angkor Preah Vihear Battambang phnom penh koh rong island
Go beyond what the guidebook tells and experience the real unstaged Cambodia. Visit remote Angkorian temples steeped in history away from the crowds and explore Battambang’s countryside villages. Witness the graceful movements of Khmer dance and meditate alongside Buddhist monks. Spend time in the chaotic busy capital and then relax on a remote tropical island.
This is Cambodia at its best….
Itinerary Highlights
Discover lesser-known Angkorian monuments
Take an in-depth look at Battambang
Explore the many sides of Phnom Penh
Relax on an undiscovered tropical beach
Support local community initiatives
What’s included
Completely private tours for all activities included
Meet & greet airport service
Luxury and boutique accommodation options at your chosen level
Expert guides in each destination
flexibility
This is an example itinerary. It is fully flexible; you can add or detract days and include hotels at your chosen budget. It departs daily.
13
Nights
Price Guide
From $5995+ pp
Our quotes are bespoke for your customised trip. The prices displayed are indicative only, read more
Fly to Siem Reap
Day 1
Welcome to Angkor
Arrive in Siem Reap and transfer to your hotel This afternoon, get a first glimpse of Angkor today at the early temples of the Roluos Group. Roluos is the site of an ancient center of Khmer civilization known as Hariharalaya. It was the first town built by the Angkorian kings in the 8th and 9th century and consists of three main temples: Bakong, Lolei and Preah Ko. The surrounding countryside with its paddy fields and sugar palm trees is very typical for Cambodia – enjoy the natural beauty on a buffalo cart. In the more contemporary Roluos Pagoda, Buddhist monks will celebrate a private blessing ceremony for you – a very special experience!
In the evening enjoy a welcome dinner at Haven Restaurant, a social enterprise restaurant providing disadvantaged youth and underprivileged adults, professional training and employment in the hospitality industry. (closed on Mondays)
Day 2
Temples & markets
After breakfast, discover Angkor’s main sites, this can optionally be done on a leisurely bicycle ride of about 2-3 hours. First, head to the ancient city of Angkor Thom, which you enter from the ancient South Gate. Continue to Bayon Temple, well-known for its dozens of towers with enigmatic faces looking out over the provinces 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.
Return to the hotel for a relaxing break during the midday heat.
Spend the early afternoon exploring Siem Reap’s colourful markets by remork (tuk tuk). Time permitting visit Artisans d’Angkor, established in 1992 to help young people find work in their local villages by continuing the practice of traditional arts. Discover how wood and stone carvings, lacquering, gilding, and silk paintings are created.
End your day with a tour to the most illustrious Ta Prohm, a unique temple overgrown by jungle trees and vines, known as ‘Tomb Raider Temple’ and one of the most picturesque and memorable of the Angkor temples.
Day 3
Angkor sunrise, River of 1000 Lingas, Wildlife, Landmine Museum & Citadel of the Women
Start early at 4:30am to catch the sunrise at Angkor Wat – a memorable experience watching first sun rays slowly appear over the five iconic towers. Explore the famous temple in depth, including the stone carvings and bas-reliefs.
After the tour, enjoy your breakfast in the nearby local restaurant (packed breakfast from the hotel). Next head north through pastoral countryside to visit Kbal Spean, one of the earliest Hindu pilgrimage sites in Cambodia. A short 3 km walk up the hill through dense jungle will reward you with excellent views over the plains and the Kulen hills. At the top see the “River of 1000 Lingas” with some remarkable stone carvings of Hindu gods, animals and other symbols in the riverbed. Enjoy a picnic lunch close to waterfall compound.
Please note the walk is fairly easy going but not suitable for clients with mobility problems.
Then visit the Angkor Centre for Conservation of Biodiversity (ACCB), the first nature conservation project established in Cambodia. A knowledgeable staff member will explain about the threats to Cambodia’s wildlife and the efforts of ACCB to protect the environment and promote wildlife conservation through education.
This afternoon, experience the “gem” of the Angkor area, the pretty temple of Banteay Srey. 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 Srey is unique in that it is constructed of pink sandstone, which is seen nowhere else in Angkor.
On the way back to town, there’s an optional stop at the Cambodian Landmine Museum, a project established by a former child soldier during the Cambodian civil war who later taught himself how to deactivate mines, before establishing the museum as an educational center and social enterprise to sponsor children whose lives have been impacted by these destructive weapons of war.
Day 4
Preah Vihear – the breakaway kingdom
After early breakfast, head north towards the Thai border, stopping along the way at the remote Koh Ker temple complex. The capital city of a breakaway kingdom during a period of upheaval in the Angkor Empire, Koh Ker is best known for its grandiose sculptures and structures which were the result of a large sandstone quarry located nearby. Here you will see various temples from the 10th century, including the massive Prasat Thom, the tallest pyramid built in the Angkor era, Prasat Damrei, the elephant temple, and several smaller temples housing enormous lingas (stone religious phallic symbols).
Upon arrival in Preah Vihear province, enjoy lunch before checking into your hotel.
Later in the afternoon visit the incredible Preah Vihear temple. As you arrive at the foot of Preah Vihear it is necessary to transfer into the back of a pick-up truck (operated by the local community) for the climb up the spectacularly steep mountain road. On arrival at Preah Vihear Temple you will be rewarded with fabulous views over Cambodia’s and Thailand’s fertile plains from the impressive ruins which stretch for 500 meters up. The temple is not yet restored but has spectacular carvings and lintels.
