9-Day Highlights of Cambodia

Arrival Phnom Penh, after formalization of immigration you’ll meet with guide and driver then transfer to your hotel check in follow by free time. In the evening transfer to local restaurant for a welcome dinner.

In the morning, embark on the tour of city highlights and our guide will show all the key highlights, including the fascinating Royal Palace, Silver Pagoda, National Museum, and Wat Phnom. Phnom Penh, also known as the “Pearl of Asia, serves as the capital and largest city of Cambodia. It has held this prestigious position since the time of the French protectorate over Cambodia. Over the years, Phnom Penh has evolved into the nation’s primary city, playing pivotal roles in economics, industry, and culture. Situated on the banks of the mighty Mekong River, it continues to captivate visitors with its unique blend of tradition and modernity. In the afternoon, start by visiting the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, also known as S21 Prison. This museum stands as a memorial site for the S-21 interrogation and detention center during the Khmer Rouge regime. Originally a school, it was tragically transformed into a prison where thousands of Cambodians were imprisoned, tortured, and killed during the Cambodian genocide 123. Afterward, explore the vibrant Central Market, a historic and cultural hub in Phnom Penh. Built in 1937, this bright yellow Art Deco landmark features a 26-meter-high central dome and four arch-roofed arms branching out diagonally across the block 4.”

In the morning, set off from the hotel by Tuk Tuk tour and begin your discovery of Mekong Island, which is known as Silk Island, famous for Silk Weaving. You’ll also be taking a local ferry to cross the Mighty Mekong.

The ride will take you to the rural community of Koh Oknha Tey and Silk Island, passing through a greenery landscape, farmlands, and stop by a local family for a silk weaving demonstration, and along the way offers a picturesque as well as the great opportunity to discover the way of life for local people before heading back to the ferry return to Phnom Penh. Enjoy lunch break at local restaurants.

In the afternoon, depart by private transfer to visit the Killing Field of Choeung Ek, located 15Km south of the center of Phnom Penh. The site was used as a Killing Field between 1975 and 1979 by the Khmer Rouge in perpetrating the Cambodian genocide. Here you’ll see a memorial skeleton stupa of the victims, graves, a killing tree, and end with a short video presentation overview of the Khmer Rouge regime. After that, head back and embark on a boat cruise to capture a wonderful sunset over the Mekong River.

Today, after breakfast, depart by private transfer to Battambang 290Km distance, approximately 4hours drive. Battambang city is famous for its French colonial architecture, fertile soil, and rubies and garnets mined in this province. After lunch, you’ll begin your tour by visiting an ancient house, Phnom Banan, an 11th century temple built by King Jarvarman VII. Located on top of a 400m hill, there is a beautiful view of the surrounding countryside. The mountain site, Phnom Sampov, the killing cave, and the end of the day watching sunset, observing thousands of bats leaving the caves for hunting food. Transfer back to town and enjoy dinner at Jaan Bai Restaurant, it’s a social enterprise restaurant initiative of Cambodian Children’s Trust, providing employment for Cambodian youth.

In the morning, spend half a day exploring the local market at Phsar Nat, the biggest market in the heart of the city center, and after that, embark on the bamboo train experience, or nori, which is essentially a bamboo flatbed on wheels, which is powered by a small motorcycle or tractor engine, operated on a railway. Phsar Prahok, a famous Khmer fermented fish paste, as well as visit a local family making rice papers, and banana chips.

In the afternoon, depart by private transfer to Siem Reap 178Km distance, take about 3 hours’ drive, just before arriving in Siem Reap, make a quick stop at Silk farm. A guided tour to discover a unique insight into the different stages involved in silk production, from the mulberry tree orchards. Next, transfer to the hotel in Siem Reap.

In the morning, the day begins at the South Gate of Angkor Thom to explore the centerpiece of this ancient city, Bayon. The Bayon encloses 54 towers decorated with more than 200 enigmatic, smiling stone faces. This morning tour, you’ll visit Elephant Terrace, the terrace of the leper kings, as well as Ta Prohm Temple. Lunch break at local restaurants at Srah Srang. In the afternoon, the tour visits the famous Angkor Wat – the best preserved of all the Angkor temples. Ending the day, enjoy dinner with the APSARA show.

After breakfast, the tour heads to the exquisite Banteay Srey, “Citadel of the Woman”, home to some of the finest examples of classical Khmer art, followed by a tour of Banteay Samre, and on the way back, stops at Apopo visitor Centre, which is a must in Siem Reap. Our guide explained and demonstrated the life-saving work Apopo does with the HeroRATS. The rest of the day is free to explore the temples at leisure.

In the evening, immerse yourself in the captivating world of the Phare Circus Show. This mesmerizing performance combines acrobatics, theater, and contemporary dance, all set against a backdrop of vibrant Cambodian culture.

Phare, The Cambodian Circus, is a unique and dynamic experience that celebrates the resilience and creativity of the Cambodian people.

After breakfast, set off from your hotel and transfer to approximately 35km outside of Siem Reap. Embark on a beautiful village tour with the journey passing through villages, serene rice paddies, a colorful pagoda, a vegetable garden, and a fish farm. Begin with a visit to a family that makes bamboo sticky rice called “Kralan,” a delicious Cambodian delicacy. Whilst at the village, we will witness many activities such as blacksmithing, which helps the community create and maintain tools for farming, as well as other traditional practices, such as craft weaving. Next, we enjoy a delicious lunch prepared by a women’s association, set in a lovely location next to a lake, and surrounded by paddy fields. After lunch, we will continue to Wat Lorm Proleung, an ancient pagoda. Here, you will be welcomed by a group of local musicians performing a traditional Chhai Yam dance, followed by a traditional monk blessing, to bring back home lifelong memories. After that, heading to Kampong Khleang, a village built on stilts on Tonle Sap Lake. Home to approximately 10,000 people, Kampong Khleang’s residents’ main income comes from fishing. Depending on the time and season you visit Kampong Khleang, you will see a very different landscape, as the lake is tidal. Evening transfer for a farewell dinner at Chanrey Tree restaurant.

Free time until transfer to the airport for the departure flight home.