Upon your arrival in 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 dinner 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.

Overnight in Siem Reap

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

Siem Reap – Tonle Sap (20 km): 30 mins

Experience the temples of Angkor in a different way today by a free and easy guided bike tour with customized ‘remork’ (similar to the Thai tuk tuk) back up and assistance. A guide will accompany you on bicycle as well.

The ‘remork’ will collect you at the hotel in the morning for a short ride to the outskirts of town. You will then be debriefed by an operational staff member who will check your bicycle and fitting. Set off on the first stretch to Angkor Wat where your bike will stay with the remork driver. You will enter and exit Angkor Wat from different entrances and the bikes will be transferred in between so there is no need for you to backtrack.  

First enjoy the magnificent Angkor Wat. Built during the reign of King Suryavarman II in the early 12th century, Angkor Wat is constructed following the model of the temple mountain symbolizing Mount Meru, the home of the gods. Inside the temple, the walls are covered with stone carvings and bas-reliefs depicting Hindu mythology and the wars Suryavarman II fought during his reign. Angkor Wat is well known for the more than 2,000 Apsara dancers decorating the temple. Construction is thought to have taken around thirty years of intensive labor. Today, Angkor Wat is figured on Cambodia's national flag as the temple symbolizes the soul of the Khmer people.

After leaving Angkor Wat continue cycling to continue to the ancient city of Angkor Thom, 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. Enter the city through the ancient South Gate, an impressive stone gate carved with Elephants and four giant faces. On each side of the entrance path a row of 54 gods or demons is holding the sacred Naga snake. Enter the city and cycle to the exact center where the Bayon Temple is located. 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.

Leaving Bayon cycle on past The Terrace of the Elephants and the Terrace of the Leper King before arriving at Ta Prohm. 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 the ‘Tomb Raider Temple’ one of the most picturesque and memorable of the Angkor temples. Again at Ta Prohm the remork will pick you up at a different point to where you enter. From there it’s a short cycle or remork ride to Sra Srang, once the royal bathing pool. Take a break for a picnic lunch overlooking the baray (lake).

The next stage is the most scenic as you leave the temples behind and cycle along quieter routes with rice paddies and beautiful Cambodian countryside all around. Pass through Pradak village which is renowned for all types of traditional Khmer Noodles or Ka Tien. The most traditional being Nom Banchok made of rice paddy flour and server with a yellow curry soup or Praher Khmer.

The road follows north before arriving at the “gem” of the Angkor area, the pretty temple of Banteay Srei. The so-called “Citadel of the Women” remains the best preserved temple in Cambodia. It displays some of the finest examples of classical Khmer art as this small temple is noted for its truly remarkable fine bas-reliefs. Banteay Srei is unique in that it is constructed of pink sandstone, which is seen nowhere else in Angkor.

After Banteay Srei the remork will transfer you for a relaxing cruise in a gondola paddle boat at the moat of Angkor Thom compound. Enjoy gliding gently along, as the sun begins to set. The boat will arrive close to the historical ruins of Prasat Chrung with a viewpoint where the sun sets over the countryside.

Cruise back to the Angkor Thom gate and transfer back to your hotel by remork.

(Note – some deviation from the route is possible as the temples being passed are all included in the Apsara tour pass which is included in the cost already. Cycling distance is 40km though this can be shortened by using the remork to travel if required).

This evening you will be picked up by your guide by local remok (tuk tuk) from the hotel and zip off the usual tourist trail straight into foodie heaven. Your local guide will then take you to uncover hidden treasures and areas favored by locals to sample some of Cambodia’s lessor known cuisine!

Start within the town center to a market place famous for its pickled fruit and insects such as fried cricket, grasshopper and silkworms to whet your appetite.

You will then continue to Siem Reaps famous Street 60 just out of town. An evening at 60 Road is like going for dinner, Cambodian style, and it’s buzzing every single night. A long road lined with mats for hire, street food sellers and a small fun fair, it’s an evening picnic and barbecue haven.  This is truly a local hang out with an incredible variety of all kinds of Khmer foods on offer. Here you will sample a range of exotic fruits, fried insects, snails, roasted frog, fired chicken, roast belly pork, crispy duck and fried chive cakes to name but a few!

Into the night you move to yet another part of Siem Reap town with numerous night spots that are frequented by local clientele. The next destination is the Triangle Restaurant where your fascinating food journey continues. Here a selection of their best specialties will be served, together with drinks and local music performances.

