Essence of Cambodia – 12 Days

GENERAL INFORMATION

Duration: 12 days/11 nights
Start/End: Phnom Penh/ Phnom Penh
Tour Route: Phnom Penh – Kampong Cham – Kratie – Ratanakiri (Banlung) – Preah Vihear – Siem Reap – Battambang – Siem Reap
Tour Type: Natural and Landscape, History and Culture
Tour Categories: Package Tour in Cambodia
Tour Customizable: Definitely! (Tell us your specific requirements in the inquiry form)
Guides: Local Guide (English Speaking Guide, Other Languages upon Request)
Transportation: Private first-class air-conditioned vehicles
Accommodation: Listed below or equivalent. Rooms with private bath or shower, hotel taxes, porterage, tips, and service charges

BRIEF ITINERARY

Day 01: Phnom Penh Arrival (D)
Day 02: Phnom Penh City Tour (B)
Day 03: Phnom Penh – Battambang (B, L)
Day 04: Battambang – Siem Reap (B,L)
Day 05: Siem Reap – Angkor Temples (B)
Day 06: Siem Reap – Floating Village – Angkor Wat (B,L,D)
Day 07: Siem Reap Free Day (B)
Day 08: Siem Reap – Sihanoukville (B)
Day 09 to Day 11: Sihanoukville – Free days (B)
Day 12: Sihanoukville – Phnom Penh for departure (B)

FULL ITINERARY

Day 01: Phnom Penh Arrival (D)

Depending on your arrival time in Phnom Penh, your knowledgeable local English-speaking guide will personally meet you for a seamless travel experience. You will then be transferred to your hotel where you can check in and unwind at your leisure.

Phnom Penh, often referred to as the ‘Pearl of Asia’, is celebrated for its classical architecture, charming French colonial buildings, majestic Royal Palace, expansive boulevards, and captivating café culture. With its rich offerings, Phnom Penh captivates visitors from around the globe, offering an enticing cityscape waiting to be explored.

To begin your evening, enjoy the delightful Cambodian Living Art performance at the renowned Cambodian National Museum at 7:00 pm. This performance offers a meaningful insight into Cambodian lifestyle and culture, making it a highlight of your visit.

Overnight in Phnom Penh

Day 02: Phnom Penh City Tour (B)

After enjoying a delicious breakfast at your hotel, you will journey 15 kilometers from Phnom Penh to visit the Beoung Cheoung Ek Memorial Museum (Killing Fields) accompanied by your tour guide. Following this somber visit, return to Phnom Penh for a trip to the Tuol Sleng Museum (S21), where you will have the opportunity to watch a documentary film detailing the Khmer Rouge regime and the atrocities of Pol Pot. The museum, formerly a prison where victims were detained, tortured, and eventually killed, now houses a large stupa containing skulls, bones, and clothing as a memorial to the victims.

After a flavorful lunch (at your own expense), continue your day with a guided tour of the National Museum and the Royal Palace, including the stunning Silver Pagoda. Marvel at the spectacular architecture of these historic buildings, such as the Throne Hall, Royal Treasury Hall, and the Napoleon II Villa. The Silver Pagoda, known for its unique Italian marble steps and over 500 solid silver blocks weighing about six tons in its throne room, is a highlight not to be missed.

Enhance your experience with a Cyclo excursion along the Mekong Riverfront, passing by Wat Phnom, where you can immerse yourself in the vibrant sights, sounds, and flavors of Phnom Penh.

Overnight in Phnom Penh.

Day 03: Phnom Penh – Battambang (B, L)

On the third day of your trip, after breakfast at your hotel, you'll embark on an exciting journey to Battambang, renowned as the ‘City of Rice Bowl’. Located along the Sangkae River, Battambang boasts well-preserved colonial architecture and offers a blend of modern amenities, small-town charm, and a unique local vibe.

En route, enjoy breathtaking views of expansive rice fields and serene villages nestled amidst the rural countryside. You'll explore Udong (Phnom Udong), an abandoned city that served as the home of successive kings from 1618 to 1866, following their displacement from the former capital of Longvek by the invading Thais. You'll also visit a pottery factory in Kompong Chang.

Later, indulge in a leisurely boat excursion at Kampong Luang floating village before checking in at your hotel. Once settled, explore the town on foot and experience a thrilling ride on the bamboo train through the countryside.

Overnight at your hotel.

Day 04: Battambang – Siem Reap (B, L)

After enjoying breakfast at your hotel, you will be transferred to the renowned hilltop temple of Phnom Banon, dedicated to the Shiva god, along with other temples like Phnom Bakheng, Phnom Bok, and Phnom Kom in Siem Reap. Phnom Sampeau, known for its historical significance, including being a site used as a 'killing cave' during the Pol Pot regime (1975-79), has gained popularity over time.

In the afternoon, embark on an exciting journey to Siem Reap, approximately 2.5 hours' drive from Battambang. Along the way, you'll stop in Preah Netr Preah District to visit local families known for producing stone and wood carvings.

