24 Days Unique Cambodia Experience

Day 1: Arrive in Phnom Penh, travel to Kep

Welcome to Cambodia. An English-speaking driver will be waiting for you just outside the arrival terminal gate of Phnom Penh International Airport, with holding a sign with your name clearly written on it and ready to take you directly to your destination. With our best services, you don’t need to worry about flight delays as your driver will have your flight information and will be monitoring it for any time changes.

We leave Phnom Penh airport and travel to Kep. It is the place to take a break from the hectic life in the city and center on the more life-affirming, pleasant aspects of Cambodia.

The entire journey from the Phnom Penh International Airport to Kep town takes about 2h30.

Overnight in Kep

Day 2: Kampot Sightseeing, Pepper Plantation & Sea Mangrove Forest

After breakfast at your hotel, our day starts with a tour of the countryside, but if you enjoy to look at buildings, in Kampot it is possible to find a generous amount of French colonial architecture, especially shophouses, dating back to the first half of 20th century. Many of these buildings now host nice cafes or hotels and restaurants, while many others seem neglected or partially abandoned.

We then go to one of the very famous pepper plantations. The Kampot Pepper plantation which is grown in Cambodia for centuries. Kampot’s pepper is considered among the world’s finest by chiefs. We then visit a 7th-century brick temple in the cave of Phnom Chhnork, the only cave temple in Cambodia, is a real must-see. Built in the Funan style, this complex hidden in a cave has a history of more than 1,300 years.

Visit Trapeang Sangkae Mangrove Forest by local boat. It’s huge with a network of pedestrian walkways from one side to the other. Once you reach the end, the boat ride back reveals a holistic view of the green forest. A very pleasant and enjoyable experience to visit this place. On the way back, visit Kampot salt field (December-April), the only salt field in Cambodia.

Overnight in Kep

Day 3: Kep Crab Market & Rabbit Island

This morning, we visit Kep Crab markets, where crabs are kept fresh in pots that float in the Gulf of Thailand’s warm waters. You can walk along the Kep beach and explore the old oceanfront buildings. Kep was once Cambodia’s most popular and prestigious beach town, but the Khmer Rouge destroyed many of Kep’s mansions and villas. The ghostly remains now stand as a silent reminder.

We then head to the pier to board a local boat for the journey to the peaceful island of Koh Tonsay or Rabbit Island. We cross calm waters to this lovely palm-fringed island, home to a small community of fishermen and farmers. You can spend time enjoying the wonderful white sand beaches. You will return to Kep by boat in the afternoon before 5 p.m.

Overnight in Kep

Day 4: Travel to Sihanoukville Koh Rong Island, visit Bokor National Park

This morning, after breakfast we will head towards Bokor Hill station. This site is located on a plateau more than 1,000 meters above sea level, filled with steaming jungle, some wildlife and abandoned buildings such as church, casino and hotel. The site’s specific climate, often shrouded in fog and clouds, completes the mysterious atmosphere.

We then travel to Sihanoukville passing some very picturesque fishing villages which make for good photo opportunities. I will drop you off at the speedboat ferry to Koh Rong island. Enjoy your day at leisure on the island.

Overnight in Koh Rong Island

Day 5: Koh Rong Island Relaxed

Enjoy the white paradise beach of Koh Rong island, voted as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Koh Rong is a fantastic destination to visit and relax with clean, warm sea and white sand on all beaches. There is plenty to do such as swimming, snorkeling, walking, trips with the fishermen. Enjoy your free day on the island.

Overnight in Koh Rong Island

Day 6: Koh Rong Island Relaxed

Enjoy the white paradise beach of Koh Rong island, voted as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Koh Rong is a fantastic destination to visit and relax with clean, warm sea and white sand on all beaches. There is plenty to do such as swimming, snorkeling, walking, trips with the fishermen. Enjoy your free day on the island.

