Meal: not included | Accommodation: in Phnom Penh

Upon arrival in Phnom Penh, you will be met and greeted by our driver and get a private transfer to your hotel for check-in.

With time permitting, in the late afternoon, you’ll embark on a traditional Khmer boat for a sunset cruise along the Mekong River. As the boat glides along the river, you begin to marvel at the stunning views that unfold before you. The setting sun casts a golden glow over the city, illuminating the majestic Royal Palace and the glittering spires of the pagodas that dot the skyline. The shimmering reflection of the city lights on the water adds a touch of magic to the scene.

Overnight in Phnom Penh.

Meal: breakfast, lunch | Accommodation: in Phnom Penh

The architectural heritage of Phnom Penh, once described as the ‘Pearl of Asia’, is slowly disappearing. Nevertheless, this half-day architectural tour will bring us face to face with the few remaining treasures that the city possesses, like the restored Post Office, the art-deco Central Market, the National Sports Complex or the University campuses of the city, a mix of grand French Colonial-era buildings and remnants of the New Khmer Architecture period that dominated the 50s and ‘60s. Our guide, a specialist in architecture, will definitely provide us with a full scope of the city’s impressive architectural ensemble.

After a delicious local lunch, delve into Cambodia's painful past at the haunting Tuol Sleng Prison (S-21) and the nearby Killing Fields at Choeung Ek. Reflect on the country's tragic history and pay tribute to the victims. Visit the sacred Wat Phnom pagoda for panoramic views over the city 

In the evening we will head to the National Museum to attend The Living Arts Performance where we will discover the diversity of the Cambodian culture and traditional arts through original and enjoyable pieces, set in the splendid gardens of the National Museum. In addition to giving a unique opportunity to experience Cambodian culture and arts, CLA (Cambodian Living Art) aims at creating regular, well-paid work for emerging arts professionals in the arts sector.

Overnight in Phnom Penh.

Meal: breakfast | Accommodation: in Phnom Penh

If you are keen to see a slice of rural Cambodia and learn how the silk weavers produce those beautiful sarongs and scarves, then set aside a half-day trip to a nearby island in the Mekong River called Koh Dach, also known as ‘Silk Island’. We take a tuk-tuk and local ferry to the island and then cycle to a small village where silk weaving is their livelihood and where there is a loom under every house. We can see the 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 | Accommodation: in Kratie

We will leave Phnom Penh and travel northeast to the bustling provincial city of Kompong Cham. En route, we can have a break at Skuon, affectionately known as 'Spiderville', where if you wish, it is possible to sample the local delicacy of a deep-fried tarantula. We then continue northeast till Chhlong, a little riverside town that serves as a regional center for the surrounding villages.

Afterward, we will arrive in Kratie, a sleepy Mekong port and gateway to an encounter with the rare freshwater Irrawaddy dolphins that inhabit the upper reaches of the Mekong in Cambodia. We will check into our hotel.

In the afternoon, we will travel to Kampi, one of the many deep pools where the rare river dolphins gather. We will board a local boat and cruise out into the mighty Mekong for a chance to responsibly encounter these gentle creatures. Seeing them is commonplace, although it is easier with the shallower waters of the dry season than in the swollen river of the wet season.

Overnight in Kratie.

Meal: breakfast | Accommodation: in Kompong Thom

We will head south to the bustling provincial city of Kompong Cham, nestled on the banks of the Mekong, passing through vast plantations of rubber that were originally established by the French and are once again being redeveloped. There may be the opportunity to stop along the way and learn about how the rubber is tapped. 

In Kompong Cham, we will see how the 11th-century sandstone temple of Wat Nokor is blended with a colorful modern wat set in its central courtyard. There are some intricate carvings at this temple and the kitsch contrast between the Hindu past and the Buddhist present is almost unheard of elsewhere in Cambodia.

We will continue to the sacred hills of Phnom Pros and Phnom Srei (man and woman hills), offering great views across the countryside. Later we will journey west to the provincial capital of Kompong Thom, our base for the night.

Overnight in Kompong Thom.

Meal: breakfast | Accommodation: in Siem Reap

Today we will explore the impressive pre-Angkorian capital of Isanapura, known today as Sambor Prei Kuk. The first major temple city in South-East Asia, the brick temples of Sambor Prei Kuk are a peaceful contrast to their more illustrious relatives at Angkor. Visiting these ancient structures before our pilgrimage to Angkor will provide us with a fascinating chronological insight into the development of temple architecture during the Khmer Empire. We will explore the main temples here, including Prasat Tao with its elaborately coiffured lions, and Prasat Sambor, with its crumbling sanctuaries.

We will continue northwest on National Highway 6, an old Angkor road, and stop in Kompong Kdei to see one of the ancient Angkor bridges that were built to span the river. Spean Praptos or the Praptos Bridge has more than 20 arches and is a spectacular sight, reinforcing the impression that the Khmers were the Romans of Southeast Asia. We will arrive in Siem Reap in the afternoon.

Overnight in Siem Reap.

Meal: breakfast | Accommodation: in Siem Reap

We begin our day by rising early to visit Ta Prohm, an abandoned temple overtaken by nature. As we explore its unique atmosphere, we witness the tree roots slowly engulfing the surviving stones, symbolizing the clash between human creations and the relentless forces of nature. Next, we continue to the impressive pyramid of Takeo, one of the tallest temples in Angkor. Though construction was never completed, speculation surrounds the reasons, ranging from a lightning strike during its building to the challenging task of carving durable sandstone. We also have the option to see the remnants of an ancient Angkorian bridge and visit the smaller temples of Chau Sey Devada and Thommanon.

