On arrival in Phnom Penh, your tour guide meets you as you exit from the Restricted Area at the airport and offers you a private transfer (45-60 minutes) to your hotel.

Optional: Sunset cruise on the Mekong River and dinner
Early this evening, you are transferred to a bustling riverside and embark on a private wooden boat cruising up the mighty Mekong River. Watch a spectacular sunset over the Phnom Penh skyline and Royal Palace and witness this charming capital’s beauty at dusk (1-hour cruise) while cheering up some nice local beer. Finally, enjoy a delicious Khmer set dinner at a local restaurant (food only).

Overnight in Phnom Penh (2 nights)

Today is a full day to explore the city’s highlights. Start with the glittering Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda, admiring the over 5,000 silver tiles covering the floor and the collection of shiny golden Buddhas. Then walk to visit the National Museum, home to the country’s most important collection of ancient Cambodian artifacts. Built-in 1917 in traditional Khmer style, the museum grounds also feature a peaceful, palm-shaded central courtyard and lotus ponds – ideal places to contemplate one of Asia’s richest cultures.

After lunch, you are taken on a Cambodian Genocide tour to explore Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, a former school turned into the S-21 prison –essentially a torture center –by the murderous Khmer Rouge regime, and the notorious killing fields of Choeung Ek, where some 17,000 people met their ends. Although not a joyful tour, visiting these monuments unlocks the keys to understanding the development of this still-developing country.

*Special note: If you do not wish to visit these horror sites, you may spend this afternoon exploring the spiritual Wat Phnom, a city landmark, for which the capital was named and a popular place for worship, and the famous Central Market (Phsar Thmei), which is a unique colonial-style building constructed in 1937. The location where the Central Market now sits was once a swamp area occupied by a lake known as Beng Decho. Today, this beautiful market has become a prominent landmark in Phnom Penh.

Overnight in Phnom Penh

Set off from Phnom Penh this morning on a scenic drive to Mondulkiri, a journey of approximately 6.5 hours (370 km) with a stop for lunch along the way. Admire the picturesque rice fields, buffalos being washed, land being plowed, and other typical village life, as well as rubber plantations. Feel free to stop at any time to take photos!

Hub of remote, fascinating Mondulkiri province, Sen Monorom lies close to the spectacular Bou Sra Waterfalls as well as numerous ethnic minority villages, a heartwarming elephant rescue center “Elephant Valley Project”, forest hiking, and Gibbon watching, etc.

Upon arrival in Sen Monorom town, proceed to your hotel for check-in. Enjoy the rest of the day free at leisure.

Overnight in Sen Monorom, Mondulkiri (3 nights)

Start your day early with a visit to a local market. Next, journey to Pou Lung village, home to the Phnong indigenous community. A local Phnong guide will explain their culture and way of life, helping you to interact with the people. From the village, continue to Bou Sra Waterfall, Cambodia’s most scenic two-tier waterfall. Cascading 10m on the first tier and 25m on the second, it is a popular spot for both locals and tourists. You may also opt for a zipline through Bousra Ecopark, which offers stunning views of the waterfall and surrounding jungle. After a refreshing swim in the natural pool at the bottom of the waterfall, enjoy a simple local lunch on picnic mats with stunning views.

Afternoon, you will visit a coffee plantation to savor a cup of fresh coffee, stroll through the grounds, and learn a bit about coffee cultivation. Your next stop is a hilltop known for its breathtaking view of the Samot Cheur (Ocean of Trees), a viewpoint overlooking an emerald forest to the east. “Sea Forest.” As you stand on the summit and gaze out over the rolling hills, you will feel as if you are at sea, with the hills resembling waves.

Sunset View from Wat Phnom Doh Kromom
Looming over the northeast corner of the airstrip, Wat Phnom Doh Kromom has Mondulkiri’s best sunset vista, where a wooden platform lets you take in the views over Sen Monorom.

Overnight in Sen Monorom, Mondulkiri 

The Elephant Valley Project (ELIE) is a unique experience that allows you to trek into the elephants’ natural jungle habitat and observe them behaving naturally. There is no riding, tricks, shows, or stress—just hours of walking with these amazing animals and learning about their stories. If you love elephants and care about their welfare and future, ELIE is the place for you.

At 7:30 a.m., you are taken on a 30-minute drive to the Elephant Valley Project (ELIE), a sanctuary for elephants within a 1,500-hectare reserve where the elephants can roam and learn how to be semi-wild elephants again. Here you will hike into the Cambodian jungle and spend a full day observing two different elephant herds in their natural habitat. Follow them as they graze, play, and wander through their forest home. Or, you may spend the afternoon volunteering to join locals, staff, and other volunteers on the many projects it takes to keep the sanctuary running such as planting trees, building bridges, or preparing food for the elephants. Enjoy the buffet lunch in the base camp at midday. Return to your hotel at 5.00 p.m.