Finish the night at the Sombai rice wine workshop. Rice is the main staple food in Cambodia, but is also the base of the distillation of alcohol hence the preparation of rice spirit. Throughout history, the Khmer people have used infused rice spirit in traditional medicine to extract the benefits of fruits, spices and roots. And here you go on a tasting journey through these tropical concoctions, complemented by a selection of local sweets and snack.

Finishing the night your guide can either drop you back off at your hotel or onto Pub Street to continue the night!

Overnight in Siem Reap

Siem Reap – Temples (06 km): 10 mins

Depart your hotel this morning and drive to Kompheim or ‘Lady Bug Village’ which is located around 16km outside of Siem Reap. Be prepared for a fun day in a real Cambodian village and not created especially for tourists. As such there may be a need to be flexible as things can change, ceremonies may be running or events may be taking place in the village. As we in no way wish to negatively impact on the traditional culture or practices in the village the visits will be adapted if required.

On arrival take an ox cart through the village and you can try your hand at steering if you like. After meet your host family for a day of assisting their seasonal activities.  These may include planting rice, harvesting or transplanting rice depending on the time of year.  Other activities include weaving thatch for roof repairs, weaving wall panels, planting vegetable crops, tree planting, making prahoc (fish paste) or rice wine.  Every tour is different and activities will depend on the time of year, family needs and goings on in the village. This is an opportunity to capture some amazing photographs and see what life is like in Cambodian village.

After the morning work take the time to take lunch in the village – western food is provided but you are welcome to try the local food if you wish. After lunch take a short walk to see the rest of the village before transferring back to town by mid-afternoon. There is the chance to freshen up and relax a little.

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

Siem Reap – Kompheim (16 km): 20 mins

There is some free time this morning after breakfast. Later transfer to the airport for your midday flight to Phnom Penh (60 mins). On arrival in the Cambodian capital you will be welcomed by a local English speaking guide and transferred to your hotel for check in.

Phnom Penh was once considered as 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.

After a relaxing break, you will be greeted by a driver who will take you on a tour of the historical French Quarter in a Cyclo, an original Phnom Penh means of transportation and a fun way to explore this lively city. Continue to visit the Royal Palace built during the French colonial period. The same complex houses the Silver Pagoda, named for the over 5,000 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. Also stop to visit the National Museum, which was 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.

In the evening board the Kanika cruise boat for shared dinner cruise that will take you along the Tonlé Sap and Mekong rivers. You will have a wonderful view of the riverfront and the Phnom Penh skyline over dinner.

Overnight in Phnom Penh

Phnom Penh Airport - Phnom Penh (11 km): 20 mins

This morning you will take a fascinating tour to explore the culinary delights of Cambodia. Not as well-known as the neighboring countries, Cambodia has a great variety of national dishes and there are many stories to be told by your guide. 

This morning you will travel from the hotel to the market, as many buyers will do to make their purchases. Walk through the aisles as the guide explains the different fruits, herbs and vegetables and how they are used in Khmer cuisine.

Try some seasonal, local fruits along the way. The walking tour will last about 2 hours before continuing to a local restaurant which uses many of the ingredients seen at the market. Various dishes are ready cooked and French-style baguettes (num pang) and the tasty nom banh chok can be ordered. Ideal for foodies and lovers of local, non-touristy experiences.

After lunch you will have a little time to browse through the Russian Market, the best place in the city for wood and stone carvings, jewelry, clothes and Cambodian silk souvenirs, before gaining insight into Cambodia’s recent dark history on a visit to the remarkable Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, housed in the former school that was taken over by the Khmer Rouge and used as its main detention and torture center named ‘S-21’. Further visit the Killing Fields of Choeung Ek. The audio headset guide provided is available in 15 different languages and gives some harrowing but informative stories from survivors and liberators of the camp. A grim, but important visit that will allow you to dig below the surface and understand Cambodia better.

Late afternoon head to the riverside area of Phnom Penh, a pleasant French style promenade that is great for people viewing. In the early evening (and morning) various activities take place include exercise classes, Khmer dancing and plenty of snacking on local food. You can participate in a Khmer dance class which is a lot of fun for all! From here you can either be taken back to your hotel or left to explore this bustling area independently and have dinner at one of the many great restaurants on the river front.

Overnight in Phnom Penh

This morning you will leave Phnom Penh in a southern direction for Takeo Province.

On the way, you will visit Phnom Chisor, where you can climb up to the top of the mountain to explore the well-preserved ruins of a 10th century Angkorian temple. Enjoy an amazing view over the typical Cambodian countryside. 

