Classic Cambodia

On your arrival in Phnom Penh, your local guide will meet you and transfer you to your hotel. After you check in, there will be time to relax before taking a tour around the capital in a Tuk Tuk. Later, enjoy an evening drink at the FCC Phnom Penh (Foreign Correspondent Club) with a view of the Mekong River and the bustling waterfront.

You will have a full day to explore Cambodia’s history and culture on a guided sightseeing tour of Phnom Penh. Discover the important Khmer Rouge memorial sites of Tuol Sleng Museum and the Killing Fields before returning to the city for lunch, then visit the Royal Palace, Wat Preah Keo Morokat — the Silver Pagoda — and the National Museum of Cambodia’s comprehensive collection of Khmer art. Browse the gorgeous handicraft and silk boutiques in the Russian Market. Finally, take a private sunset boat cruise on the Tonle Sap and Mekong rivers.

Set off on the five-hour drive through the attractive Cambodian countryside and villages to Battambang. Your driver will stop at your request along the way. Scheduled breaks include villages and towns producing traditional and modern Khmer crafts.

First, visit Kompong Luong goldsmiths’ village and Cambodia’s former royal capital, Phnom Oudong. Your guide will explain the history of the area and its buildings, and the religious beliefs of the Cambodian people. Walk up Oudong mountain for an impressive panoramic view of villages, pagodas, plains and lakes. Continue to Kampong Chhnang for lunch at a restaurant, then explore a ceramic village before travelling on to Pursat, well-known for its marble sculpture workshop, and arrive in Battambang in the late afternoon.

The rural city of Battambang is a former French, Thai and Khmer trading hub. You can see different phases of its history reflected in its architecture (New Khmer, French-Classical villas, and Khmer wooden houses), and some remarkable countryside. In Battambang, explore local markets and the Battambang Provincial Museum before a ride on the famous bamboo train. After lunch, enjoy the surrounding countryside, taking in Wat Ek Phom, Phnom Banan and Cambodia’s only winery, the Chan Thay Chhoueng plantation.

Please note: The train tracks from Battambang to Phnom Penh are being reconstructed. The long-term future of the bamboo train ride cannot be guaranteed. If the service stops, we will arrange an alternative sightseeing activity.

Departing from Battambang, embark on Cambodia’s most spectacular boat journey, navigating the narrow waterways and marshlands of the Sangker River to the great freshwater lake of Tonle Sap. En route, explore floating villages in Preak Toal, where you will see traditional fishing techniques and visit a family who live on a crocodile farm. Continue your cruise on Tonle Sap Lake to land at Chong Kneas in the late afternoon. Transfer by road to Siem Reap, your base to explore the world-famous temples of Angkor.

Please note: The river cruise from Battambang to Siem Reap may not be possible from April 1 to Oct 15 due to shallow water in the river and Tonle Sap Lake, in which case a road transfer will be arranged.

Journey back in time to the former Khmer Empire as you discover the awe-inspiring temple complex of Angkor, a UNESCO World Heritage site and the largest temple ruins on Earth. In the morning, visit the magnificent Angkor Wat. Built between AD 1113 and 1150, it is a masterpiece of Khmer architecture.

Next, discover the great city of Angkor Thom, the last capital of the Khmer Empire. Begin the afternoon tour at the South Gate of Angkor Thom and continue to the impressive Bayon Temple. Visit the Elephant Terrace and the Terrace of the Leper King, known for their intricate bas-reliefs. After a day of exploration, return to your hotel to relax.

Explore the mysterious and much-photographed Ta Prohm temple, where huge trees grow in and among the ancient stones, then walk through the forest to the seldom-visited Ta Nei temple, ending the morning on top of Ta Keo, an imposing temple mound with some challenging steps. Return to town for lunch.

Head out of town for an excursion to Banteay Srei temple, 30km from Siem Reap. Made from pink sandstone, it is the finest example of stone carving among the Khmer temples. On the way back to Siem Reap, visit the Cambodian Landmine Museum to learn more about this terrible legacy from the war. Enjoy sunset at the Pre Rup temple before returning to Siem Reap.

Optional tour: We suggest watching the sun rise at Angkor Wat on day 7 for an iconic travel experience.

Take a road journey through the Cambodian countryside to the photogenic village of Kompong Khleang. Kompong Khleang is one of the largest Tonle Sap communities, but few tourists visit the village. See how a subsistence fishing family live and learn about their daily life, then take a boat tour to see the stilt houses and fishing practices of the floating community up close from the water.

After you have explored the village, continue to the lost temple of Beng Mealea. This sprawling complex is embedded in the jungle. It extends over a square kilometer and is largely overrun by vegetation like the famous temple at Ta Prohm, creating an atmospheric scene — perfect for an afternoon photography session.

Please note: During the flood season (August to February), Kompong Khleang village can only be reached by boat. At other times it is accessible by road.

Take time to explore the charming town of Siem Reap. You may shop for a memento at Artisans D’Angkor, a collective of skilled local artisans offering Khmer fine arts and crafts. We hope you will treasure your experiences and continue to nurture friendships and memories of the people and places. You will be transferred to the International Terminal for your outbound flight.