Temples, Rivers & Beaches 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

After breakfast, 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. Visit a local pagoda and participate in the Srouch Teok ceremony, a traditional water blessing ritual. You will need to wear clothes that can get wet, as a monk will sprinkle water on you while reciting prayers in Pali, the ancient language of Buddhism. This ceremony is believed to cleanse you of negative karma and bring you good fortune.

Overnight in Siem Reap

In the morning, after meeting your guide, head to Preah Vihear and visit the Koh Ker group, a collection of temples in the forest, about 150 km from Siem Reap. These temples were constructed during a period of political rivalry between two Khmer kings, Jayavarman IV and Harshavarman II, who were uncle and nephew. Koh Ker served as the capital of the Khmer Empire from 928 to 944 AD.

Overnight at Preah Vihear

In the morning, drive to the top of the Dangrek Mountains, where you will find Preah Vihear, a majestic temple dedicated to Shiva. Built in the early 10th century, this Hindu temple was expanded by three successive kings, and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Although it remains a Hindu sanctuary, Buddhist monks also come here to worship and meditate. The temple complex has three levels and two courtyards, connected by staircases and walkways. After exploring this ancient wonder, continue to the greater Mekong region, a vast area that covers six countries and is home to diverse ecosystems and cultures. Along the way, you will see stunning landscapes and wildlife, and have many chances to capture them with your camera.

Overnight in Stung Treng

After breakfast, take a boat ride along the Mekong River and discover the remote flooded forests that span from the Laos border to Stung Treng. This area is home to many endangered species of mammals, birds and fish, as well as a unique ecosystem of aquatic plants and trees. Enjoy the tranquility and the sounds of nature as you glide along the water for two hours, until you reach the only village on this stretch of the river. From Stung Treng, head to Kratie, a quaint town on the Mekong. Stop at Kampi, one of the deep pools where the rare Irrawaddy dolphins congregate. Hop on a local boat and get close to these gentle creatures, who are among the few freshwater dolphins in the world. You are sure to see them, as they are curious and friendly. After an hour or more of dolphin watching, continue to Kratie, a sleepy port town with colonial charm. You can visit the hilltop temple of Phnom Sombok, which offers stunning views of the Mekong and the sunset

Overnight in Kratie

In the morning, explore the central market of Kratie, where you can see the local trades and some of the old colonial buildings that remain from the French era. Then, visit Wat Rokakandal, a 19th-century temple with a unique wooden carving that is about 300 years old. Next, learn about the local productions, such as mushroom farming, rice wine making, and brick making. 

In the afternoon, head to Phnom Penh, stopping at Kampong Cham on the way. Visit Wat Nokor, also known as Nokor Bachey Pagoda, an 11th-century Mahayana Buddhist shrine made of sandstone and laterite. Admire the large reclining Buddha and the numerous alcoves with Buddha statues. Continue to Phnom Pros and Phnom Srei, two hills with a legend of a competition between men and women to build stupas on their summits. If you are feeling adventurous, you can also stop at Skuon, nicknamed ‘Spiderville’, where you can try the local specialty of deep-fried tarantulas.

Overnight in Phnom Penh

After breakfast, visit the Royal Palace compound, built in 1866 by the predecessors of King Norodom. It is the most conspicuous feature and one of the most impressive colorful Khmer-style palaces. Near the Royal Palace is the Silver Pagoda (The Emerald Buddha Temple), which displays plenty of Buddha statues that were decorated and made with diamond, emerald, gold and silver. Continue to the National Museum, the distinctive red building with a beautiful Khmer architecture that was built in 1917 and contains more than 5,000 art objects made of sandstone, bronze, silver, copper, wood and others. Proceed to visit the Independence Monument, which was constructed in 1954 after Cambodia regained its independence from the French colony. Then, visit Wat Phnom, a Buddhist temple located in the center of Phnom Penh city. It was built in 1373 and stands 27 meters above the ground. It is the tallest religious structure in the city.

Later, learn about the dark side of Cambodia – its more recent turbulent and harrowing history. Start with a visit to the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (also known as S-21), a former school that was turned into an infamous Khmer Rouge prison and torture center, located in a quiet Phnom Penh suburb. Once you have gained an initial insight into the brutality of the Khmer Rouge regime, drive 15 km from Phnom Penh to visit the ‘Killing Fields’. This is where Tuol Sleng prisoners were forcibly marched and then executed; it is now a memorial site located in a beautiful tranquil setting.

Overnight in Phnom Penh

In the morning, meet your driver (no guide) and head 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.