to observe farm of famous grapefruit and other seasonal fruit and vegetable as well as floating village. Overnight in Kratie.
Day 10: Countryside tour around Mekong.
9:00am, A full day tour to learn about local living/lifestyle pieces, Kratie industry and of course dolphin watching at Kampi. Your included visits to Phnom Sambok, rice wishkey production, Khmer rice noodle making and 100 pillars pagoda at Sambor. Overnight in Kratie.
Day 11: Kratie to Ratanakiri.
8:30am, Drive to Ratanakiri including Cha Ung Waterfall. In the afternoon, visit Yeak Loam volcano lake. Overnight in Ban Lung city of Ratanakiri.
Day 12: Ratanakiri – Vern Sai and Indigenous way of life.
8:30am, Drive north out of Banlung to Veun Sai area where you can enjoy a boat trip on Sesan River to visit Kachok village, visit Chinese village, Laos village and the sacred cemetery of Kachoch indigenous group and learn about their traditional burial ground complete with carved effigies of the deceased. Overnight in Ratanakiri.
Day 13: Ratanakiri to Mundulkiri through mountain ranges.
8:30am, Leave behind Ratanakiri and drive south through unique scenery dotted with traditional indigenous hill tribe villages with lush jungle hugging the road. Visit one of the most famous waterfall with double drop, Bou Sra waterfall. You can do the zipline across this waterfall with 7 thrilling ziplines, 12 platforms, 1 sky bridge, and 100 meters high zip over the falls! The ultimate Mayura Zipline that excites, educates and inspires. Visit local coffee growers (Unique product in that province). Overnight in Mondulkiri.
Day 14: Mondulkiri – Eco-friendly elephant tours.
8:30am, Take a full day tour with one of the eco-friendly elephant projects run by local community. You will be introduced to the herd of elephants and get to know more about their history, character, behavior, body language and relationship with mahout family. Feed the them buckets of bananas before walking alongside them and bathe them at end of your visit. Overnight in Mondulkiri.
Day 15: Mondulkiri to Phnom Penh.
8:30am, Leave behind Mondulkiri and drive to Phnom Penh. Along the way we stop to experience rubber and pepper plantation. Arrive to Phnom Penh around 3-5 depending on the traffic. Relax until pickup for dinner at riverside near royal place. Overnight in Phnom Penh.
Day 16: Phnom Penh – Full day city tour.
8:30am, Spend a full day discovery this vibrant and lively capital city. As Phnom Penh is a living relic of the country’s past struggles and successes so you’ll learn both the horrific crimes of the Khmer Rouge and the living culture and lifestyle. Your included visits to the Toul Sleng Prison Museum, the Killing Fields of Choeung Ek, Royal Palace, Silver Pagoda, National Museum and some others famous spots including Wat Phnom, Independence Monument, Russian Market and Central Market. You might want to watch sunset on a boat cruise to finish your day that up to you.
Day 17: Phnom Penh – Visit Silk Island. Drive to Kampot.
8:30am, Visit Koh Dach, known as ‘Silk Island‘ by the foreigners to take a look at rural Cambodia on Mekong River island and learn about the silk weavers who inhabitat islands. Drive to Kampot.
Day 18: Tour around Kampot and Kep.
Learn about the traditional organic pepper farm in Kampot, the world’s best pepper acknowledged by international chefs. Visit Kampot salt field, the only salt field in Cambodia. Wonder around a 7th-century brick temple in the cave of Phnom Chhnork. Visit butterfly farm, crab market, enjoy fresh seafood, explore old buldings and walk along Kep beach. Overnight in Kampot.
Day 19: Drive to Sihanoukville including Bokor National Park.
Heading to our last destination, the white beach of Sihanoukville, votted as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. En route, we drive up the moutain of Phnom Bokor, the most popular national park in Cambodia, get some fresh air, get view, as well as a unique atmosphere. Overnight in Sihanoukville.
Days 20-22: Sihanoukville – 3 full-day at leisure.
Enjoy your 3 full-day at leisure. I am available for services at anytime you want.
Day 23: Sihanoukville to Phnom Penh.
Returning to your Phnom Penh hotel or international airport for departure flight to next destination.