12 Days Ultimate Cambodia Explorer Tour

Begin the day by visiting the extraordinary complex of the Royal Palace, featuring the Silver Pagoda. Admire the collection of over 14,000 pieces of art at the National Museum of Cambodia, followed by the commanding 14^th century hilltop pagoda of Wat Phnom, after which the Cambodian capital was named, a perfect spot to capture the panoramic cityscape of Phnom Penh. Lastly, wrap up the day with a visit to the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and the Killing Fields, also known as Choeung Ek Memorial, the appalling reminders of the infamous Khmer Rouge regime. Round up the day exploring the Russian Market before returning to the hotel.

Meals included: Breakfast and lunch

In the morning, our guide will escort you to the airport for the scheduled flight to Siem Reap. Upon arrival, you will be met by the local guide for the city tour and then visit Theam House located in a residential community, home to one of Cambodia’s most famous contemporary artists, be inspired by this modern version of Cambodian style and beauty, captured in beautiful collections and art. After your hotel check in, spend the rest of your day and evening either relaxing or exploring.

Meals included: Breakfast and lunch

Today you will be driven to the south gate of Angkor Thom, the entrance to the once-glorious capital of the Khmer Empire. This massive historical site encompasses a series of eminent structures, such as the Bayon Temple, famed for the multitude of serene and vivid carvings, Elephant Terrace, a giant reviewing stand for Angkor’s King to greet his victorious army, Preah Khan and Ta Prohm Temple, a famous location in the film Tomb Raider. After the lunch break, the trip continues to the world-renowned Angkor Wat Temple, the UNESCO World Heritage Site. While here you will be transferred to the Pre Rup Temple, acknowledged as one of the best spots in Angkor to catch an impressive sunset, weather permitting.

Meals included: Breakfast and lunch

Notes:

Lunch: Arrangements for today include a special picnic lunch hosted within the jungle at a one of the temples.

Dress Code: Revealing clothes, such as shorts and skirts above the knees and showing bare shoulders are prohibited in sacred places. Respectful dress is strongly recommended in Angkor.

Smoking: Smoking inside the temple is prohibited at all times.

Public holiday closures: The Bakan Tower (Central Tower) of Angkor Wat Temple is closed on Buddhist Sabbath Days (Buddhist religious days which occur four days each month. On these days, the tower cannot be climbed.

Head north this morning for approximately 30 kilometres to visit the beautiful temple of Banteay Srei, an elaborately decorated temple. Built in dedication to the Hindu god, Shiva, the temple is renowned for its distinctive pink sandstone carvings of lotus flowers and scenes from the Ramayana, a Sanskrit story of duty to family. On the way to Banteay Srei, enjoy a visit to Bong Thom Village where you’ll have the opportunity to discover and participate in village life, connecting personally with the locals. Return to Siem Reap and savor a well-earned coffee break when you stop by the Bayon Pastry School (Bayon L’école), an NGO school providing vocational training and job placement for disadvantaged young Cambodians. Wrap up today’s touring by relaxing with a wander through the local night market.

Meals included: Breakfast and lunch

Commence the day with exploration of Kompong Khleang Floating Village, perhaps the most authentic of Cambodia’s floating villages of stilt houses built within the floodplain of the Tonle Sap Lake. During the dry season when the lake is low, the buildings in the villages seem to soar atop their 6 meter stilts exposed by the lack of water. Villagers then move out onto the lake and build temporary stilted houses, returning in the wet season when water level rises again. Depart Kompong Khleang Floating Village for a 3 – 4 hour drive to Battambang, Cambodia’s second largest city, where a hotel room and a free evening await.

Meals included: Breakfast and lunch

In the morning, enjoy the thrill of Battambang’s famous bamboo train ride through Cambodia’s stunning countryside. Catch your breath and moving on to visit the Wat Ek Phnom, an impressive if dilapidated Angkor temple dating back to the 11th century. From there you’ll be guided for a waterfront walking tour to discover Battambang’s charm, resident in some of the best-preserved French colonial architecture. Move on to the pagoda and Provincial Museum housing a notable collection of pre and Angkorian collection of pottery, statuary and musical instruments. Finish today’s sightseeing at Phnom Bannon Hill, located an hour’s drive away. Reach the temple of Prasat Banan on the mountaintop by climbing the staircase to take in the panoramic view.

Meals included: Breakfast and lunch

Commence today’s activities with a visit to Phare Ponleu Selpak, or Brightness of the Arts, a Cambodian non-profit school of the arts located in Battambang. Contributing to local communities, children and youth, the school provides artistic, educational and social support programs. After lunch, you will be transferred to Siem Reap where you can rest at the hotel or explore the local area.

Meals included: Breakfast and lunch

You will be escorted to the airport for the flight to Sihanoukville. Once in Sihanoukville, you’ll board a speed boat to Koh Rong. After check in, you’re free to enjoy the natural beauty of this island.

Meals included: Breakfast and lunch

Enjoy the whole day, relaxing, swimming, sunbathing, and wandering on Koh Rong. There are no scheduled tour activities today.

Meals included: Breakfast and lunch

Enjoy the whole day, relaxing, swimming, sunbathing, and wandering on Koh Rong. There are no scheduled tour activities today.

Meals included: Breakfast and lunch

Today you will be transferred from Koh Rong to Sihanoukville where you’ll depart on your flight home. Your tour concludes today.

Meals included: Breakfast