Overnight in Koh Rong Island

Day 7: Travel to Phnom Penh, visit Ancient Capital of Oudong

Today, you travel from Koh Rong island by speedboat and I will pick you up from the ferry port and travel to Phnom Penh. We make a short stop to visit Oudong, it is an ancient capital and a site of Buddhist monastery and burial of Khmer Kings from the 17th to the 19th centuries. The mountain’s two hills are connected by a ridge and dotted with stupas and shrines dedicated to former kings.

We then head to your accommodations in Phnom Penh then you’ll have the rest of the day to spend as you’d like.

Overnight in Phnom Penh

Day 8: Phnom Penh City Tour, Royal Palace & Toul Sleng

After breakfast, we start our tour and visit some of Phnom Penh’s important sights, landmarks and attractions. Visit the Royal Palace, Silver Pagoda, it is the official residence of the King of Cambodia and it’s where you can see some very beautiful wall paintings, charming building with lots of different decorations and colorful and there are such many beautiful plants. We visit Russian Market, a noteworthy street market in Phnom Penh. This is the interesting market in town, stalls selling wooden handicrafts, antiquities, miniature Buddhas, fruits and veggies, jewelry, etc.

Tuol Sleng genocide Museum – a mass gravesite and a former high school converted to a detention and torture center by the Khmers Rouges when they came to power in 1975. We then visit Wat Phnom is the unique hillock in the city, is crowned by at active Buddhist Wat and marks the legendary founding place of Phnom Penh.

Overnight in Phnom Penh

Day 9: Phnom Penh City Tour, National Museum & Killing Fields

This morning after breakfast, your driver will take you to the National Museum, it is the most important repository of Khmer artifacts in the country. Over 5000 objects are on display including Angkorian era statues, lingas and other artifacts, most notably the legendary statue of the ‘Leper King’ in Siem Reap and an enormous 11th century bronze Vishnu. Here is also a good collection of pieces from later periods, including an exhibition of post-Angkorian Buddha figures.  We then see Central Market, built during the French Colonial rule, the bright yellow building completed in 1937 has a 26-metre-high central dome, with four tall arch-roofed arms branching out diagonally across the block, creating vast hallways housing countless stalls and a variety of goods. When it first opened in 1937, it was said to be the biggest market in Asia.

We head to the Killing Fields of Choeng Ek, these sites are testament to Phnom Penh’s tragic modern history and the insanity of the Pol Pot era.

Overnight in Phnom Penh

Day 10: Phnom Penh City Tour, visit Silk Island and Sunset River Cruise

This morning, we make an easy day trip destination not far away from Phnom Penh, it is home to a large silk weaving community. We travel to an island in the Mekong called Koh Dach, also known as “Silk Island”, is named after its community of silk-making artisans and a variety of workshops onsite. We explore the island villages where silk weaving is the main means of livelihood and where there is a loom to weave under each house. We can learn about weaving techniques and discover a part of rural Cambodia close to the capital. Koh Dach Silk Island is home to the prideful silk weaving culture that can captivate those who are eager to learn about different cultures.

Having an afternoon relaxing at the hotel and enjoy the swimming pool. Later we will take the river cruise along the riverfront to look sunset and get some fresh-air. Whether you’re gazing at the sunset or twinkling city lights, it’s a lovely way to wind down and reflect on your day.

Overnight in Phnom Penh

Day 11: Travel to Mondulkiri, visit Spider Town, Bamboo Bridge & Rubber Plantation

Today is a relaxing travel day, after breakfast we hit the road to the bustling provincial city of Kampong Cham. Along the way, there is the chance to pause at Skuon, affectionately called Spiderville Cambodia, the popular place for Cambodian and foreign travelers where it is possible to taste the local delicacy of fried tarantulas and other fried insects. However, if you don’t want to taste spider, cricket, scorpion, grasshopper or other insects, this is also a good place to take pictures.

We arrive in Kampong Cham and enjoy a local lunch in Kampong Cham. During the dry season (January-May), we can visit the bamboo bridge built across the mighty Mekong River connecting the mainland to Koh Pen Island.

