Meal: not included | Accommodation: in Phnom Penh

We will be received at Phnom Penh airport upon our arrival and driven to our hotel in the city center. Time to rest and recover from our long haul trip and if we feel like it, go for a first exploration on our own around this very special capital in Southeast Asia.

Overnight in Phnom Penh.

Meal: breakfast | Accommodation: in Phnom Penh

Embark on an enriching full-day tour of Phnom Penh. Begin your journey at the majestic Royal Palace, a stunning complex adorned with gilded spires and intricate Khmer architecture. Admire the intricate architecture and explore the opulent Silver Pagoda, home to precious Buddha statues and dazzling silver tiles. We’ll also spend time at the sacred Wat Phnom Pagoda for panoramic views over the city. 

In the afternoon, we come face to face with the horrific crimes of the Khmer Rouge. Tuol Sleng was a former high school that the Khmer Rouge turned into a center for interrogation, torture, and death.  Today it is a museum of torture and serves to remind visitors of the terrible atrocities that came to pass in Cambodia. Tuol Sleng is a profoundly moving experience and not everyone will want to visit. However, it is key to understanding the hell into which Cambodia descended and how far it has come in the years since. 

We then travel out of town to the Killing Fields of Choeung Ek. Prisoners from Tuol Sleng followed this same route to their fate. An old Chinese cemetery, Choeung Ek was turned into an extermination camp for political prisoners. Despite the horrors of the past, it is a peaceful place to go and a tranquil spot to reflect on the tragic events that engulfed Cambodia and its people.

Overnight in Phnom Penh.

Meal: breakfast | Accommodation: in Phnom Penh

Either in the morning or the afternoon we will leave to see a slice of the rural surroundings of a nearby island in the Mekong River called Koh Dach, also known as ‘Silk Island’.

We will take a tuk-tuk, a local ferry, and then cycle to a small village where silk weaving is their main livelihood and where we will be able to see a loom under every house. We will be able to observe different weaving techniques first-hand and experience the realities of village life before returning by ferry and tuk-tuk to the capital.

Overnight in Phnom Penh.

Meal: breakfast, lunch | Accommodation: in Phnom Penh

Some majestic creatures and some very special people will be awaiting us today; an in-depth insight into the work of the Wildlife Alliance team which protects Cambodia’s wildlife from the threats of poaching, trafficking, and cruelty. 

Upon our arrival at Phnom Tamao Wildlife Center, we will join the elephants for a walk in the forest and follow the indications of the members of the team to feed them. We will also have the chance to see from a safe distance the enclosures where tigers and other communities of endangered animals live before being reintroduced to the Cambodian Cardamom Rainforest.  

Depending on the circumstances, we may have the opportunity to help feed one of the young residents of the center such as a baby jackal, a leopard cat, or some of the baby macaques. After enjoying a local lunch, we will see the water birds and the deer section of the park to round off a one-of-a-kind experience for those guests who have a passion for wildlife and its conservation.

Overnight in Phnom Penh.

Note: As mentioned, the lunch at the Park will be a Cambodian-style meal. If you have any food allergies or restrictions, please tell the Wildlife Alliance guide in person in the morning. You may also want to bring a mid-morning snack, especially if you travel with children. Hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, comfortable shoes, clothes that can get dirty, and your camera are highly recommended!

Meal: breakfast, lunch | Accommodation: in Battambang

We bid farewell to Phnom Penh and start our road trip to Siem Reap traveling west towards Battambang province, the rice bowl of Cambodia. If we wish, we can visit a local pottery village on our way, Kompong Chhnang, famous for producing undecorated items for Cambodian homes. 

We will arrive afterward at the largest floating community on the Tonle Sap, Kompong Luong, where everything floats on water, including the schools, the clinic, the shops, and the petrol station. We will explore by boat this real floating community untouched by mass tourism before heading to the provincial capital of Pursat for lunch, a pleasant riverside town in central Cambodia. 

After continuing northwest through Pursat province, passing through typical Cambodian landscapes of endless rice fields dotted with sugar palms, it will be late afternoon when we will arrive in Battambang and check into our hotel, enjoying the rest of the day by ourselves and soaking up the charm of this historic riverside city.

Overnight in Battambang.

Meal: breakfast, lunch | Accommodation: in Battambang

After breakfast, we will head to Wat Koh district to visit a local village and get to know more about rural life in Cambodia. We will learn about the rice harvest, fruit farming, and how the sugar palm is used. 

After having lunch in town, we will drive to the hilltop temple of Wat Banan. The winding road follows the Sangker River and passes by many traditional wooden homes, offering an authentic glimpse of rural Cambodia. Arriving at the temple, we will ascend to the summit and will be rewarded with striking views of the surrounding plains. Some ambitious residents claim that this temple was the inspiration behind Angkor Wat. 

We will continue to Phnom Sampeau, 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 that pepper this holy mountain. We then returned to our hotel in Battambang town for the night.

Overnight in Battambang.

Meal: breakfast | Accommodation: in Siem Reap

After breakfast, we leave Battambang and travel north towards the trading town of Svay Sisophon. We travel south through Sisophon before veering east to Siem Reap, the atmospheric gateway to the majestic temples of Angkor.

