Explore Cambodia’s rich culture: Angkor temples, Tonle Sap Lake, Battambang’s Bamboo train, Kampong Chhnang pottery, Phnom Penh’s Royal Palace, Kep’s caves, and Sihanoukville’s beaches.
Arrive in Siem Reap, Flexible Itinerary
Siem Reap Angkor International Airport (SAI) - Welcome to Siem Reap, Cambodia! Prepare for an amazing adventure. We’ll be at the airport to greet you upon arrival, so you can relax. Once you reach your hotel, take some time to unwind and enjoy the tropical atmosphere.
Angkor National Museum - Depending on your arrival time, we can suggest ways to spend your first day or afternoon in Cambodia. Options include a relaxing Khmer traditional massage, visiting the Angkor National Museum, Royal Residence, Wat Bo pagoda, Apopo Center, or a stroll through the Old Market.
The Great City of Angkor Thom, Grand Circuit Temples & Sunset
Angkor Thom South Gate - In the morning, we head to Angkor Thom, the last capital of the Great Khmer Empire under Jayavarman VII. Surrounded by an 8-meter high wall forming a perfect square, you’ll enter through the ancient South Gate, an impressive stone gate adorned with Elephants and four giant faces.
Bayon Temple - The highlight is the captivating Bayon Temple, with its 54 towers each crowned with the four faces of Avalokiteshvara (Buddha of Compassion), resembling the king himself. Visit Baphuon, a beautifully restored 11th-century temple, and continue along the Terrace of Elephants and the Terrace of the Leper King.
Preah Khan - Explore Preah Khan, a temple with a mix of tree roots and crumbling stone structures, commissioned by Jayavarman VII in honor of his father. Visit Neak Pean, an artificial island with a Buddhist temple, and other temples outside Angkor, including Ta Som, East Mebon, Pre Rup, Banteay Kdei, and Srah Srang, known as the “pool of ablutions.”
Phnom Bakheng - Spend your evening watching the sunset from Phnom Bakheng Hilltop.
Sunrise Angkor Wat, Jungle Temple & Small Group Temples
Angkor Wat - Meet in the hotel lobby at 4:45 am to see Angkor Wat at sunrise. This temple, the largest religious building in the world, was built as a temple and mausoleum for King Suryavarman II in the 12th century. The central monument represents Mount Meru, the sacred mountain at the center of the universe.
Ta Prohm Temple - After breakfast at the hotel, visit the jungle temple of Ta Prohm, overgrown with trees and vines, making it one of the most picturesque Angkor temples. Continue to the Giant Pyramid of Takeo, take a short jungle trek to Ta Nei, and visit Chau Say Tevoda, Thommanon, and the Victory Gate of Angkor Thom.
Overnight in Siem Reap
Lady Temple of Banteay Srei & Sacred Mountain of Phnom Kulen
Banteay Srei - After breakfast, head to Banteay Srei, known for its intricate carvings and considered the jewel of Angkor-era sculpture. The name translates to Fortress of the Women.
Phnom Kulen National Park - Continue to Phnom Kulen, Cambodia’s most sacred mountain, where Jayavarman II declared himself a ‘god-king’ in AD 802, marking the beginning of the Khmer Empire.
Phnom Kulen Waterfall - Explore ruins, including carvings of Yoni and Linga in the riverbed, a stone representation of Vishnu, and Wat Pre Ang Thom with its large reclining Buddha. Nearby, visit riverbed rock carvings and a waterfall, perfect for cooling off.
Overnight in Siem Reap
Roluos Group, Beng Mealea & Floating Village on the Tonle Sap Lake
Roluos Temples - After breakfast, purchase the Angkor pass and visit Hariharilaya, now known as Roluos. Explore the brick temple of Lolei, Preah Ko, and Bakong, the oldest temple mountain.
Prasat Beng Mealea - Drive 65 km northeast to Beng Mealea, a temple lost in the forests of Cambodia, resembling Angkor Wat but consumed by nature.
Kampong Phluk Floating Village - Explore Kampong Phluk, a typical Khmer village on Tonle Sap Lake. Take a wooden boat trip to see stilt houses and the flooded mangrove forest.
Overnight in Siem Reap
Travel to Battambang, Senteurs d’Angkor & Bat Cave
Senteurs d’Angkor - Start the trip from Siem Reap with a stop at Senteurs d’Angkor, then continue northwest to Battambang.
Killing Caves Of Phnom Sampeau - Check in and rest, then visit Phnom Sampeau, a sacred mountain with pagodas and a memorial to Khmer Rouge victims.
Battambang Bat Caves - Watch 7 million bats fly out of the cave at dusk. Return to Battambang for the night.
Battambang Province - Battambang is known for its well-preserved colonial architecture.
Overnight in Battambang
Battambang Sightseeing Tour & Lifestyle
Krong Battambang - After breakfast, tour the French colonial buildings in Battambang.
