Cambodia Discovery 14 days

We hop on a Tuk Tuk and ride to Angkor Thom, which was the masterpiece of King Jayavarman VII. Following the occupation of Angkor by the Chams from 1177 to 1181, the new king decided to build an impregnable fortress at the heart of his empire. We begin to visit Bayon Temple. At the exact center of Angkor Thom, this is an eccentric expression of the creative genius and inflated ego of Cambodia’s most celebrated king. From there, we walk to Baphuon, one of the most beautiful temples at Angkor, dating from the reign of Udit Jayavarman 1 in the 11th century. We continue to visit the Terrace of the Leper King along with the Terrace of Elephants, which was originally used as a viewing gallery for the king to preside over parades, performances, and traditional sports. We continue to Ta Prohm’s “Tomb Raider” fame. Ta Prohm has been abandoned to the elements, a reminder that while empires rise and fall, the riotous power of nature marches on, oblivious to the dramas of human history. We journey out to the mother of all temples, Angkor Wat. Believed to be the world’s largest religious building, this temple is the perfect fusion of symbolism and symmetry and a source of pride and strength for all Khmers.
Overnight in Siem Reap.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch.

Following breakfast, continue your journey to a local village, where a warm welcome awaits from your village guide. As you embark on an oxcart ride, your guide will provide insights into the community's geography. Along the way, you'll have the chance to observe an organic vegetable farm, witness local activities, marvel at typical stilt houses, and immerse yourself in an authentic Cambodian way of life. This experience will also provide you with a deeper understanding of Khmer culture, customs, and traditions. The oxcart tour concludes at a nearby local pagoda, where you'll change into suitable attire for the "SrouchTeok" ceremony, which translates to "Water blessing." During this ceremony, a monk will chant in ancient Pali while gently splashing water over you, symbolically cleansing away sins and bad luck, allowing you to start anew and enhance your fortune by embracing goodness.

Afterward, depart for Tonlé Sap, where you'll embark on a boat ride across the Tonle Sap Lake. As the largest permanent freshwater lake in Southeast Asia, it feeds into the Tonle Sap River, which eventually joins the Mekong River in Phnom Penh. Along the way, you'll encounter a unique "floating village" inhabited by fishermen, complete with floating schools and even a floating police station. This village appears as a bustling community afloat on the lake, relocating as needed in response to water levels and currents.

At 5 pm, we venture beyond the temple grounds to explore the authentic countryside on a quad bike for one hour, a delightful and adventurous way to appreciate the sights, sounds, and aromas of rural life. You'll have the opportunity to observe villages, rice fields, and wetlands while enjoying the mesmerizing sunset scenery.
Overnight in Siem Reap.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch.

We'll escape the urban heat by embarking on a 48-kilometer journey northward from Siem Reap to explore the revered Kulen Mountains, locally known as Phnom Kulen or the "Mountain of the Lychees." This mountain range was a primary source of construction materials for the Angkor Kingdom. Our first stop will be at the sacred site known as The River of a Thousand Lingas, where hundreds of lingas are intricately carved into the sandstone riverbed, dating back to the 9th century. As we continue downstream, we'll encounter submerged stone blocks adorned with exquisite Apsara dancers and Vishnu figures.

Our next destination will be the mountaintop pagoda, a serene abode housing relics, statues, and a grand reclining Buddha. The final mountain stop will be at Kulen Waterfall, featuring a natural pool perfect for cooling off on a scorching day, making it an ideal spot for a leisurely picnic. Following our mountain adventure, we'll return to Siem Reap in the afternoon.

In the evening, prepare for a truly special experience as we visit Phare Ponleu Selpak. Phare serves as both a social center and an arts school, with its origins in Battambang. This remarkable organization provides Cambodian youth with a path out of poverty through the arts, and one of their standout projects is the Circus.
Overnight in Siem Reap.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch.

Cambodian countryside, heading towards the captivating colonial city of Battambang, the country's second-largest city. Despite its historical association with the Khmer Rouge, Battambang retains its natural beauty and boasts striking examples of French Colonial architecture. Once known as the rice bowl of Cambodia, Battambang remains a vibrant hub of agriculture, with vast orange and jute plantations dotting the landscape. Upon arrival, we'll check in to our hotel and savor the afternoon at our own pace, whether it's unwinding by the hotel's inviting pool or taking a leisurely stroll through the charming town center.

