Authentic Cambodia Trip 13 Days

Sous sa rye! Welcome to Phnom Penh, Cambodia.

Your private guide and driver will be waiting for you at Phnom Penh Airport with a sign board your name and will transport you directly to your hotel.

You will have time to rest and acclimate to the pace of Phnom Penh, the bright and bustling capital of Cambodia, after checking in.

This evening there will be a quick tour orientation followed by a welcome meal at Friends Restaurant in Romdeng. It is a social enterprise restaurant that provides vocational training and other help to disadvantaged youngsters. Situated in a lovely colonial building surrounded by a verdant garden and swimming pool, Romdeng is the perfect place to unwind - a truly Cambodian food experience.

Overnight in Phnom Penh

Meals included: Dinner

Morning

After breakfast, the tour guide picks you up with a Cyclo, a three-wheeled bicycle taxi, to see the most interesting places in Phnom Penh. The Cyclo is a Phnom Penh original transport and a fun way to see this busy city.

Start by going to the Royal Palace Compound, which was built in 1866 by the kings who came before King Norodom. It is the most famous part of the city and one of the most beautiful and colorful Khmer-style palaces. The Silver Pagoda also called "The Emerald Buddha Temple" is close to the Royal Palace. It has a lot of Buddha statues made of diamond, emerald, gold, and silver.

Next, go see the Independence Monument, which was built in 1954 after Cambodians took their country back from the French. Continue to visit the National Museum. It was built in 1917 and is a beautiful red building with Khmer architecture. It has more than 5,000 works of art made of sandstone, bronze, silver, copper, wood, and other materials. Pass through the River Front Park, which has a lot of beautiful scenery.

Lunch will be served at the restaurant.

Afternoon

Visit the infamous Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (also called Prison S21) and listen to English commentary on the way there to learn about Cambodia's recent dark history. The prison is made up of four buildings with exhibits in many of the rooms. Almost everyone you meet during your visit will have lost a family member during these years, but they are all willing to talk openly with you about it. So that it doesn't happen again, they want you to know about it and see the places where it happened.

After spending an hour and 15 minutes at the museum, drive 40 minutes to the Killing Fields and watch a film about the Khmer Rouge regime. More than two million people died because of what Pol Pot and his government did. The site will be open for about an hour and 15 minutes. Along with a map of the fields, you can get an audio guide in 15 different languages.

Keep going to the interesting local market, where you'll have plenty of chances to buy some souvenirs. You can end your day trip at Wat Phnom, the oldest building in Phnom Penh. It is on a small hilltop that is the highest point in the city. Come back to the hotel and spend your time.

Overnight in Phnom Penh

Meals included: Breakfast and lunch.

After breakfast, you will be picked up and driven to Kampong Cham. The town's charming French colonial buildings remain. The scenery en route is breathtaking, with vast rice paddies stretching to the horizon, white storks soaring overhead, and traditional Khmer homes dotted across the terrain. Along the way stop in Skuon market known for its curious food amenities, especially fried spiders.

We'll make a detour to the beautiful Buddhist temple of Wat Nokor, whose strikingly contrasting architecture combines a Theravada Buddhist pagoda constructed within the walls of a Mahayana Buddhist temple. The Wat Nokor collection includes several well-preserved apsaras, and the temple itself was constructed in the 11th century out of sandstone and laterite.

We'll continue on to Kratie, a tranquil riverfront village where you'll have some time to explore at your own pace.

late day, we'll check to see Wat Roka Kandal, a masterpiece of late-eighteenth- and early-nineteenth-century architecture.

Overnight in Kratie

Meals included: Breakfast.

We take a day trip to check the great destinations in Kratie, one of Cambodia's less-visited provinces.

After breakfast at the hotel, we'll go off on bicycles to discover the beautiful island of Koh Trong and its laid-back rural culture, stunning scenery, and unique Mekong floating homes. Go out and mingle with the locals at the grapefruit orchards.

