Discover the rich history, culture, and local life of Cambodia during this fascinating 12-day land tour and Cambodia beach vacation. Visit the famous temples of Angkor Wat, a floating village, and beautiful Cambodian countryside. Explore Phnom Penh’s grandeur and the dark past of the country at a series of historical sites, as well as visit the most highlighted part of Kampot’s pepper farm.
Your tour will end at Koh Rong, where you will spend an idyllic day relaxing at the beach in one of Cambodia’s beautiful coastal towns.
Suo Sdei! Welcome to Cambodia.
Upon arrival, please look out for the Siem Reaper Travel welcome sign at the arrivals gate. We will transfer you to your hotel, where you can take your time and relax by the pool or venture out for your first exploration of this ancient city.
At 6 PM, your guide will meet you at the hotel reception where a trip briefing will be held. Then, you will enjoy the creative local cuisine at HAVEN Cambodia Restaurant (HAVEN Cambodia is a social enterprise, they have had a great role in providing vocational training and education to unskilled youths from rural areas and poor family backgrounds, and have had a very positive impact on Cambodia community.)
Today, we will start with an early morning so you can witness the sunrise at the extraordinary Angkor Wat and travel through the vast collection of ancient temples. Your guide will take you to the best spots to make sure you witness the colorful sunrise over Angkor Wat.
Afterwards, you will go through the Angkor central complex and learn about the history and symbolism of the temple. Ask as many questions as possible to ensure you get all the information about the place you are visiting.
When you have finished discovering Angkor Wat and had breakfast, you will then head out into the center of Angkor Thom and enter the city through the ancient Gate, an impressive stone gate carved with elephants and four giant faces. From here, continue to Bayon Temple, which is found in the center of the city and is famed as the enigmatic faces representing the 54 provinces of the Great Khmer Empire. The Terrace of the Elephants and the Terrace of the Leper King are also must-visits as they are both known for their intricate bas-reliefs.
Have lunch at a local restaurant and try the exotic Khmer cuisine. Next, we’ll visit Ta Prohm Temple, which is your next stop before some leisure time in the late afternoon. Ta Prohm is unique in that it has been left largely as it was found-overgrown by jungle trees and vines, with many parts of the temple crumbling to the ground, creating one of the most photogenic and atmospheric temples of the entire Angkor site.
This morning, we travel to Banteay Samre, built under 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.
We will then continue to intricately carve and well-preserved Banteay 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.
Enjoy lunch near the temple and continue to visit the spectacular ruins of Beng Mealea, which was constructed by King Suryavarman II (1113-1150). It preceded and may have served as a prototype of sorts for Angkor Wat. Contrary to Angkor, few carvings or bas-reliefs are evident. Today the temple is largely overrun by vegetation and the stone walls are crumbling which adds to its charm in a unique way.
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 firsthand 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.
Today we depart for Phnom Penh by private vehicle, passing through provincial towns, villages, and roadside hamlets, offering an insight into life away from the cities. There’ll be an opportunity to stop at Skun village, famous for its deep-fried tarantulas, which you can snack on if you so wish! There will also be a stop to stretch your legs and enjoy a coffee in Kampong Thom.
Once you reach Phnom Penh, your afternoon is at your own leisure until 5 PM, when your guide will arrive in a tuk-tuk for a food-focused tour of the city. The first stop of the evening is a lively bar on Sisowath Quay. Find a spot on the balcony and your guide will leave you to enjoy a cocktail with views across the Mekong and Tonle Sap rivers as the sunsets.
Rejoin your guide for a rather different experience: head down to the river, where roadside stalls sell a variety of edible bugs, which you will have the opportunity to try. Your guide will be on hand to decipher the surprisingly tasty offerings. Continue by tuk-tuk to the Russian Market, where the food stalls draw local diners with typical Khmer food such as Banh Chheu and beef skewers. Choose what you fancy, pull up a plastic stool alongside the locals, and soak up the atmosphere. Your final food stop for the evening will be freshly barbecued seafood, and then you will return to your hotel.
Today we escape from the hustle and bustle of the city and cross the river by ferry boat, making our way towards the north of Phnom Penh and the Silk Islands. After arriving on land, we will bike through orchards and vegetable farms, enjoying the peaceful farmland and learning about the lives of the people who call the Silk Islands home. Along the way, we will park our bikes for some interesting cultural stops as we check out traditional village industries and get a better sense of authentic Cambodian life on these islands. The cooling calm of the island is not only a great respite: it’s also a fun way to learn more about Cambodia’s silk weaving history, stroll through quiet villages, relax on the riverbank, or go for a dip.
