Classic Cambodia

Day 3: Siem Reap, explore Banteay Samre, Banteay Srei & Kbal Spean

Today, we head out of Siem Reap town on a flat road to the temple of Banteay Samre, built by Suryavarman II and Yasovarman II in the early 12th century. It is a Hindu temple in the Angkor Wat style. Named after the Samré, an ancient people of Indochina, the temple uses the same materials as the Banteay Srei.

From there it goes back on unpaved roads through attractive villages, along with rice fields, and to the temple of Banteay Srei, which is located outside the actual temple city and is made of pink sandstone.

The roads are peaceful and very pretty all the way to Bantey Srei. There are plenty of beautiful and real country views to see along the way as we drive past the local markets, schools, villages, and Buddhist temples. Take a visit to the local livelihoods before we reach Bantey Srei, which is known as the Citadel of Women. This red sandstone temple is one of Angkor’s most significant structures as its walls are decorated with elaborate carvings, which have been preserved remarkably well.

We will then enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before taking a short transfer to Kbal Span. Then we take a short trek along the jungle trail for 3 km to the waterfall and the River of Thousand Lingas. We will return to Siem Reap in the evening.

Day 4: Siem Reap, Discover the Floating Village

Today, discover the great landscape of the Tonle Sap lake. This is a unique experience offering a great outdoor adventure in Siem Reap’s countryside by exploring a floating village and seeing first-hand the livelihoods of the Cambodian people.

We will take you on the Siem Reap backroads in order to explore the local ways of life in Siem Reap. You will be greeted by friendly locals and get a deeper understanding of their lives and traditions. The journey will end at the Tonle Sap lake, where you will experience the livelihoods of Cambodian people living in the floating villages, offering you the opportunity to see how families adapt their lives to be able to live on the water.

Return to the hotel in the afternoon. The rest of the afternoon is at your leisure on your own.

Day 5: Siem Reap – Battambang

Today, we leave for Battambang, it’s located on the banks of the Sangker River. Battambang is surrounded by rice-growing plains, which makes it Cambodia’s rice basket. Upon arrival, check-in at the hotel and relax at the pool. 

In the early evening, join us on a relaxing city walk in the central Battambang! This is an excursion that explores Battambang’s fascinating architecture, history, and culture. Battambang has been shaped by Khmer, French, and Chinese influences to create a fascinating cultural tapestry. As you walk with us through the old town, you will experience the contrast between colonial-era architecture.

Day 6: Battambang, Ride the Bamboo Trains & Evening Sunset Bat Caves

This morning, we take a tour to the Bamboo Trains and enjoy a nice ride on a bamboo bed known locally as a Norrie. Here you will catch a glimpse of the gorgeous Battambang countryside. Be sure to take plenty of photographs on this truly fun and unique ride.

Continue to visit with Cambodian families who produce traditional products such as rice paper, dried bananas, and bamboo sticky rice made in the same way they have been for generations. You will learn first-hand about everyday life in rural communities.

In the late afternoon, we will depart for Sampov Mountain in time for you to catch the sunset and take in spectacular views of Battambang. Sampov Mountain is a truly special and spectacular place for locals and visitors alike to bask in the tranquility and cool mountain breeze of beautiful Sampov. The mountain contains numerous killing caves. The caves are now home to thousands of bats and a group of macaques that feed on bananas left by pilgrims beside the cave’s shrines.

If you wish, stay until dusk when you can witness the bats pouring out of the caves and heading out across the surrounding paddy fields in search of food.

Day 7: Battambang – Farmhouse Smiling Gecko

Today, take a 5-hour drive to the Farmhouse Smiling Gecko. You will stop several times along the way, including visiting a pottery family. In the course of the afternoon, you will arrive at the Smiling Gecko Farmhouse. Relax by the lovely swimming pool or treat yourself to a soothing massage.

The Farmhouse Smiling Gecko was established in 2015 by a local NGO to provide disadvantaged locals with a training opportunity to acquire skills that will allow them to earn a living without leaving their hometown.

In the afternoon, a member of the Smiling Gecko team will give you an overview of their other inspirational projects that focus on education, supporting local employment initiatives, and promoting self-help among the rural population. By staying here, you’re directly contributing to the livelihood of the local people.

Day 8: Farmhouse Smiling Gecko Tour

This morning, take part in a farm tour. You will get a deeper insight into the structures and work of the innovative, holistic social project and visit its various cluster projects as well as the Smiling Gecko School (except on weekends, public holidays, and school vacations). On the Smiling Gecko Project Tour, you will learn about the history of Smiling Gecko and gain a deeper insight into the various Smiling Gecko projects. The tour also includes a visit to the agricultural farms and the carpentry workshop, among other things.

Your afternoon will be at your own leisure. And there are many wonderful leisure facilities, such as the spacious swimming pool, yoga with meditation opportunities in a beautiful yoga shala, and wellness programs in the small but excellent massage center, which will round off and make your time an unforgettable experience.

Day 9: Farmhouse Smiling Gecko – Phnom Penh

Today, say goodbye to the Farmhouse Smiling Gecko. Drive to Phnom Penh (approximately 2 hours), we make a stop at the ancient Cambodian capital of Phnom Oudong to enjoy the beautiful view of the surrounding plains and rice fields from the hilltop.

Continue to Phnom Penh. The city is considered one of the most beautiful in the world as it still retains a colonial charm. This capital city is a bustling town, majestically located at the confluence of the mighty rivers of the Mekong and Tonle Sap Lake. The city contains many colonial-era buildings that reflect the glory days and add to the allure of the city, where Asian and Western traditions meet in a fascinating way.

Your afternoon will be leisure until set off on a sunset cruise along the Phnom Penh riverfront. Take in the sights and sip cocktails, beer, or soft drinks as you get a unique overview of Phnom Penh.

Day 10: Phnom Penh City Tour

This morning, your guide will introduce you to the sights of Phnom Penh during a full-day city tour. The first stop of the day will be Choeung Ek, better known as the “Killing Fields,” where thousands of people were executed during the Khmer Rouge regime. The visits will continue with the genocide museum, “Tuol Sleng,” which is a testimony to the Cambodian genocide of that historical period.

Later, visit the magnificent Royal Palace, the waterfront, and the beautiful colonial architecture that make Phnom Penh an ideal place to relax. With its local flair, historical beauty, and culture, Phnom Penh is a unique attraction in Cambodia.

Day 11: Phnom Penh – Departure Transfer

Today, your journey to the highlights of Cambodia ends. There is no activity planned for the last day. Individual follow-up treatment or a return trip. Our driver will be ready to transfer you to Phnom Penh airport to catch your return flight.