Itinerary Details
Arrive in Siem Reap and transfer to your hotel for check-in. In the afternoon, enjoy a half-day excursion to Tonle Sap, Southeast Asia's largest freshwater lake. Travel by boat across its tranquil waters to visit the floating villages along its shores, observing the vibrant local communities and the diverse wildlife of this important ecological area.
Overnight in Amatak Boutique Hotel (4 Star) or similar.
Embark on a full-day Angkor Tour by Tuk Tuk to explore the heart of the ancient Khmer empire. Start at Angkor Wat, renowned for its scale and intricate bas-reliefs. Continue to Angkor Thom, the fortified city featuring Bayon Temple with its iconic stone faces and extensive carved galleries, as well as the Royal Enclosure. Conclude your tour with Ta Prohm, where the ruins are entwined with massive tree roots, creating a distinctive jungle atmosphere.
Overnight in Amatak Boutique Hotel (4 Star) or similar.
Enjoy a half-day cycling tour through the countryside around Siem Reap. Ride past lush rice paddies and traditional villages, offering authentic views of rural Cambodian life. Encounter local residents and observe daily activities as you explore off the main tourist paths. Return to your hotel midday and spend the afternoon at leisure.
Overnight in Amatak Boutique Hotel (4 Star) or similar.
Take a full-day excursion to Beng Mealea and Banteay Srei. Explore the vast and partially unrestored temple complex of Beng Mealea, engulfed by jungle and known for its atmospheric ruins. Visit Banteay Srei, recognized for its detailed red sandstone carvings and exceptional Khmer artistry. On the return to Siem Reap, stop at Banteay Samre, a less-visited temple complex distinguished by its historical significance and intricate decoration.
Overnight in Amatak Boutique Hotel (4 Star) or similar.
Day 5
Siem Reap to Kampong Thom (B/L/D)
Travel to Kampong Thom province and explore the archaeological site of Sambo Prei Kuk, once the capital of the Chenla Kingdom. Wander among the weathered temples and ancient structures, gaining insight into pre-Angkorian civilization. Visit the Isanborei Community to experience local rural life and hospitality.
Please note: Homestay accommodation is basic, featuring shared bathroom facilities and fan only.
Overnight in Homestay or similar.
Day 6
Kampong Thom to Phnom Penh (B)
Continue your journey to Phnom Penh. En route, visit stone masonry workshops near Santuk to observe traditional craftsmanship. Stop at the Skun Market, also known as the Spider and Insect Market, known for its unusual local delicacies. Arrive in Phnom Penh and prepare for the next day's city tour.
Overnight in Rambutan Resort (4 Star) or similar.
Undertake a full-day tour of Phnom Penh’s main cultural and historical sites. Begin at the National Museum, which houses extensive collections of Khmer art and artifacts. Visit the Royal Palace complex to admire its elaborate Khmer architecture, including the Silver Pagoda, famous for its floor covered in silver tiles and decorated with precious gems. Conclude with a visit to the Toul Sleng Genocide Museum (S-21), a former prison that now documents the tragic history of Cambodia under the Khmer Rouge regime.
Overnight in Rambutan Resort (4 Star) or similar.
Day 8
Phnom Penh Departure (B)
Enjoy leisure time in Phnom Penh before your transfer to the airport for departure. Use this time for last-minute exploration or relaxation in the city.
Travel Notes
Siem Reap to Kampong Thom
Approx. 150 km / Approx. 3 to 4 hours by road.
Kampong Thom to Phnom Penh
Approx. 180 km / Approx. 4 to 5 hours by road.
The road conditions on main routes between Siem Reap, Kampong Thom, and Phnom Penh are generally passable year-round, though travel times may extend slightly during the rainy season due to occasional flooding or road damage. Transfers typically involve private car or minivan, offering relative comfort, but expect basic amenities especially when staying in remote homestays like Kampong Thom. Early departures help avoid traffic congestion near Phnom Penh, and travellers should prepare for variable road surfaces outside major towns.
All travel distances and times are indicative only and may vary depending on traffic, weather, routing and local conditions.
