Cambodia Discovery

Upon arrival at Siem Reap International Airport, our local guide will be there to meet you. They will transfer you to your hotel in Siem Reap for check-in. If your room is not yet available before 2 pm, we will securely store your luggage and proceed with the Siem Reap Orientation tour.
Our first stop will be at Wat Damnak, a stunning pagoda showcasing French colonial architecture and featuring a large garden adorned with statues. Next, we will visit the Angkor National Museum, which houses an impressive collection of Cambodian artifacts that delve into the origins of Khmer art, culture, and architecture. Within its eight galleries, you will gain a comprehensive understanding of Cambodia's history and the Khmer Empire. Additionally, you will have the opportunity to attend a lecture by a highly knowledgeable Khmer archaeologist who possesses over 11 years of experience in the field.
We will then enjoy a delicious lunch at a local restaurant before continuing our tour to Wat Thmei. This significant site served as one of the killing fields during the Pol Pot regime (1975-79). It offers a somber yet educational experience, shedding light on the Khmer Rouge regime and the civil war in Cambodia from 1979 to 1999.
At around 4:00 pm, we will drive to Phnom Bakheng temple, situated atop a natural hill and built in the 9th century. This mountain temple, often called "le-mountain," resembles Mount Meru and is renowned for its breathtaking sunset views. After enjoying this serene spectacle, we will return to your hotel in Siem Reap.

Included:
Accommodation: Hotel in Siem Reap
Private transportation
Entrance fees
Meal: Lunch
Private English speaking guide

Breakfast will be served at 6 AM at your hotel. At 7:30 AM, our guide and driver will pick you up for a full-day tour of the main temples in the Angkor Archaeological Park (Angkor Wat, Bayon, Banteay Srei, and Ta Prohm).
We will start the visit to Angkor Wat temple from the East Gate, taking a different approach compared to others. We will explore levels 1, 2, and 3 of this architectural marvel, a truly impressive ruin that offers deep insights into Khmer Culture and Civilization. The temple boasts exquisite stone carvings of Apsaras from the Angkor period.
Next, we will delve into the mysterious Royal City of Angkor Thom. The sight of its 50-tower temple is awe-inspiring. Initially appearing as a shapeless mass of stone, closer observation reveals faces staring out from a primitive and distant era. We will begin at the South Gate and proceed to explore Bayon, Baphuon, the Royal Enclosure, and the Terrace of the Elephants.
For lunch, we arrange a special experience at the home of Mr. Peout and his wife, Mrs. Gin. Their small house, nestled in a tranquil atmosphere with a green garden, will serve as the setting for a delightful homemade lunch. They will also share their personal stories from the Khmer Rouge era to the present.
After lunch, we will continue our journey to Banteay Srei, often referred to as the jewel of Khmer art. This remarkable red sandstone temple, located an hour away from Siem Reap, showcases elaborate carvings on its well-preserved walls.
On our way back to Siem Reap, we will visit the enchanting Ta Prohm temple, famous for its appearance in the movie "Tomb Raider". This temple, nearly consumed by the jungle, presents an intriguing and haunting scene. The intertwined roots of trees embracing the massive stone blocks create an unforgettable atmosphere that exemplifies the harmonious coexistence of man and nature.
We will then return to the hotel for relaxation. Dinner arrangements will be at your discretion.

Included:
Accommodation: Hotel in Siem Reap
Private transportation
Entrance fees
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch
Private English speaking guide

After breakfast at your hotel. Transfer to Tonle Sap Lake. Take a boat ride to explore Chong Kneas Floating Village and experience the daily life of the villagers. This natural wonder provides a glimpse into the traditional riparian lifestyle and the beautiful countryside. Later, visit an Artisan Dangkor workshop.
Return to the hotel for relaxation and have lunch at your own leisure. At 3 pm, our guide and scooter driver (a tuk-tuk is available if you prefer) will pick you up and take you to Krabei Riel Village. Witness the villagers engaging in daily activities such as working in vegetable gardens, rice fields, and weaving.
There will be plenty of opportunities for pictures and interaction with the locals. Visit Mr. Ron's house, where his family will warmly welcome you. Mrs. Sina, his wife, will lead a cooking class where you will learn to prepare three authentic Cambodian dishes. Enjoy the dinner with the food you have cooked. Bid farewell to Mr. Ron's family, and our scooter driver(s) will ride you back to your hotel in Siem Reap

Included:
Accommodation: Hotel in Siem Reap
Private transportation
Boat trip
Entrance fees
Meal: Breakfast, Dinner
Private English speaking guide

Leaving Siem Reap for Preah Vihear Temple, which is 208km away and takes about 4 hours. Along the way, we'll make a quick stop at Ta Mok's house, a simple structure with murals depicting Angkor Wat and Prasat Preah Vihear.
Ta Mok was a commander under Pol Pot and passed away in July 2006. After lunch at a local restaurant in Saem, we'll visit Preah Vihear temple. To reach the temple on the hill of Phnom Dangrek, we'll change to a 4WD at the checkpoint near the Thailand border. Preah Vihear dates back to the 11th century and offers stunning views of Thailand and Cambodia. After exploring the temple, we'll descend the hill by 4WD and continue driving to Koh Ker for dinner and overnight camping at the temple area.
In the late afternoon, we'll arrive at Koh Ker and relax at a local house for refreshments, showers, and dinner before spending the night at the campsite.

