Day 1: Siem Reap Arrival
Upon arrival in Siem Reap, you will be met and transferred to your hotel
Day 2: Early sunrise at Angkor Wat Temple – Ta Phrom – Angkor Thom
Set off early to see the sun rise over the magnificent Angkor Wat, the world’s largest religious monument and the best-preserved temple in the complex. This visually spectacular massive three-tired pyramid has become a symbol of Cambodia, appearing on its flag. Admire the grandeur of its architecture its extensive decoration of bas-relief friezes.
Continue to Ta Prohm, one of Cambodia’s most beloved temples. Unusually, Ta Prohm is in much the same condition in which it was found. The combination of large trees growing out of the ruins and the surrounding jungle give the temple a truly magical feel. Take a break for lunch and then set off to the South Gate of Angkor Thom, where statues of the gods of good and evil line the entrance.
Next visit Bayon, a richly decorated temple. Its most distinctive feature is the hundreds of smiling faces that grace the towers. Impressive bas-reliefs tell stories of daily life and of the great battles that were fought between the Khmers and ancient Thais.
Move on to Phimeanakas, a pyramid-shaped temple with two ponds in the rear. Climb to its top and take in the awe-inspiring sight of the Angkor ruins below before taking in row upon row of elephant trunks that form the wall of the Terrace of the Elephants.
Note: The tour can be organized on bicycles if you wish
Day 3: Siem Reap – Phnom Kulen Mountain & 1000 Lingas
Considered the birthplace of the Khmer Empire, Phnom Kulen is a mountain range about a two-hour drive from Siem Reap. The mountain is considered sacred, the site where King Jayavarman proclaimed independence from Java in 802 and where the cult of the linga began. The mountain is also a favorite of locals who come to admire the waterfalls and swim in the cool pools. Visit the river of 1,000 Lingas and a reclining Buddha built in the 16th century. Take a break for a picnic lunch and a chance to swim at the waterfall. On the way back to Siem Reap, stop at a local village to admire the picturesque rice paddies and traditional houses
Day 4: Siem Reap - Tonle Sap Tour
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Take a short 15-kilometer drive to Tonle Sap Lake, located south of Siem Reap. Here embark on a cruise to Kompong Phluk, an isolated Khmer community of three villages built on stilts. The community has about 3,000 residents who farm fish and vegetables on the floating platforms. Admire the floating village with a Buddhist monastery right in the middle.The cruise will also take you through the flooded forests that surround the village, a unique ecosystem where millions of fish come to spawn each season, attracting a myriad of water birds. Enjoy the views and keep an eye out for wildlife, especially birds and crab-eating macaques.
Interesting fact: The Tonle Sap Lake in Cambodia experiences a unique phenomenon where its water flow changes direction twice a year. During the dry season, the lake drains into the Mekong River. However, during the rainy season, the Mekong River swells with water, causing the Tonle Sap River to reverse its flow direction, effectively filling the Tonle Sap Lake and expanding its surface area. This phenomenon is essential for maintaining the lake's ecosystem and biodiversity and supports the livelihoods of many people living in the surrounding areas.
Day 5: Siem Reap – Banteay Chhmar Temple – Battambang
Today you begin transfer to Battambang and make stop on half this morning spend time visiting Banteay Chhmar temple, this ancient temple date back in the Angkorian period (802-1432). Moreover, the temple of Banteay Chhmar is a unique complex of Angkorian period of structural style with the associated baray and water control systems, reflect outstanding aspects of architecture, engineering, arts, skilled craftsmanship, stone building, irrigation, governance and theology, landscape, human settlement and land use. And the temple complex was designed to reflect Hindu theology and astrology. And your guide will provide you with in-depth of temple history as well as you will have a plenty of time to explore the most stunning site and capturing the amazing delicate temple base-relief, breath-taking, and listening to the bird sound.
Shortly after the exploration and return to Sisophon town for lunch break before continue journey to Battambang. Upon arrival check in to hotel and time for relaxation.
Day 6: Battambang
Battambang is famous for its French colonial architecture, fertile soil and rubies and garnets mined in this province. This morning begins transfer to Wat Ko a village outside of town and hop on a fun bamboo train ride through the countryside, local houses, and enjoy great view of paddy fields. Next continue the tour visits Phnom Banan, an 11th century temple built by King Jarvarman VII. Located on top of a 400m hill, there is a beautiful view of the surrounding countryside and follow by a lunch break at local restaurant.
