Cambodia Discovery Itinerary

10 Days

Day 1: Arrive in Phnom Penh

This afternoon, touch down at Siem Reap International Airport, where our English-speaking guide and driver eagerly await to transport you to your hotel.

Day 2: Phnom Penh Touring

After a delightful breakfast, delve into Cambodia’s poignant history with a visit to Toul Sleng and the Killing Fields. Later, explore the opulent Royal Palace, a majestic residence overlooking the confluence of the Mekong and Tonle Sap Rivers. Within the palace grounds, marvel at the Silver Pagoda, adorned with 5,000 silver tiles and housing extraordinary treasures, including an emerald and crystal Buddha and a life-sized Buddha made from solid gold. Conclude your day with a visit to the city’s Central Market, a vibrant hub offering everything from fresh produce to precious gems and souvenirs, all set against the backdrop of art deco-inspired architecture.

Day 3: Drive to Battambang

Rise early for a scenic drive to Battambang, stopping to explore two of Cambodia’s most beautiful cities along the way. Begin with Udong, an ancient royal capital located approximately 1 hour northwest of Phnom Penh. Once a thriving city, it was abandoned in 1866 when King Norodom moved the entire court to the modern capital. Explore Udong’s historical remnants before visiting the renowned ceramic workshops and artisans in Kom Pong Chhnang. Continue your journey to Battambang for an overnight stay.

Day 4: Drive to Phnom Sampeau

Embark on a journey to Ek Phnom Temple, adorned with Cambodia’s most beautiful carvings dating back to the 11th century. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before continuing to Phnom Banan, offering panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. Conclude the day with a visit to Phnom Sampeau, once utilized as ‘killing caves’ during the Khmer Rouge era. Perched on a rocky hill, it hides a network of caves, bearing witness to a tumultuous chapter in Cambodia’s history.

Day 5: Siem Reap – Banteay Srei Half Day Tour

After a hearty breakfast, your journey continues to the beautiful town of Siem Reap. Once settled in, embark on a half-day tour to Banteay Srei, hailed as the ‘jewel in the crown’ of all Angkor temples, located about a 1-hour drive from Siem Reap. This delicately carved pink sandstone temple, also known as the Citadel of Women, features intricate figures and deities depicting scenes from Hindu stories. Comprising three rectangular enclosures with inner sanctuaries and libraries, Banteay Srei is a testament to the artistry of ancient Khmer builders. Proceed to Banteay Samre, a temple reminiscent of Angkor Wat, with towers and balustrades in a similar style. The temple’s name derives from the Samre people, and according to legend, it was named after a farmer who ascended to the throne after killing the king.

Day 6: Angkor Full Day Tour

After a delightful breakfast, saddle up for a journey to the ancient city of Angkor Thom, the last capital of the Great Khmer Empire under the reign of Jayavarman VII. Marvel at the imposing eight-meter-high walls forming a perfect square around the city, and enter through one of the main city gates, where benevolent stone faces gaze down. At the city’s center lies Bayon Temple, a 12th-century masterpiece renowned for its fifty-four towers adorned with enigmatic faces representing the provinces of the Great Khmer Empire. Explore the intricately carved Terrace of the Elephants and the Terrace of the Leper King nearby.

Not far from Bayon is the temple of Baphuon, rising sharply from the ground, offering an excellent view of the surrounding landscape. Return later to the iconic Angkor Wat, built during the reign of King Suryavarman II in the early 12th century. Designed to represent Mount Meru, the Hindu/Buddhist home of the gods, Angkor Wat boasts walls adorned with stone carvings and bas-reliefs depicting Hindu mythology and the wars of Suryavarman II’s reign. Admire the more than 2,000 Apsara dancers decorating the temple’s walls, now an enduring symbol on the Cambodian flag. The construction of this iconic temple is estimated to have taken around 30 years to complete.

Day 7: Tonle Sap Lake

Seize the cool morning and rise early for an exploration of the famous Tonle Sap, Southeast Asia’s largest freshwater lake, whose size dramatically varies with the seasons. Embark on a boat journey to marvel at this natural wonder, paddling through sunken fields and floating forests to reach the village of Kompong Khleang. Discover the unique lifestyle and stilted homes of the locals. Return to shore as our tour concludes.

Note: During the late dry season and early wet season (February – July), this tour changes destinations to the perennial lake near the base of Phnom Bok. While lacking stilted homes, this area provides a secluded retreat for a tranquil paddle.

Day 8: Siem Reap to Kep

After a satisfying breakfast at the hotel, depart Siem Reap for a short flight to Phnom Penh city. Upon arrival at the airport, enjoy a swift transfer to your charming resort in Kep. The remainder of the day is yours to unwind and explore at leisure.

Day 9: Day at Leisure

Day at leisure on the beach in Kep.

Day 10: Departure from Kep

Your guide will meet you at the hotel lobby for departure transfer to airport.