On arrival into Siem Reap, you will be welcomed by your local English speaking guide and transferred to your hotel for check in. Siem Reap is the base for exploring the fabled temples of Angkor, the ancient capital of the Khmer empire.

You will have the remainder of the day at leisure to relax and freshen up before being taken on a sunset tour to the biggest religious temple in the world: the magnificent Angkor Wat Temple. Built by Suryavarman II, in early 12th century Angkor Wat is constructed following the model of the temple mountain symbolizing the Mount Merou, home of the gods. Considered as the masterpiece of the Khmer architecture, this Vishnuite temple is the King’s funerary temple. These are the main reasons to explain the West exposure of the temple. Inside the temple the walls are covered by carvings and bas-reliefs depicting the Hindu mythology and the wars Suryavarman II made during his reign.

Overnight in Siem Reap

Siem Reap Airport - Siem Reap (8 km): 15 mins

Siem Reap – Temples (06 km): 10 mins

This morning you will discover some of the other main Angkor sites with a tour by local remok (tuk tuk). First, head to the ancient city of Angkor Thom. Angkor Thom was the last capital of the Great Khmer Empire under the reign of Jayavarman VII. This city is surrounded by an 8 m high wall drawing a perfect square. You will enter the city from the ancient South Gate, an impressive stone gate carved with Elephants and four giant faces.

From here, continue to Bayon Temple in the exact center of the city. This 12th century masterpiece is a study in grandeur and is well-known for its 54 towers with enigmatic faces representing the 54 provinces of the Great Khmer Empire. The Terrace of the Elephants and the Terrace of the Leper King are also must-visits as they are both known for their intricate bas-reliefs. Stroll through the grounds of the former Royal Palace to discover some small hidden temples that are rarely visited

After visit Ta Prohm temple, that children will probably enjoy the most. The ‘Tomb Raider’ movie was movie was set and filmed here. Ta Prohm is unique in that it has been left largely as it was found: overgrown by jungle trees and vines, with many parts of the temple crumbling to the ground. This makes Ta Prohm one of the most picturesque and memorable of the Angkor temples.

Return to Siem Reap for lunch at Marum Restaurant set in a delightful wooden house with a spacious garden, and featuring a winning mix of creative local cuisine, Marum is named after the Moringa, or 'Tree of life'. Your visit not only gives you an incredible dining experience, but also helps build a new life for the students in training there! Part of the Tree Alliance group of training restaurants, they provide vocations into the hospitality industry for local street kids and disadvantaged youths.

This afternoon you will be picked up from your hotel by traditional remok (tuk tuk) and taken away from the main tourist track to have the opportunity to experience and explore the surrounding countryside and seldom visited sites while practicing the basics of the Khmer language under the helpful guidance of our native Khmer teacher/guide.

First you will visit a local market where you will see the daily life of the local tradesmen and have the opportunity to practice some basic Khmer words and greetings.

From here you will continue to Phnom Bok Mountain, 25km from Siem Reap. Arriving at the foot of the mountain you will prepare to ascend the 635 steps to the top, making sure to have plenty of water for the 30 minute climb!

At the top of the mountain you will have a short rest and enjoy the views before having an introductory Khmer language lesson with our native Khmer teacher/guide.

After the lesson you will explore the ruined temple at the top of the mountain, a Buddhist pagoda and enjoy the expansive views across the province before descending back down where you will enjoy a fresh coconut and practice some more basic words and phrases.

Leaving the mountain you will be driven back through the scenic countryside along little villages and rice fields to see the daily life of the Cambodian countryside and learn about the rice harvests, and on arrival back near to town, you will make your final stop at an evening street market and fairground where locals go to relax and have fun.

Note: This tour includes a steep climb involving over 600 steps and guests will need to have a good level of general fitness.

Overnight in Siem Reap

Siem Reap – Temples (06 km): 10 mins

Siem Reap – Phnom Bok Mountain (25km): 40 mins

Today experience an incredible tour to learn about life in a typical Cambodian village, meet friendly locals and discover traditional village customs and cultures.

