Cambodia Astonishing Exploration – 6 Days/ 5 Nights

Brief Itinerary

Day 1: Phnom Penh Arrival
Day 2: Phnom Penh City Tour
Day 3: Phnom Penh – Battambang by Private Vehicle with Escort Guide & Tours
Day 4: Battambang Countryside Tours by Tuk Tuk & Private Vehicle to Siem Reap
Day 5: Siem Reap – Discover The Best Temples Of Angkor Complex
Day 6: Siem Reap – Boat Trip On Tonle Sap & Departure

Full Itinerary

Day 1: Phnom Penh Arrival – Welcome & Airport Pick-up

Phnom Penh Airport – Phnom Penh (12 km): 30 minutes. Upon arrival, at Phnom Penh Airport will be met by our guide and driver then transfer to the hotel for check-in (Check-in time at 14:00). Rest of the day is free at leisure. Overnight in Phnom Penh.

Day 2: Phnom Penh City Tour (B)

In the morning we start to visit Phnom Penh City tour, Phnom Penh has been the capital of Cambodia since 1866 and although it suffered extensive damage during the Khmer Rouge era, the city still retains a rustic charm. Accompanied by our local guide, tour the city to discover its ancient and recent past. Begin your tour at the Cambodian Royal Palace, which stands majestically in the city center just off the riverfront area. Several buildings are open to visitors including the ‘Silver Pagoda’ whose floor is lined with solid silver tiles. Continue to the National Museum. Located in a fabulous old building, the Museum is filled with art and artifacts dating back to the pre-Angkorian era.  At the north end of the city is the hilltop pagoda of Wat Phnom, for which the capital was named. Climb the stairs to the top of the hill for fabulous views of the city below.

In the afternoon take a look into the country’s tragic recent history with a tour of Tuol Sleng Prison (S-21) and the Killing Fields at ChoengEk, sobering reminders of the evils of the Khmer Rouge regime. Although not a joyful tour, visiting these monuments unlocks the keys to understanding the development of this still-developing country. In between there is also time for a visit to the ‘Russian Market’. Test out your bargaining skills as you wander through the stalls filled with souvenirs, local handicrafts, and electronic goods. Overnight in Phnom Penh.

Day 3: Phnom Penh – Battambang By Private Vehicle With Escort Guide & Tours (B)

Today after breakfast at the hotel, we take a private vehicle with an English-speaking guide to Battambong and we take about 4 or 5 hours. Arrive in Battambang we visit Phnom Sampov where you can enjoy active walking at the top of the mountain to witness the killing caves and visit the hidden caves of Battambang. Then check in to the hotel.

After checking in we will stroll around the city to see the old colonial buildings. One of them is the Governor’s residence, the small museum that hosts some interesting pieces such as some carved lintels coming from the surrounding temples and some stone or wooden Buddha statues. Then we set off to experience some fun on the famous bamboo train in Battambang, cruising on the track of the train rail while enjoying the highlight of the rural landscape. Return to hotel. Overnight in Battambang.

Day 4: Battambang Countryside Tours by Tuk Tuk & Private Vehicle to Siem Reap (B)

After breakfast at the hotel. In the morning, it’s the countryside around Battambang that makes this region so fascinating. And there’s no better way to see it than by Tuk-Tuk. There’s so much to see and taste! Rice paper being made for spring rolls as it dries in the sun on racks or see rice noodles being made in a factory. Sticky sweet rice is cooked inside bamboo with coconut and red beans.

You can stop to see the sticky rice being baked over the fire and then enjoy pulling the bamboo apart and eating it with your fingers – it’s sticky and messy but that’s half the fun. If sticky rice isn’t your thing. Return to hotel for check out at noon. In the afternoon we drive to Siem Reap. (From Battambang to Siem Reap we take about 3 or 4 hours). On arrival, Siem Reap checked into the hotel. The rest of the day is free for leisure. Overnight in Siem Reap.

Day 5: Siem Reap – Discover The Best Temples Of Angkor Complex (B)

After breakfast, our guide and transport will pick them up at the hotel to begin a long day of Temples. Our itinerary is designed to avoid the biggest crowds of tourists, thus adjusting the route and visiting hours. This morning, we started visiting the temple of Ta Prohm, also known as the temple of the jungle, which was popularized by being part of the scenes of the movie Tom Raider. We will go to the Angkor Thom complex by accessing it through the Victory Gate.

This set contains, among others, the Bayon and Baphuon Temple, the Terrace of Elephants, and the Terrace of the Leper King. Afternoon we visit the majestic temple of Angkor Wat, billed as the largest religious monument in the world and considered by many one of the 7 Wonders of the Modern World. Then, you’ll be taken back to your hotel for your evening at leisure. Overnight in Siem Reap.

Day 6: Siem Reap – Boat Trip On Tonle Sap & Departure (B)

Siem Reap City – Siem Reap Angkor International Airport (50km): 45-60 minutes After breakfast at the hotel, we drive to Tonle Sap Lake where you will have the opportunity to learn about life on the lake. Tonle Sap is South East Asia’s largest freshwater lake with its size varying greatly depending on the season. During the dry season, it is roughly 2,500 km2, swelling to about 4 times its size during the wet season: 10,000 km2! We will board a boat and visit the Chong Kneas village where we’ll see floating houses, farms, and even a floating hospital, a mangrove forest. Return to town to visit Satcha – សច្ច: Cambodian Handicraft Center. Check out from the hotel at noon. Then, we will transfer you to Siem Reap Angkor International Airport for the departure flight. End of service by DMC Vietnam and Cambodia