In the afternoon, we enjoy lunch at a restaurant in the city. Then we will explore 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.
Today, we depart from the capital for the journey to the riverside town of Kampot with the optional sightseeing route. Kampot supplied most French restaurants with this vital spice for many years during colonial rule, Kampot pepper. Today, the region is well-known for its plantations of durian – a spiky, pungent fruit that has its lovers and haters! In your free time this afternoon, you might choose to stroll along the riverside and observe the French colonial architecture, or have a cup of coffee on the veranda of one of the riverside restaurants and admire the view of the Bokor Mountain Range.
In the evening, take a tour of Kampot town. Kampot is home to many beautiful buildings, each with its own history. This walking tour is a laid-back sightseeing trip around town, exploring the iconic landmarks. Go at your own pace and feel the relaxed pace of life here, on top of the stunning scenery of the Kampot River.
Today, we travel to Bokor Hill Station in the Bokor National Park. The location is a collection of French colonial buildings that have been renovated and transformed into a luxurious mountain resort. The idea was to create a temperate escape from the heat of Phnom Penh for colonialists in the 1920s. Today, many of the buildings lie abandoned, creating an eerie but enchanting atmosphere. The views from the top of the mountain are stunning, and the ride through the lush jungle is a refreshing break from the city.
Today, we escape from Kampot town to La Platation, a social and sustainable family project that is the perfect combination of traditional farming and modern processing. They produce black, red, and white Kampot peppers and the exclusive Fresh Salted Kampot Pepper, as well as Red Long Pepper, Turmeric, Bird Chili, and local fruits.
The cooking class starts at 11 am. You will go to La Plantation restaurant and have an introduction to the spices we grow on our pepper farm. You will learn how to cook traditional Khmer dishes and can even bring recipes at home! You can enjoy your creation at lunch time with a fresh drink.
Today, we depart from the hotel in the southern direction for Sihanoukville. We travel on the road with the buzz of day-to-day life in Cambodia and the view of the coastline. The blue of the Gulf of Thailand at your left will always wake you up from the hot weather of today as the road is a bit wide open from the shade of the tree.
We’ll have lunch at the local hut near the sleepy houses along the way, where your lunch will be offered with very tasty Khmer food.
After lunch, you will be transferred to Sihanoukville to catch the speed boat to Koh Rong. For the rest of the day, enjoy yourself at leisure at the beach.
Today is the free day of cycling. Relax on the beaches of Koh Rong, Cambodia’s most stunning island, with plenty of wonderful beaches and beautiful water.
The picturesque paradise island of Koh Rong will undoubtedly blow you away on your vacation with its clear emerald beaches, great long sandy stretch, and brilliant sunshine. When visiting Koh Rong, relax on the beautiful beach and sample delicious drinks made with local ingredients.
Today, we gather for one final breakfast at our hotel. Your tour concludes today with a transfer to Phnom Penh. Take the day to reflect upon the rewarding holiday, beautiful coastal views, and cultural immersion that this tour has provided!
Siem Reap, Cambodia
Central Corner d’Angkor features a restaurant, seasonal outdoor swimming pool, a bar and shared lounge in Siem Reap. The room was spacious, comfortable and beautifully decorated. The pool area is a private oasis and though it is small, it was always quiet to relax.
Phnom Penh, Cambodia
This hotel features two swimming pools that include a rooftop saltwater pool and guests can enjoy meals at the in-house restaurant or have a drink at the bar. Free WiFi is available throughout the hotel. Room service is provided 24 hours.
Kampot, Cambodia
Bamboo Bungalow offers accommodation with views of the Kampot River and Bokor Mountain. It features free WiFi access and you can enjoy the on-site restaurant or have a drink at the riverside bar.
Koh Rong, Cambodia
This resort is located in Koh Rong Island, 450 m from Coconut Beach, Ariya Resort provides accommodation with a bar, free private parking, a shared lounge and a garden and a private beach area.
Meals are characterized by fresh, seasonal ingredients, prepared in a simple, classic style of Cambodia. Food & cooking course is offering bountiful selections of local specialities and feature hand-made food among other favourites.
Dietary Requirement
If you have any specific food requirements (vegetarian, vegan, food allergies), please inform in advance so that we can provide a notice to the restaurant or hotel where you will be served.
Each activity comes with an experienced tour leader responsible for offering local insight, pursuing great experiences and make every tour exceptional.
They are trained to make your trip magical. We know that it’s the unexpected surprises that make a trip memorable. That’s why our guides pride themselves on anticipating your needs before you ask.
Read important information about your destination(s), including weather,
Visa & passport, and tipping guidelines.
For travelers who are planning their vacation as well as for trips that have already been booked, there are many questions about “Traveling in Times of COVID-19”.
