Amazing Cambodia

At your arrival at the Phnom Penh International airport, your dedicated driver will be waiting for you in the arrival hall and welcome you to the capital city of Cambodia. He will escort you to your private car and take you to your hotel for check-in. Then we will brief you about the rest of the tour and answer the questions you may have. According to your arrival time, your driver will make suggestions to start exploring the city of Phnom Penh. Overnight in Phnom Penh.

In the morning you will enjoy the breakfast at your hotel, before your driver picks you up to start the exploration of the capital city of Cambodia. First you will discover the Royal Palace, near the Phnom Penh riverside. The Palace was built in the 1860’s by then monarch King Norodom, when Phnom Penh became the capital city of the Kingdom under the French protectorate. The Royal Palace is still inhabited by the current King (Norodom Sihamoni). Therefore, only half of the buildings can be visited and you will admire the fine details and decoration of the Silver Pagoda and the Throne Hall. After your visit go for a walk on the riverside walk, along the Tonle Sap river that crosses path with the Mekong river just on front of the Royal Palace. Your driver will then take you to the Central Market. You will explore the vibrant colonial building that hosts the most famous market in Phnom Penh. For your lunch break, your driver will be happy to recommend a safe restaurant (such as the Lotus Blanc, managed by one of the many NGOs in Phnom Penh), unless you want to be adventurous and try the delicious street food. In the early afternoon, your driver will take you to the S21 museum in Tuol Sleng. This former school building is now dedicated to a darker period of the country, when the Khmer Rouge regime used it as one of their prisons and pre-extermination units. Waking through the museum will give you a better understanding of one of the darkest episodes in human history, which happened in the second half of the 1970s, and where Cambodia is coming from in today’s world. Your driver will then take you to the Olympic Stadium for a truly local experience. Around 5pm, hundreds of locals gather on the step of the stadium to practice their daily aerobic. Join the crowd if you feel like, as everybody is welcome (simply give a very small tip to the dancing teacher). Your driver will then take you to the night market along the river (if the market is open) to discover the many street foods offered by Cambodian markets (such as fried tarantulas…) - or to the nearby FCC (the Foreign Correspondents' Club) where you can enjoy a drink watching the sunset over the Mekong and Tonle Sap rivers. Overnight in Phnom Penh.

Today you will leave the bustling city of Phnom Penh to reach Siem Reap, home of the famous Angkor temples. On the way you will stop at Skun, and discover a typical Cambodian snack: fried spiders. This is one of the locals’ favorites, but if you’d rather taste some of the fried insects (or not), your guide will be glad to help you choose. Then we will continue our journey across the Cambodian countryside and reach the city of Kampong Thom. The city is located along the Stueng Saen river, which directly connects to the Tonle Sap lake (the beating heart of Cambodia) and used to be a very powerful capital in Southeast Asia during the Funan period. It has now become a peaceful and typical Cambodian location, where you will have lunch. Then you will continue your journey through the Cambodian countryside towards Siem Reap. The Kampong Thom province hosts wide forests that sadly also used to be filled with landmines that the Khmer Rouges buried during the war. In the afternoon you will reach the city of Siem Reap, the gateway to the world famous Angkor temples. Overnight in Siem Reap.

In the morning you will enjoy a relaxing breakfast before exploring one of the most stunning world-heritage site on the planet: the temples of Angkor. Your driver will meet you at your hotel and then take you for a day tour of what is called the small circle. The city that used to be the capital of Khmer Empire, was the biggest metropolis of its time with more then 800,000 people, and recent NASA studies have found that it spread over nearly 3000 km2. This resulted in a vast variety in architectural styles that can be explored in several days. Your first stop will take you to the biggest and most famous temple of all: Angkor Wat. Built in the 12th century, the temple (‘Wat’ means temple in Khmer) is dedicated to the Hindu God Vishnu. Then you will continue your journey towards Angkor Thom (literally “Big Angkor”, or “Big City”). The area is surrounded by a protecting wall and you will access through one of its gates, made of 4 giants stone heads. Then you will reach one of the most mysterious sites of the Angkor area: Bayon - 148 giant Buddha faces made of stone, starring at the four cardinal directions. Next you will visit the temple of Baphuon, which used to be one of the biggest temples of the Angkor site. Built as pyramid in the 11th century, Baphuon’s main attraction is the giant lying Buddha (60m long) that can be discovered on the south side. Just next to the temple, you will discover Phimeanakas, which is inside what used to be the Royal Palace. The temple of Phimeanakas (literally “celestial palace”), built in the 10th century, was allegedly covered by a golden roof. Exiting the the Royal Palace, you will also discover the Elephants terrace. Then you will finish the tour by discovering one of the most iconic temple of Angkor: Ta Phrom. The Hollywood blockbuster ‘Tomb Raider’ (featuring Angelina Jolie) gave the temple its fame, but as soon as you entire the site you will be stunned by the unique atmosphere created by the angkorian temples half covered by giant trees and vegetation. Then return to you Siem Reap and your hotel to relax from this fantastic day of sightseeing. Overnight in Siem Reap.

