13 Days Cambodia West Explorer

Explore Phnom Penh, a city at the confluence of the Mekong and Tonle Sap rivers. Visit the Silver Pagoda within the Royal Palace complex, the most sacred temple in Cambodia. Experience the city's history with visits to the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and Killing Fields of Choeung Ek, which reveal the tragic legacy of the Khmer Rouge. Optionally, visit Wat Phnom, the historic temple marking the city's 15th-century foundation.

Conclude your day with a private sunset cruise on the Tonle Sap River, which uniquely reverses its flow annually. Enjoy views of the Royal Palace and the Chrouy Changvar Peninsula as you glide onto the majestic Mekong River.

Notes: If you wish to skip the Tuol Sleng and Choeung Ek visits, please inform your tour guide for alternative options.

+ Accommodation: Book your own hotel in Phnom Penh
+ Meals included:

Today, we leave from Phnom Penh and journey to Siem Reap, the gateway to the fabled temples of Angkor. En route, visit Skuon, affectionately known as 'Spiderville', where it is possible to sample the local delicacy of deep-fried tarantula. We also visit one of the largest and least-visited villages on the Tonle Sap Lake, Kompong Khleang. It’s a 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. We will take a boat and cruise into the open water of the great lake to see a small floating village and learn some more about this incredible natural flood barrier.

Later we arrive at your Siem Reap and check into a comfortable hotel.

+ Accommodation: 3*** Hotel in Siem Reap (3nts)
+ Meals included: Breakfast

8:00 AM, Today, you will encounter Cambodia's first world heritage site and the main reason why most people travel to the country. Your visit include Angkor Thom complex, the famous and very photogenic South Gate of Angkor Thom, where the gods and demons line the road leading to the gate, struggling in a cosmic tug-of-war. Bayon, with its fifty-four towers adorned with over two hundred enigmatic smiling faces, Phimeanakas, Baphoun, Terrace of the Elephants and therefore the Terrace of the Leper King.

Lunch break in a local Khmer-style restaurant in Angkor Park. We then move on to the world-famous and best-preserved of all temples within the Angkor complex. The ruins are scattered over an area of some 160 square kilometers; believed to be the biggest religious monument in the world. Back to the hotel and rest until 6:15 PM, you will be picked up from your hotel to watch the Cambodia’s best circus “Phare Poleu Selpak” which is Siem Reap's most unique, authentic top rated (TripAdvisor & Lonely Planet) evening entertainment. 7:00 pm to 8:00 pm.

You will be reserved for Seat B

+ Accommodation: 3*** Hotel in Siem Reap
+ Inclusions: Breakfast

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’. Then, we head back to to the famous Ta Promh, embraced by the roots of enormous fig trees and gigantic creepers. The ruined Ta Prohm (Tomb Raider) temple was made famous by Angelina Jolie. Then, we explore the frequently visited Banteay Samre. 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.

*You can ask your hotel’s staff to pack a takeaway breakfast and get ready the next morning by 4:40 am.

+ Accommodation: 3*** Hotel in Siem Reap
+ Inclusions: Breakfast

Today, our journey continues south the rice bold of Cambodia which is located on the other side of Tonle Sap Lake. 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.

After a lunch break at Sisophon city, our journey continues south to the rice bowl city. At arrival, we check-in to a comfortable hotel.

Later at around 3:30 pm, we drive to Phnom Sampov, a sacred mountain dotted with interesting pagodas and stupas. There is also a moving memorial to Khmer Rouge victims who were thrown into one of the many caves in this holy mountain. After your visit on top of this mountain, we come down and witness millions of bat flying out of their cave at 5:30 – 6 pm.

+ Accommodation: 3*** Hotel in Battambang (2nts)
+ Inclusions: Breakfast

After breakfast at the hotel, we drive to Wat Kor district to visit a local village and learn about rural life in Cambodia, rice harvest, fruit farming and how the sugar palm is used. Board the Bamboo train (locals call Nori). These ‘local trains’ are bamboo platforms with wheels and they fly along the rail tracks offering great views of the surrounding countryside. Battambang is also known as the best preserve town from the French colony (1863-1953) so let’s witness some of those building including Wat Conding, old house built since 1907, provincial hall and national bank. Drive to Ek Phnom district and visit Doun Teav Village where rice paper production is the highlight of the local industry, and we then pass the local market of Psar Bra Houk (fermented fish paste) and also a few other interesting places including Bamboo sticky rice village, Wat Samrong Khnong. If we have time, we get back to the town centre to visit local market. Return to your hotel.

+ Accommodation: 3*** Hotel in Battambang
+ Inclusions: Breakfast

Journey to the remote district of Veal Veng, nestled in lush countryside. Spend your afternoon exploring rural villages and view the famous snake road of Phnom 1500, enjoy café with the view, visit Tmore Da Waterfall. Experience authentic hospitality with an overnight stay in a welcoming local guesthouse.

+ Accommodation: Bungalow in Veal Veng
+ Inclusions: Breakfast

Travel through the breathtaking Cardamom Mountains, a pristine wilderness area, en route to the coastal town of Koh Kong. Snap some photos of the nice mountain view, past by the picturesque Dam Nak Kbon Waterfall, a serene spot surrounded by tropical forest. Spend the afernoon exploring local sites including mangrove forest & swing bridge at Peam Krosob, the famous Khon Chhang Khun Pen Stupas, Bakhlong Beach. Engjoy your dinner watching sunset.

+ Accommodation: 3*** Hotel in Koh Kong
+ Inclusions: Breakfast

In the morning after breakfast, check-out from your hotel and make your way to Sihanoukville, en route explore Tatai Waterfall before take a ferry to the idyllic island of Koh Rong.
After checking into your beachfront accommodation, spend the afternoon basking in the sun and enjoying the crystal-clear waters.
Dine on fresh seafood while listening to the gentle waves during a delightful beachfront dinner.

+ Accommodation: BeachWalk Koh Rong (2nts)
+ Inclusions: Breakfast

Enjoy a full day of relaxation and adventure at your own pace. Swim in turquoise waters, snorkel vibrant coral reefs, or explore the island’s tropical trails and hidden beaches.

+ Accommodation: BeachWalk Koh Rong
+ Inclusions: Breakfast

11:30AM Return by ferry to Sihanoukville and travel to the charming riverside town of Kampot. Take the afternoon tour of the misty Bokor Hill Station, an abandoned colonial hilltop retreat offering panoramic views.  Wat Sampov Pram, Popokvil Waterfall.

+ Accommodation: 3*** Hotel in Kampot (2ts)
+ Inclusions: Breakfast

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 on 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.

+ Accommodation: 3*** Hotel in Kampot (2ts)
+ Inclusions: Breakfast

Travel back to Phnom Penh in the morning, reflecting on your Cambodian adventure.
In the afternoon, you will be transferred to the airport for your onward journey, carrying memories of a remarkable exploration through Cambodia.

+ Inclusions: Breakfast