Itinerary Details
Welcome to Cambodia! Upon arrival in Phnom Penh, you will be met for your private transfer to your hotel. Enjoy some free time to relax before meeting your fellow travellers over welcome drinks. During this initial gathering, your Tour Leader will provide important information regarding the itinerary and logistics for the days ahead.
Overnight in Luxcity Hotel & Apartment (4 Star) or similar.
Explore Phnom Penh by cyclo (bicycle rickshaw), experiencing the vibrant and dynamic atmosphere of this bustling city. Begin your tour at Wat Phnom, the historical hilltop temple considered the birthplace of the capital. Continue to the Royal Palace, the residence of King Norodom Sihamoni, featuring the exquisite Silver Pagoda. Nearby, visit the National Museum, which houses an extensive collection of Khmer art and artifacts. Midday, stop for lunch at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, transfer by vehicle to the Toul Sleng Museum, a former high school converted into the notorious interrogation and torture prison during the Khmer Rouge regime.
Overnight in Luxcity Hotel & Apartment (4 Star) or similar.
Day 3
Phnom Penh to Kampong Thom (B/L)
This morning, travel overland to Kampong Thom, the provincial capital. En route, stop at the notorious Spider & Insect Market in Skun to observe local delicacies that are part of the regional cuisine. Upon arrival, enjoy lunch at your hotel. In the afternoon, visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Sambor Prei Kuk, also known as Isanapura, the former capital of the Chenla Kingdom prior to Angkor. The 7th-century temples display impressive monument groups, reflecting early Khmer architecture and sculpture.
Overnight in Glorious Hotel & Spa (3 Star) or similar.
Day 4
Kampong Thom to Siem Reap (B/L)
Depart Kampong Thom for Siem Reap. On the way, stop at the Naga Bridge in Kampong Kdei. Before reaching Siem Reap, visit Kampong Kleang, a large stilted and floating village situated approximately 55 kilometers from the city on the Tonle Sap Lake, the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia. Take a boat trip to explore the flooded forests and fishing communities, witnessing their distinctive lifestyle shaped by seasonal changes. Lunch will be served at a local homestay or restaurant before continuing to Siem Reap.
Overnight in Angkor Paradise Hotel (4 Star) or similar.
Begin pre-dawn with a visit to Angkor Wat to witness the sunrise over this monumental temple complex. After sunrise, explore the central monuments and bas-reliefs of Angkor Wat during the quiet early morning hours. Breakfast will be served at a local restaurant near the temple grounds. Attend a traditional monk blessing ceremony in an active pagoda within Angkor, where monks chant sacred Pali scriptures while sprinkling holy water. Continue to the Southern Gate of Angkor Thom, the "Great City," featuring temples erected by King Jayavarman VII. Highlights include the towering 23-meter stone faces of Avalokiteshvara at the Bayon temple, the Terrace of Elephants, and the Terrace of the Leper King. Also visit the iconic 11th-century temples Baphuon and Phimeanakas before concluding with Ta Prohm, renowned for its massive tree roots that intertwine with the temple ruins. Return to Siem Reap for the evening.
Overnight in Angkor Paradise Hotel (4 Star) or similar.
Start your day with a visit to Damdek local market before heading to Beng Mealea temple. Beng Mealea is a largely unrestored temple built from sandstone blocks and partially engulfed by jungle vegetation. The 12th-century temple is notable for its elaborate carvings depicting scenes from the Ramayana epic. Although Hindu themes dominate, Beng Mealea functioned predominantly as a Buddhist sanctuary, similar to Banteay Samre. Lunch will be served at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, visit the Landmine Museum, which presents defused landmines and educates visitors on their impact and ongoing removal efforts. On the return journey, stop at a nearby village to observe traditional sugar palm production techniques.
Overnight in Angkor Paradise Hotel (4 Star) or similar.
Day 7
Siem Reap to Battambang (B/L)
Travel overland to Battambang, Cambodia's second-largest city known for its well-preserved French Colonial architecture. Explore the city’s small temples, markets, and galleries that feature works by emerging local artists. Experience a unique ride on the Bamboo Train, a simple flatbed constructed of bamboo slats that runs on railway tracks—a rare remaining stretch of this traditional mode of transport. Stroll through the town to view charming colonial buildings and visit several small art galleries in the historic old town area.
Overnight in Classy Hotel (3 Star) or similar.