Destination Information
Kampong Thom
Kampong Thom serves as a key midpoint on routes connecting Cambodia’s northern plains with the Tonle Sap basin. The city’s layout is centered along the banks of the Stung Sen River, where traditional wooden stilt houses coexist with concrete structures, reflecting a blend of rural and developing urban life. Surrounding rice paddies and scattered palm groves create open green landscapes contrasting with the compact town center. Its proximity to significant archaeological sites offers a historical dimension, while daily markets and local transportation illustrate ongoing local rhythms. Understanding Kampong Thom in a travel context highlights the transition between agricultural heartlands and more urbanized environments within Cambodia’s central region.
Phnom Penh
Phnom Penh serves as a central point in itineraries exploring Cambodia’s blend of history and urban development. The city’s layout stretches along the Tonle Sap and Mekong rivers, where French colonial architecture with its stucco facades contrasts with bustling riverfront markets and street vendors. Visitors encounter traditional Khmer pagodas alongside modern office buildings, reflecting the city’s ongoing transformation. Beyond the prominent landmarks, daily life unfolds in narrow alleys with wooden homes and motorbikes navigating dense traffic, highlighting the dynamic coexistence of past and present. Phnom Penh’s surrounding plains connect to rural landscapes, offering context to Cambodia’s agricultural backbone amid its evolving urban core.
Siem Reap
Siem Reap serves as a pivotal gateway for exploring the Angkor Archaeological Park, making it a key stop on travel routes through northwest Cambodia. The city’s low-rise layout reveals a blend of traditional Khmer stilt houses constructed with teak and woven bamboo, contrasted by modest commercial streets lined with open-air markets and street vendors. Situated near the Tonle Sap Lake and its seasonal floodplains, the environment shifts dramatically with the rains, influencing local livelihoods centered on fishing and agriculture. Visitors encounter the striking juxtaposition of ancient stone temple ruins, characterized by intricate sandstone carvings and jungle overgrowth, alongside the daily rhythms of local residents navigating scooters and riverboats, reflecting a city balancing historical significance and contemporary life.
Hotel Information
Amatak Boutique Hotel offers a refined retreat where modern comfort meets intimate charm. Nestled in a serene setting, this 3 to 4-star haven provides thoughtfully designed spaces that blend contemporary elegance with personalized service. Guests are welcomed into a calming atmosphere defined by tasteful décor and attentive hospitality, creating a truly restful experience. The hotel’s distinctive character shines through its curated details and commitment to a boutique ethos, ensuring each stay feels private and memorable. Ideal for discerning travelers seeking authenticity without compromise, Amatak Boutique Hotel balances accessibility with a distinctive sense of place, making it an understated jewel for those who appreciate subtle luxury and quiet sophistication.
Luxcity Hotel & Apartment offers a sophisticated urban retreat designed for discerning travelers seeking both comfort and convenience in the heart of the city. This four-star property seamlessly blends modern elegance with practical functionality, featuring thoughtfully appointed rooms and spacious apartments that cater to extended stays and business visits alike. Guests enjoy access to well-curated amenities that enhance the experience without excess, including a serene rooftop terrace and fully equipped fitness center. The hotel’s strategic location provides effortless access to key cultural sites and vibrant dining districts, allowing guests to immerse themselves in the city’s dynamic rhythm. At Luxcity, attention to detail and personalized service create an inviting atmosphere where professionalism meets understated luxury, making every stay both productive and restful.
Inclusions & Exclusions
Included
✓Accommodations as stated or similar
✓Domestic Government Tax and service charges
✓English-speaking Tour Guide
✓Entrance fees for locations specified
✓Meals as stated (B = Breakfast; L = Lunch; D = Dinner)
Not Included
–Arrival & Departure Airport Transfer
–International Flights
–Meals not stated in itinerary
–Personal Expenses (Laundry, Mini-bar, Phones, Drinks, etc.)
–Porters
–Tipping
–Travel Insurance
–Visa Fees
–Early Check-in and Late Check-out
–Compulsory Meals