Our road route passes through many rubber farms. There are many opportunities to stop along the way to learn about rubber harvesting and pepper planting. We head east to the small crossroads town of Snuol, our gateway to the wilderness of the Mondulkiri highlands. We turn right and leave the asphalt roads of civilization behind us to take the red dirt roads of the hills. The first half of the journey from Snuol is flat, passing through patches of lush forest and areas of cultivation and plantations. After the Keo Seima district, the road winds through the mountains that give Mondulkiri its name “Interlocking Mountainous Areas”. We could also see wild monkeys gathering on the streets, and we reach Sen Monorom, the capital of Mondulkiri province.

You check in to a comfortable hotel. Then you will have the rest of the day to spend as you wish.

Overnight in Sen Monorom, Mondulkiri.

Day 12: Mondulkiri, Eco-friendly Elephant Experience

Today we will visit one of the elephant eco-project called Bunong Elephant Project (BEP) where elephants are saved from hard work like taking out the tree from the farm and carrying heavy objects up the mountain. We travel by road from Sen Monorom to the top of the hill where we will start walking for about 40 minutes through the valleys and forests to the project field work. You will be introduced to the herd of elephants and learn more about their history, character, behavior, body language and relationship with the mahout family. You will be able to feed the elephants dried bananas. At midday, the elephant should be taken to graze for at least 2 hours to ensure that it receives sufficient food for the day. Elephants eat up to 300kg of vegetation a day to sustain themselves. While the elephant grazes, you will take a lunch break. Then you will learn more details about the elephants and the community from the elephant guide.

In the afternoon the mahout will take the elephant to the river for a wash. You are welcome to enter the water and lend them a hand. Afterwards, we leave the elephants and start walking in a different way towards a village where your driver is waiting. Closer to the village, there is a big hill so you will challenge yourself.

Overnight in Sen Monorom, Mondulkiri

Day 13: Travel to Kratie, visit, Coffee Farm Resort & Bou Sra Waterfall

We leave Sen Monorom after your wonderful breakfast and head east to a place where you can visit the coffee farm, durian farm (king of fruits) and pepper farm. We then continue towards the double waterfall of Bousra, one of the most famous in Cambodia. Both slopes can be accessed and there are big shower/swimming opportunities. Along the way, we may stop at a village of the Bunong minority to learn something about their way of life.

Afterwards, we leave behind the wilds of Mondulkiri and hit the road towards Kratie, home of Mekong Irrawaddy Dolphin.

You check in at your hotel and have the rest of the day to spend as you’d like. Walking along Kratie Mekong river, enjoy a nice iced coffee at the local riverside café or watching a beautiful sunset over the Mekong river.

Overnight in Kratie

Day 14: Kratie Lifestyle & Dolphin Kayaking or Watching Dolphin by Boat

Option A: Dolphin Kayaking (morning schedule/afternoon schedule)

Today, we learn about local lifestyles of the Kratie as well as their local productions and witness the one of the most endangered wildlife that habitat upriver at Kampi. We walk through the central Market of Kratie where you will see the local trades and see some of the old colonial building which remains from the French colony. Visit Wat Rokakandal which has a very unique wooden carving about 300 years of age. Afterward, we learn about local productions including a mushroom farm.

Get back to town for lunch break and rest from the heat at your hotel for 1-2 hours.

We travel north by road 27km along the river to Sandan village where we will take paddling tour downstream through sand islands and the flooded forest and enjoying the unique perspective of seeing the freshwater Irrawaddy dolphins from your kayak. After enjoying an hour or more of dolphin viewing, we travel back to Kratie.

Option B: Watching Dolphin by Boat

We begin our sightseeing tour at 8:30 AM after your breakfast or at your desired time. Today, you will learn about the local Kratie way of life. Our visit includes a walk through the central Market of Kratie where you will see the local shops, trades and see some of the old colonial building which remain from the French colony. Visit Wat Rokakandal which has a unique wooden carving about 300 years of age. And opportunities to learn about local productions including mushroom farm, brick factory, bamboo sticky rice and rice noodle production.

