Around Cambodia

Duration: 12 days
Travel style:

Culture & History

Beach & Island Escape

This 12-day journey takes travelers across Cambodia, from the vibrant capital Phnom Penh to the peaceful coastlines of Kep and Sihanouk Ville, and onward to the cultural treasures of Battambang and Siem Reap. Guests explore Khmer history, encounter daily life in villages, relax by the sea, and experience the awe of Angkor’s temples. The itinerary combines cultural immersion, historical insight, and time for leisure.

Tour highlights

  • Walk through Phnom Penh’s Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and the Killing Fields to understand Cambodia’s recent history
  • Discover Tonle Bati and Phnom Chisor temples before arriving in Kep, once a French colonial seaside retreat
  • Visit Phnom Chhnork cave and climb Phnom Sla’an for sweeping views of the coastline and farmland
  • Learn about Kampot pepper cultivation at a local plantation, then relax on Sihanouk Ville’s long sandy beaches
  • Explore floating villages in Krar Kor by private boat and see pottery and stone-carving villages en route to Battambang
  • Visit ancient temples like Wat Ek Phnom and Phnom Banan, then enjoy a fun ride on Battambang’s bamboo train
  • Witness sunrise over Ta Prohm, then continue to Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom, Bayon, and the Terraces of Elephants and Leper King
  • Take part in a hands-on Khmer cooking class, learning local ingredients and preparing traditional dishes in a village setting

Day 1:

Phnom Penh arrival

Welcome to Phnom Penh, Cambodia’s vibrant and bustling capital. Upon arrival, our tour guide will meet guests at the airport and take them to their hotel. The rest of the day is free to relax or explore the city at their own pace.

Meals: N/A.
Accommodation: Hotel in Phnom Penh.

Day 2:

Phnom Penh city tour

The day begins with a visit to Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and the Choeung Ek “Killing Fields,” where guests learn about the Khmer Rouge and Cambodia’s recent history. The tour continues with the National Museum, which includes the finest collection of Khmer art and artifacts, before moving to the Royal Palace, home to the royal family and the opulent Silver Pagoda.

Meals: Breakfast.
Accommodation: Hotel in Phnom Penh.

Day 3:

Phnom Penh - Kep

After breakfast, the journey leads south toward Kep, once a favorite retreat during the French colonial era. Along the way, stops include Tonle Bati and Phnom Chisor temples, and Kompong Trach. Upon arrival, check in at the hotel and enjoy the relaxed coastal atmosphere.

Meals: Breakfast.
Accommodation: Hotel in Kep.

Day 4:

Kep - Kampot - Sihanouk Ville

Today, guests will go on a drive to the cave of Phnom Chhnork. On the way, they can feel the delightful scenery of rice paddies, sugar palm trees, traditional wooden houses, and karst limestone outcrops. 

At Phnom Chhnork cave, they will discover the remains of a 7th-century brick temple. They continue to Phnom Sla’an cave, where an adventurous climb reveals wide views of farmland, coastline, and scattered islands in the Gulf of Thailand. 

Next, stop at a Kampot pepper plantation, which provides an insight into the cultivation of one of the world’s most sought-after spices. 

In the afternoon, they head to Sihanouk Ville,  known for its long sandy beaches and offshore islands. With a 10km stretch of beaches and a smattering of coastal islands, Sihanouk Ville is the perfect tropical beach getaway. Check into the hotel, then enjoy the rest of the day at their leisure. 

Meals: Breakfast.
Accommodation: Hotel in Sihanouk Ville.

 

Day 5:

Sihanouk Ville

Relax and further explore the seaside town of Sihanouk Ville, including the amazing surrounding beaches.

Meals: Breakfast.
Accommodation: Hotel in Sihanouk Ville.

Day 6:

Sihanouk Ville - Phnom Penh

After breakfast at the hotel, return to Phnom Penh, stopping along the way at Kirirom National Park to see its stunning waterfalls and wildlife. After walking and enjoying the views, the journey continues to Phnom Penh. Free in the evening.

Meals: Breakfast.
Accommodation: Hotel in Phnom Penh.

Day 7:

Phnom Penh - Battambang

After breakfast at the hotel, guests depart Phnom Penh for Battambang by private car. Stop in Kompong Chhnang, they visit a pottery village. Then, take a private boat trip at Krar Kor to see floating villages and daily life on the water. Lunch is arranged en route before visiting the stone carving workshops in Pursat. Arrival in Battambang is in the afternoon.

Meals: Breakfast.
Accommodation: Hotel in Battambang.

Day 8:

Battambang

The day begins with a drive along the Sangker River to Wat Slaket Pagoda, the residence of the provincial Buddhist patriarch. Continue to visit Wat Ek Phnom, an 11th-century ancient temple fronted by a contemporary pagoda that also features a giant Buddha statue

Next, visit a local market, where guests observe the making of Prahoc, the traditional fermented fish paste. The itinerary includes the Provincial Museum (closed on Saturdays/Sundays) and Phnom Banan, a hilltop temple with five sandstone towers. Enjoy a magnificent view until sunset.

The day ends with a 30-minute bamboo train ride, which offers a fun and unique experience before returning to the hotel.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Battambang

Day 9:

Battambang - Siem Reap

Depart from Battambang to Siem Reap via Sisophon by overland transfer. Lunch at a local restaurant in Sisophon, then continue to Siem Reap, check into the hotel for relaxation.

Meals: Breakfast.
Accommodation: Hotel in Siem Reap.

Day 10:

Siem Reap

Wake before dawn and take a “tuk-tuk” ride to visit the jungle-entwined temple, Ta Prohm. Sunrise is one of the most beautiful and haunting times to visit the temples, whose ancient sandstone blocks are gilded gold by the early morning rays.  

After returning to the hotel for breakfast, guests have a full-day temple tour. Starting with the magnificent Angkor Wat, the largest Khmer temple and finest example of Angkorian art and architecture, they proceed to Angkor Thom’s imposing South Gate, topped with the four serenely smiling faces of Avalokiteshvara. Next, visit Bayon Temple, the Elephant Terrace, and the Terrace of the Leper King. 

Back to the hotel in Siem Reap.

Meals: Breakfast.
Accommodation: Hotel in Siem Reap.

Day 11:

Cooking Class in Siem Reap

In the morning, guests join a hands-on cooking class to learn about Khmer cuisine. Begin with a walk and talk along the country lanes in the village, where they will learn about Cambodian vegetables, herbs, and other ingredients before returning to the classroom for a hands-on culinary experience.

Then enjoy the meal they have created. The afternoon is free for rest at the hotel or personal exploration of Siem Reap.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch.
Accommodation: Hotel in Siem Reap.

Day 12:

Siem Reap - Departure

After breakfast, guests have free time for last-minute sightseeing or shopping at the Old Market. Later, the guide transfers them to the airport for their departure flight.

Meals: Breakfast.
Accommodation: N/A.

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