Tuktuks, the local mode of transportation, take us to Kampi village, where we join a private boat to cruise the Mekong and see the Sanctuary of the world-famous Irrawaddy Black Dolphins. This is one of the endangered animals protected by WWF.

Enjoy a breaking view when sunset from the summit of Phnom Sambok, a hill with a variety of trees, and the location of a Buddhist temple inhabited by monks and nuns.

Overnight in Kratie

Meals included: Breakfast.

Morning

After leaving Kratie, you will continue your journey through Cambodia to Kampong Thom, which is the second-largest province in the country. The province of Kampong Thom has more than 200 historic temples, in addition to its diverse lakes, rivers, woods, and mountains, which combine to make it a prime destination for tourists. Along the way, we will make the ascent up Phnom Santuk Mountain. As you reach the peak of Phnom Santuk Mountain, which is 207 meters above sea level, you will have a wonderful vantage point from which to take in the expansive rice terraces and several ancient temples that dot the landscape of Kampong Thom.

Afternoon

You will spend your afternoon at leisure.

Overnight in Kampong Thom.

Meals included: Breakfast.

Morning

We will depart for the Sambor Prei Kuk Temple Complex immediately following breakfast at the hotel. An archaeological site that dates back to the 7th century may be found in Sambor Prei Kuk, which is situated in a subtropical forest on the eastern bank of Tonle Sap Lake. Architectural elements such as a plethora of prasats, octagonal towers, Shiva Lingams and Yonis, Ponds and Reservoirs, and Lion Sculptures will grab your attention. As you make your way deeper into the complex, you will have the opportunity to observe several pre-Angkorian temples, each of which is distinguished by its distinctive architecture and features.

Afternoon

Before you go on to Siem Reap, you will have lunch with the friendly people who live in that area. After arriving in Siem Reap, guests will check into their accommodation and then have the afternoon free to do whatever they like. You have the option of going to Angkor D's Artisan for a more in-depth look at Cambodian traditional handicrafts or taking a stroll through Old Market to sample a range of street food prepared by the locals.

Overnight in Siem Reap

Meals included: Breakfast.

Morning

Escape the throng by beginning your day with a visit to the 13th-century Ta Prohm, a hauntingly magnificent temple where the roots of enormous banyans and strangler figs entwine most of the stonework, producing images that have changed little since Henri Mouhot unearthed Angkor in 1863. This temple makes the "Tomb Raider Temple" one of the most iconic and spectacular Angkorian structures.

Angkor Thom was the historic capital of the Great Khmer Empire, which once governed a significant area of Southeast Asia. This city is surrounded by an 8-meter-tall, square-shaped wall. You will enter the city through the ancient South Gate, a massive stone structure adorned with four enormous faces and elephants. The sacred Naga serpent is held by a row of 54 gods or demons on each side of the entrance.

Return to the hotel to take a respite from the midday heat.

Afternoon

You visit the late-12th-century Buddhist monastery Banteay Kdei ("Citadel of Chambers") and Sra Srang, also known as the "pool of ablutions,”. The Bayon Temple is situated at the exact geographic center of the ancient city. This magnificent work of art from the 12th century is renowned for its 54 towers with mysterious faces, which represent the 54 provinces of the Ancient Khmer Empire.

Both the Terrace of the Elephants and the Terrace of the Leper King are renowned for their superb bas-reliefs, so you will view them as well. On your tour through the grounds of the historic Imperial Palace, you will discover a variety of secret temples that are rarely visited.

End your travel day with a leisurely gondola ride across the moats of Angkor Thom. Picture the regal city when it governed over two million people in blissful seclusion about 800 years ago. As the sun approaches the horizon, make your way to Prasat Chrung, a small temple built in the style of Bayon, and climb an iron staircase to a quiet spot for breathtaking sunset views over the ruins.

Overnight in Siem Reap.

Meals included: Breakfast.

Morning

As dawn breaks, you will be at the most important religious structure in the nation, admiring the magnificent Temple of Angkor Wat from across a pond.