Overnight in Siem Reap.

Meal: breakfast, lunch | Accommodation: in Siem Reap

In the morning, we will cycle to the Mother of all temples: Angkor Wat.  Believed to be the world's largest religious building, this temple is the perfect fusion of symbolism and symmetry and a source of pride and strength to all Khmers.  We will definitely be awe-inspired as we walk the long stone pathway leading toward the main temple.  Built in the 12th century by King Suryavarman II, this is the most famous temple in the Angkor complex.  We will begin by unraveling the mysteries of the bas-reliefs that tell tales from Hindu mythology and of the glories of the Khmer empire.

The final steps to the upper terrace of Angkor are the steepest of all, as pilgrims of old were meant to stoop in humility on their pilgrimage to encounter the Gods. We will finally find ourselves by the pinnacle, the sacred heart of Angkor Wat, a blend of spirituality and symmetry so perfect that few moments in your life will measure up. 

Then we will continue onto Angkor Thom, the Bayon, and the Terraces before enjoying a picnic lunch at the stalls in the temples nearby.

After lunch, we will ride our bicycles to the Gate of the Dead (east gate), taking our bikes on top of the wall, then riding along to the Victory Gate and following after a gentle road to Ta Prohm. This temple has been abandoned to the elements, a reminder that the riotous power of nature marches on, oblivious to the dramas of human history. If time permits, we will also visit Banteay Kdei or finish a memorable day with a sunset drink at Srah Srang.

Overnight in Siem Reap.

Meal: breakfast  | Accommodation: in Siem Reap

We will journey north to Kbal Spean. The original ‘River of a Thousand Lingas’, Kbal Spean is an intricately carved riverbed deep in the foothills of the Cambodian jungle only discovered in 1969. The Khmers venerated its limestone bed with a riot of carvings, including thousands of lingams. A trip to Kbal Spean is one of the easiest ways to experience a short jungle trek in the Angkor area, as it is a steady but scenic climb to reach the river carvings. 

Afterward, we will head 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. Indeed, its name is translated as ‘Fortress of the Women’, as the intricate detail here is considered too fine for the hands of a man. We return back to Siem Reap and visit the War Museum.

Time for an unforgettable way to experience the surrounding countryside of Siem Reap. We will hop on our quads and ride through the less-traveled tracks around rural communities, taking the opportunity to stop and responsibly interact along the way with the villagers, visiting an ancient temple off the 'beaten track' and enjoying the sunset with a cocktail amidst a rice field.

Overnight in Siem Reap.

Meal: breakfast | Accommodation: in Siem Reap

Known as Mahendraparvata at the time of the Khmer Empire, Phnom Kulen hit the headlines in 2013 as a ‘lost city’ revealed through the use of aerial LIDAR data. This was 21st-century archaeology at its very best and several new sites were discovered as well as a much bigger urban settlement than was previously built. 

We will travel by vehicle to the busy settlement of Preah Ang Thom before getting on our motorbike and heading to Phnom Kulen, the sacred mountain that was the birthplace of the Ancient Empire, since it was here where Jayavarman II proclaimed independence from Java in 802AD, setting the stage for the glories of the Angkor-era that was to follow. 

Remote jungle sceneries, Hindu and Buddhist shrines hidden beneath the rock face, and some impressive viewpoints, will be awaiting us, as well as Sra Damrei, and its life-size stone elephant, the brick temple of Damrei Krab or the early pyramid temple of Rom Cheng, which is believed to be the temple where the devaraja (god-king) ceremony took place -where Jayavarman II proclaimed himself the earthly incarnation of Shiva.

We will continue to the incredible rock formations of Poeng Tbal, which include a number of holy carvings. These sites date from the 9th century and the reign of Jayavarman II, pre-dating the relocation of the capital to Angkor by almost a century. 

In the evening we’ll enjoy the Phare circus show. This unique circus combines acrobatics, theater, music, and storytelling to create a captivating cultural experience. The talented performers, trained by Phare Ponleu Selpak, showcase traditional Cambodian arts with a modern twist. The show's high energy, spectacular acts, and engaging storytelling keep audiences enthralled.

Overnight in Siem Reap.

Meal: breakfast | Accommodation: not included

Depending on our departure flight, we may count on some time before being transferred to the airport. We hope you come back home full of memories after your Cambodian Adventure!

If you're seeking a delightful beach break from Siem Reap, there are several enticing options available within a reasonable distance. One option is to head to Sihanoukville, a popular coastal town located about 230 kilometers southwest of Siem Reap. Sihanoukville offers a range of beautiful beaches, such as Ochheuteal Beach, Sokha Beach, and Independence Beach, where you can relax on the golden sands, swim in the turquoise waters, and indulge in various water sports. Another alternative is Koh Rong, a stunning island situated off the coast of Sihanoukville. Known for its pristine beaches and vibrant marine life, Koh Rong is a paradise for beach lovers and snorkeling enthusiasts. If you're looking for a more tranquil escape, consider visiting Kep, a charming seaside town famous for its fresh seafood and picturesque sunsets. Kep Beach is an idyllic spot to unwind and enjoy the serene surroundings. Please contact our Handspan Travel Consultant for better planning.