10-Day Classic Cambodia Tour

[Guided Tour] Rise early for sunrise over the mother of all temples, Angkor Wat which is believed to be the world’s largest religious building. Then, we head to the temple mountain of Pre Rup, before driving further north to Banteay Srei, Angkor’s ultimate art gallery. This petite pink temple is the jewel in the crown of Angkor-era sculpture. The elaborate carvings here are the finest found in Cambodia and the name translates as ‘Fortress of the Women’, thanks to the intricate detail here, considered too fine for the hands of a man. On the way back to Siem Reap we make a detour to the less frequently visited Banteay Samre. Built by King King Suryavarman II, the same king who built Angkor Wat, the structure with its high temple tower has undergone extensive restoration. In the afternoon we visit Neak Pean, a small island temple situated in the middle of an artificial pool, which translates as “intertwined serpents” due the coiled serpents encircling the base of the structure. We then continue on to Preah Khan or “sacred sword”, a huge monastic complex which features elaborate carvings. Overnight at hotel in Siem Reap.

+ O/N: in Siem Reap.

Optional Program

• Phare Ponleu Selpak the Cambodia circus evening show. 8:00pm-9:30pm. $18 – $36 USD

[Guided Tour] After breakfast, we travel southeast out of Siem Reap to one of the largest and least-visited villages on the Tonle Sap Lake, Kompong Khleang, about 55km from Siem Reap. It’s population of 10,000 all make a living from the fishing industry. We explore the canals (wet season) or streets (dry season) of this incredible town. In the wet season, the houses appear to be floating, as water laps at the verandas, but in the dry season towering stilts are revealed, the houses almost like wooden skyscrapers.

After lunch break in a local restaurant, we explore the lost temple of Beng Mealea, the titanic of temples, a slumbering giant lost for centuries in the forests of Cambodia. It is the most accessible of Angkor’s lost temples, a mirror image of Angkor Wat, but utterly consumed by the voracious appetite of nature. Constructed by Suryavarman II in the 12th century, the builder of Angkor Wat, the forest has run riot here and it is hard to get a sense of the monument’s shape amid the daunting ruins. Returing to your hotel in Siem Reap.

+ O/N: in Siem Reap

Today, our journey continues south the rice bold of Cambodia which is located on the other side of Tonle Sap Lake. Due September – January, the water level of Stung Sangke River is deep enough to allow the boat to run. This means we can travel to Battambang by boat. This will let you experience typical Cambodian landscapes to the historic riverside city Battambang. Else, we travel by road En route, we stop at Artisans d’Angkor silk weaving project and unique stone carving by locals at Preah Net Preah district. Enjoy a guided tour of the Phare complex training school in Battambang and observe circus, dance, music, drawing and graphic-arts classes.

+ O/N: in Battambang (2nts)

[Guided Tour] We spend a day exploring Battambang; witness some of the best-preserved colonial buildings around town; board the Bamboo train (locals call Nori) through rice paddies; visit local villages; see rice harvest (in season), fruit farming and local industries including palm sugar making (seasonal), rice paper production and fermented fish paste at the local market of Psar Bra Houk.

At around 3:30 pm, we drive to Phnom Sampov, a sacred mountain dotted with interesting pagodas and stupas and killing cave left from the Khmer Rouge. Finish your day watching millions of bats flying out of their cave at 5:30 – 6pm.
+ O/N: in Battambang
+Included meal: Breakfast

We leave behind the charm of this historic riverside city of Battambang and drive to the capital city Phnom Penh. We travel through Pursat province, passing through typical Cambodian landscapes of endless rice fields dotted with sugar palms.

We continue passing through the busy riverside town of Kompong Chhnang and there may also be the opportunity to visit a local pottery village (Rolea Pa Ear District), as Kompong Chhnang is famous for producing undecorated items for the Cambodian home. Our last stop before we arrive at Phnom Penh is at Kampong Luong Commune (Punhea Leu District, Kandal Province) to see silver craftsmen. Here, silversmiths make tiny silver and copper boxes, often in animal shapes, are a popular souvenir. This is the only place in Cambodia and the king always order the product from here international welcoming.