After the sun rises behind the three towers, the majority of people will return to hotel breakfasts and the throng will begin to disperse. We will tour Angkor Wat in a more quiet setting by taking advantage of the cool temperatures and soft early light.

You will start touring Angkor Wat, one of the Seven Wonders of the World. At this time, you have no likely caught views of the towers above the treetops and the gates in front of you. Now, though, you will be able to satisfy your burgeoning curiosity of recent days.

Visit Angkor Wat and learn about the extraordinary mythology and architecture that have left archaeologists with more questions than answers. Angkor Wat is home to some of the most intricate and vast stone carvings in the world. This complex is four times the size of Vatican City, making it the largest religious site in the world. Spend the balance of the morning exploring the numerous passageways, levels, and rooms that formerly contained priceless antiquity. This will be a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

You will depart Angkor Wat and go to the countryside to see the "jewel" of the Angkor region, the beautiful Banteay Srey temple. The so-called "Citadel of the Ladies" is the best-preserved temple in Cambodia. The bas-reliefs of this small temple are some of the best specimens of classical Khmer artwork. Banteay Srey is exclusive to Angkor due to its construction of pink sandstone, which cannot be found elsewhere.

Heading north to one of the first Hindu pilgrimage sites in Cambodia, Kbal Spean. You will ascend through dense jungle to a vantage point viewing the lowlands and Kulen hills upon arrival. At the summit, the riverbed of the "River of 1000 Lingas" contains incredible stone carvings of Hindu deities, animals, and other symbols.

Afternoon

After enjoying lunch, you may take a refreshing dip in the neighboring waterfall, a local family favorite. On the route back to Siem Reap, stop briefly at the Land Mine Museum, which promotes mine awareness. Mr. Aki Ra, the museum's founder, was trained as a child soldier during the Khmer Rouge regime and currently works as a de-miner. The museum also serves as a rescue center for a number of land mine amputee children rescued by Aki Ra from the streets of Phnom Penh or from impoverished rural areas.

The evening is your time, let's walk around to learn Siem Reap by night.

Overnight in Siem Reap.

Meals included: Breakfast.

Morning

Today, we will visit one of the most remote and non-touristy floating communities in Cambodia, offering us a glimpse into the way of life of local fishermen on Lake Tonle Sap.

We travel to the village of Dom Dek in the morning. If time permits, we stop at the vibrant and genuine local market.

We take a detour to explore the bizarre ambiance of Kompong Kleang village: a long dirt walk flanked with houses constructed on stilts up to 10 meters high to withstand the rainy season's flooding. Discover the villager's daily existence. As was formerly the case, the villagers here make their living through fishing.

Afterward, aboard a private, traditional wooden boat, we travel along the canal into Tonle Sap Lake. The floating town is a vast community that has lived and worked on the river for ages. In addition to residences, the hamlet contains schools, shops, workshops, and floating restaurants.

Afternoon

We travel to the Beang Melea temple, one of the last Hindu sanctuaries constructed before to the spread of Buddhism. While no major conservation or restoration work has been conducted, this is one of the most fascinating places to visit. In addition, this location is surrounded by the jungle.

Overnight at Siem Reap.

Meals included: Breakfast and lunch.

We leave Siem Reap for Battambang in the early morning, Cambodia's second-largest city.

The late-12th-century Banteay Chhmar temple, which is still hidden away in the jungle, is another must-see Khmer architectural marvel we need to check in on the way.

Let's go on a walking tour of Battambang once we get there, taking in the colonial architecture. Visit the many cultural villages surrounding Battambang to discover how the natives make rice paper, prahok (a typical Cambodian fish paste), Krolan (sticky rice filled with bamboo), and other Khmer delicacies.

Overnight in Battambang.

Meals included: Breakfast and lunch.

Morning.

Finish your breakfast, we are going to have a tour of the city to see all of the France colonial structures that are located in Battambang. We are also going to travel to the local market, Psar Nath, as well as the emblem of Battambang.