Guests will be picked up from their hotel early morning by the local guide and driven to Ta Brak village, 25 minutes out of town. A western packed breakfast from the hotel will be taken and on arrival will meet and sit down with a local family and share this breakfast with them and to learn about local village life early in the morning when generally it is at its most active.

From here a 30 minute ox cart ride through the village will take you to a local market where a short walk through this bustling center will introduce you to Cambodian vegetables, herbs, fruits and other local produce. Continue 1km by foot through the picturesque countryside village, stopping off to meet the local community along the way to observe whatever seasonal activity is happening at that time, such as rice planting, weaving thatch roofs, planting or harvesting vegetable crops, making fish traps etc. Each tour will be different and the activities will depend on the time of the year, the family, and the needs of the local village. The surrounding countryside with its paddy fields and sugar palm trees is very typical for Cambodia.

End the morning at the local pagoda where a special water blessing by Buddhist monks await.

From here make a stop at the 9th Century Bakong Temple, part of the Roluos group and a site of an ancient center of Khmer civilization known as Hariharalaya, before continuing on an interesting boat trip on the Tonlé Sap Lake, where you will have the opportunity to learn about life on the lake. The Tonlé Sap Lake is the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia and officially designated as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, covering an area of roughly 2,500 km2, swelling to about 4 times it size in during the wet season: 10,000 km2!

Travel out to Kampong Phluck, a village a bit further away but which receives very fewer tourists. Thus, this stilted village is the best place to see the authentic life of the local fisherman and their families who live amongst the flooded mangrove forest. At Kampong Phluck, board a local boat for a ride on the lake.  On the way, you will see houses on stilts that are submerged with the lake extends, pass by floating houses and impressive flooded forests and get a good feel for life on the water.

In one of the floating houses, a delicious lunch will be prepared for you. Enjoy the beautiful scenery dominated by the tranquility of the lake.

(Note: Due to low water levels during the dry season, the boat trip is only possible from June to March. However an alternative floating village at Chong Kneas can be arranged instead).

Optional: Phare Ponleu Selpak in Siem Reap – (evening)

This evening attend a performance of ‘Phare, the Cambodian Circus’. Starting at 8pm, professional artists of Phare Ponleu Selpak (PPS) will perform an inspiring show suitable for people of all ages. Set up in Battambang in 1994 by young returnee Cambodians from the refugee camps who learned about using art as a means of coping with trauma, PPS has played an influential role in promoting and developing Khmer culture over the years after the Khmer Rouge genocide. The hour long show mixes traditional and modern theater, music, dance, acrobatics, juggling and contortion performed in a story about Cambodian lives and society. Student performances can still be seen twice weekly in Battambang but now the circus has arrived in Siem Reap!

Overnight in Siem Reap

Full day at leisure with a choice of optional activities:

Optional: 2-3 hrs village cycle tour

Explore some local villages in the Siem Reap area and experience the “real” Cambodia. Guests can discuss a route with the guide in advance, to suit their own fitness levels and interests. The excursion is designed to offer an extended bike ride mixed with cultural interactions. A support vehicle is provided in case guests need to take a break along the way.

Optional: Horseback riding at Happy Ranch

Head to the Happy Ranch outside of Siem Reap - a western-style horse ranch. Here, guests will get acquainted with a horse of pure Cambodian breed, a descendant of the Mongolian wild horses, before enjoying a ride through the countryside on horseback! The two-hour trail ride will visit places far outside the tourist area, through the rice fields and local villages to the rarely visited temple of Wat Atvea. Explore the peaceful Angkor-era temple ruins - a truly authentic experience.

Note: Happy Ranch can arrange lead rides on gentle ponies for young children. Their experienced staff will walk alongside and lead them, or just assist them when necessary. 

Optional: Quad Bike Adventure

Guests will be able to enjoy the unforgettable experiencing of riding a quad bike especially designed for off road terrain through the beautiful countryside of Siem Reap Province. The 12km guided tour will take in local villages, offering an insight into life in rural Cambodia, and the chance to meet and chat with the wonderful and friendly people. The highlight of the two-hour tour is the sunset in the rice fields.

Note: Two adults can ride on the same quad bike with maximum weight of 130kg.
In this case, the driver must have experience of riding a quad bike. 

