Journey in Cambodia from Ancient Temples to Floating Villages

Welcome to Phnom Penh, Cambodia’s bustling capital. Meet your driver outside the airport and transfer to your hotel to check in and freshen up for an afternoon city tour.

When you’re ready, follow your guide to Phsar Thmei (Central Market), housed in an iconic Art Deco building with a distinctive yellow dome. Peruse the stalls full of fresh produce, intricate jewelry, clothing, and souvenirs before starting a short cyclo (three-wheeled motorized bicycle) tour to Wat Phnom, a 14th-century temple perched atop a small hill.

Drive past French colonial buildings, tree-lined streets, and lively markets, slowly ascending to the hilltop temple. Disembark and climb the steps to the temple’s ornate entrance flanked by guardian lions and naga balustrades. Enter the complex to discover elaborate murals, bronze Buddha statues, and various shrines, including one dedicated to Lady Penh. End your first day with dinner at Sombok Restaurant.

Join your guide on a full-day tour of the capital. Visit the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, a former school turned prison during the Khmer Rouge regime, and continue to the Choeung Ek Genocidal Center, one of the killing fields.

After lunch, visit the National Museum of Cambodia to explore Khmer art, followed by the Royal Palace complex, including the Silver Pagoda. End the day with a sunset cruise along the Mekong River.

Depart Phnom Penh for Battambang. En route, stop in Ondong Rossey village to observe pottery-making and traditional crafts. Watch locals shape clay and transport finished products.

The surrounding countryside features rice paddies, sugar palm trees, and grazing buffalo. Continue to Battambang and arrive in time to see the sunset over the colonial city.

Set off on a countryside bicycle tour through rice paddies and villages. Meet local families and learn about traditional products such as rice paper and rice wine.

Later, ride the bamboo train through rural landscapes and small villages. Before sunset, visit Phnom Sampeau, home to temples and the Killing Caves, and watch thousands of bats emerge at dusk.

Travel to Siem Reap and visit Angkor Thom, entering through the South Gate. Explore Bayon Temple, the Terrace of the Elephants, and Baphoun Temple.

In the evening, enjoy a Khmer dinner accompanied by a traditional Apsara dance performance.

Wake early for sunrise at Angkor Wat, then explore the temple complex and admire its carvings and architecture. Continue to Ta Prohm, where tree roots intertwine with the ruins.

Return to Angkor Thom for a cruise along the moat before sunset.

Visit Banteay Srei, known for its pink sandstone carvings. Continue to the Cambodia Landmine Museum to learn about the country’s history.

Visit a local village to see noodle-making, then explore Artisans Angkor to observe traditional crafts. End the day with a Phare Circus performance.

Take a boat tour to Kompong Khleang on Tonlé Sap Lake. Observe daily life in stilted houses and floating communities.

Watch fishing, trading, and local life unfold as you navigate the waterways before returning to Siem Reap.

Enjoy your final morning in Siem Reap before transferring to the airport for your departure.