+ O/N: in Phnom Penh (2nts)
+Included meal: Breakfast

[Guided Tour] Visit the spectacular Royal Palace complex, home to the Cambodian royal family and a symbol of the nation. The private quarters of the Royal Palace are home to King Sihamoni and are closed to the public. You will, however, be able to visit Wat Preah Keo Morokat with the spectacular Silver Pagoda, the most sacred Wat in Cambodia and decorated with a floor made up of 5,000 silver tiles. Afterwards, we’ll travel to the nearby National Museum which houses the world’s finest collection of sculptures from the Angkor period. We spend the rest of the morning looking around the city including Russian Market which is one of the premier shopping destinations in the Cambodian capital. An ideal way to spend your evening here is to relax in a cafe by the riverfront. (Flexible).

At 4:30 PM, we enjoy a private boat for a sunset cruise and on the Tonle Sap River, which famously reverses direction each year, acting as the world’s largest natural flood barrier for the Mekong River. We cruise past the Royal Palace compound and around the Chrouy Changvar Peninsular onto the mighty Mekong River.

+ O/N: in Phnom Penh
+Included meal: Breakfast

[Guided Tour] Take a morning cyclo (cycle-rickshaw) tour around Phnom Penh, discovering some of the interesting sights, sounds and smells of the capital, including the wonderful art deco-designed Psar Thmei (Central Market). Along the way, taste some of the best street food in the city.

Back to the hotel to freshen up and check out. Before you leave Phnom Penh, confront Cambodia’s tragic past on a guided tour of the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum. We then travel out of town to the Killing Fields of Choeung Ek. Prisoners from Tuol Sleng followed this same route to their fate. Despite the horrors of the past, it is a peaceful place to go and a tranquil spot to reflect on the tragic events that engulfed Cambodia and its people. Say goodbye to your guide.

Afterwards, drive south by private vehicle, towards Kampot, one of Cambodia’s most attractive old towns (approximately 4 hours). Arrive in Kampot by evening.

Famous for its pepper, Kampot supplied most French restaurants for many years during colonial rule. Today, the region is also renowned for its durian, a spiky, pungent fruit that either incites adoration or sheer loathing. Try it if you dare! In some free time, you might stroll along the riverside’s French colonial architecture, or enjoy a coffee on the veranda of a riverside restaurant and admire the Bokor Mountain Range.

+ O/N: in Kampot (2nts)
+Included meal: Breakfast

[Guided Tour] After breakfast at your hotel, our day starts with a tour of the countryside, tasting locally-grown, seasonal produce depending on the season; durian or rambutan, plus lychee, pineapples, mangos or bananas. Visit the Kampot Pepper plantation which is grown in Cambodia for centuries. Kampot pepper is considered among the world’s finest by chiefs. We continue to the lively Kep Crab markets, where crabs are kept fresh in pots that float in the Gulf of Thailand’s warm waters. Enjoy a lunch of fresh crab cooked to perfection, eaten on a pier overlooking the ocean. After lunch, walk along the Kep beach and explore the old oceanfront buildings. Kep was once Cambodia’s most popular and prestigious beach town, but the Khmer Rouge destroyed many of Kep’s mansions and villas. The ghostly remains now stand as a silent reminder. Alternatively, relax in a hammock or swim in the warm South China Sea. Back to Kampot with an option to visit salt farms (mid-January to end April), either way the sunset over salt field is stunning.

+ O/N: in Kampot
+Included meal: Breakfast

[Guided Tour] Rise early to see the fishing boats arrive at the port with their daily catch. For breakfast, perhaps partake in a meal of crab, prawns or squid cooked up with Kampot green peppercorns and served with rice is. Alternatively try some of Kampot’s tastiest baguettes on a visit with the owner of a small wood fired oven. This legacy of French colonization is ubiquitous – many roadside carts sell baguettes with meat, sauces, and salad as a snack for workers. Then, return to Phnom Penh or international airport for departure flight to next destination. (Approximately 4 hour’s drive).
+Included meal: Breakfast