Essentials of Cambodia in 12 Days

Upon your arrival in Phnom Penh, our driver will pick you up and transfer you to the hotel.

Check in to the hotel and relax.

Known as the “Pearl of Asia,” Phnom Penh is a captivating city featuring classical architecture, beautiful French colonial designs, the stunning Royal Palace, grand boulevards, and a vibrant cafe scene. The city has a wealth of attractions that enchant visitors from all over the world.

To start your Cambodia in 12 days tour, you will attend a lively Cambodian Living Arts performance at the famous Cambodian National Museum at 07:00 pm. This captivating show offers a profound insight into Cambodian culture and lifestyle.

Cambodian Living Arts performance

Return to the hotel. Overnight in Phnom Penh.

Included: Accommodation and transportation.

After breakfast at the hotel, you will travel 15 kilometers outside of Phnom Penh to the Beoung Cheoung Ek Memorial Museum, also known as the Killing Fields.

After that, visit the Tuol Sleng Museum, where you will watch a film about the Khmer Rouge regime and the genocide under Pol Pot.

Tuol Sleng Museum

Have lunch at a local restaurant.

And, continue your exploration to the National Museum, the Royal Palace, and the Silver Pagoda. Marvel at some of the world’s most spectacular buildings, such as the Throne Hall, the Royal Treasury Hall, and the Napoleon III villa in the Royal Palace. The Silver Pagoda, also known as the Pagoda of the Emerald Buddha, features steps made from Italian marble and over 500 solid silver blocks weighing about 6 tons in the throne room.

Enhance your today’s experience with a colorful Cyclo excursion along the Mekong Riverfront, passing Wat Phnom, and immersing yourself in the sights and sounds of Phnom Penh.

Return to the hotel. Free for dinner and overnight in Phnom Penh.

Included: Accommodation, transportation, English-speaking guide, Meals: breakfast, lunch.

On the 3rd out of your 12 days in Cambodia, you’ll have an exciting experience in Battambang, often referred to as the ‘City of the Rice Bowl.’ After breakfast at your hotel, you’ll head to the charming town of Battambang, situated along the Sangker River and noted for its well-preserved colonial architecture. Battambang offers a luxurious blend of modern amenities and small-town friendliness, fresh fruits, and unique charm.

As you travel, you’ll enjoy breathtaking views of vast rice fields and tranquil villages in the farming countryside. You’ll explore Udong (Phnom Udong), an abandoned city that served as the capital from 1618 to 1866, where successive kings ruled until the Thai invasion. You’ll also visit a pottery factory in Kompong Chhnang.

A pottery village in Kompong Chhnang

Then, check in to the hotel in Battambang and it is your time to discover the town on foot. Don’t miss the chance to enjoy a bamboo train ride through the countryside.

Overnight in Battambang.

Included: Accommodation, transportation, English-speaking guide, Meals: breakfast, lunch.

After breakfast at your hotel, you’ll transfer to the renowned Phnom Banan temple, a historic site dedicated to the god Shiva, similar to Phnom Bakheng, Phnom Bok, and Phnom Krom temples in Siem Reap.

Phnom Banan Temple

After a drive of about 2.5 hours from Battambang, you will embark on a delightful journey to explore Siem Reap. En route, stop at the Preah Netr Preah District to visit local families who craft stone and wood carvings.

Siem Reap, meaning the “Defeat of Siam,” offers a glimpse into ancient history, being adjacent to the Angkor Archaeological Park to the north and Tonle Sap Lake to the south. The city’s charm lies in its well-known sites like the Old Market (Phsa Chas), a vibrant café and food scene, and a variety of shops that captivate visitors.

Then, check in to the hotel in Siem Reap and have free time to relax or explore the town at your leisure.

Free for dinner and overnight in Siem Reap.

Included: Accommodation, transportation, English-speaking guide, Meals: breakfast, lunch.

This day, you will experience the vibrant colors of an early sunrise over Angkor’s iconic five towers, a moment that promises to be truly fulfilling.

Following this, you will visit the well-preserved Khmer Empire’s Angkor Thom, famous for its impressive layout and scale. Your exploration will include the South Gate, Bayon, Baphuon, the Terrace of the Elephants, and the Terrace of the Leper King, culminating with a visit to the enigmatic Ta Prohm Temple.