Children are welcome to sit with their parents as passengers.

From 14 to 16 years-old, children can ride their own quad only with an instructor.

Guests 17 years-old an above  will be allowed to ride their quad alone only if they have an adult-size or similar quad at home.

Optional: Flight of the Gibbon

Flight of the Gibbon is a zip-line eco-adventure tour at the Angkor Archeological Park. Offering 10 zip-lines at different heights and suspended sky bridges, this is the perfect excursion for guests with a sense of adventure, and those who want to soar over the jungle canopy like a gibbon!

Transfer to the zip-line site before receiving a safety briefing and being outfitted. Then the adventure begins: start with the easiest zip-lines before proceeding to the highest and most exhilarating. The highest zip-lines are 50 meters above the canopy and the longest is 350 meters. The final adventure is to abseil down before a soft trek through the forest back to the starting point.

(Note – max 9 people in a single group, latest start time is 12pm, excursion lasts 3-4 hrs, maximum weight 125kg, not suitable for children under 5 yrs-old or 1m height, no sandals permitted).

Optional: Microlight flight

Discover the temples of Angkor from bird’s-eye view on a microlight. Take a scenic private flight over this astonishing area, seeing the historic temples scattered in the jungle and the floating villages of the mighty Tonlé Sap Lake. Viewing the temples and the floating villages from above offers guests a whole new perspective on Cambodia!    

Red Route – Roluso Group (20 minutes):

Fly over the Cambodian countryside and around the Roluos Group of Temples, including the magnificent Bakong which dates from the late 9th Century, and the first significant Temple-Mountain which pre-dates Angkor Wat by at least two centuries.

Yellow Route – Tonle Sap Lake (20 minutes):

Approx. 20 minutes long, this flight is ideal for enjoying the beauty of “real” Cambodia, including a unique floating village on Tonle Sap Lake and mountain temple of Phnom Krom before, before following the winding Siem Reap River back towards the town.

Optional: Beng Mealea temple visit (half-day)

After breakfast, guests will head out into the beautiful Cambodian countryside to the quiet Beng Mealea, around 65km from Siem Reap. Guests will feel like an explorer when they discover this completely overgrown temple. Undiscovered for centuries, Beng Mealea has only recently been made accessible and remains unrestored. It is one of the very few temples that visitors can actually climb through. After this adventurous exploration, return to the hotel in central Siem Reap.

Overnight in Siem Reap

After an early breakfast, board a private boat  for a fascinating journey across Tonlé Sap Lake to Battambang. En route, guests will pass floating villages and flooded forests, seeing life on this body of water that forms Cambodia’s heart. A packed lunch will be served onboard.  (Note: This boat trip is only possible in the high water period from July to December as water levels are too low during the dry season and transfer times can be extremely long. From January to June alternative transfer by road and lunch will not be included.)

On arrival in Battambang the remainder of the day is at leisure.

Overnight in Battambang

Siem Reap – Battambang - 6 hours by boat /  (174 km): 3 hrs by road

Spend the morning on a tour that combines walking, a boat ride and then cycling along and across the Sangke River to experience daily life in Battambang. The tour includes prayers with monks as well as rich explanations of the city’s design and artistic heritage.

Begin the tour at 7.30 a.m. at the offices of Battambang Bike, where guests will get fitted for their bicycle (either a mountain bike or sturdy basket bike).

Before leaving, guests will be shown a short film which will help them imagine how developed the town was in its heyday. Battambang has passed from Cambodia to Thailand and back again several times in its history and has an excellent collection of early 20th Century French colonial architecture that is better preserved and respected than in many other parts of the country.

A tour of the main market, Psar Nath, includes trying a local coffee. Then walk the few meters to the Sangke  River and make the short crossing on a local boat to the other side. Visit Wat Povil temple and take the opportunity to pray with the monks (Note: the monks may observe different rituals according to their calendar though can be seen on a daily basis). It is usually possible to accompany the monks back across the river as they begin their morning alms collection.

