Cambodia Highlights 12 Days / 11 Nights

In the morning, explore Angkor Thom, the fortified city built by King Jayavarman VII after he repelled the invading Chams in the 12th century. Begin with the Bayon Temple, a stunning example of the king’s artistic vision and ego, featuring 216 stone faces that may resemble his own. Then, walk to Baphuon, a magnificent temple-mountain from the 11th century that was restored after decades of work. Next, visit the Terrace of the Leper King, named after a statue of Yama, the god of death, and admire the intricate bas-reliefs along the Terrace of the Elephants, where the king once watched ceremonies and games. Continue to Ta Prohm, a temple that has been left to the mercy of nature, creating a surreal sight of stone and wood intertwined. Finally, marvel at Angkor Wat, the world’s largest religious monument and a masterpiece of Khmer architecture. This temple, dedicated to Vishnu, is a symbol of Cambodia’s national identity and spiritual heritage.

Overnight in Siem Reap

In the morning, depart for Neak Poan, a small temple on an island in the middle of the dry Jayatataka reservoir, which was once 3,500 meters long and 900 meters wide. The temple, dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva, is named after the entwined snakes that adorn its base. Drive 35 km from Angkor to visit the exquisite Banteay Srei, the smallest but most ornate temple in the area. Built in the 10th century, it is considered the birthplace of Khmer classical style architecture and art. The pink sandstone temple features stunning sculptures, lintels, pediments and friezes, which are said to be too delicate for the hands of a man. On the way back, stop at Pradark Village, where you can see the villagers making palm sugar and handicrafts for tourists. It is a good opportunity to observe the rural life and challenges of the local people. Don’t miss Banteay Samre, another temple with rose-colored sandstone walls and impressive carvings and bas-reliefs which are among the most accomplished Angkor has to offer. 

Next, take a boat trip on Tonlé Sap, the largest natural lake in Southeast Asia and a vital part of the Mekong River system. As you cruise along, observe the life of the fishermen and their families who live in floating houses, schools, and shops on the lake. These floating communities adapt to the changing water levels and seasons by relocating their homes and businesses.

Overnight in Siem Reap

After breakfast, head to Battambang, Cambodia’s second largest city and a former colonial outpost. The city has a scenic countryside and some impressive French colonial buildings. It is also known as the rice bowl of Cambodia, as it has a flourishing agriculture industry with large orange and jute farms. Drive to the Bamboo Railway Station and hop on a bamboo train, a simple vehicle made of a wooden platform on four wheels powered by a small motor. The villagers use it to transport goods and people along the 8 km track through the beautiful landscape and rice fields. 

Next, go to Phnom Sampeu Mountain, a limestone hill with a temple and caves. As the sun sets, you will witness thousands of bats flying out of the caves in a huge, dark swarm. Don’t forget to capture this amazing sight with your camera!

Overnight in Battamang

Leave Battambang and drive to Phnom Penh (about 5 hours without stops). On the way, visit Kampong Chhnang, a province famous for its pottery. See how the villagers make pots and rice wine in a traditional way. Then, continue to Oudong, the former royal capital of Cambodia. Admire the rural scenery and the temple mountain with many stupas. Enjoy a Khmer lunch at a picnic hut near the hill. 

Next, stop at the Vipassana Dhura Buddhist Meditation Centre, where you can learn about and practice Vipassana (Insight Meditation) with a teacher. 

Finally, arrive in Phnom Penh in the late afternoon and check in to your hotel. Phnom Penh is the capital and largest city of Cambodia, with a colonial charm and a history of glory and tragedy. It is situated at the confluence of the Mekong and Tonlé Sap rivers.

Overnight in Phnom Penh

In the morning, meet your guide and hop on a cyclo, a traditional three-wheeled vehicle, and explore the vibrant city of Phnom Penh. 

First, visit Wat Phnom, a Buddhist temple built in 1373 in the center of the city. It stands 27 meters above the ground and is the tallest religious structure in Phnom Penh. Next, admire the Royal Palace compound, a complex of colorful Khmer-style palaces built in 1866 by King Norodom’s predecessors. Inside the compound, you can see the Silver Pagoda, also known as the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, which displays many Buddha statues made of precious materials such as diamond, emerald, gold and silver. Then, proceed to the National Museum, a distinctive red building with a beautiful Khmer architecture. It was built in 1917 and houses more than 5000 art objects made of various materials, such as sandstone, bronze, silver, copper and wood. After that, head to the Independence Monument, a lotus-shaped stupa that commemorates Cambodia’s independence from France in 1953. Continue to the newly opened SOSORO Museum, a documentary center of the national currency that depicts the economy and monetary system of Cambodia through different stages of history over the last 2000 years. Later, stop at the Central Market, a large market located in the heart of Phnom Penh. Its Khmer name is Phsar Thmei, which means “the new market”. It was built in 1937 during the French colonial period in Art Deco style and is painted bright ochre. 

At the end of the day, enjoy a cruise for sunset view on the Mekong and Tonle Sap River (1 hour). Phnom Penh is situated at the “Four Arms”, where the Mekong River meets the Tonle Sap River before splitting into two branches. This is an ideal location to discover the mighty Mekong, the longest river in Southeast Asia.

Overnight in Phnom Penh

At 8:30–9 am, a private air-conditioned vehicle (no guide) will pick you up from your hotel in Phnom Penh and take you to Trapeang Rung (approx. 4 hours), a village in the Cardamom Mountains. You can have a coffee break and a light meal on the way (at your own expense). At Trapeang Rung, you can relax at the lodge’s lounge before boarding a boat for an hour’s journey on the Preak Tachan River, a scenic waterway that flows through the Botum Sakor National Park. Arrive at the Cardamom Tented Camp, an eco-friendly initiative that supports the conservation efforts of Wildlife Alliance, an NGO that protects the rainforest and wildlife in the area. Check in to your cozy safari-style tent and enjoy the natural surroundings. 

In the afternoon, join an exploratory hike in the jungle near the camp and marvel at the diverse fauna. Learn about the work of Wildlife Alliance and how they combat illegal logging, poaching and habitat destruction. 

Overnight in Tent

After an early breakfast, join the Wildlife Alliance Rangers and an English-speaking guide for a patrol over the old poaching and logging trails in the thick forest. Look out for wildlife along the way. The half-day hike will visit the Ranger Station, where you can see the seized snares, traps and homemade guns. Kayak or hike back to the camp.

Overnight in Tent

Enjoy your breakfast at your own pace. If you like to wake up early, you can explore the hiking trails near the camp by yourself. Around 10am, get on the boat to return to Trapeang Rung.

On arrival, meet your driver (no guide) and continue to Sihanoukville, a coastal city and a popular beach destination for Cambodians. Upon arrival, board a fast boat to Koh Rong, also known as the Paradise Island, a beautiful island with white sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters.

Overnight in Koh Rong

Enjoy days of sun and swimming in the warm coastal waters. This is your dream vacation come true. 

Overnight in Koh Rong

Say goodbye to the paradisiac island and take express boat back to Sihanoukville. Upon arrival at the port, meet your driver (no guide) and drive back to Phnom Penh. 

On arrival in Phnom Penh, transfer to airport for your departure to your next destination. 

It’s time to say goodbye: we sincerely thank you for traveling with us and hope you had a wonderful time! We warmly invite you to come again!

Note: To have enough time, please book your outbound flight from Phnom Penh with the departure time not earlier than 4pm.