Ta Prohm

In the afternoon, you will venture into the beautiful Cambodian countryside to visit the Banteay Srei and Banteay Kdei temples.

Banteay Srei, also known as the ‘Women’s Temple,’ is believed to have been associated with the training of female soldiers. Constructed from pink sandstone and adorned with intricate stone carvings, it is a fascinating site to explore.

On your way back, you’ll stop at the Cambodia Landmine Museum, which houses thousands of disarmed landmines. This museum tells the remarkable story of Mr. Aki Ra, a Khmer man who single-handedly disarmed most of these landmines.

Return to the hotel, free for dinner.

Included: Accommodation, transportation, English-speaking guide, Meals: breakfast, lunch.

After a delightful breakfast at your hotel, you will head south to see the impressive annual flood of Tonle Sap Lake. Embark on a boat excursion to visit the stilted village of Kompong Phhluk. Canoeing through this unique ecosystem, you’ll hear the calls of birds and macaque monkeys and observe the forest submerged beneath the lake’s surface. You’ll also visit a Buddhist temple on an island, adorned with beautiful paintings on its ceiling.

Tonle Sap Lake

If time permits, you’ll visit Artisan D’Angkor before having lunch at a local restaurant.

In the afternoon, you will explore the awe-inspiring temples of Angkor Wat, a UNESCO World Heritage Site surrounded by a man-made moat. Climb the hilltop temples of Phnom Bakheng or Pre Rup to enjoy a truly memorable sunset with panoramic views.

For the evening, you’ll be enchanted by the Phare Cambodia Circus, where a troupe of young Cambodians presents a captivating blend of traditional and modern theater, music, dance, acrobatics, juggling, and contortion. This beautifully choreographed performance tells stories about Cambodian life and society. Before heading to the circus, you’ll enjoy a delicious dinner.

Return to the hotel. Overnight in Siem Reap.

Included: Accommodation, transportation, English-speaking guide, Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner.

Have a free day to discover Siem Reap at your leisure.

You can relax at the hotel to revitalize your energy or go shopping at the local market.

Included: Accommodation and breakfast at the hotel.

Have breakfast at the hotel and make use of your last morning in this city to discover the little Siem Reap town with Old Market or Angkor Silk Farm trips.

Check out of the hotel at noon and transfer to the airport for a flight to Sihanoukville.

Upon arrival, check in to the hotel in Sihanoukville and relax. Free for dinner.

Included: Accommodation, transportation, Siem Reap – Sihanoukville air ticket, Meals: breakfast.

After breakfast at the hotel, you will have the entire day to explore Sihanoukville at your own pace.

You can start by visiting one of the pristine beaches like Otres Beach or Sokha Beach to relax on the soft white sand, swim in the clear turquoise waters, or participate in various water sports.

Sihanoukville

Included: Accommodation and breakfast at the hotel.

Today, consider taking a day trip to one of the nearby islands, such as Koh Rong or Koh Rong Samloem. These islands are renowned for their crystal-clear waters, vibrant marine life, and tranquil beaches. Spend the day snorkeling, diving, or simply lounging on the beach. These islands also offer opportunities for kayaking and paddleboarding.

Koh Rong Samloem

Included: Accommodation, transportation, English-speaking guide, Meals: breakfast, lunch.

On your final free day in Sihanoukville, take the opportunity to explore the local culture and attractions. Start your morning with a visit to the bustling Phsar Leu Market, where you can browse through stalls selling fresh produce, local crafts, and souvenirs. Engage with the friendly locals and perhaps pick up some unique gifts to take home.

After the market, head to the Kbal Chhay Waterfall located a short drive from the city. This scenic spot is perfect for a refreshing swim or a relaxing picnic amidst nature.

Kbal Chhay Waterfall

Return to the hotel. Free for dinner.

Included: Accommodation, transportation, English-speaking guide, Meals: breakfast, lunch.

After breakfast at the hotel, our driver will transfer you to Phnom Penh International Airport for your flight back home.

End of Cambodia in 12 days tour.

Included: Airport drop-off and breakfast at the hotel.