The highlight of our day is a visit to one of the many deep pools where the rare river dolphins gather to feed. We board a local boat and head out onto the mighty Mekong to have a chance encounter with these gentle mammals, viewing is guaranteed. After enjoying an hour or more of dolphin viewing, we travel back to Kratie.

Overnight in Kratie

Day 15: Travel to Preah Vihear, visit Sambor Prei Kuk temples

After breakfast at the hotel, it is time to leave for Preah Vihear province. We travel south passing the old river port of Chhlong, home to some of the best examples of French colonial architecture in the country. We then head north to the bustling provincial town of Kampong Cham, nestled on the banks of the Mekong River. Along the way, we pass through Cambodia’s rubber country, vast plantations originally established by the French and currently being redeveloped.

We journey west to the provincial capital of Kampong Thom, and then we discover 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. We explore the main temples here, including Prasat Tao with its elaborately coiffured lions and Prasat Sambor, with its crumbling sanctuaries.

We continue northwest on National Road #62 to the northern province of Cambodia, Preah Vihear.

Overnight in Phnom Tbeng Meanchey town, Preah Vihear (Sokha Home Guesthouse is recommended)

Day 16: Travel to Siem Reap, visit Koh Ker and Preah Vihear

Today, we leave a bit early before 7:00 AM to have a breakfast then travel through the bush to the remote capital of Angkor, Koh Ker. This trip can be a great cultural experience as Koh Ker is the proud owner of some ancient temples in Cambodia, Prasat Pram is covered in strangler figs, and other temples in the group. Koh Ker built in the 10th century by Jayavarman IV, was the Capital of the Khmer Empire for a very brief period from the year 928 to 944. We visit Prasat Thom, a seven-storey step pyramid which offers stunning views of the surrounding forest. There are many more temples in the area, including Prasat Pram, the fantastic temple with trees growing on it, the five towers of Prasat Ling, each enclosing a giant linga or fertility symbol, the largest and best found in situ in Cambodia.

After lunch, we then continue the journey towards the magnificent mountain temple of Preah Vihear, straddling the border with Thailand to see Cambodia’s most spectacular mountain temple. It was built in the 11th century during the Khmer Empire. The winding road up the mountain is very steep in places and eventually we come to the second enclosure of this king of mountain temples. We take a local pickup truck and then explore the temple on foot and continue to the final level, clinging to a cliff in the Dangrek Mountains, towering hundreds of meters above the Cambodian lowlands below. The views from these most mountainous temple mountains are breathtaking, with the foundation stones of the temple stretching to the edge of the cliff as it plunges precipitously into the plains of the province of Preah Vihear below.

After completing the visit to both temples, we will drive straight on the N67 from Preah Vihear temple to Siem Reap town pass through Anlong Veng, a former Khmer Rouge stronghold until the end of the civil war in 1998, and ultimate home of its notorious leader, Pol Pot.

Overnight in Siem Reap

Day 17: Siem Reap – Easy Day

After 16 days of travel in the north-east of Cambodia, today an easy and relaxing day awaits you. I will be happy to give you some suggestions on how to spend your first day in Siem Reap. There are options, such as a swimming pool relaxing, Khmer traditional massage, Angkor National Museum, Royal Residence, Wat Bo pagoda, Apopo Center or walk through the Old Market or evening entertainment such as Phare Circus or Apsara Traditional Performance with Khmer food dinner.

Overnight in Siem Reap

Day 18: Siem Reap, The Great City of Angkor Thom – Grand Circuit Temples & Sunset

In the morning we head to Angkor Thom, first the ancient city of Angkor Thom. It was the last capital of the Great Khmer Empire under the reign of Jayavarman VII. This city is surrounded by an 8 m high wall drawing a perfect square. You will enter the city from the ancient South Gate, an impressive stone gate carved with Elephants and four giant faces. And our highlight is the enigmatic and enchanting Temple of Bayon. The 54 towers are each crowned with the four faces of Avalokiteshvara (Buddha of Compassion), which bear more than a passing resemblance to the king himself – Visit Baphuon, one of Angkor’s most beautiful temples from the 11th century. It was extensively renovated by the French and is now open to the public again – continue along the Terrace of Elephants – visit at the Terrace of the Leper King.

