Cambodia Travel: 10-Day Heritage Explorer Cultural Tour

Highlights of the Trip

Join us on a 10-day adventure through Cambodia, a Cambodia itinerary designed to captivate history and culture enthusiasts and those looking for unique insight into local life. This tailor-made Cambodia Travel tour transports you deep into the heart of Cambodia’s history and traditions, ensuring an unforgettable experience.

Destinations and the Landmarks / Sights to Visit

Siem Reap 

• Angkor Wat Temple: One of the most magnificent and awe-inspiring structures in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Temple of Bayon: Built in the 12th and 13th centuries, this temple stands out from the others in Angkor due to its unique and intricate stone carvings.
• Ta Prohm Temple: This breath-taking temple is known for its unique fusion of nature and architecture, as it is engulfed by towering trees and twisting roots.
• Land Mine Museum: A powerful and poignant representation of the devastating impact of landmines on the country.
• Free time: Explore the Angkor National Museum, Tonle Sap Lake, Angkor Centre.

Kampong Thom

• Sambor Prei Kuk: Boasts of being one of the oldest recorded structures in Southeast Asia, and it is a testament to the rich cultural heritage of Cambodia.

Phnom Penh

• Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum: A haunting, yet important reminder of the country’s dark past.
• Choeung Ek “Killing Fields”:  Not only a place of mourning and remembrance, but also a place of education.
• Royal Palace: Built in 1866, the palace serves as the official residence for the King of Cambodia and the royal family.

Cultural Experiences & Activities of this Holiday

Psar Chaa (“Old Market”): A bustling marketplace located in the heart of Siem Reap, Cambodia. This vibrant and colourful market is a popular destination for both locals and tourists alike, offering a wide array of goods and a glimpse into the traditional way of life in Cambodia.

Homestay: Homestays have become a popular accommodation option for travellers visiting Cambodia. This unique experience allows visitors to live with a local family and immerse themselves in the Cambodian culture and way of life. Homestays are not only an affordable option, but they also offer a more authentic and intimate travel experience compared to staying in a hotel.

Rural Tour: An eco-tour from your homestay. Explore the sugar palm village – a picturesque and quaint village nestled amidst lush greenery and towering sugar palm trees. This quaint village is home to the indigenous Cham people who have been living in this village for centuries. Try making palm leaf, Krolan, and rice noodles.

Paray Village: Savour a local dinner and meet friendly locals during your homestay.

Local Cuisine and Traditional Dishes to try while in Cambodia

During this tour, numerous opportunities will arise for you to savour the authentic local cuisine, whether from the menus of included meals or from your own culinary exploration during your free time in the itinerary. Indulge in traditional dishes that showcase the rich flavours of the region, including amok, lok lak, and fish amok. Amok is a traditional Cambodian curry dish made with fish, coconut milk, and a variety of herbs and spices. It is usually served in a banana leaf and has a creamy and rich texture, making it a favourite among locals and tourists alike. Lok lak is a stir-fried beef dish that is often served with rice and a fried egg on top. The beef is marinated in a tangy sauce and then quickly cooked, giving it a tender and flavourful taste. Another must-try dish in Cambodia is fish amok, which is similar to the traditional amok but made with fish instead of meat.

Water-based Activities and Cruises

Endangered Irrawaddy Freshwater Dolphins: Also known as the Mekong River dolphins, these are one of the most endangered species in the world. They are native to the rivers of Southeast Asia, including the Mekong, Ayeyarwady, and Mahakam. These dolphins are unique in many ways, with their round, bulging foreheads and short beaks that make them resemble smiling creatures.

Accommodation of this Tour

Siem Reap: Hotel and Homestay.

Paray Village: Homestay

Kratie: Hotel

Phnom Penh: Hotel

To discover more of our Cambodia holiday packages, explore our website or contact us on +01473356000 or enquiry@asiara-holidays.com

Itinerary

Day 1: Siem Reap Arrival & Tour

Welcome to Siem Reap, the provincial capital and gateway to the ancient Angkor Temples. These temples, including Bayon, Banteay Srei, and the iconic Angkor Wat, are recognized as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Upon your arrival at the airport, our guide and driver will greet you and accompany you to your hotel for check-in. In the evening, take a stroll around the hotel area for an orientation and then head to the Psar Chass, also known as the ‘Old Market,’ to explore and experience the local culture.