In the afternoon, we travel through the traditional village of Preah Dak to the restored 12th-century temple of Banteay Samre. Noteworthy for its use of laterite in the roofed corridors due to limited sandstone availability, this temple showcases exceptional carvings above the inner doors. Continuing north, we reach Banteay Srei, an exquisite pink temple renowned as Angkor's ultimate art gallery. Its elaborate carvings, considered too fine for male craftsmanship, have captivated visitors for centuries. While its origins were thought to be from a later period, inscriptions suggest it was built in 967 by a Brahman, representing a pinnacle in Khmer sculpture.

Overnight in Siem Reap.

Meal: breakfast | Accommodation: in Siem Reap

We rise at dawn to embark on our journey to the majestic Angkor Wat, the largest religious building in the world. This 12th-century temple, a symbol of Khmer pride and strength, captivates with its perfect blend of symbolism and symmetry. Exploring the intricate bas-reliefs that stretch for nearly a kilometer, we unravel the tales of Hindu mythology and the glories of the Khmer empire. Ascending to the upper levels of the sanctuary, we experience the steep final steps leading to the sacred heart of Angkor Wat, where spirituality and symmetry converge in an awe-inspiring manner.

In the afternoon, we venture into the immense walled city of Angkor Thom, an architectural masterpiece by King Jayavarman VII. With its staggering scale, the city leaves us in awe as we approach its gates. The causeway adorned with a captivating bridge depicting the Churning of the Ocean of Milk sets the stage for our exploration. We begin at the Terrace of the Leper King, originally thought to represent a leprous ruler but now believed to depict Yama, the god of death. Continuing along the Terrace of Elephants, once a grand viewing gallery, we reach the resplendent Baphuon temple, meticulously restored and open to visitors. Our ultimate highlight is the enchanting Bayon temple, located at the center of Angkor Thom. Its iconic 54 towers, crowned with the serene faces of Avalokiteshvara, exude both power and compassion. We unravel the mysteries of the bas-reliefs, portraying ancient battles and snapshots of everyday life during the Angkor period, before embarking on a climb upward.

Overnight in Siem Reap.

Meal: breakfast | Accommodation: in Siem Reap

Escape the tourist hub of Siem Reap and take to the beautiful countryside that exists in the shadow of Angkor Wat by a riding pillion on the modern Vespas. 

We start the tour at APOPO, a landmine-clearing organization that uses Hero Rats to sniff out deadly explosives. Then we use small paths and back streets to lead you out of the city to a stunning pagoda where you’ll learn about Khmer spirituality and receive a Buddhist blessing. Continue by Vespa deeper into the countryside to gain a fascinating insight into the patterns of daily life. We’ll meet a family of rattan weavers, taste delicious sticky rice grilled in bamboo, meet a local medicine man, and much more!

Our last stop is amid the rice paddies, where a local family welcomes us into their house for a cold drink and a chance to chat with these friendly hosts. After saying farewell to the family and the countryside, our driver drops you off at your hotel in Siem Reap after around noon time.

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: in Battambang

We’ll spend the day on a private transfer to Battambang through the beautiful Cambodian countryside and rural villages.

Our first stop is at the Ta Brak village, where you’ll have a chance to get on an ox cart ride to a local market and then walk through the picturesque countryside village, stopping off to meet the local community along the way to observe whatever seasonal activity is happening at that time, such as rice planting, weaving thatch roofs, planting or harvesting vegetable crops, making fish traps, etc. End the morning at the local pagoda where a special water blessing by Buddhist monks awaits. 

Continue a rural Cambodia tour out of town to Tonle Sap Lake. Drive past expansive rice fields and through local villages where rice and fish can frequently be spotted drying alongside the road. Next, board a private wooden vessel for a boat trip along a canal that leads to the Tonle Sap Lake. Cruise along the canal with houses on either side: depending on the time of your visit, the houses will either have immediate access to the water or stand perched on stilts high above the ground, a phenomenon caused by the annual rising and receding waters of the Tonle Sap Lake, Southeast Asia’s largest lake. Pass by the boats and nets used by local fishermen, some of whom you may spot fishing in the waters through which the boat passes. As you near the lake, you will see floating houses that move in a location with the annual ebb and flow of the lake’s waters. (Note: Due to fluctuating water levels on the lake and canals, the village visited will depend on the date and water levels at that time).

Overnight in Battambang.

Meal: breakfast, lunch | Accommodation: in Battambang

Today we will visit in the morning a local village in Wat Koh and learn about farming, rice harvesting, and rural life in Cambodia. 

After lunch, we will travel 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. We will also be rewarded with striking views when we ascend to the Temple. 

Phnom Sampeau, a sacred mountain dotted with interesting pagodas and stupas, will be our next target. 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 will return to Battambang town for the night.

Overnight in Battambang.

Meal: breakfast | Accommodation: in Koh Rong resort

Get a morning transfer from Battambang to Siem Reap airport (around 3 hours), in a good time to board your flight to Sihanoukville.

Upon arrival in Sihanoukville, direct transfer to the pier of the Koh Rong resort for a 1-hour boat ride to the resort.

Overnight in Koh Rong resort, Sihanoukville.

Meal: breakfast | Accommodation: in Koh Rong resort

Breakfast at the hotel.

Enjoy your day at leisure.

Overnight in Koh Rong resort, Sihanoukville.

Meal: breakfast | Accommodation: in Koh Rong resort

Breakfast at the hotel.

Enjoy your day at leisure.

Overnight in Koh Rong resort, Sihanoukville.

Meal: breakfast | Accommodation: not included

Breakfast at the hotel. Then free at your leisure to enjoy the hotel facility on the island until it’s time for a boat ride back to the mainland for your departure flight from Sihanoukville. End of our service.