Preah Khan temple, a ruined but highly atmospheric mélange of tree roots and crumbling stone structures. Construction of this site was commissioned by the great ‘temple builder’ Jayavaraman VII (in honour of his father) and a visit to this smaller site makes for an interesting contrast with the more imposing Angkor Wat – Neak Pean temples, an artificial island with a Buddhist temple on a circular island in Jayatataka Baray and other beautiful temples outside the Great City of Angkor, Ta Som temple, East Mebon temple, Pre Rup temple, Banteay Kdei, a Buddhist monastery from the late 12th Century, and Srah Srang, also known as the “pool of ablutions and spend your evening watching sunset from Phnom Bakheng Hilltop.

Overnight in Siem Reap

Day 19: Siem Reap, Sunrise Angkor Wat – Jungle Temple – Small Group Temples

Today we will meet in the hotel lobby at 4:45am and travel to see Angkor Wat at Sunrise, the temple is considered the largest religious building in the world and is truly one of the wonders of the world. Believed to have been built as a temple and mausoleum for King Suryavarman II during the height of the Khmer Empire in the first half of the 12th century, Angkor Wat is the best preserved of the Angkorian temples. The central monument represents the mythical Mount Meru, the sacred mountain at the center of the universe, which was home to the Hindu god Vishnu

Ta Prohm is unique in that it is overgrown by jungle trees and vines, with many parts of the temple crumbling to the ground. This makes the ‘Tomb Raider Temple’ one of the most picturesque and memorable of the Angkor temples – Giant Pyramid of Takeo, one of the highest temples in the Angkor area – Take a short jungle trek to Ta Nei, a temple hidden in the forest, which has been left in its original state and is partly overgrown with trees – Then we continue to Chau Say Tevoda, Thommanon, Victory Gate of Angkor Thom.

Overnight in Siem Reap

Day 20: Siem Reap, Women Temple of Banteay Srei – Sacred Mountain of Phnom Kulen

Today after your breakfast, we will meet and greet you in the hotel lobby and head straight 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 and the name translates as Fortress of the Women. The intricate detail here, considered too fine for the men’s hands.

We then continue to Phnom Kulen national park, considered the most sacred mountain in Cambodia. It was here that Jayavarman II declared himself a ‘god-king’ and gave birth to the Khmer Empire in AD 802. Declaring a unified Khmer Empire under a single ruler, it began what later would be known as the Angkor period, although the capital city would not be moved for another century.

You will explore several ruins, including the carvings of Yoni and Linga etched into the sandstone riverbed and the stone representation of the Hindu god Vishnu lying on his serpent Ananta, with his wife Lakshmi at his feet. Wat Pre Ang Thom is a focus of pilgrimage for Khmer during religious festivals and the large reclining Buddha carved into a huge sandstone boulder here offers spectacular views across the lush jungle. Nearby are impressive riverbed rock carvings, and a classic waterfall further downstream which is the perfect place to cool off after exploring.

Overnight in Siem Reap

Day 21: Siem Reap, Roluos Group – Beng Mealea – Floating Village

Today after your breakfast, we will meet and greet you in the hotel lobby and head straight to purchase the Angkor pass. We travel back in time to one of the earliest capitals in the Angkor region, Hariharilaya, now known as Roluos – visit the brick temple of Lolei, which originally stood on an island in the centre of the Baray (reservoir) – Preah Ko (sacred cow), named after Shiva’s mount Nandin – Bakong, the oldest temple mountain, which later became the symbol of the Khmer kings. It is a huge pyramid whose cardinal points are marked by huge elephants.

