Cambodia Tour 8 Days: Cambodia Beauty

Upon arrival at Phnom Penh port, meet and transfer by the local guide to the hotel for check-in (Early check-in is NOT included and is subject to the hotel’s availability).

In the afternoon, you will visit to the Royal Palace - a stunning complex and the residence of the King of Cambodia - and the Silver Pagoda, famous for its floor paved with silver tiles and its revered Emerald Buddha. Next, you'll explore Wat Phnom, an important historical Buddhist temple situated on a hill offering panoramic city views, followed by a stroll through Central Market, a bustling hub of local commerce with a vibrant Art Deco design. Afterward, you can visit the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum - a former school turned prison during the Khmer Rouge regime; you may opt to skip this site if you prefer to avoid topics related to genocide and sad history.

Today we have nearly five hour drive to Battambang. Leave the hustle and bustle of Phnom Penh behind as you head north to Kampong Luong which is a silversmith village. Observe silversmiths creating ornate and fashionable silver objects. Learn how the community makes pottery in the traditional way and observe how sugar is collected from the sugar palm trees. Let your guide assist you with translating if you are interested to learn more about village life.

Transfer onwards to Battambang and check into your hotel upon arrival late afternoon. Lunch is at the hotel (own account).

Visit to the well preserved 11th century Angkorian temple of Prasat Phnom Banan, located atop a hill bearing the same name. After climbing the 350+ steps you are treated to a peaceful setting with superb views across the surrounding countryside.

Taken to experience the best element of Battamang, enjoy bamboo train ride viewing the real countryside landscape and observe the daily activities of the indigenous people.

Bid farewell to Battambang and drive 2.5 hours further northwest to the seldom visited province of Banteay Meanchey. This province is home to the ancient temple of Banteay Chhmar, which is also referred to as the “Fortress of the Cat”. This large temple is rarely visited by tourists due to its remoteness, thus it makes a refreshing change from the crowds at Angkor Wat. Severe looting has prevented archaeologists from understanding the temple and its function in detail, leaving its use to speculation. A low key community tourism project has recently been established in the village to help the poor people taking care of the temple to supplement their incomes. 

Upon arrival, the local community will welcome you and members will join us to visit the temple explaining its history. Continue your transfer to Siem Reap arriving midafternoon.

Visit to the picturesque Ta Prohm, a temple nearly swallowed by the jungle, overgrown with roots that create an oddly haunting and exotic scene. The magnificent roots of ancient trees pushing between the massive stone blocks evoke feelings that may stay with you forever. Next, continue to explore the intricately carved Khmer ruins at Angkor Wat, one of the world’s most impressive archaeological sites. The temple is renowned for its exquisite Apsara carvings and detailed Angkorian-era art. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.

In the afternoon, explore the mysterious Royal City of Angkor Thom. Highlights include the Bayon Temple, with its 54 towers and massive stone faces. At first glance, it appears as a shapeless mass of stone, but upon closer inspection, you’ll notice the serene faces gazing out with half-closed eyes, conveying a silent, enigmatic presence from a primitive and remote era. Then, visit the surrounding complex, including the Baphuon Temple, Elephant Terraces, Lepper King Terrace, and the Royal Palace area, offering a deeper insight into the grandeur of Angkor’s ancient civilization.

Our guide and driver will pick you up from the hotel and transfer you to a remote village, where you will be welcomed by villagers and enjoy an ox-cart ride for about 10-20 minutes around the village. You will walk through the village to see daily activities such as weaving, working in rice fields, and tending vegetable gardens. Later, you'll stop at a traditional Khmer house where the hosts will teach you how to cook three Cambodian dishes, which you can enjoy afterward. 

In the afternoon, continue to Tonle Sap Lake to take a boat ride through the floating villages, providing an interesting opportunity to learn about the unique lifestyle of people living on floating houses, with floating shops, schools, and more. Discover how this vast lake, covering 12 square kilometers, is the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia. Finally, return to your hotel in Siem Reap in the late afternoon.

Our guide and driver will pick you up from your hotel in Siem Reap and drive you to visit Beng Mealea, a sprawling jungle temple built in the early 12th century that features intriguing ruins overgrown with vegetation, offering a sense of adventure and discovery. Afterward, you will enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, we will visit Banteay Srei Temple, renowned for its exquisite pink sandstone carvings and intricate detailing often considered one of the most beautiful temples in Cambodia. 

Finally, we will return to Siem Reap in the late afternoon.

Our guide and driver will pick you up from your hotel in Siem Reap and drive approximately one hour and 30 minutes, covering about 55 km, to Phnom Kulen, a sacred mountain and the first capital of the Khmer Empire in the early 9th century. Phnom Kulen holds great historical and spiritual significance as it is considered the birthplace of Angkor civilization, with many ancient relics and inscriptions. Upon arrival, visit the famous 1000 Lingas, a sacred riverbed carved with thousands of lingas and Hindu symbols representing the divine power of Shiva. Explore the Reclining Buddha, a large stone statue dating back to the 16th century, nestled within the lush jungle. The park is also renowned for its stunning waterfalls, such as the 100-meter Phnom Kulen Waterfall, a popular spot for swimming, relaxing, and enjoying the scenic landscape. The area features lush forests, ancient sites, and cooling waters, offering both cultural insight and natural beauty. After a leisurely visit to the waterfalls and spiritual sites and lunch, you will drive back to Siem Reap in the late afternoon.

Breakfast at hotel, then you will have free and leisure on your own till time for departure. Our driver will transfer you to airport for your departure flight.