As a traveler, you are responsible for complying with the travel regulations prescribed by airlines, airports, and destination countries. These include requirements for visas, vaccinations, COVID-19 passports, COVID-19 tests, and other entry documents. These requirements may change between the booking of the trip and the departure date. Therefore, it is important that you keep up to date with any changes in entry requirements until the date of departure.
If you have any further questions or need information about traveling to Cambodia, please contact us; we look forward to hearing from you!
Visitors to Cambodia require a passport to enter the country, and all travelers must hold a passport with validity for 6 months after their planned exit from Cambodia.
Citizens of the UK, EU countries, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, the United States, and almost all other nationalities will require a visa to visit Cambodia. Non-UK residents should check with the Cambodian Embassy in their country of residence for the most up-to-date information. Most nationalities can get a visa on arrival at Phnom Penh and Siem Reap international airports without prior registration. A visa is issued on arrival for most nationalities for US $30/pax, and the visa has a one-month validity. You need to pay in cash and in US dollars and provide two recent, identical passport photographs.
Read more about applying for an electronic visa here: www.evisa.gov.kh
Travel insurance is not covered in the tour price. You can arrange travel insurance with your preferred insurance company. As medical facilities in Cambodia are rather limited, it is imperative for you to take out a good medical insurance policy when traveling.
Cambodia is located in the tropical climate zone, in which neither the temperatures nor the hours of sunshine show great variations over the course of the year. Due to the tropical monsoons in Cambodia, a distinction is made between a dry season and a rainy season, and each of these seasons has its own charm.
The dry season runs from October to April and is the time to visit the coastal towns of Cambodia or the tropical islands. Temperatures are warm and comfortable during this time of year, and there are long periods of sunshine. Although it is relatively dry during this time, individual showers can occur.
The rainy season runs from May to September and is ideally suited to experiencing Cambodia’s nature in a, particularly green and lush way. The warm temperatures remain unchanged, while the rain ensures high humidity. There is a lot of rainfall, especially in the last months of the rainy season. For the entire time, however, the rain falls in short downpours.
While Cambodia can be visited year-round, it is important to note that small country roads that may pass through the more remote areas, e.g., the province of Mondulkiri, are impassable during the last two months of the rainy season.
Any time of year is a good time to visit Cambodia, with each season offering its own range of benefits. Throughout the year, the climate in Cambodia is hot and humid. The temperature remains in the 30°C range for the majority of the year, dropping to 20°C at night.
The local dishes are among the healthiest in the world. It smells and tastes good and is reminiscent of Thai cuisine, but without the strong seasoning. Because of the shared history, there is also a great closeness to Vietnamese cuisine.
The best-known local dish is “Amok“, a fish curry with coconut cream, whereby the fish can also be replaced by chicken.
Only drink bottled mineral water that is cheap to buy anywhere. Do not drink tap water!
The currency of Cambodia is called “Riel”, and there is, however, no need to change the currency into riel as US dollars are accepted everywhere. Please kindly note that ripped, torn, or old bills will not be accepted.
ATM machines are available in the main cities across the country, mostly in Siem Reap and Phnom Penh. Banks are open Monday to Friday from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM and on Saturday morning until 12:00 PM.
Most hotels and restaurants in the major cities will charge US dollars, but for other currencies, it is advisable to visit a bank. Traveler’s checks can be exchanged at banks and some hotels, but they are not usable outside of major cities.
We would highly recommend using a Visa or Master Card, as they are now accepted in many hotels, restaurants, and shops in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap. If you wish to travel in a local taxi or Tuk-Tuk, make sure to have the right amount of cash and change with you, as the drivers are unlikely to keep a lot of cash with them.
Allow $20 per day for basic living expenses (drinks, meals, etc). A bottle of local beer will set you back roughly $1, a two-course lunch will set you back $7, and a two-course dinner would set you back $10.
It is interesting to get to know foreign customs and traditions, but respect is required. Below, we’ll give you a few tips on how you can move around the country without causing offense.
Please note: the central tower of the Angkor Wat complex is closed to tourists on Buddhist holidays.
The international code is +855. Since making calls with a cell phone can be expensive (incoming and outgoing calls), the costs should be clarified in advance. It may be worth buying a SIM card (prepaid) in the country. Wi-Fi is available in most hotels, and there are internet cafes in larger cities.
We recommend carrying a modest supply of basic health care medications such as travel sickness tablets, anti-diarrhea tablets, antacids for indigestion, insect repellant, sun creams, and chosen antibiotics. Although the majority of these things are available in Cambodia, the security afforded by well-known names is comforting.
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