Day 2: Angkor Wat Temples

Rise early to experience one of the most enchanting and spiritual moments at the magnificent Angkor Wat during sunrise. This unique experience is also ideal for witnessing the stunning reflection of the temple on the water, while avoiding the crowds and heat. Angkor Wat, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was built in the 12th century by King Suryavarman II as a dedication to the Hindu deity Vishnu. The temple’s pyramid-like structure, intricate layout and surrounding moat make it a true architectural masterpiece.

After exploring the South Gate of Angkor Thom and its impressive artifacts, you will visit the iconic Bayon temple, followed by the Elephant Terrace, Terrace of the Leper King and the grand Ta Keo temple, dedicated to Shiva. As you exit through the North Gate, your journey will take you to Preah Khan, one of the largest temples in Angkor, built in the 12th century by Jayavarman VII. Finally, don’t miss the awe-inspiring Ta Prohm temple, where the perfect blend of human ingenuity and nature’s beauty can be seen through the enormous trees that have encased the ruins for centuries.

✓ Breakfast

Day 3: Banteay Temple, Land Mine Museum & Butterfly Centre

Following breakfast, our tour begins with a visit to Banteay Srei, one of the most revered sites in the area. This magnificent temple was constructed in 967 AD under the guidance of Jayavarman V’s guru and is renowned for its intricate and elaborate carvings, which showcase the pinnacle of Khmer architecture. From there, we will make a stop at the Land Mine Museum, where you will see a vast collection of landmines and gain awareness of the crucial importance of clearing landmines in Cambodia. This visit will also provide insight into the history and culture of this fascinating society, and you will have the opportunity to interact with a landmine victim in a nearby village.

Later in the afternoon, we will take a leisurely tour to explore the Butterfly Center, where you can admire the stunning surroundings and vibrant butterflies that inhabit the area. Along the way, we will also have the chance to witness the local process of making palm sugar. As the day draws to a close, we will make our way to Bong Thom homestay, a unique community-based tourism project that offers an authentic experience of village life in the heart of Cambodia. This initiative, which works in conjunction with the neighbouring Phum Sanday community, strives to improve livelihoods and reduce poverty in the surrounding countryside. After checking in to the homestay, we will enjoy a delicious welcome dinner.

✓ Breakfast, Dinner

Day 4: Sugar Palm Village & Rural Tour

In the morning, we will embark on an exciting ox cart tour to visit a sugar palm village and experience the traditional life of a farmer. Along the way, we will learn how to make palm leaf crafts and participate in hands-on activities such as rice or vegetable plantation. We will then return to the homestay for a delightful lunch. In the afternoon, we will learn the traditional method of cooking rice in bamboo and have the opportunity to make rice noodles. You can enjoy tasting your creations with a delicious fish soup. As the day comes to an end, we will indulge in a Khmer dinner set menu at the homestay.

✓ Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Free Day in Siem Reap

Today is yours. Enjoy the day at your leisure to relax and explore the charming town of Siem Reap.

✓ Breakfast

Day 6: Kampong Thom Transfer, Sambor Prei Kuk Temple Tour, Jungle Trek & Paray Village

Start your day with a delicious breakfast at your hotel. Afterward, embark on a scenic drive to Kampong Thom, a charming town boasting Cambodia’s most magnificent collection of pre-Angkorian ruins. Our first stop will be at the impressive Sambor Prei Kuk temple complex, situated just north of the town. This ancient site holds great historical and spiritual significance, as it is dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva. Immerse yourself in the peaceful surroundings as you explore the 7th-century brick structures scattered among the lush jungle. In the afternoon, we will head back to Kampong Thom town before making our way to Paray Village for a traditional homestay experience and a delectable dinner.

✓ Breakfast, Dinner

Day 7: Cham Ka Lour Plantation Tour, Kratie Tour & Mekong River Tour with Irrawaddy Dolphins

Today, we will be exploring Kratie, a bustling and dynamic town situated by the river. Kratie is also known for being the home of the rare and endangered freshwater Irrawaddy dolphins. To start our day, we will stop at a local restaurant for some breakfast before heading on to tour the Cham Ka Lour rubber plantation. Our journey will then take us across the Mekong River by ferry in the Stung Trong/ Krochmar district of Kampong Cham province. Upon arriving in Kratie, we will check into our hotel and then venture north of town. From there, we will board a local boat and witness the fascinating freshwater dolphins that reside in this area of the Mekong.