As the late afternoon approaches, we'll set out for an exciting excursion to Phnom Sampeu Mountain, where we'll have the unique opportunity to witness the spectacular bat exodus. As darkness envelops the landscape, thousands of nocturnal bats will emerge from the surrounding caves, creating a mesmerizing spectacle as they form massive, dark clouds against the night sky. Don't forget your camera to capture this awe-inspiring and unforgettable sight!
Overnight in Battambang.

Meals: Breakfast.

Our journey begins with a visit to the bustling Psar Nath main market, where we'll have the chance to savor local coffee. From there, a short stroll leads us to the river's edge, where a quick and delightful boat ride across the Sangke River awaits, transporting us to the opposite shore. Here, we'll explore the serene Wat Povil temple and even join in with the monks for a moment of prayer. If timing permits, we can accompany the monks as they embark on their morning alms collection, journeying back across the river by boat.

Our exploration continues along the historic 2.5 Street, where we'll pause to visit a Thai temple and a smaller local market, offering an opportunity to enjoy coffee or refreshing sugar cane juice. We'll then proceed a short distance to Wat Kor Village, renowned for its well-preserved Khmer heritage houses, many of which were constructed over a century ago. Our visit includes one of the finest preserved homes. As we cycle alongside the river, we'll cross a suspension bridge exclusively accessible to motorbikes and bicycles. En route back to town, we'll make another brief stop for refreshments, with our return to town expected around 12:45 p.m.

Our next destination is the Bamboo Railway Station, where the Bamboo Train awaits. This innovative mode of transportation, crafted by local villagers, serves as a means to ferry both goods and passengers. The train itself is simple, consisting of a platform mounted on four wheels, propelled by a modest motor. As we sit on the platform, we'll traverse 8 kilometers through breathtaking landscapes and scenic rice paddies.

Our journey continues towards the remarkably preserved 11th-century mountaintop Angkorian temple, Phnom Banan. After ascending over 350 steps, we'll be rewarded with a tranquil setting and panoramic vistas of the surrounding countryside. The landscape unfolds with charming villages nestled amidst endless rice paddies, adorned with the iconic sugar palm trees, creating an idyllic backdrop for a remarkable sunset experience.
Overnight in Battambang.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch.

Departing from Battambang, we'll commence our overland journey to Phnom Penh, a drive lasting approximately 5 hours, excluding any planned stops.

We'll start our journey early, making our first stop in Kampong Chhnang, renowned for its traditional pottery. Here, numerous kilns are actively crafting pottery, offering a fascinating glimpse into this provincial art form. We'll visit a nearby village to witness the various facets of pottery production and even partake in the creation of traditional rice wine.

Continuing our voyage, we'll arrive at Oudong, the erstwhile royal capital of Cambodia. Along the way, our route meanders through rustic villages and pagodas, with the temple mountain and its numerous stupas gradually coming into view.

Before our final destination in Phnom Penh, we'll pause at the remarkable Vipassana Dhura Buddhist Meditation Center. Your guide will provide insights into the Vipassana (Insight Meditation) school as we explore the center. Additionally, you'll have the opportunity to participate in a meditation session led by one of the instructors.

As the day progresses, we'll reach Phnom Penh in the late afternoon, where we'll check in to our hotel. Despite its tumultuous history and recent urbanization, Phnom Penh still exudes a colonial charm. Nestled at the confluence of the mighty Mekong and Tonlé Sap rivers, Cambodia's capital is a vibrant metropolis. The evening is yours to explore and enjoy at your leisure.
Overnight in Phnom Penh.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch.

Following breakfast, we'll convene with our guide and embark on an exciting journey through Phnom Penh, using the Cyclo—an original and enjoyable mode of transport unique to the city. Our adventure begins with a visit to Wat Phnom, a historic Buddhist temple nestled in the heart of Phnom Penh. Dating back to 1373, this temple stands proudly at a height of 27 meters above the ground.

Next on our itinerary is the Royal Palace compound, a splendid architectural marvel constructed in 1866 by King Norodom's predecessors. This opulent complex, adorned in colorful Khmer-style design, is a striking symbol of Cambodia's heritage. Adjacent to the Royal Palace, we'll explore the Silver Pagoda, also known as the Emerald Buddha temple. Inside, a dazzling array of Buddha statues bedecked with diamonds, emeralds, gold, and silver awaits our admiration.

Our cultural journey continues with a visit to the National Museum, a distinctively red-hued building showcasing beautiful Khmer architecture. Erected in 1917, it houses an extensive collection of over 5,000 art objects crafted from materials such as sandstone, bronze, silver, copper, wood, and more.