*Note: ELIE is only open to visitors Monday through Friday. On weekends, the elephants are transported to a remote location to relax and eat bamboo, and no visits are possible.

Overnight in Sen Monorom, Mondulkiri 

After breakfast, travel to Kratie Province (216 km, 4 hours). Kratie is the best place to see the rare Irrawaddy dolphin on the Mekong River. Be sure to try the famous bamboo sticky rice “Kralan”, a local delicacy. Have lunch at a local restaurant in Kratie.

After lunch, continue to the village of Sambo to visit Wat Sorsor Mouy Roy, also known as the 100 Pillars Pagoda. This important historical and cultural building is famous for its legend involving a princess and a crocodile. Afterward, head to the village of Kampi, one of the best places to view the majestic Mekong Irrawaddy dolphins. Board a local boat and cruise to the preferred habitats of these rare and fascinating creatures. Once you spot a dolphin, your boat driver will turn off the engine so you can drift in silence, following the dolphins for 1-1.5 hours.

Early evening, drive to the charming riverside town of Chhlong (52 km, 1 hour) for an overnight stay. Chhlong is a tiny village with many French colonial houses, including the boutique hotel Relais de Chhlong.

Overnight in Chhlong, Kratie (1 night)

After breakfast, take a brief stroll around town if desired, including a visit to the bustling morning market.

Continue to Kampong Cham (82 km, 1.30 hours) and stop to visit Nokor Bachey temple. This charming and interesting temple features beautiful wall paintings adorning a modern Buddhist pagoda built inside the grounds of an Angkor-era temple. It is the only temple of such design in Cambodia. Have lunch at a local restaurant in Kampong Cham.

Continue to Kampong Thom province (105 km, 2 hours) for an overnight stop to discover the Sambor Prei Kuk – an Archaeological Site of Ancient Ishanapura before heading to Siem Reap, the gateway to the marvelous temples of Angkor. En route, stop at Phnom Santuk Mountain and climb the 809 steps to the top to visit the pagoda and for the great views over the countryside, and visit the cottage industry at Santuk Silk Farm, where local women in the rural community are provided the opportunity for financial freedom to support their families.

Overnight in Kampong Thom (1 night)

After breakfast, travel to discover Sambor Prei Kuk – the Archaeological Site of Ancient Ishanapura. Sambor Prei Kuk, a vast complex of over 100 Hindu temples that predate Angkor, became Cambodia’s third UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2017. Located about 30 kilometers from the provincial capital of Kampong Thom, this majestic temple site was once known as Isanapura and served as the capital of the ancient kingdom of Upper Chenla in the early 7th century. Later, it became the capital of the Khmer Empire before Angkor. Take a leisurely bike ride around the temple complex and enjoy a Khmer lunch before continuing on to Siem Reap.

Along the way to Siem Reap, detour to explore Kampong Khleang, another dwelling and the largest community on the fringes of the magnificent Tonlé Sap Lake, home to over 10,000 people. A boat trip through Kampong Khleang is like a journey through time. As you glide through the village, you will pass by stilted houses, floating schools and temples, and fishermen casting their nets into the water. The villagers live a simple life, but their resilience and spirit are inspiring.

Continue to Siem Reap and proceed to check in at your hotel upon arrival. Enjoy this evening free at leisure.

Overnight in Siem Reap (4 nights)

Today rise early to catch the spectacular sunrise over the world’s largest religious ruins of Angkor Wat and discover this mighty temple at dawn, regarded by many as the quintessential Angkor experience. The temple’s greatest sculptural treasure is its 1-mile-long bas-relief that wraps around the walls of the outer gallery along with the 2000 figures of Khmer Devas and Apsaras.  After exploring the ruins in detail led by your professional tour guide, return to the hotel for a late leisurely breakfast. 

Later this afternoon, depart to visit the encroaching jungle Ta Prohm, also known to be the undisputed capital of the “Kingdom of the Trees”. Once home to 600 exquisite dancers, Ta Prohm is a wondrous site, with giant fig and kapok trees strangling the ancient stonework in a photogenic interplay of man and nature. This temple has been featured in several Hollywood movies such as Tomb Raider, Indiana Jones, and Two Brothers.