Enjoy a simple but tasty lunch at a local restaurant in Takeo town. Board a fiberglass motorboat in Takeo that will zip you along an ancient canal to the archaeological museum of Angkor Borei and the temple ruins of Phnom Da. On the way, you will have the chance to see rural life in Cambodia. Continue to Kep. Cambodia’s prestigious seaside resort of the 1960s is now awakening to its former glory. The small town offers reminders of the past and a growing choice of activities including island trips, a national park and the famous crab market.

Overnight in Kep

Phnom Penh - Kep (149 km): 2h & 20 mins

Enjoy your day at leisure or enjoy an optional tour. As you wander around Kep keep an eye out for the decaying 1960s villas and the royal residence which are reminders of Kep’s heyday as a high society seaside retreat that was abandoned during the Khmer Rouge time. Some have been restored whilst others are in a state of disarray – perhaps destined to become a boutique hotel.

 Rabbit Island (Koh Tonsai)

This morning, embark on a short boat trip (25 mins) to the pretty island Koh Tonsai, also called Rabbit Island. Spend the morning at leisure exploring the island and relaxing on the island’s beautiful tropical beach. A seafood barbecue lunch will be prepared for you on the island. Mid-afternoon, return to Kep and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.

Overnight in Kep

This morning pay a visit to the popular Kep crab market and see them being stored in baskets in shallow water and being cooked in the market itself. Learn from your guide which are the best and tastiest crabs to select. The market is busiest at weekends and holidays but is fun at any time. The dozen-plus rickety old wooden shacks that hug the water’s edge next to the market serve fresh seafood at its best.

Leave Kep in the direction of Kampot. Driving past the pretty Secret Lake you will arrive at Starling Farm, a family owned pepper plantation. Kampot pepper was first documented by Chinese explorers in the 1200’s but first came to prominence in the 1800’s as the high quality product reached Paris. Take a tour of the pepper plantation and learn about the difference between green, black, white and red peppers. After enjoy a lunch (and the chance to taste some fresh green peppercorns) at the Starling Restaurant.

Continue on your way to reach Kampot town. Take a break to stretch your legs in this charming riverside town with magnificent surroundings still dominated by French colonial architecture.

The final transfer is on to the beach town of Sihanoukville which you will arrive at in the late afternoon.

Overnight in Sihanoukville

Kep – Kampot (15 km): 30 mins

Kampot – Sihanoukville (130km): 2hr

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. A BBQ seafood lunch is included in this shared excursion.

Three Islands tour (Sihanoukville)

Take a boat trip departing 9am to explore three islands giving you the chance to snorkel, fish or just rest and relax. At the first stop you will see colorful corals and fishes at the island of Koh Chaluh. At Bamboo Island enjoy swimming with in the clear waters or relax on a long yellow sandy beach with a coral reef. Have a seafood BBQ lunch with cool drinks and fruit on the beach. After an easy walk of 10 minutes to the other side of Bamboo Island before departing to either Koh Tres for some snorkeling or Koh Takiev for some more beach (please advise at the start of the tour which option you prefer). In the afternoon return to Sihanoukville to arrive 4-5pm.

Overnight in Sihanoukville

This morning after breakfast at the hotel, transfer directly from Sihanoukville to Koh Kong (3½hrs).

After arriving at Tatai Bridge you 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 this afternoon at your leisure exploring the river on by kayak, swimming in its clear waters or fishing from your private terrace. Wildlife is abundant here and you 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 if you are lucky. In the evening take a short boat trip to see a 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 Province

Sihanoukville – Koh Kong (220km): 4hr

Today spend a relaxing day on a private excursion. Away from the tranquility of 4 Rivers Floating Lodge, the thunder of the majestic Tatai Falls reveals the river’s true power as it drops 6 meters to the rocks below. Your 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 you head into the heart of the Cardamom jungle to the far-off sounds of exotic birds and its secretive wildlife. Within minutes you are at journey’s end, gazing down into the turbulent waters of the falls. Soon it’s time for your picnic lunch, maybe a few moments hydro-massage and a refreshing drink as you find some shade for a picnic and relax amongst the sights and sounds of the jungle. Kayaks are available for the last stretch to add some fun and adventure or you can stay on board the boat.

On your return to the lodge the late afternoon is free at leisure for you to relax or do some more kayaking or fishing from the tent platform.

Dinner at the lodge.

Overnight in Koh Kong Province

Enjoy some time at leisure until your transfer out by boat direct transfer to Phnom Penh airport for your departure flight (5h) or continue over land to Thailand.

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