Once back on the other side it is time to begin the bike tour. The historic 2.5 Street is visited along with a Thai temple, before arriving at a smaller market. Again, it’s time for a coffee or a sugar cane juice. Continue a short distance to Wat Kor Village, known for its many old Khmer heritage houses built around a century ago. Visit one of the best preserved homes.

Cycle along the river and cross a suspension bridge which only motorbikes and bicycles can pass. On the way back into town there is another short stop for drinks  before guests arrive back in town at approximately 12:45 p.m.

In the afternoon head to the Bamboo Train station. The Bamboo Train has been set up by the villagers in order to facilitate the transportation of goods and people, as there are no regular trains running any more. The “train” itself is very basic: one bamboo platform on four wheels,  activated by a small motor. Sitting on the train, guests will travel 8km to the next station through a beautiful landscape and rice paddies (depending on season of visit). A true rollercoaster ride without the loops!

(Note: the train tracks from Battambang to Phnom Penh are currently being rebuilt. The long-term future of the bamboo train ride cannot be guaranteed. Should the service stop we will arrange alternative sightseeing).

The remainder of the day is at leisure.

Overnight in Battambang

This morning guests will depart Battambang for Phnom Penh. Starting early, the first stop of the day is at Kampong Chhnang, which is known for its traditional pottery and features many working kilns. In a village near Kampong Chhnang, guests will see the different aspects of pottery making and experience the production of traditional rice wine.

Continue to Oudong, the former royal capital of Cambodia. The drive passes through many rural villages and pagodas, and past Temple Mountain with its dozens of stupas which can be seen from afar. Upon arrival at Oudong enjoy a traditional Khmer lunch at a picnic hut at the foot of the hill.

Then climb the stairs to the top of Oudong Mountain and enjoy magnificent views over the plains below. The guide will explain the history of the area and its buildings, as well as the religious culture of the Cambodian people. Here, guests can take their time to soak up the magnificent views over the plains below.

After a picnic lunch, drive the short distance to the Tonlé Sap River. Spend a relaxing afternoon cruising to Phnom Penh, passing many floating villages and fishing stations. After about three hours guests will arrive back in the Cambodian capital and transfer to their hotel.

Phnom Penh was once considered one of the most beautiful cities in the Orient, and despite its recent turbulent history, it still retains a colonial charm. Cambodia’s capital is a bustling city, majestically located at the confluence of the mighty rivers of the Mekong and Tonlé Sap. Wide tree-lined boulevards and many colonial-era buildings reflect the glorious days and add to the allure of the city, where Asian and Western traditions meet in a fascinating way.

Overnight in Phnom Penh

Battambang – Oudong (287km): 4hr

Oudong - Phnom Penh: 3 hours by boat

Morning at leisure with an optional tour to see the islands of Phnom Penh:

Optional: Cycling the Mekong Islands (0800 – 1230 hrs)

Enjoy a leisurely bike ride through the countryside around Phnom Penh, discovering the diversity of the rural landscapes, passing small villages, schools and silk weaving houses. Travel by ferry to river islands and pedal on small roads with no traffic stopping to meet friendly locals and taste local delicacies. This is a tour that will bring travelers closer to the real Cambodia!

This afternoon you will be greeted by a driver who will take you on a tour to the most remarkable sights of Phnom Penh in a Cyclo, an original Phnom Penh means of transportation and a fun way to explore this lively city. First, visit Wat Phnom, which is situated near the northern boundary of the city. The site contains some good examples of Khmer architecture and statues.

Continue along the lively riverfront to the Royal Palace. This palace dates back to 1866 and houses the Silver Pagoda, named for the over 5000 heavy silver tiles that cover its floors. Its original name is Wat Prakeo, meaning Temple of the Emerald Buddha. In this temple you will view a collection of Buddhas in gold, silver, crystal, and bronze.

After the Palace you will visit the National Museum, built in traditional Khmer style. It houses the world's foremost collection of ancient Khmer artistic, archaeological, and religious artifacts from the 4th to the 13th centuries. Over 5,000 pieces are on display, constituting the repository of the Kingdom's cultural wealth. In addition, the roof space is home to a large bat colony!