Continue to discover the ancient fortified city of Angkor Thom, built in the 10th century by the greatest Khmer ruler, King Jayavarman VII (1181 – 1201). Travel to the Victory Gate of Angkor Thom. Walk along the 8m-high laterite wall (500m) of the ancient city to the relatively unvisited and magical East Gate. The crematoria built against the outside of the city wall are best seen from up on the wall and give rise to the popular name of ― Gate of Death. Then take another 1.5 Km walk to Bayon temple “The Giant Smiling Faces temple”. The structure of the giant faces of Bayon temple is staggering in its construction. Sixteen chapels inside the structure indicate its religious importance, while on the outer perimeter over 1,200 meters of exquisite bas-relief record scenes of daily life from 11th century Angkor. Its third level is stunning – 49 towers are adorned with 172 smiling faces of the omnipresent Avalokitesvara. 

Move on to visit the nearby Terrace of the Elephant, and the Terrace of the Leper King to view their detailed stone carvings. From there walk through the shaded parkland to visit the triple-tiered mountain temple of the Baphuon, also known as the Pyramid temple in Angkor. As the sun begins to set, walk to the Ta Kav Gate (West Gate of Angkor Thom) to view the beautiful sunset over the rice fields and the reflection of the golden light over the city gate.

Dinner with Apsara Dance Performance & Siem Reap’s night market tour
Finally, enjoy your enchanting evening with authentic Khmer cuisine while witnessing the hundred-year-old “Royal Ballet of Cambodia” or “Apsara Dance”. Stroll around the live Siem Reap night market before returning to your hotel for a good night’s sleep.

Overnight in Siem Reap

Today, your guide will take you through timeless rural Cambodian villages and countryside escaping from crowds and going beyond Siem Reap’s limits to discover Beng Mealea, ‘Lotus Pond’ in Khmer, for a unique jungle experience. Undiscovered for centuries, Beng Mealea is one of the very few temples of which elevated wooden walkways allow you to walk above the ruins’ collapsed galleries and towers whilst shaded by the jungle canopy, giving a very ‘Indiana Jones’ feel to the experience.

Lunch will be served at “Bong Thom Khmer House”, a nice local restaurant on the outskirts of Siem Reap that offers the real taste of Khmer food.

After the lunch break, the famous Banteay Srei temple “the Citadel of Women”. Built in pink sandstone, the walls are covered in exquisitely preserved carvings of unusual delicacy. Because of its small size, fairy-like atmosphere, and extraordinary examples of Khmer sculpture, this temple is often a favorite among visitors. Stop at a local village along the way, to meet local people and see how they traditionally produce their local commodities such as basket weaving and sugar palm.

On the way back to the town, visit the Cambodia Landmine Museum, founded in 1997 by ex-child soldier Aki Ra who was chosen by CNN as one of its Top 10 Heroes of the Year in 2010. The museum tells the story of his rise from a 10-year-old fighter in the Khmer Rouge to his present place as an internationally recognized hero.

Optional: Experience local traditions and Siem Reap’s atmospheric countryside
Travel to Rolous village to immerse yourself in the local culture with a walk into the life of the Khmer people – an insider’s look at the intriguing culture and Siem Reap’s atmospheric countryside beyond Angkor Wat. You will visit a Buddhist monastery – offer alms to a Buddhist monk to earn some merits in Buddhist tradition and practice the arts of giving followed by a blessing in the Pali language from the monk, the way the locals do for the wishes of good luck and happiness in life. Then wander through the nearby Bakong temple, Angkor’s first mountain temple dating back to the 8th and 9th centuries and still remarkably well preserved. Next soak up the views of the rural village, paddy fields, and swaying palm trees while crossing quiet lanes by ox cart.

Overnight in Siem Reap

Enjoy a free day at your leisure. Relax and reflect on your memorable journey so far.
Or you may opt for other activities/tours:

Option 1: Private Khmer Cooking Class with a local market visit 
This morning at 9 AM, travel the local way with a Remork (Tuktuk) – an easy and comfortable, to explore a local market, where the colors and aromas of fresh, vibrant ingredients will thrill your senses led by one of the kitchen brigades with a shopping list for today’s menu as your guide. You will be led through the labyrinth of tunnel-like passageways that weave from one area of the market to the other. Return to the indoor kitchen where you will be guided through time-honored Khmer cooking techniques to create some of its most storied dishes from preparation to cooking. Lastly, time to enjoy your culinary creation serving as your lunch. 
*Duration: Half-day (9.00 am – 1.30 pm)