Today you will continue the exploration of the ancient capital city of the Khmer empire, that ruled over a very wide area that included the current Cambodia, Thailand, Laos and vast part of Vietnam during the 13th century. Your driver will pick you up at your hotel and take you for the ‘Big Circle’. First you will explore the lost city of Preah Khan. You will explore the ruins that used to host a monastery and a Buddhist university, and admire the beautiful carvings decorating the ancient walls. Then you will continue your journey through time and discover the site of Neak Pean. Built in 12th century, Neak Pean features a sanctuary set in the middle of a small lake. The lake was made to be a replica of sacred lake of Anavatapta, located in the Tibetan Himalayas. You will pass along Ta Som (a temple literally swallowed by the nature), before reaching East Mebon (a former city, from which only the main temple remains, surrounded by a water tank). As you continue your tour, you will explore the site of Banteay Kdei whose gate will welcome you with 4 giant stone faces of Buddha. The architectural journey will end with the discovery of Srah Srang (a pool built in 10th century) and Prasat Kravan (a temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu). Your driver will then take you back to your hotel for a little rest. In the evening you can explore the night market of Siem Reap, which is located right across the river in the city center. The center of Siem Reap is a lively area, that you can explore by foot. Overnight in Siem Reap.

Enjoy your breakfast in the relaxing atmosphere of your hotel, before your driver meets you to take you on tour. Today you will explore sites of the greater Angkor area. This will take you through the Cambodian countryside and give you an insight into the daily life of Khmer farmers. Your first stop will be Banteay Samre. This temple from the 12th century is also called ‘mini Angkor Wat’, and as it is off the beaten track, you might enjoy the visit all for yourself. Then your driver will take you to the famous site of Banteay Srei. You will notice how different this site is from the others that you have visited so far. Banteay Srei is made of pink sandstones, that give the buildings a unique different color. Another stunning difference is that the carvings are extremely precise and well made. Which created the popular belief that it must had been done by women (“Srei” meaning “woman” in Cambodian). Then your journey will take you to Roluos, crossing typical villages of the Cambodian countryside. The Roluos include the sites of Lolei, Preah Ko and Bakong. All were built before the Angkorian area, back in the 9th century. In the afternoon, your driver will take you back to Siem Reap. You can then decide to relax at your hotel or to explore the city center by foot. You can visit the Old Market, along the river and walk along the notorious Pub Street. Overnight in Siem Reap.

Today you will leave Siem Reap and your driver will take you to Battambang, driving through the Cambodian countryside, where you will spot Grasshopper traps. Battambang is the second largest city of Cambodia and hosts many French colonial buildings. At your arrival, check in at your hotel and have lunch. You can then go for a first city tour, discovering the local life and the mansions from the colonial past of the country. Then your Cambodian driver will take you to Phnom Sampeau. The hill has a quiet Buddhist temple on its top, while what lies underneath carries a darker history. The infamous caves of Phnom Sampeau where used as a mass killing site by the Khmer Rouge regime in 1970’s, and are now used as a memorial in order not to forget this dark hours of Cambodian history. Then, at sunset, you will witness thousands of bats flying out of the cave as they start their hunt for food. Return to Battambang and enjoy dinner in one of the many restaurants of the city center. Overnight in Battambang.

This morning, enjoy the breakfast at your hotel before going for an extended tour of Battambang. You can visit the central market to discover and taste local fruits (such as dragon fruits, mangoostens, mangos… maybe even some durian if you are brave enough). Explore the Pagoda and the French colonial buildings. Then your driver will take you for a tour to visit the countryside and the small villages around Battambang. Here you can witness how locals live on a daily basis. Then you will continue your journey to Prasat Banan. This stunning hilltop temple was built in the 12th century, and from its top (400 meter high) you will enjoy an amazing view over the entire province. Many locals like to visit Wat Banan for its fresher climate. In the afternoon, your driver will take you back to Battambang. If you wish, in the evening you can attend an art performance by NGO Phare Ponleu Selpak. This Non-Government Organization founded in 1994, is providing social integration for kids through an art and circus curriculum. Its reputation has grown beyond Cambodia, as some members now perform all over the world. Overnight in Battambang.