Day 8
Battambang to Siem Reap (B/L/D)
Enjoy a morning village tour by Remork (a type of Tuk Tuk) through the scenic countryside surrounding Battambang. Visit several rural family homes specializing in traditional Cambodian products such as rice paper, dried bananas, bamboo sticky rice, fish paste, and rice wine, produced using methods preserved over generations. Learn about rural daily life, which constitutes over 70% of Cambodia’s population, and sample the products fresh from preparation. Take a break in a traditional Khmer house, savoring seasonal fruits and coconut water. Conclude the morning with a visit to a memorial site dedicated to the victims of the Khmer Rouge regime. After lunch at a local restaurant, return to Siem Reap. In the evening, enjoy a Khmer farewell dinner at a local restaurant.
Overnight in Angkor Paradise Hotel (4 Star) or similar.
Day 9
Siem Reap Departure (B)
After breakfast, transfer to Siem Reap airport for your onward departure.
Travel Notes
Phnom Penh to Kampong Thom
Approx. 180 km / Approx. 4 hours by road.
Kampong Thom to Siem Reap
Approx. 140 km / Approx. 3.5 hours by road.
Siem Reap to Battambang
Approx. 170 km / Approx. 3.5 to 4 hours by road.
Battambang to Siem Reap
Approx. 170 km / Approx. 3.5 to 4 hours by road.
Road conditions on intercity routes in Cambodia can vary, with some stretches maintained better than others; travel durations may be influenced by traffic and weather, especially during the rainy season (May to October). Transfers typically use private vehicles and can be somewhat bumpy outside main urban areas. Accommodation en route may be basic but sufficient for overnight stays. Planning transfers with flexibility is advisable to accommodate any delays and ensure smooth connections between cities.
All travel distances and times are indicative only and may vary depending on traffic, weather, routing and local conditions.
Destination Information
Battambang
Battambang, situated in the fertile Tonle Sap basin, serves as a key cultural and logistical waypoint in northwest Cambodia. The city’s French colonial architecture, marked by timber shutters and ornate balconies, contrasts with the surrounding rural landscape of rice paddies and winding rivers. The compact urban core reveals a blend of daily market activity and quiet residential streets, reflecting the coexistence of traditional livelihoods with emerging urban dynamics. Battambang’s positioning along the Sangker River facilitates connections to both Phnom Penh and the northern provinces, making it an integral link within broader travel routes across the region. This interplay between its built environment and agricultural setting frames an understanding of local life beyond the typical tourist narrative.
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
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.
Nestled in the heart of Siem Reap, Angkor Paradise Hotel offers an elevated sanctuary that blends refined comfort with authentic Khmer charm. This four-star retreat stands out for its seamless balance of modern luxury and cultural heritage, providing travelers with an immersive experience steps away from the Angkor temples. The hotel’s tranquil ambiance is carefully curated through elegant design, inviting natural light and spacious layouts. Guests enjoy refined amenities, including a pristine swimming pool, lush gardens, and attentive service that anticipates every need. Whether exploring iconic ruins or seeking a serene escape, Angkor Paradise Hotel delivers an intimate and sophisticated stay that reflects the spirit of Cambodia’s timeless allure.
Classy Hotel & Spa offers a seamless blend of comfort and sophistication in a welcoming three to four-star setting. Designed for discerning travelers, the hotel provides a tranquil retreat where refined interiors meet thoughtful amenities. Guests can unwind in elegantly appointed rooms that balance modern convenience with timeless style. The on-site spa elevates the experience, delivering tailored treatments in a serene atmosphere. Attentive service and a relaxed ambiance create a personalized stay that quietly elevates every moment. Whether for business or leisure, Classy Hotel & Spa distinguishes itself through understated luxury and genuine hospitality, inviting guests to savor calm and sophistication in equal measure.
Inclusions & Exclusions
Included
✓Arrival and Departure Transfers
✓English-speaking Tour Guide
✓Entrance fees for locations specified
✓Meals as stated (B = Breakfast; L = Lunch; D = Dinner)
✓Tipping for Guide and Driver
Not Included
–Transport in Air-conditioned Vehicles
–Accommodation in Stated Hotels or similar
–Early Check-in and Late Check-out
–International Flights
–Meals not stated in itinerary
–Porters
–Travel Insurance
–Visa Fees
–Personal Expenses (Laundry, Mini-bar, Phones, Drinks, etc.)