Option 2: Explore Angkor’s less-visited temples
Venture on a less-traveled road deep into Angkor Park to discover the hidden gems of Angkor – another fascinating corner of Angkor including the mountain temple of Pre Rup, the East Mebon temple built within the Eastern Baray (guarded at its corner by stone figures of harnessed elephants), Ta Som is a captivating and charming temple (like Ta Prohm, there is a tree growing through part of the structure which provides excellent photo opportunities), Neak Pean, or the “coiled serpents” is a fountain built in the middle of a pool, and Preah Khan or “Sacred Sword” – constructed as a monastery and teaching complex in 1191 by Jayavarman VII, it is unique in its sense of religious tolerance, with sections dedicated to Buddhism, ancestor worship, and the Hindu gods Shiva and Vishnu. Once inside the second enclosure, look for the delicate frieze of ‘apsaras’ or celestial dancers, in the Hall of Dancers.
*Duration: Half-day (morning or afternoon)

Option 3: Siem Reap Quade Bike adventure
Take a break from temples and enjoy guided tours on Quads (Terrain Vehicles) around the countryside and traditional local villages of Siem Reap. You can enjoy the tour as long as you want to start from 1-hour adventure to a full day off-the-beaten-track excursion. The sunset tour by quad bike is an exciting experience; this allows you to see the real rural area of Siem Reap and have the opportunity to spot a spectacular sunset view over paddy fields.
*Note: Sunset quad bike tour (1 hour+, start @5.00 pm)

Evening option: Visit Phare Circus Performance by Phare Artists:
“Phare, the Cambodian Circus” is an offshoot project of Phare Ponleu Selpak (PPS), performed by students and professional artists from the center and used to perform around the world. It’s an amazing blend of traditional and modern theatre, music, dance, acrobatics, juggling, and contortion beautifully choreographed and performed in a story about Cambodian lives and society.

Overnight in Siem Reap

After breakfast, continue by overland to Battambang, an impressive French colonial riverside town located on the Sangké River. The journey takes almost 3 hours (170 km). Battambang is Cambodia’s second-largest province and biggest rice bowl, giving it a relaxed, small town that many visitors love. Beautiful hilltop temples and pretty villages dot the surrounding countryside. Upon arrival proceed to check in at your hotel.

Early this evening, enjoy a walking tour of this charming town to see its iconic Buddhist monastery and numerous colonial buildings. Taste some local street foods and seasonal fruits and lastly enjoy your dinner at a local restaurant.

Overnight in Battambang (2 nights)

This morning, take a chance to experience the thrilling Bamboo train, called a Norry in Khmer, the “train” consists of a small bamboo platform covered with a mat and a few thin cushions to sit on.

You may climb the 358 stone steps leading to the five towers of Phnom Banan – a 1000-year-old Khmer temple sporting superb carvings, reputedly the inspiration for Angkor Wat –from where you’ll drink in sweeping views. Or, visit the temple Wat Ek Phnom and see traditional rice paper-making. Family-run workshops line the main street, with visitors welcome to stop and watch the process.

Sip at a Winery – Prasat Phnom Banan Winery is your chance to taste a variety of wines like you’ll find no place else. Cambodia’s only winery, this unique vineyard grows its very own organic grapes to make some unique blends.

For the rest of the day, visit the Ancient Khmer house, watch the traditional rice paper-making, and spend the sunset watching millions of bats that stream from the caves for a night of hunting. A true spectacle that lasts for up to 40 minutes.

Overnight in Battambang

Today, drive to the vibrant capital of Phnom Penh, the capital of Cambodia, is a city of contrasts. From the grandeur of the Royal Palace to the somber reality of the Killing Fields, there is something for everyone in this fascinating city. The journey takes approximately 5 hours (291 km).

Make a few stops along the way for photo shooting and visit a traditional pottery community in Kampong Chhnang. Next visit Oudong Mountain, which once was Cambodia’s ancient capital called Oudong Meanchey, and literally means “noble victory” for around 200 years until it was moved to Phnom Penh. Oudong remains a sacred place where the construction of a huge stupa has recently been built to store and conserve the relic of Preah Serei Roek Theat (Ash of the Buddha). Climb the stairs to the top of Oudong Mountain and enjoy magnificent views over the plains below.

If time permits, continue to the nearby spectacular Vipassana Dhura Buddhist Meditation Centre and see the impressive jade Buddha, the mummified monk, and the brightly painted walls telling the story of the Ramayana, the epic Sanskrit poem. You may be interested in exploring the village of Kampong Luong, once the royal port for Oudong, the village has been home to generations of silversmiths. You can watch cups, bowls, and boxes being crafted by the hard-working villagers.

Upon arrival, proceed to check in at your hotel and enjoy the rest of the day free at leisure.