Today your driver will pick you up at your hotel to leave Battambang towards the capital city of Cambodia: Phnom Penh. On the way, you will do a first stop in Pursat, a typical Cambodian mid-sized city. Here you can get a look into local craftsman, such as stone carving. While agriculture is Cambodia’s main activity, many still make their income from very small businesses. You will continue your journey towards Phnom Penh and stop near Kampong Chnang. Here you will discover the floating village of Kampong Luong. The village is set on the southern part of the Tonle Sap lake and hosts 7000 people. Like a real city, it has its own temple, market, restaurants, petrol station, karaoke… Then you will continue your route and stop in Oudong. This small village used to be the capital of the country from the 17th to 19th century. You will visit the quiet pagoda at the hilltop, which also provides a stunning view over the country. Get a chance to speak with local monks as they will be happy to explain their Buddhist rituals. Then you will continue your trip and reach the bustling city of Phnom Penh. Overnight in Phnom Penh.

Today your driver and guide will meet you at your hotel and you will leave Phnom Penh to reach the coastal city of Kep. On the way, you will do a first stop near the city of Takmao, at the site of Tonle Bati. Tonle Bati is a small lake, very famous among locals. Cambodians like to come and picnic on one of the bungalows along the lake, that provide shade and fresh air during the hot season. Tonle Bati also hosts the Ta Prohm site, which is of made Angkorian shelters built in the 13th century. This unique site is mostly unknown from the tourists. Then you will continue your way towards the city of Takeo, to reach another hidden treasure of Cambodia. Located at the top of a mountain and a 461 steps stairway, you will discover Phnom Chisor. This ancient Khmer temple was built in the 11th century and is dedicated to Hindu divinities. From this off the beaten track site, you will have a stunning panorama view. Then you will continue your journey towards Kep and the Gulf of Thailand. Before arriving at destination, you will do a final stop at Kampong Trach. There you will visit beautiful caves, carved in the limestones that make the beauty of this region of Cambodia. Then you will arrive in Kep in the evening, where your driver will take you to your hotel. Overnight in Kep.

In the morning, your driver will pick you up at your hotel and take you the Kep Crab Market. The small local market is located right at the seafront and according to their schedule you may see the fishermen walking in the sea to pick the crabs caught during the day. On the market you will get a chance to discover many Khmer food specialties and your driver will be glad to tell you about them and advise which one to taste. Then you will head toward the Kep harbor to catch a fisherman boat to reach the little island of Koh Tonsay. Literally “Rabbit Island”, Koh Tonsay is located a few miles of the coast. Once arrived you can go for small walk to explore the small island, or enjoy a massage in bungalow on the beach. Then you you will have lunch on the beach (we recommend a grilled fish or other seafood, as you won’t find any fresher than in this place). After lunch, relax on the beach until you feel like returning to Kep. Then you will take the boat back to the coast. Your driver will take you to your hotel, where you can relax at the pool and enjoy a walk on the hills of the Kep National Park. Overnight in Kep.

This morning, enjoy the breakfast near the pool of your hotel and the peaceful atmosphere that surrounds Kep. During the French protectorate, Kep (also called Kep-sur-Mer) was the ‘place to be’ for the French establishment. Thus you may still see some abandoned villas from that period. Then (according to your desired take off time) your driver will take you to Kampot. On the way you will leave the main road, to reach the Brateak Kola lake (also called ‘sacred lake’). Here you will drive through the typical Cambodian countryside. Discover how farmers live in what is called the bread basket of Cambodia, due to the many rice fields of the province. Then you will reach Kampot and your hotel for lunchtime. After lunch, your driver will show you the nearby salt marshes that provide a significant part of the income of the province and also stunning landscapes. In the late afternoon, you can take a walking tour of the city. Kampot is a relatively small and very quiet city (far away from the bustling Phnom Penh), where time sometimes seem to have stopped. The city and the riverside offer many options for dinner (from Cambodian to Western cuisine). Overnight in Kampot.

Enjoy the breakfast at your hotel, surrounded by the quiet atmosphere of Kampot (as if time had stopped in this city). Then your driver will take you into the beautiful countryside and its rice fields. You will reach the caves of Phnom Chhnork. The main highlight is the way to get to the caves, as you will witness typical rural life in South Cambodia. Local farmers live in traditional stilt houses, to deal with high water levels during the rainy season. When exploring the caves of Phnom Chhnork, you will discover a pre-angkorian temple dated from the 7th century. The temple is made from bricks and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Then your driver will take you by car to Phnom Penh. On the way you will have many opportunities to stop along the way to taste local fruits or discover local crafts. In the afternoon you will arrive in Phnom Penh and check in at your hotel. At your choice, you can either explore the Russian Market for a local shopping experience (market closes at 5pm), or enjoy a drink along the Mekong river on the riverside. Overnight in Phnom Penh.

Today enjoy the breakfast at your hotel. According to your flight time, your driver will suggest visits to do (or will be happy to take you to your place of choice). You may want to do some shopping before you leave (such as Kampot Pepper, artefacts or other souvenirs). The Russian Market will be your choice if you look for souvenirs from Cambodia, while a tour Orussey Market will take you off the touristic path. Your driver will then take you to Phnom Penh International airport for your flight.