Welcome to Siem Reap! A visit to this city feels like a step back in time to an ancient world. Situated next to the Angkor Archaeological Park in the north and Tonle Sap Lake in the south, Siem Reap charms visitors with its iconic attractions, including the Old Market (Phsa Chas). It also boasts a vibrant café and culinary scene, as well as eclectic shops catering to every interest. Upon arrival, check in at your hotel before enjoying leisure time to relax or explore the town at your own pace.
Overnight in Siem Reap.

Day 05: Siem Reap – Angkor Temples (B)

On the fifth day of your journey, begin with a colorful early morning sunrise over the five towers of Angkor, offering a breathtaking experience. You'll then return to explore Angkor Thom, a marvel of Khmer Empire architecture, including its South Gate, Bayon with its iconic smiling faces, Baphuon temple, and the impressive Terrace of the Elephants and Terrace of the Leper King. Next, venture into the jungle-clad Ta Prohm Temple, famous for its mystical atmosphere with balsa wood trees and vines reclaiming the ancient structures.

In the afternoon, embark on an amazing journey through the Cambodian countryside to visit the beautiful temples of Banteay Srei and Banteay Kdei. Banteay Srei, known as the ‘Women’s Temple’, is crafted from exquisite pink sandstone and adorned with intricate stone carvings, offering a unique exploration experience. On the return journey, visit the Cambodia Landmine Museum, which houses a collection of thousands of defused landmines. Notably, the museum tells the remarkable story of Mr. Aki Ra, a Khmer man who single-handedly disarmed many of these deadly devices.
Overnight in Siem Reap.

Day 06: Siem Reap – Floating Village – Angkor Wat (B, L, D)

In the morning, after enjoying a delightful breakfast at your hotel, you'll head south to witness the annual flood of Tonle Sap Lake. Embark on a boat excursion to Kompong Phhluk, a village built on stilts. Explore this unique ecosystem by canoe, listening to the calls of birds and observing macaque monkeys amidst the submerged forest. You'll also visit a Buddhist temple situated on an island, adorned with beautiful life paintings on the ceiling. If time allows, a visit to Artisan D’Angkor precedes lunch at FCC (Foreign Correspondents Club).

In the afternoon, embark on an exciting trip to Angkor to explore the magnificent temples of Angkor Wat, surrounded by a manmade moat and designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You'll have the opportunity to climb Phnom Bakheng hilltop or visit Pre Rup temple to witness a stunning sunset with panoramic views.

For dinner, indulge in a mouth-watering meal before experiencing the Phare Cambodia Circus. This captivating performance by a troupe of talented young Cambodians combines traditional and modern theater, music, dance, acrobatics, juggling, and contortion, presenting stories about Cambodian life and society in a mesmerizing spectacle.

Overnight in Siem Reap.

Day 07: Siem Reap Free Day (B)

After breakfast at the hotel, today is a leisure day for you to unwind by the pool or explore the local markets for shopping.

We highly recommend the Quad Bike Adventure for an exciting and adventurous experience. You will be picked up from your hotel to embark on this thrilling journey through the countryside of Siem Reap. This adventure offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the local culture and traditions. Drive on flat terrain for 2 or 3 hours, exploring peaceful villages where you can visit Khmer traditional houses on stilts, Buddhist monasteries, and farming areas. Interact with local children, villagers, and monks, gaining insights into countryside life along the way.

Overnight at your hotel

Day 08: Siem Reap – Sihanoukville (B)

Start your day with breakfast at your hotel, followed by free time to explore the charming town of Siem Reap. You can visit the Old Market or take a trip to the Angkor Silk Farm. It's also a great opportunity to experience a traditional Khmer massage if you have the time.

Check-out from your hotel is at 12:00 noon. Your guide and driver will then be ready to transfer you to the airport for your short flight to Sihanoukville. Upon arrival at Sihanoukville airport, your driver will pick you up and transfer you to your hotel for check-in.

Overnight at your hotel

Day 09 to Day 11: Sihanoukville – Free day (B)

After enjoying a nice breakfast at your hotel, you'll have the freedom to relax by swimming or plan your day's activities on your own.

Overnight at your hotel

Day 12: Sihanoukville – Phnom Penh for departure (B)

Before heading back to Sihanoukville, start your day with breakfast at the hotel. Afterward, you'll transfer to Phnom Penh International Airport for your departure flight. Please note that the overland journey will take approximately 3.5 hours.

See you again on the next trips with Indochina Tours!

Inclusions

• Experienced English speaking guide
• Private transportation by air-conditioned vehicle
• Accommodation in double/twin sharing rooms with daily breakfast
• Other meals as mentioned in the itinerary
• Boat excursion
• Bottled drinking water for sightseeing
• All sightseeing entrance fee where required in the itinerary

Exclusions

• International/domestic airfares & tax
• Visa fees
• Travel Insurance. (We highly recommend purchasing travel insurance from home)
• Personal expenditure (telephone, laundry, shopping and so on…)
• Tips for guide, driver, porters and project cost
• Beverage and alcoholic drinks
• Any other services not clearly mentioned on itinerary and trip inclusive portion