Included:
Accommodation: Campsite in Koh Ker
Private transportation
Entrance fees
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Private English speaking guide

Start the day with an early picnic breakfast at the campsite. Our first stop is Koh Ker, an ancient temple complex built in the 10th century. For a brief period between 928 and 944 A.D., it served as the capital of the Khmer Empire. The unique architectural style of Koh Ker sets it apart from other temples in Cambodia, resembling the ancient pyramids of Egypt. As we explore the temple, you'll be immersed in a captivating atmosphere, with the forest partially reclaiming the site and only the sounds of birds accompanying us.
Next, we'll drive towards the Preah Romkel community, located on the banks of the Mekong River near the Laos border. Along the way, we'll stop in Preah Vihear Town for a delightful lunch. By around 3 PM, we'll arrive at Preah Romkel and visit the magnificent Sopheakmit Waterfall, a colossal natural wonder separating Laos and Cambodia on the Mekong. With its cascading waters flowing over a 26km stretch of rock, it ranks among the largest waterfalls in the world.
To conclude the day, we'll enjoy a delicious dinner and spend the night in a welcoming local house within the Preah Romkel community.

Included:
Accommodation: Homestay in Preah Romkel
Private transportation
Entrance fees
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Private English speaking guide

Enjoy breakfast at the community to start your day. Afterward, it's time to bid farewell to the community and prepare for our next destination.
We'll board a long-tail boat and cross the river to visit a village in Laos. Here, we'll have the opportunity to learn about the local Lao villagers and savor a refreshing glass of Lao coffee. We'll then continue our boat journey downstream towards Koh Han, which will take approximately 2 hours.
Koh Han is situated in the Koh Snaeng commune, O Svay district, within the Stung Treng province. This area is home to the Somros Koh Han Community-based Ecotourism (CBET) project. The community consists of 2,749 residents, with 1,297 of them being women. Nestled within the Ramsar site of the Mekong River, the Somros Koh Han CBET offers a unique landscape rich in biodiversity.
Upon arrival, we'll be warmly welcomed by our local hosts and enjoy a delicious lunch. Our knowledgeable guide will then provide a detailed presentation about the Koh Han community. You'll have free time to explore the island at your leisure, with the option to be accompanied by the guide who can show you around and even take you for a swim in the Mekong River.

Included:
Accommodation: Homestay in Koh Han
Private transportation
Boat trip
Entrance fees
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Private English speaking guide

After enjoying breakfast, we'll embark on a drive to Stung Treng downtown, where we'll explore the vibrant Stung Treng Local Market. This bustling market is renowned as the primary trading hub in northern Cambodia's Mekong region.
Continuing our journey southward, visit Prek Kampi to observe the fascinating Irrawaddy Dolphins. Boarding a local boat, we'll embark on a gentle ride to reach the pools where the dolphins reside. You'll have the chance to spot these majestic creatures up close and appreciate their beauty.
Next, we'll drive to Kratie downtown for a delightful lunch at a local restaurant. Following our meal, we'll proceed to Kampong Cham City. Upon our arrival around 3 pm, we'll check-in at the hotel and take some time to relax and refresh.
Around 4:30 pm, we'll venture to Koh Pen, one of the islands in the Mekong River within Kampong Cham Province. This island holds a special attraction known as the Bamboo Bridge, which is the longest bamboo bridge in Cambodia.
Back to your hotel in the late afternoon for a delightful dinner and spend the night.

Included:
Accommodation: Hotel in Kampong Cham
Private transportation
Boat trip
Entrance fees
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Private English speaking guide

We drive to Phnom Penh, making a bathroom stop at the Spider Market along the way. Here, you'll witness the unique sight of ladies selling live tarantulas and various deep-fried insects like crickets, water bugs, grasshoppers, and scorpions.
You can also sample some of the local seasonal fruits. Continuing our journey, we arrive in Phnom Penh and visit Wat Phnom, the city's central point that gave Phnom Penh its name.
At 27 meters above sea level, it offers the highest vantage point in the area. We then proceed to Wat Unalom, a Buddhist Monastery and the headquarters of a revered Buddhist patriarch.
Our next stop is the Central Market, an iconic landmark in the capital. This art deco structure, also known as Psar Thmei or "New Market," is one of the largest domed buildings in the world. Our guide will take you through the food hall, where you can sample a variety of snacks, drinks, fruits, juices, and enjoy them as your lunch.
We then drive to visit the Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda, two magnificent examples of Khmer architecture. Initially constructed in 1866, they showcase the grandeur of the city.
Finally, we conclude the day with a farewell dinner at a local restaurant, specifically at Malis Restaurant (drinks not included).

Included:
Accommodation: Hotel in Phnom Penh
Private transportation
Entrance fees
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Private English speaking guide

Breakfast at the hotel.
Free until transfer to Phnom Penh International Airport for departure

Included:
Accommodation: N/A
Private transportation
Meal: Breakfast
Private English speaking guide