Itinerary

 Day 1 : Arrive Phnom Penh

On arrival in Phnom Penh, transfer to your hotel and enjoy free time until your tour briefing. Stay the next two nights at the Sun & Moon Urban Hotel (or similar).

 Day 2 : Phnom Penh

Enjoy a morning cyclo ride through the backstreets of Phnom Penh. Discover Wat Phnom, the Royal Palace and the Silver Pagoda, and the National Museum with its unique collection of Khmer art. Savour lunch nearby before spending some time browsing the stalls of the busy Central Market, selling unique silks, jewellery and handicrafts. In the afternoon, drive to Tuol Sleng Museum and learn of its significance during the Khmer rouge regime. (BL)

 Day 3 :  Phnom Penh to Kampong Thom

In the morning travel overland to the provincial capital Kampong Thom. Along the way stop at the infamous Spider & Insect Market in Skun to see some very special local snacks. Lunch at your hotel in Kampong Thom. In the afternoon excursion to the UNESCO World Heritage Site Sambor Prei Kuk. Also known as Isanapura, it is the former capital of the pre-Angkorian Empire of Chenla. The temples, about 30 km away from the town, present some of the most impressive group monuments in Cambodia, and were built mainly in the 7th century. Enjoy your stay for the coming evening at Glorious Hotel (or similar). (BL)

 Day 4 : Kampong Thom to Siem Reap

In the morning leave towards Siem Reap. On the way visit Naga Bridge in Kampong Kdei. Before arrival in Siem Reap we will visit Kampong Kleang, a stilted & floating village, situated about 55 kilometers outside of Siem reap city. This village is a large settlement at the Tonle Sap, which is the biggest lake in Southeast Asia. Take a boat trip on the mighty Tonle Sap and along the fishermen villages. The floating village is something indeed different to see, and you will get an insight into a quite different way of life. Kampong Khleang is surrounded by flooded forests. The floating houses of the village move along the lake according to the seasons. Lunch will be served at a local homestay or at a local restaurant. Afterward continue to Siem Reap. Stay the next three nights at the Steung Siem Reap Hotel (or similar). (BL)

 Day 5 : Siem Reap

Today we start at pre-dawn to witness the breathtaking sunrise over Angkor Wat. Breakfast is served at a local restaurant near the temple complex. Experience an original monk blessing ceremony in an active pagoda in Angkor. Continue to the Southern Gate of Angkor Thom ‘Great City’. This will include many of the finest Temples of King Jayavarman VII. Marvel at the imposing 23m (75-foot) high stone faces of Avalokiteshvara, featured in the Tomb Raider movie. At the center of this citadel lies the state temple of Bayon, built at the end of the 12th century and adorned with hundreds of gigantic stone faces. The tour also includes the Terrace of Elephants, the Terrace of the Leper King. Later in the day you will discover the most famous temples from the 11th century: Baphuon, Phimeanakas. Continue the day by visiting Ta Prohm, known for the massive trees with thick roots that entangle the walls. Return to Siem Reap.(B)

 Day 6 : Siem Reap

Start your day with a visit to the local market at Damdek before continuing your journey to Beng Mealea temple. Beng Mealea is built from perfectly-squared sandstone blocks, still partly buried under vegetation. Confirming this is the magnificent statue of the Bodhisattva Lokeshvara discovered within the monument, now housed at the Angkor Conservancy. Enjoy some lunch at a local restaurant before continuing to Banteay Srei temple. Stop and visit the Landmine Museum, established in 1997. See defused and safe landmines up close, learn about their workings and how you can contribute to the ongoing efforts of clearing these weapons worldwide. On the return journey, visit a local village to see the local sugar palm production. (BL)

Day 7 : Siem Reap to Battambang

In the morning, overland transfer to Battambang (ca. 3 hours driving time). In Battambang, you will find French Colonial architectures that are well preserved. After arrival take a half-hour ride on the "Bamboo Train", a simple construction with bamboo sticks as a base - a unique experience! Afterwards you will stroll through the town see the charming old colonial buildings. You can also stop at the small art galleries dotted across the old town. Overnight at the Classy Hotel (or similar). (BL)

Day 8 : Battambang to Siem Reap 

In the morning enjoy a village tour by Remork (Tuk Tuk). You will spend your morning exploring the beautiful countryside around Battambang. Visit Cambodian families who produce traditional products made in the same way they have been for generations. You will learn first-hand about the everyday life in rural communities. Learn from local families about how they make these traditional products. Taste the products freshly “off the fire”. Your morning tour finishes by visiting a memorial site for the victims of the Khmer Rouge. In the evening enjoy a sumptuous Khmer Farewell Dinner in a beautiful local restaurant. Overnight at the Steung Siem Reap Hotel (or similar). (BLD)

Day 9 Siem Reap – Departure

Enjoy breakfast before transferring to the airport for your onward journey