A journey that captures the soul of the country...designed from the ground up to provide you with a real understanding of the history and culture of the Khmer people. During 14 varied and interesting days, you visit not only Cambodia's "highlights" such as Angkor Wat and the Royal Palace, but get well away from the tourist trail, meeting the country's people and understanding more about their culture and way of life.
From the moment you arrive at the airport until the day you leave, you will be in the hands of one of our expert tour leaders, all of whom live in the country and have an appreciation and sensitivity to the local culture. Our small group trips are never larger than 10 people, to preserve the integrity of the places we visit.
* NEW * for this season - special extended itinerary dates, that involve you in some of Cambodia's most important traditional ceremonies.
Your Itinerary:
Day 1
Arrival at PHNOM PENH airport. You will be met by our representative and taken to your hotel to relax and freshen up. Late afternoon, a one-hour trip along the Mekong River in a private open boat is arranged. The evenings are free - transport can be arranged if required, and we can recommend many good restaurants.
Day 2
Today will be spent learning about ancient and modern history – starting with a morning visit to the Royal Palace (still inhabited by the King of Cambodia) and the National Museum, where many statues from Angkor Wat are now stored. In the afternoon, visit the genocide museum of Tuol Sleng - which was originally a school and became a Khmer Rouge prison – and the Killing Fields, where many people were taken and “exterminated”.
Day 3
Overland travel to SIEM REAP by minibus. There will be many interesting photo opportunities along the way, so ask your tour leader to stop at any natural beauty spot or interesting village. You will also get the chance to sample a hairy local delicacy - deep fried tarantula! You will arrive in the afternoon in time for a trip to the amazing Angkor Wat to watch the sunset.
Day 4
Travel to some of the main temples of Angkor including Angkor Thom, site of the heads of the Bayon, and Ta Phrom, largely still claimed by the jungle. Accompanied by an English–speaking local guide, learn about the historical evolution of the Khmer kingdom and the building of the temples. Sufficient time is allowed at each site for you to explore at your own pace, take photographs, or just stare in wonder – plus a long break for lunch to shelter from the heat of the midday sun! Return to the hotel by early evening.
Day 5
Visit Banteay Srei, with amazingly intricate detail carved in red sandstone and Kbal Spein, the "river of a thousand lingas", with ancient carvings on a riverbed and a scenic short trek through the jungle to reach it. Again, the day is unhurried, giving you time of your own and avoiding the pressurised rush of typical guided tours.
Day 6
Leave Siem Reap in the morning and travel by minivan to the remote temple complex of BANTEAY CHHMAR – visitors are rare here. On the way you will stop to visit a silk producer and the beauty spot of Trar Peang Thor lake. At Bantay Chhmar is a community based tourism project where you will be able to get a real insight into Khmer village life as well as exploring the jungle temple ruins. After a walk through the several temples scattered around the village you will have the unforgettable experience of eating dinner by torchlight inside the temple itself. That night you will stay in a traditional family homestay (bedding and mosquito nets supplied) and with a bit of help from your tour leader you can learn all about the rural life of your host family.
Day 7
You will wake early, as is village custom, and have breakfast at your homestay. Afterwards you will be taken on a Kuyon (a Khmer two-wheeled tractor) to Banteay Top, one of the more remote of the temple group. Once again you will have the opportunity to eat within the temple complex as a picnic will be brought along with your group. When you return to the village please feel free to explore and interact with the villagers. After lunch we will travel by minivan to BATTAMBANG – officially Cambodia’s second largest city but essentially a sleepy town - where you can spend the evening relaxing.
Day 8
After breakfast in the hotel you will be driven by motorbike (as a passenger) into the beautiful countryside surrounding Battambang. Headed by a local guide, visit a hilltop temple to enjoy the spectacular view, explore some caves and learn about their harrowing Khmer Rouge history and then drive along winding country tracks into villages that are inaccessible by car. Return to the hotel by early evening.
Day 9
Around 90% of the Cambodian population lives in the countryside and today you will see a little bit more! You will once again hop on the motorbikes and spend some more time exploring the beautiful villages surrounding Battambang. Headed by your guide, visit some more places of interest, including a Cambodian cheese factory (not to be missed!). At lunch you will visit an organisation teaching children from local villages and get the chance to cook a traditional Khmer dish (and then eat it!) After lunch there will be a lesson with the kids - so bring some information about your country and home life. In the afternoon we will visit an NGO teaching circus skills to local youths and hopefully see some acrobatic lessons and rehearsals. The evening is free to relax in town but remember to ask your tour leader about circus show schedules if your appetite was whetted!
Day 10
Leave Battambang early after breakfast and drive by minivan to the fishing village of Kampong Luong. Here you will take a winding boat trip through the picturesque floating houses, markets and shops. Back in the minivan, continue your journey to sleepy KAMPONG CHHNANG, where you will have lunch and check into your hotel. In the afternoon, take a trip in a tuk tuk through the beautiful countryside to a secret Khmer Rouge cave which was carved into the solid mountain rock by their unfortunate prisoners. Kampong Chhnang means pottery village in Khmer and on the way back to town you will visit a small village making traditional clay pots.
Day 11
Journey through the countryside to the peaceful, colonial town of KAMPOT. You will stop en-route to visit Oudong, the former seat of the Khmer throne, where you can enjoy panoramic views of the countryside from the hilltop monument. For lunch you will visit a picturesque village to learn about country life and their communal farming practices. On arrival in Kampot, we will stay in a tranquil Khmer style house with amazing views over the Prek Tnout river. The afternoon is free to swim, take a walk or just watch the sun slowly sink over the hills from the riverside.
Day 12
In the morning your tour leader will take you to Kampot for a stroll along the river or a visit to the market. Then you will hop into the minivan for short journey to the abandoned colonial seaside resort of KEP-SUR-MER. Here you can explore the empty shells of what were once luxurious villas belonging to Cambodia's elite, take a walk along the small palm-fringed beach and swim in the warm tropical water. You will also get the chance to try one of Cambodia’s best dishes - Crab in Kampot pepper sauce. That evening you can have a drink on your guesthouse’s veranda while enjoying the beautiful coastal views.
Day 13
After breakfast your minivan will take you back to Phnom Penh where you will arrive back in good time to visit the markets to buy some all-important presents and souvenirs, go for a walk around town or just take a swim in a local resort pool. In the evening you can enjoy a nice meal in one of the capital’s many good restaurants. Our tour leaders are able to give you advice and recommendations if required, and can accompany you if available.
Day 14
Transfer to the airport for your flight home.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Price Includes
- All tour transportation,
- Admissions and local guides,
- Guest house accommodation with ceiling fan or airconditioning and private bathroom (except in Kampot which is a homestay) and Western tour leader.
Single travellers: If you would like to share a room with another person of the same sex, please let us know and we will try to match you with someone similar.
Also see tour packages in:
Asia
Cambodia
Local Culture
Cultural Journey
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