We drive about 65 km northeast of Siem Reap town to Beng Melea to explore the lost temple of Beng Mealea, the titanic of temples, a sleeping giant lost for centuries in the forests of Cambodia. It is the most accessible of Angkor’s lost temples, a mirror image of Angkor Wat, but completely consumed by nature’s voracious appetite. Built in1113-1150, the forest has gone wild here and it’s hard to get a sense of the monument’s shape amid the intimidating ruins.

Explore the typical Khmer village of Kampong Khleang/Kampong Phluk, see an incredible, so different way of life in the largest freshwater lake Tonle Sap in Southeast Asia. On the wooden boat trip, get a fascinating insight into local life as you explore the stilt houses and lifestyle and drive through the flooded mangrove forest. That’s the amazing thing about this village and definitely one of the aspects of a Cambodia trip.

Overnight in Siem Reap

Day 22: Travel to Battambang, visit Senteurs d’Angkor & Banteay Chhmar

We start the trip from Siem Reap after breakfast and make a first stop at Senteurs d’Angkor, Handicraft – Botanical Garden – Natural Products. We then continue the journey northwest from Siem Reap towards the trading town of Svay Sisophon and turn to the impressive jungle temple of Banteay Chhmar. Located in Banteay Meanchey province and about 20 km east of the Thai border, the temples were built during the reign of Jayavarman VII in the late 12th or early 13th century. Upon arrival we view the magnificent sculptures of Lokesvara with 32 arms, called by the Khmer “lok sam-pee” or “Mr. 32”, as well as the magnificent dancers’ hall. One of the shrines in the temple once contained an image of Srindrakumara rajaputra (the crown prince), probably a son of Jayavarman VII.

You will arrive at the hotel in the late afternoon for check-in and then you will have the rest of the day to spend as you wish.

Overnight in Battambang

Day 23: Battambang Tour & Lifestyle

Journey start after breakfast and we look the French colonial buildings in the heart of Battambang town. Battambang is home to some of Indochina’s best preserved colonial era architecture.

Experience the bamboo train ride along the rail tracks offering great views of the surrounding countryside. It is first appearance in the early 1980s inspired by the small railway vehicles used by railway workers to carry out repairs – Hilltop temple of Wat Banan, the mountaintop temple from the Angkor era is the best preserved of the Khmer temples in Battambang – Wat Domrey Sor, White Elephant temple, is one of the central Buddhist temples in Battambang. This temple was built in the late 18th century – Wat Samrong Knong, it was built in the 19th century on the site of a pre-Angkorian temple complex. The Khmer Rouge used the temple compound as a prison. The complex is now home to the magnificent main pagoda and a hodgepodge of ancient ruins, glittering modern structures and memorials to those who perished here – Phsar Prahok or Stinky Market, it is an interesting place where they make Fish Prahok, the traditional Khmer cuisine and its ingredients. This place has been selling prahok since the 1990s as it is located near a river which hosts various types of fish – we discover Doun Teav village to learn how family makes hand-made rice paper for fresh and deep-fried spring rolls – we head to the ruins of Ek Phnom, it was built during the Bayon period 11th-century in year of 1027 in reign of king Suryavarman I (1002 – 1050) in the Angkor period in order to dedicate for the deities in Hinduism.

We then drive to Phnom Sampeau, a sacred mountain dotted with interesting pagodas and stupas. There is also a moving memorial to the victims of the Khmer Rouge who were thrown into one of the many caves that dot this sacred mountain. After visiting this view on the hill and later you will see the most spectacular 7 million bats flying out of the cave. Wrinkle-lipped bats fly up to 50 km from their roosts each night to hunt insects. Bats eat 50-100% of their own weight every night before returning home. We then travel back to Battambang town for the night.

Overnight in Battambang

Day 24: Transfer to Phnom Penh International Airport

Today is your last day in Cambodia. You’ll be picked up to transfer to Phnom Penh International Airport by your driver, where you’ll catch your flight to your onward destination.

The entire journey from Battambang to Phnom Penh International Airport takes approximately 5 hours.

Have a good flight! See you again on our next trip!