✓ Breakfast

Day 8: Kampong Cham Region, Wat Nokor Pagoda & Phnom Penh Transfer

Today, our overland expedition brings us through beautiful landscapes as we depart from Kratie and cross through Cambodia’s primary rubber-producing region en route to Kampong Cham. As we make our way through the countryside, take in the striking contrast of abundant greenery and vibrantly-hued basaltic soil. Upon our arrival in Kampong Cham, we will visit the Wat Nokor Pagoda, a sacred 11th century Mahayana Buddhist temple featuring a grand reclining Buddha along with numerous intricate statues of Buddha. In the afternoon, we will continue our journey to Cambodia’s bustling capital, Phnom Penh. After checking into our hotel, you are free to spend the evening as you please.

✓ Breakfast

Day 9: Phnom Penh City Tour

Welcome to Phnom Penh, the vibrant and bustling capital city of Cambodia. Despite its tumultuous past, Phnom Penh’s wide, tree-lined boulevards and weathered colonial mansions exude an irresistible charm. The city, which was established in the 14th century, has long been a significant trading hub due to its location at the juncture of three rivers: the Mekong, Tonle Sap, and Bassac. Begin your day by delving into Cambodia’s recent history with a guided tour of the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and the infamous Choeung Ek ‘Killing Fields’, which will provide valuable insights into the Khmer Rouge regime. To get a closer understanding of Cambodian culture, we will make a stop at Russia Market where you can find everything from motorcycle parts to precious gems. In the afternoon, explore the Royal Palace, the current residence of the royal family. Within the palace grounds, lies the revered Silver Pagoda, and just a short walk away is The National Museum.

✓ Breakfast

Day 10: Departure Flight

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel. Transfer to Phnom Penh International Airport for your departure flight.

✓ Breakfast

Price

Price: £2,030

– Price per person based on two-people group size.

– The price is subject to availability, based on twin or double room sharing.

– Peak season surcharges may apply during local public holidays.

Please note, this package is an example of our many exciting daily offers. We are happy to check up-to-date prices for the dates and times that suit you for your perfect package holiday, or to tailor or upgrade elements of any package. Please feel free to contact us at enquiry@asiara-holidays.com or call us on 01473 356 000.

Tour Map

Tour Summary

Day 1: Arrive in Siem Reap, check-in to your hotel, then explore the Old Market area for an introduction to local culture and cuisine.

Day 2: Experience a mesmerizing sunrise at Angkor Wat, followed by visits to Angkor Thom, Bayon Temple, and Ta Prohm for an immersive exploration of ancient Khmer architecture.

Day 3: Discover the intricate carvings of Banteay Srei, visit the Land Mine Museum for historical insights, and explore the Butterfly Center for a leisurely afternoon.

Day 4: Enjoy an ox cart tour to a sugar palm village, participate in traditional activities, and savour Khmer cuisine at the homestay.

Day 5: Explore Siem Reap at your own pace, relaxing or indulging in optional activities.

Day 6: Visit the Sambor Prei Kuk temple complex, then transfer to Paray Village for a traditional homestay experience.

Day 7: Explore the Cham Ka Lour plantation, then observe Irrawaddy dolphins on a Mekong River tour.

Day 8: Visit Wat Nokor Pagoda in Kampong Cham before transferring to the bustling capital, Phnom Penh.

Day 9: Discover Phnom Penh’s history at Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and Choeung Ek ‘Killing Fields’, explore Russia Market, and visit the Royal Palace and National Museum.

Day 10: Transfer to Phnom Penh International Airport for your departure flight.

FAQs

1. What is included in the tour package?
   • The tour package includes accommodation, meals as specified in the itinerary, guided tours, transportation, and entrance fees to attractions mentioned in the itinerary.
2. How physically demanding is the tour?
   • The tour involves walking and cycling activities. While some parts may be physically demanding, the pace is generally relaxed to accommodate varying fitness levels.
3. What type of accommodation can I expect?
   • Accommodation varies from comfortable hotels to a unique homestay experience in local communities, offering an authentic glimpse into Cambodian culture and lifestyle.
4. Are meals provided during the tour?
   • Yes, most meals are included in the tour package. You’ll enjoy a variety of Cambodian dishes, including traditional Khmer cuisine.
5. What should I pack for the tour?
   • Essentials include comfortable clothing suitable for cycling and walking, sunscreen, insect repellent, and a reusable water bottle. We also recommend bringing a camera to capture the stunning sights along the way.
6. Will there be opportunities for cultural interactions?
   • Yes, the tour includes visits to local markets, interactions with villagers during the homestay experience, and learning about traditional crafts such as palm leaf weaving and rice noodle making.
7. How flexible is the itinerary?
   • While the main attractions and activities are fixed, there may be some flexibility to accommodate specific interests or unforeseen circumstances, ensuring a memorable and enjoyable experience for all participants.