Essence Of Cambodia

Tour Code: ODP000005-KH
Essence Of Cambodia

This immersive tour navigates Cambodia’s vibrant capital Phnom Penh and the historic heart of Siem Reap, combining city highlights with authentic cultural and ecological encounters. Travel from lively urban markets and royal architecture to tranquil rural villages and the majestic Angkor temples, embracing varied travel styles including guided city tours, countryside cycling, motorbike adventures, and eco-friendly ziplining. Guests will engage with local communities, explore ancient Hindu-Buddhist monuments, and contribute to wildlife conservation through hands-on experiences. This comprehensive route showcases Cambodia’s rich heritage and natural wonders in a balanced, refined itinerary tailored for discerning travelers seeking depth and diversity.

Tour Highlights

Essence Of Cambodia

Itinerary Details


Day 1
Phnom Penh Arrival

Welcome to Phnom Penh! Upon arrival, meet your local guide and driver who will transfer you to your hotel. The rest of the evening is at your leisure to relax, unwind, or take a short walk around the hotel area. This is a perfect time to acclimatize and prepare for the exciting days ahead.

Overnight in Capri by Fraser (4 Star) or similar.

Day 2
Silk Island Vespa Adventure & Phnom Penh City Highlights (B)

Start your day with a half-day Silk Island Vespa Tour (join-in). Ride through the countryside with an experienced driver, cross the river by ferry, and explore local villages, markets, and temples. Visit traditional silk weaving workshops and learn about Cambodia’s heritage up close. Return to Phnom Penh in the afternoon for a city tour, visiting the Royal Palace, Silver Pagoda, and Wat Phnom to discover the city’s history and architecture. Enjoy the evening at your leisure.

Please note: Join in tour

Overnight in Capri by Fraser (4 Star) or similar.

Day 3
Bear Care Experience at Phnom Tamao Wildlife Rescue Centre (B/L)

Spend a full day at Phnom Tamao Wildlife Rescue Centre with the ‘Bear Care Tour’. Walk through the forested compound with caretakers, feed rescued Asiatic bears, and meet other animals including gibbons and elephants. Enjoy a picnic lunch at a bamboo hut before continuing to explore the sanctuary with a wildlife expert. This hands-on experience supports the centre’s conservation efforts and allows you to connect with Cambodia’s diverse wildlife. Return to Phnom Penh in the late afternoon, with the evening free at leisure.

Please note: Join in tour

Overnight in Capri by Fraser (4 Star) or similar.

Day 4
Overland Journey to Siem Reap via Sambor Prei Kuk (B)

Depart Phnom Penh in the morning and stop at Skuon Market to see its famous fried spiders. Continue to the UNESCO-listed Sambor Prei Kuk, an ancient capital and religious site from the 7th century, featuring hundreds of brick and sandstone temples. Explore the remains and learn about the historical significance of this once-powerful center of worship. Arrive in Siem Reap in the late afternoon and settle into your hotel.

Overnight in Amatak Boutique Hotel (4 Star) or similar.

Day 5
Angkor Sunrise & Ancient Temples Exploration (B)

Begin before dawn with a sunrise tour of Angkor Wat by Remork (tuk-tuk). Enter the temple in near darkness and explore its corridors, bas-reliefs, and upper terraces with a knowledgeable guide. Continue through Angkor Thom, visiting Bayon Temple, the Terrace of the Elephants, the Terrace of the Leper King, Baphuon, Phimeanakas, and Ta Prohm. Enjoy authentic Khmer cuisine for lunch before returning to the hotel to rest and refresh. Spend the evening exploring local markets or relaxing at your leisure.

Overnight in Amatak Boutique Hotel (4 Star) or similar.

Day 6
Angkor Zipline Eco-Adventure & Phare Circus Show (B)

Experience adventure with the Angkor Zipline Gold Eco-Tour, soaring through the forested canopies of the Angkor Archaeological Park. Led by certified guides, this safe and thrilling tour lasts 2–2.5 hours and immerses you in Cambodia’s natural beauty and wildlife. Afterward, the rest of the day is free to relax or explore at your own pace. In the evening, enjoy the Phare Circus Show, a spectacular performance combining theatre, dance, and modern circus arts to tell uniquely Cambodian stories.

Overnight in Amatak Boutique Hotel (4 Star) or similar.

Day 7
Countryside Cycling & Tonle Sap Floating Village Discovery (B/L)

Spend the day on a countryside bike tour through rural villages and red soil roads. Visit a local fish market, Kampong Khleang floating village, and a pagoda island, observing monks and local life. Explore the Vietnamese floating village, seeing floating schools, shops, and homes on the Tonle Sap Lake. Enjoy a Khmer lunch in a local home and interact with villagers along the return route. Conclude the day back in Siem Reap with time to relax at your hotel.

Overnight in Amatak Boutique Hotel (4 Star) or similar.

Day 8
Kulen Mountain Sacred Sites & Waterfall Adventure (B/L)

Take a motorbike tour of Kulen Mountain as a passenger. Explore sacred sites including Poeng Tbal, Prasat Rong Chen—a colorful modern temple—the Bat Cave, and Srah Damrei with its life-size stone elephant. Enjoy a packed lunch along the way and visit Damrei Krap (Kneeling Elephant) and the River of a Thousand Lingas. End the tour with a refreshing swim at Kulen Waterfall before returning to Siem Reap.

Overnight in Amatak Boutique Hotel (4 Star) or similar.

Day 9
Siem Reap Departure (B)

Your journey concludes today. Enjoy free time at leisure before your transfer to the airport for your departure.




Travel Notes

Phnom Penh to Siem Reap

Approx. 320 km / Approx. 5 to 6 hours by road.

The main intercity transfer in this itinerary is by road between Phnom Penh and Siem Reap, covering roughly 320 kilometers and taking about 5 to 6 hours depending on traffic and road conditions. Travelers should anticipate basic highway infrastructure with occasional rural stretches. Seasonal weather can affect travel times, especially in the rainy season. Transfers typically involve private vehicles and may include stops for rest or sightseeing. Accommodation in both cities is well established, but onward travel to remote sites often requires local transport arrangements.

All travel distances and times are indicative only and may vary depending on traffic, weather, routing and local conditions.




Destination Information

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

Capri by Fraser Phnom Penh

Nestled in the heart of Phnom Penh, Capri by Fraser offers a contemporary sanctuary for discerning travelers seeking a harmonious blend of comfort and style. This four-star residence distinguishes itself through spacious, thoughtfully designed studios and apartments, each equipped with a fully integrated kitchen and modern amenities. The atmosphere is effortlessly chic yet welcoming, tailored for both business travelers and extended stays. Guests benefit from seamless connectivity with the city’s dynamic pulse while retreating to serene interiors adorned with natural light and sleek finishes. Complemented by attentive service and practical conveniences such as a well-equipped fitness center and laundry facilities, Capri by Fraser Phnom Penh redefines urban hospitality with an emphasis on freedom and personal space, making each visit a refined, effortless experience.

Amatak Boutique Hotel

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.




Inclusions & Exclusions

Included

✓Accommodations as stated or similar
✓English-speaking Tour Guide
✓Entrance fees for locations specified
✓Meals as stated (B = Breakfast; L = Lunch; D = Dinner)
✓SIC Join-in tour as specified

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
–Peak Season Surcharge (Christmas, New Year, Chinese New Year etc..)

Costing Summary

ValidityPer Person
01/10/2025 - 30/09/20261316
Prices are in US Dollar per person on a DBL/TWN room sharing basis.
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