In the afternoon, we will explore Phnom Sampeau, a natural rock formation with an interesting series of caves with a sad history. The area was a former stronghold of the communist regime, Khmer Rouge, that controlled Cambodia from 1975 to 1979 and some caves were used as “killing caves.” Your guide will give you a history of this area and will answer any questions you have. Here you will also have the opportunity to visit Bat Cave where you will see a steady stream of bats leaving the cave as dusk falls around 5:00 pm. Before returning to your hotel.
Day 7: Battambang – Morning Street Eat at Phsar Nat, Visit Phras Prahok – Phnom Penh
As breakfast is the most important part of the day, we begin the tour with some delicious Cambodian noodle soup. You will create your own bowl of soup to your liking by including the noodles and a variety of garnishes such as cooked shrimp, pork, sliced radish, fried garlic, chopped cilantro, green onion, ground red chili peppers, and lemon juice. Mix the ingredients with your chopsticks and enjoy!
After enjoying your first course of a hearty breakfast, follow your guide through the labyrinth of stalls and take in the scenes of local life and activity in the market. Try the favorite drink of locals- iced coffee with milk. Next try rice with pork or chicken “Bai Sach Chrouk or Sach Moan,” an all time classic favorite of Cambodians. The dish has smoky sweet, charcoal-grilled pork or chicken served with rice and tangy pickled radish and cucumber. This is one of Cambodian’s most popular breakfasts.
Last, the traditional Cambodian Cake is a must try. Savor the surprising texture and flavor of this dessert. Wash it all down with a sugarcane juice and next adventure full fill your morning with a visit to Fishing village a well-know Phsar Prahok market, it is located near a river that accommodates various types of fish. Return to hotel for freshen up and after lunch transfer to Phnom Penh.
Interesting fact: Do you know that Phnom Penh sits at the confluence of three major rivers: the Mekong, the Tonle Sap, and the Bassac. This strategic location has historically made Phnom Penh a vital center for trade and commerce in the region, contributing to its growth and significance as the capital city of Cambodia.
Day 8: Toul Sleng Museum and the Killing Fields
This fascinating half-day tour provides deeper insight into Cambodia’s history and highlights two of the Khmer Rouge regime’s most chilling legacies. Start the day at the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, a former secondary school that was converted by Khmer Rouge into one of the regime’s largest detention and torture centers, Security Prison 21. An important educational site, the museum chronicles the Cambodian genocide and documents the atrocities that occurred within its walls. Please note that images on display are graphic and can be unsettling. Next visit Choeung Ek, one of the mass grave sites of the Killing Fields, where the Khmer Rouge executed over a million men, women, and children between the years 1975 and 1979. Today, Choeung Ek is a memorial with a Buddhist stupa filled with skulls and bones to honor the victims.
Day 9: Phnom Penh – Koh Kong
Today you will be picked from your hotel in Phnom Penh and transferred to the beautiful Canvas & Orchids in Koh Kong. Canvas & Orchids Retreat is a unique destination located on the Tatai River, nestled at the edge of a lush rainforest and the base of the Cardamom Mountains in Cambodia. Their retreat offers a myriad of activities and adventures that allow you to fully immerse yourself in the unparalleled beauty of this magical land.As you stay in their floating jungle resort, surrounded by mountains, rainforests, and rivers, you'll have the opportunity to explore and engage with the stunning surroundings. The resort provides a wide range of organized activities and tours such as exploring tatai waterfall by boat, visiting mangrove forest, kayaking and hiking through the lust jungle of the Cardamom Mountains. Also make use of complementary experiences such as unguided kayaking during the day and evening, where fireflies illuminate your path, and fishing from your villa's private terrace.
Day 10 - 11 : Koh Kong - Day at leisure
Choose from a variety of adventure here such as exploring tatai waterfall by boat, visiting mangrove forest, kayaking and hiking through the lust jungle of the Cardamom Mountains.
Day 12: Departing Phnom Penh
At leisure until you are transferred to Phnom Penh for your departure flight.