We'll then proceed to the Independence Monument, a symbol erected in 1954 commemorating Cambodia's reclamation of independence from French colonial rule. Our exploration takes a somber turn as we delve into Cambodia's more recent and tumultuous history. We'll first visit the Toul Sleng Genocide Museum (S21), a former school turned infamous Khmer Rouge prison and torture center.

Our journey through Phnom Penh continues as we make a stop at the Central Market, known locally as Phsar Thmei, situated in the heart of the city. This architectural gem, constructed in the Art Deco style during the French colonial era in 1937, boasts a vibrant ochre façade.

In the late afternoon, we'll enjoy a scenic cruise lasting one hour, allowing us to witness the mesmerizing sunset over the confluence of the Mekong and Tonle Sap Rivers, known as the "Four Arms." Phnom Penh's strategic location provides the perfect vantage point to experience the grandeur of the mighty Mekong.
Overnight in Phnom Penh.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch.

This morning, we bid farewell to Phnom Penh and set our course southward. Our first stop takes us to Tonle Bati, where we'll have the opportunity to explore the charming yet compact Angkorian temple of Ta Prohm. Along the banks of the nearby river, a row of bamboo shacks with inviting hammocks provides the perfect spot for a leisurely refreshment.

Continuing our journey, we'll embark on a scenic drive to the serene town of Takeo before venturing further to Angkor Borei, situated just a stone's throw away from the Vietnam border. Here, a small museum houses several reproductions of sculptures from the nearby ruins, along with a handful of artifacts dating as far back as the 4th century. After this enlightening visit, we'll explore the pre-Angkorian style temple of Phnom Da, followed by the nearby temple of Asram Maharosei. The steep path that winds over significant rocks distinguishes Asram Maharosei from other temples in Cambodia.

Our southern odyssey continues as we journey towards Kep and Kampot, tracing a picturesque route. The southern coast of Cambodia, bordering Vietnam, once served as an alluring seaside retreat for the French elite in the early 1900s. Reminiscent of the towns along the French Riviera on the Mediterranean coast, Kep, Sihanoukville, and Kampot boast tree-lined boulevards hugging the ocean, grand statues, opulent villas, casinos, and even a palace, all overlooking the Gulf of Thailand.
Overnight in Kampot.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch.

Following a hearty breakfast, our day kicks off with a visit to the renowned Crab Market, where we'll have the pleasure of savoring the delectable fresh crabs that Kep is celebrated for. This culinary adventure is a must for any visitor. Our journey continues with a visit to a Pepper farm and a Salt farm, where we'll gain insights into the local production of these essential ingredients.

Next, we'll explore the natural beauty of Kep National Park, an exquisite setting for our adventure. We'll embark on the Sunset Rock hike, a rewarding trail that culminates with breathtaking views of the sun setting over the Gulf of Thailand. Make sure to don comfortable walking shoes, carry a map, and bring along a flashlight for this memorable excursion.

Alternatively, for a more leisurely experience, take a short stroll or cycle through the charming town of Kep. Along the way, you'll pass by charming but weathered colonial villas, an eclectic assortment of statues (including a giant crab), and the delightful little beach, each contributing to the town's unique ambiance.
Overnight in Kampot.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch.

Continuing our journey, we venture along the scenic southern coast towards Sihanoukville, a beloved retreat destination for Cambodians seeking relaxation. Upon arrival in Sihanoukville, we'll board a fast boat bound for the idyllic Koh Rong, often referred to as "Paradise Island."
Overnight at Koh Rong.

Meals: Breakfast.

Indulge in two full days of basking in the sun or taking refreshing dips in the inviting coastal waters. It's the perfect moment when the dream of embarking on a vacation to an exotic paradise transforms into a splendid reality.
Overnight in Koh Rong.

Meals: Breakfast.

You are free to explore Koh Rong.
Overnight in Koh Rong.

Meals: Breakfast.

We bid farewell to the island and board an express boat for our return journey to Sihanouk Ville. Upon arrival at Sihanouk Ville port, you will be met by your driver (without a guide) for the drive back to Phnom Penh. Once in Phnom Penh, you will be transferred to the airport for your onward departure. It's time to say goodbye. We extend our heartfelt gratitude for choosing to travel with us and eagerly await your return.

*** Note: To ensure you have sufficient time, kindly book your departure flight from Phnom Penh no earlier than 4 pm.

Meals: Breakfast.

The price of this trip varies depending on the number of participants, departure dates, and the availability of the services.