Overnight in Phnom Penh (1 night)

This morning, set off on a private vehicle with a driver to Koh Kong homes to one of Asia’s biggest Cardamom rainforests. The transfer takes about 4 hours.

The Cardamom Mountains is one of Southeast Asia’s last great rainforests but it’s still a hidden gem among tourists visiting Cambodia. Explore natural wonder in its truest form in the species-rich Cardamom mountains as it winds through some of Cambodia’s least developed and un-spoilt areas, amidst thick forests, streams, and waterfalls. Birds and monkeys call out, and insects chirp and click, as the jungle provides one of the most relaxing soundtracks ever composed.

• 2.00 pm, board a 1-hour boat ride down the Preak Tachan River to Cardamom Tented Camp
• On arrival, get a brief introduction to Wildlife Alliance’s conservation and protection work
• Settle into your comfortable safari-style tent
• Go on an exploratory hike in the jungle around the camp and end the day relaxing at the riverside restaurant as the sun sets over Botum Sakor. Dinner and overnight stay at Cardamom Tented Camp

Cardamom Tented Camp
Cardamom Tented Camp is a pioneering wildlife and nature conservation tourism project, striving to save the Botum Sakor National Park. Located in the heart of Cardamom forests, this eco-lodge offers nine luxurious safari-style glamping tents. The lodge aims to minimize the human footprint on the natural world and serve as a role model in promoting sustainable ecotourism practices within both the national park and Cambodia as a whole. From the foot of your door, you have the entire gamete of nature adventures waiting for you – trekking, wildlife & conservation, kayaking, etc.

Overnight at Cardamom Tented Camp (3 nights)

Over the next two days, join a patrol with the Wildlife Alliance Rangers and go trekking through the dense Cambodian jungle along abandoned poaching and logging trails. Visit the Ranger Station where the confiscated equipment of poachers and loggers – including traps, improvised hunting rifles, and even chainsaws – is on display. You will have the option to accompany Forest Rangers on more adventurous patrols to the most remote parts of the national park.

Then kayak down the Preak Tachan River, or take one of the self-guided hikes along our carefully selected trails and discover the rich diversity of flora and fauna and get a glimpse of macaques, gibbons, hornbills, and other rare wildlife found in the Cardamom Mountains. You will also have more freedom to explore the surrounding evergreen forests, mangroves, and rivers on your own or with one of our experienced guides.

With a supplement, opt for the Cardamom bird-watching tour led by a specialist birding expert who will help identify the various birds that we will see and hear.

Overnight at Cardamom Tented Camp 

Enjoy breakfast at your leisure. If you are an early riser, go on a self-guided hike on the trails around the camp or join one of our other activities such as the early morning wildlife boat ride.

At around 10:00, board the boat back to Trapeang Rung and continue by private car to the seaside town of Kampot (185 km, 4 hours). Upon arrival, proceed to check in at your hotel, and enjoy free at leisure.

Overnight in Kampot (2 nights)

This morning, explore the old French colonial buildings of the charming river town of Kampot. Then continue to La Plantation, a family-owned pepper plantation, for a unique opportunity to discover how the famous Kampot Pepper, local spices, fruits, and plants are grown and processed. Take a tour to learn about the differences between green, black, white, and red peppers, and enjoy lunch at the farm’s restaurant (with a chance to taste some fresh green peppercorns).

This afternoon, drive to visit the popular Kep crab market and experience the bustling atmosphere as you see crabs stored in baskets in shallow water and being cooked right there in the market (you may love to taste some fresh seafood at a waterfront restaurant with your tour guide at your own expense).

Return to Kampot and enjoy free at leisure or you may opt for a relaxing sunset cruise along the Kampot River (sharing).

Overnight in Kampot

After breakfast, take a scenery coastal drive to Sihanoukville (100 km, 2.30 hours), followed by a shared speedboat transfer to an idyllic offshore island. Afternoon free at leisure to enjoy swimming.

Koh Rong is a beautiful island in Cambodia, located in the Gulf of Thailand about 25 kilometers off the coast of Sihanoukville. It is the second largest island in Cambodia, and it is known for its pristine white sand beaches, crystal-clear waters, and lush jungle interior.​​​​ One of the most unique things about Koh Rong is its bioluminescent plankton. At night, the plankton glows in the water, creating a magical sight.

Overnight on Koh Rong, Sihanoukville (3 nights)

Over these 2 days, enjoy free days at your leisure or you may experience some hotel services or activities at your own expense.

Overnight on Koh Rong, Sihanoukville

Today, you are transferred by a shared speed boat to the shore and continue by private car to Phnom Penh International Airport (3-hour drive) for your flight home or next destination.