11Days 10Nights
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Go beyond the main tourist trail with this immersive 11-day journey. Experience the rural tranquility of Koh Trong Island and spot rare Irrawaddy dolphins in Kratie. Explore the pre-Angkorian ruins of Sambor Prei Kuk and the jungle-clad mystery of Banteay Chhmar. This loop connects Cambodia’s natural wonders with its ancient history, concluding with the colonial charm of Battambang.
Welcome to the heart of Cambodia! Upon arrival at Phnom Penh International Airport, your local guide and driver will warmly greet you and transfer you to your hotel in the city center. Take time to settle in and enjoy your first impressions of this vibrant capital on the banks of the Mekong.
Overnight in Phnom Penh.
After breakfast, set out around 08:00 for a scenic six-hour drive from Phnom Penh to Kratie. Along the way, stop at Kampong Cham, a peaceful riverside town lined with French colonial buildings. Explore its colorful market, then cross the Bamboo Bridge over the Mekong River to Soten Island, where you can walk or cycle among local homes and fruit gardens.
Continue toward Kratie, a sleepy Mekong port and gateway to the rare Irrawaddy freshwater dolphins. Upon arrival, board a local boat to Koh Trong Island, where traditional village life unfolds amid palm trees and rice fields.
Overnight on Koh Trong.
After breakfast, hop on a bicycle and follow the narrow concrete path circling Koh Trong Island. The route is lined with tropical fruit trees, charming wooden homes, and friendly villagers waving hello as they go about their day.
In the afternoon, head to Kampi, one of the best viewing areas for the Irrawaddy dolphins. Board a local wooden boat and gently cruise along the mighty Mekong River, watching for these rare and graceful creatures surfacing in the calm waters. Return to Koh Trong by ferry for a relaxing evening.
Overnight on Koh Trong.
After breakfast, return by boat to Kratie, where you can stroll through its laid-back streets and riverside market before departing for Kampong Thom. The drive passes through tranquil countryside, peppered with small villages and rice paddies. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel and spend the rest of the afternoon at leisure.
Overnight in Kampong Thom.
Enjoy breakfast, then drive out to explore Sambor Prei Kuk, the most important collection of pre-Angkorian temples in Cambodia and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Wander through forest-shaded ruins that date back to the Chenla Kingdom of the 7th century.
After your visit, continue toward Siem Reap, gateway to the temples of Angkor. On the way, embark on a scenic boat ride across Tonlé Sap Lake, Southeast Asia’s largest freshwater lake. Visit Kampong Pluk Floating Village, where stilted wooden houses rise above the water and local families adapt their lives to the lake’s seasonal rhythms.
Overnight in Siem Reap.
Begin your morning exploring the Small Circuit Temples of Angkor. Wander through Ta Prohm, where massive tree roots entwine ancient stones — a timeless scene that captures the romance of lost civilizations. Continue to Preah Khan, Banteay Kdei, and Srah Srang, the “Royal Bath.”
In the afternoon, enter the majestic walled city of Angkor Thom, the last capital of the Khmer Empire. Pass through the South Gate, lined with gods and demons pulling a giant serpent, and marvel at the serene stone faces of Bayon Temple. End the day at the Terrace of the Elephants and Terrace of the Leper King, masterpieces of intricate bas-relief carvings.
Overnight in Siem Reap.
Rise early around 04:30 to witness the magnificent sunrise over Angkor Wat, where the temple’s reflection glows across its lotus ponds — one of Southeast Asia’s most breathtaking sights.
After sunrise, explore Angkor Wat Temple in depth. Built in the 12th century, this masterpiece of Khmer architecture boasts the world’s longest continuous bas-relief, depicting scenes from Hindu mythology.
In the afternoon, visit Banteay Srei, known as the “Citadel of Women,” crafted from pink sandstone and famed for its intricate carvings. Its charm lies in its delicate scale and remarkable preservation.
Overnight in Siem Reap.
After breakfast, travel northwest toward Banteay Meanchey Province to explore Banteay Chhmar Temple, a rarely visited jewel that rivals Angkor in scale and artistry. Its remote location and half-collapsed towers wrapped in forest vines create an atmosphere of mystery and discovery.
Continue to Battambang, a charming riverside town filled with French-era architecture and artistic spirit. Upon arrival, stroll its leafy streets and visit the Provincial Museum, home to lintels and statues from nearby temple ruins.
Overnight in Battambang.
After breakfast, head out to Phnom Sampeau, or “Ship Hill,” named for its unique shape. Climb to the hilltop pagoda for sweeping views of the countryside — a patchwork of rice paddies and palm trees. Below lies the haunting Killing Caves, a solemn reminder of Cambodia’s past.
Later, visit Ksach Puoy Village, known for its traditional stilt houses and fertile farmland. End your day with a fun and unforgettable ride on the Bamboo Train, gliding through open fields and local villages on a simple bamboo platform set on wheels.
Overnight in Battambang.
Enjoy breakfast before your overland journey back to Phnom Penh. En route, stop at the pottery village of Kompong Chhnang, the floating village of Kompong Luong, and Oudong, the former royal capital where ancient stupas crown the hill of Phnom Oudong.
Arrive in Phnom Penh by late afternoon, check in at your hotel, and enjoy your final evening in the capital at leisure.
Overnight in Phnom Penh.
After breakfast, depart at 08:30 for a half-day city tour of Phnom Penh. Begin at the Royal Palace, constructed by King Norodom in 1866, followed by the Silver Pagoda, named for its 5,000 silver tiles and exquisite Buddha statues. Continue to the Independence Monument and Chaktomuk River Bank for a refreshing riverside stroll.
Conclude your journey with a visit to the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S-21), a sobering reminder of Cambodia’s modern history.
Later, transfer to Phnom Penh International Airport for your departure flight.
End of services.
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