Bamboo Train Battambang - Ride the bamboo train for views of the countryside.
Wat Banan Temple - Visit Wat Banan, a well-preserved Angkor-era temple.
Wat Samrong Knong - Explore Wat Samrong Knong, used as a prison by the Khmer Rouge, now home to a pagoda and memorials.
Khmer Prahok Market - Visit Phsar Prahok, known for traditional Khmer fish paste.
Wat Ek Phnom - Head to the ruins of Ek Phnom, an 11th-century temple. Visit Doun Teav village to see handmade rice paper production.
Overnight in Battambang
Travel to Phnom Penh, Floating Village & Ancient Capital of Oudong
Oudongk - Visit Oudong, an ancient capital with stupas and shrines dedicated to former kings.
Phnom Penh - Explore Phnom Penh, Cambodia’s capital, with its riverfront, Royal Palace, Silver Pagoda, and National Museum. Visit the night market and enjoy local performances.
Overnight in Phnom Penh
Royal Palace, Market, Genocidal Museum & River Cruise
Royal Palace - Visit the Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda, the official residence of the King of Cambodia.
Russian Market - Explore the Russian Market, known for handicrafts, antiquities, and more. Also visit the Central Market.
Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum - Visit Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, a former high school turned detention center by the Khmer Rouge. Later, take a river cruise to enjoy the sunset.
Overnight in Phnom Penh
National Museum, Wat Phnom & Killing Fields
National Museum - Visit the National Museum, the main repository of Khmer artifacts.
Wat Phnom - Drive to Wat Phnom, a hilltop temple marking the founding place of Phnom Penh.
Choeung Ek Genocidal Center - Visit Choeung Ek Killing Fields, a memorial to those killed under the Khmer Rouge regime.
Travel to Kampot, Visit Temples
Ta Prohm Temple - Travel south from Phnom Penh, stopping at Tonle Bati to visit the 12th-century Ta Prohm temple.
Kampot Province - Continue to Kampot, a riverside town near Bokor Mountain or the resort town of Kep.
Overnight in Kampot/Kep
Kampot Kep Full-Day Tour
La Plantation - After breakfast, tour the countryside, taste local produce, and visit the Kampot Pepper plantation.
Phnom Chhngok Cave Temple - Visit a 7th-century brick temple in Phnom Chhnork cave.
Kep Crab Market - Explore the Kep Crab markets and walk along Kep beach. Visit the remains of old oceanfront buildings.
Salt Fields - Visit Kampot salt fields (December-April).
Overnight in Kampot
Travel to Koh Rong Island, Explore Bokor National Park
Bokor Hill Station - Head to Bokor Hill station, a plateau with jungle, wildlife, and abandoned buildings.
Koh Rong Sanloem - Travel to Sihanoukville and take a speedboat to Koh Rong island. Enjoy your day on the island.
Overnight in Koh Rong Island
Koh Rong Sanloem Island Relaxed
Koh Rong Sanloem - Enjoy the white sandy beaches of Koh Rong island. Activities include swimming, snorkeling, and fishing trips.
Overnight in Koh Rong Island
Koh Rong Sanloem Island Relaxed
Koh Rong Sanloem - Continue to enjoy the beautiful beaches and activities on Koh Rong island.
Overnight in Koh Rong Island
Transfer to Phnom Penh International Airport & Departure
- Private air-conditioned car
- Professional English-speaking driver
- Airport, Ferry Port Pickup & Drop-off
- Fuel, Expressway Toll and Parking fees
- Driver’s expenses as meals and accommodation
- Pure drinking water
- Entrance fees as detailed in my itinerary
- Accommodation, foods & beverages
- Personal travel insurance
- Gratuities
Let’s embark on an incredible Cambodia travel adventure with a well-designed 16-day Cambodia tour on Cambodian culture and lifestyle, an itinerary filled with diverse landscapes, vibrant cities and rich cultural heritage. You will enjoy visiting many famous ancient temples with illustrious history in the city of Angkor. Drive through the beautiful countryside, take the typical bamboo train, and marvel at the beauty of French colonial buildings and the spectacular millions of bats flying out of the cave. Visit Phnom Penh and learn about the country’s past struggles and triumphs, the horrific crimes of the Khmer Rouge and spectacular sites such as the Royal Palace. Head south to Kep, Cambodia’s most popular and prestigious seaside town from the early 1900s, visit the country’s famous pepper farm, have dinner at the famous crab market. The holiday ends with relaxing on the paradisiacal beaches and tasting fresh seafood before heading to Phnom Penh International Airport for your departure.
- This is a brief itinerary written base on my personal preference only. However, yours can be flexible and adjusted due to weather terrain conditions depending on the season, the crowd and your requests.
If you cancel at least 3 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.
If you cancel within 3 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.
