Best of Cambodia 12 days

Morning: Explore Angkor's Main Sites by local remok (tuk tuk):

• Begin at Angkor Thom, featuring the iconic South Gate adorned with carved elephants and faces.
• Angkor Wat temples, dedicated to Vishnu, the supreme god of Hinduism, are considered the masterpieces of Khmer art and architecture.
• Visit the mesmerizing Bayon Temple, known for its 39 enigmatic towers.
• Wander the former Royal Palace grounds to uncover hidden temples.

Afternoon: Discover the countryside and local life:

• Explore a nearby market, learning basic Khmer greetings.
• Journey through picturesque villages and rice fields.
• Visit an evening street market and fairground for a taste of local life.

Overnight in Siem Reap.

Morning dedicated to discovering small and large temples:

Explore Banteay Srei temple (Citadel of Women), the highly sacred temples of Takeo, Banteay Kdei, and the impressive temple of Ta Prohm—an abandoned Buddhist monastery overgrown with trees and its gigantic snake-like roots (Ta Prohm, famous from the 'Tomb Raider' movie, with jungle-covered ruins).

Enjoy a free afternoon for relaxation in Siem Reap or indulge in the Siem Reap night market.

Morning:

• Immerse yourself in local Cambodian village life in TaBrak Village, a short drive from your hotel.
• Share a traditional breakfast with a local family and gain insights into village customs.
• Stroll 1 km through the picturesque countryside village, connecting with the local community and observing their seasonal activities.
• Visit a local pagoda for a water blessing by Buddhist monks.
• Explore the ancient 9th Century Bakong Temple and embark on an engaging boat trip on the Tonlé Sap Lake, the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia.
• Discover the authentic stilted village of Kampong Phluck and enjoy a local boat ride, with opportunities to witness the unique lifestyle of those living among the flooded mangrove forest.

Afternoon:

Optional excursion: Attend a captivating 'Phare, the Cambodian Circus' performance at 20:00, blending traditional and modern arts to depict Cambodian life and society.

Overnight in Siem Reap.

Morning:

• Travel to Battambang, Cambodia's second-largest city and its primary rice-producing region.
• Upon arrival, check in at the hotel, and enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.

Afternoon:

• Explore the 11th-century Ek Phnom temple and the colonial-style houses lining the Sangke River. On your way back, visit traditional Cambodian houses and a rice flaky cake artisan factory.
• Experience a ride on the Bamboo Train, offering both fun and a chance to witness the breathtaking countryside sunset.
• Dine at a local restaurant and spend the night at your Battambang hotel.

Morning: Embark on a half-day cycling tour exploring local livelihoods:

• Start with a tuk-tuk ride to the Battambang bike office.
• Connect with the community while cycling through traditional cottage industries.
• Interact with rural families and observe their daily activities, including making banana chips, producing rice paper, distilling rice wine, and tasting tropical fruits.
• Return to the bike office by noon and transfer back to the hotel for lunch.

Afternoon:

• Explore the Phnom Sampov (Bat Cave), located about 15 km west of Battambang.
• Enjoy a scenic ride through the Cambodian countryside.
• Visit three unique caves, each with its own story, and witness the breathtaking panoramic view from the summit.
• Experience the mesmerizing sight of a bat colony leaving the caves.
• Return to the hotel and spend the night in Battambang.

Morning:

• Depart from Battambang for Phnom Penh. En route, visit Kampong Chhnang, renowned for its traditional pottery and local kilns.
• In a nearby village, witness the art of pottery-making and the crafting of traditional rice wine.
• Proceed to Oudong, Cambodia's former royal capital. Enjoy the scenic drive through rural villages and pagodas, with views of the temple mountain's numerous stupas.
• Arrive at Oudong and relish a traditional Khmer lunch.

Afternoon:

• Climb Oudong Mountain for stunning panoramic views. Learn about the area's history, religious culture, and its buildings from the guide.
• Continue your journey to Phnom Penh, reaching your hotel in the Cambodian capital after about an hour.

Overnight in Phnom Penh.

Day dedicated to exploring Phnom Penh, the Cambodian capital:

• Begin at Wat Phnom, the Buddhist temple that gave birth to Phnom Penh in the 14th century.
• Visit the Royal Palace, which has served as the residence and workplace of the Norodom kings since 1870. Also, explore the Silver Pagoda, one of the country's most unique pagodas, known for its floor entirely paved with silver slabs, a gift from the French king, Napoleon III.
• Explore the Apsara Association, an art school that trains deprived children.
• Visit the Toul Sleng Genocide Museum, formerly a school converted into a prison where thousands of Cambodian women were detained and tortured during the Khmer Rouge regime.
• Return to the hotel after dark.

Overnight in Phnom Penh.

You'll have a private transfer with a driver (no guide) to Sihanouk Ville, which typically takes around 4-5 hours. Upon reaching Sihanoukville, you'll be transferred directly to the boat pier, where you'll board a boat for approximately 1 hour to reach Koh Rong.

Once you arrive at Koh Rong, the resort staff will warmly welcome you and accompany you to your accommodation. Enjoy an overnight stay at your Koh Rong retreat.

During your free time, you can relax at your leisure or partake in various beach activities. It's an opportunity to create countless cherished moments with your loved ones.

Koh Rong is often referred to as the 'paradise island,' renowned for its natural beauty, featuring pristine white sand beaches, crystal-clear warm waters, and a delightful tropical climate.

Koh Rong is an exceptional place to explore the underwater world. Through snorkeling or scuba diving, you can observe a diverse range of marine life, from miniature ecosystems to corals, seahorses, and sea cucumbers,...

Departing from Koh Rong, you'll return to the vibrant city of Phnom Penh to conclude your adventure in Cambodia. From there, you'll begin your journey back to your home country, carrying with you the memories of an incredible travel experience.