After that, we go to a historic Buddhist temple called Wat Samrong Knong. This temple was constructed more than 300 years ago and was still in use during the Pol Pot period. After that, we are going to take some time to explore the surrounding countryside and its quaint little towns. Get more about the different ways people make a living in the area around those small communities. While you go, you should stop to try some native cuisine like bamboo sticky rice, rice paper, and dried bananas.

The temple of Ek Phnom is the next location. It was established at the beginning of the 11th century, making it older than Angkor Wat, and you can find the large Buddha statue nearby the destroyed temple. This is one of the oldest ruined temples in Battambang, and it is located in the city. Along the journey, you might catch a glimpse of the local way of life or come across some children who are beaming with happiness and eager to say hello to you. Make a pit stop at the Golden Gate Bridge which is located next to the Kampong Pil pagoda. Here, you will have the opportunity to take some stunning photographs while standing on the bridge. Following that, we will continue our trip aboard the bamboo train to explore the surrounding area and its many quaint villages. The bamboo train travels over a single track and is comprised of a bamboo platform that is laid over two sets of wheels. In the past, this method of transporting goods was utilized to convey goods between Battambang and Phnom Penh. Moreover, this was a typical mode of transportation for farmers and villages.

Have lunch at the local restaurant.

Afternoon.

Next, have a look at the Banan temple, which is a mountain temple that is characterized by its elevated position and winding staircases. At the peak, there are breathtaking vistas of the Sangker River running through sugar palm trees, rice farms, and small villages. When you look to the south, you will see a mountain range that includes a mountain that is formed like a crocodile. The appearance of the temple is stunning both when viewed from the bottom and when viewed from the top.

We will visit a cave on Phnom Sampeu Hill to witness the incredible sight of millions of bats flying toward Tonle Sap Lake in search of food before we take you back to the hotel.

Overnight in Battambang

Meals included: Breakfast and lunch.

Morning

Your driver and guide will be picked up after breakfast and transported for 5 hours to Phnom Penh, the capital of Cambodia. The lengthy journey from Battambang affords us the opportunity to see the daily lives of local people.

We stop at the soapstone or steatite workshop in Pursat, where religious statues and other objects are made. We then visit the terracotta studios in the village of Kompong Chhnang.

Proceed to Oudong, which served as the capital of the Kingdom of Cambodia between 1818 and 1866. See the Oudong Monastery, the largest in Cambodia, and the nearby hill where we can observe the sacred stupas that house Buddha relics and from which we can take in a breathtaking view.

Have a traditional Cambodian light lunch upon arrival in Oudong.

Afternoon

Continue traveling to Phnom Penh. Take a moment to admire the magnificent Vipassana Dhura Buddhist Meditation Institute. When you explore the institution, your guide will elaborate on the Vipassana (Insight Meditation) school. Don't miss the spectacular jade Buddha, the mummified monk, and the colorfully painted walls depicting the narrative of the Ramayana, the ancient Sanskrit poem that adorns many of the country's pagodas.

Check into your hotel upon late afternoon arrival in Phnom Penh. The remainder of the day is then at your leisure.

Cambodia's capital, Phnom Penh, is a dynamic, busy metropolis. Located at the junction of three rivers, the huge Mekong, the Bassac, and the enormous Tonle Sap, this city was once known as the "Jewel" of Indochina. The capital city retains a substantial amount of charm and offers numerous attractions. With French colonial homes and tree-lined boulevards among enormous Angkorian buildings, the city emanates a sort of provincial beauty and tranquility.

Overnight in Phnom Penh.

Meals included: Breakfast and lunch.

Start your day with a tasty breakfast at your hotel.

Free time to do some shopping and explore around before departing to the airport.

And this is how the tour ends!

The tour may be over, but the memories you have collected during these last 13 days will stay in your mind for the rest of your life. This is what we want to offer you: a tour that brings you memories that last a lifetime and make you smile each time you think of them!