Cambodia Travel: 10-Day Heritage Explorer Cultural Tour

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