Evening at leisure with the option to take in a traditional performance from the Cambodia Living Arts:

Optional: Cambodia Living Arts – (evening)

This evening get inspired by Cambodian arts as you watch a traditional performance by Cambodian Living Arts (CLA). A rotating program is offering consisting of 3 unique performances: Children of Bassac (Classical and Folk Dance), Mak Therng and Passage of Life (Music and Theatre). Oct-Mar shows daily except Apr-Aug on Mon, Wed, Fri & Sat.

All the shows last one hour and are held in the atmospheric gardens of the National Museum. After many years of gaining recognition for preserving many Cambodian art forms the CLA are today striving towards providing the artists the tools required to make their skills sustainable and also so they can make a competitive income from their work.

Overnight in Phnom Penh

This morning after breakfast at the hotel, transfer directly from Phnom Penh to Koh Kong (4½hrs).

After arriving at Tatai Bridge, guests will be transferred by shared boat (approximately 20 mins) to tonight’s accommodation -  a peaceful retreat with overwater tented villas, set on a quiet bend in the river with the lush Cardamom Mountains as the idyllic backdrop.

Spend an afternoon at leisure, exploring the river by kayak, swimming in its clear waters or fishing from the private terrace. Wildlife here is abundant and guests might spot colorful butterflies and bizarre-looking insects as well as some of the 550+ bird species found in this area, such as brahminy kites or great hornbills. In the evening take a short boat trip to see another spectacle of nature: fireflies lighting up a tree as if were a Christmas tree!

Dinner will be served at the lodge.

Overnight in Koh Kong

Phnom Penh – Koh Kong (272km): 4hr 30 min

Spend a relaxing day on a private excursion. Away from the tranquility of the lodge, the thunder of the majestic Tatai Falls reveals the river’s true power as it drops six meters to the rocks below. The day, depending on the tide, starts at around 10am for the 45-minute boat ride past Tatai village to the falls. A local English-speaking guide will lead the tour.

Turning on to a tributary, guests head into the heart of the Cardamom jungle, accompanied by the sounds of exotic birds and secretive wildlife. Within minutes guests arrive at journey’s end, gazing down into the turbulent waters of the falls. Soon it’s time for the jungle picnic lunch and a refreshing drink, and maybe a few moments hydro-massage in the waters. Kayaks are available for the last stretch to add some fun and adventure, or guests can stay onboard the boat.

Return to the lodge in the late afternoon and spend the rest of the day at leisure, which could include kayaking or fishing.

Dinner at the lodge.

Overnight in Koh Kong

After a leisurely morning you will return by boat back to Tatai Bridge and then onwards onto Sihanoukville (3 ½ hours). The remainder of the day is at leisure.

(Note: Schedule for your Check in/out boat transfers: Check in at 2:00PM/5:00PM – Check out at 8:00AM/12:00PM (Noon))

Overnight in Sihanoukville

Koh Kong – Sihanoukville (220km): 4hr

Enjoy your day at leisure or enjoy an optional tour.

Ream National Park (Sihanoukville)

The park was established in 1993 on a 210 km² area on the Gulf of Thailand that includes thick pristine jungle, mangrove forests and off-shore coral reefs. It's a nature lovers paradise with nearly 200 bird species, many kinds of monkeys and it is also the habitat of the pangolin. You will be transferred to one of Ream’s most scenic isolated beaches, called Koh Sampouch. You will have lunch at local restaurant on the beach.

Three Islands tour (Sihanoukville)

This morning take a boat trip departing 9am to explore three islands giving you the chance to snorkel, fish or just rest and relax. You will visit three islands at Koh Chaloh, Koh Tres and Koh Takiev and will see colorful corals and fishes at the island. At Koh Takiev Island enjoy swimming with in the clear waters or relax on a long yellow sandy beach. Here you will also have a chance to snorkel (equipment provided) on the surrounding coral reef. You will have a BBQ seafood lunch at Koh Takiev Island before returning to Sihanoukville in the afternoon, arriving 4-5pm.

Overnight in Sihanoukville

Enjoy the day at leisure or one of the optional tours.

Breakfast at the hotel. Guests are free at leisure until the afternoon transfer back to Phnom Penh with a driver only.

Sihanoukville – Phnom Penh (230 km): 4 hrs