Day 5
Preah Vihear – Banteay Chhmar
Check-out early today for a 3 hour transfer to Banteay Chhmar. Accommodation tonight will be at a traditional, local homestay, the perfect way of experiencing daily life and learning the local customs of a typical Khmer village. After reaching the local homestay, enjoy lunch at the community center where you can learn about one of the most successful Community-Based Tourism initiatives in Cambodia.
In the early afternoon, explore the UNESCO World Heritage Banteay Chhmar, an exceptional temple which gets very few visitors. The bas reliefs on the outside of the inner sanctuary walls are simply stunning.
The main temple at Banteay Chhmar is surrounded by 9 satellite temples, most of which have received very little study and documentation. Enjoy a torch-lit dinner under the stars, accompanied by the gaze of Bayon-style towers. A traditional Khmer music performance played by local villagers will conclude the amazing first night in the serene setting of rural Cambodia.
Day 6-8
Banteay Chhmar, Battambang & the Bamboo Train
Heading out from Banteay Chhmar, make two brief stops: the first at a local silk weaving initiative and the second a satellite temple of Banteay Chhmar known as Banteay Torp. After lunch (included), continue journeying onwards to Battambang. Upon arrival in Battambang, check into your hotel and enjoy some leisure time to explore Battambang independently. There are a number of interesting art galleries and shops around town, many of which are housed in old French Colonial Buildings.
Day 7 head out for a ride on the Bamboo Train. Set up by the villagers to facilitate the transportation of goods and persons because in the past there were no regular trains running. The “train” itself is very basic: one bamboo platform on 4-wheels is activated by a small motor and travel 8kms to the next stop. Next visit a nearby Ancient House located in Wat Kor Village, where the lady of the house will give you a guided tour. Continue to Wat Banan, an 11th century temple on a mountain top, from where get views over the beautiful countryside and wander around the ancient temple. Dinner this evening is at the stylish Jaan Bai (meaning ‘rice bowl’ in Khmer), a social enterprise restaurant established by the Cambodian Children’s Trust to provide training and employment for disadvantaged youths, with all profits going to support the activities of the Trust.
(The restaurant was set up with the expertise and ongoing support of Asia’s best chef, David Thompson, of Nahm Restaurant in Bangkok, and restaurateur John Fink, owner of Australia’s best restaurant Quay in Sydney).
Day 8 begins with a fun morning cycle ride around the local villages surrounding Battambang with SoksaBike, a social enterprise set up to provide scenic and informative bike rides through the local countryside. During the 30km cycle tour there are plenty of stops to learn how the locals produce rice paper, prahok (typical Cambodian fish paste), grolan (sticky rice stuffed in bamboo), and other Cambodian treats. In the afternoon head to Phnom Sampeau, meaning “Ship Hill” in Khmer, due to its distinctive shape, and one of the few hills standing out in this otherwise flat plain. From the small temple on the top, you will have a fantastic view over the typical landscape of paddy fields and sugar palm trees. Phnom Sampeau is home to the notorious killing caves, which are cruel reminders of Cambodia’s troubled past. Serenity and inhumanity represented in one place make this an interesting visit…Your visit will last until dusk – a time when millions of bats emerge from a cave and create patterns as they fly in tandem across the sky – a nightly spectacular show of nature!
Day 9-10
Battambang to Phnom Penh – pottery, ancient capitals and meditation
Depart early for the transfer from Battambang to Phnom Penh. First stop is Kampong Chhnang, known for its traditional pottery, with many kilns at work in this province, see the different aspects of pottery making and also experience the production of traditional rice wine. Continue to Oudong, a former royal capital of Cambodia, passing by rural villages and pagodas. Upon arrival at Oudong enjoy a traditional Khmer lunch at a picnic hut. Then, climb the stairs to the summit of Oudong Mountain to enjoy the magnificent views over the plains below. Before heading to Phnom Penh stop to take a look at the spectacular Vipassana Dhura Buddhist Meditation Center, also located in Oudong. From here it’s a short drive to Phnom Penh
Day 10: This morning take a tour around Phnom Penh in a Cyclo, an original Phnom Penh means of transportation and a fun way to explore this lively city. Visit Wat Phnom, the Royal Palace, Silver Pagoda, and the National Museum, home to over 5000 historical artefacts. Lunch at a local restaurant included.
In the afternoon explore the dark modern history on a visit to the remarkable Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, a grim, but important visit that will allow you to dig below the surface and better understand Cambodia. From here The Killing Fields or alternatively for a lighter touch visit Champey Academy of Arts (CAA), a non-profit school offering the youth of Phnom Penh free training in Cambodian traditional arts including dance, music, drawing and painting. Return to the riverside where a boat is waiting to take you on a sunset Mekong River cruise, before heading back to your hotel.
Day 11-13
A tropical island for R&R
After breakfast, transfer to Sihanoukville, approximately 3 hours’ drive via the new Express way with a stop on the way for refreshment. If staying on an island take a boat transfer. Early afternoon, check into your hotel. The next few days are free to relax and enjoy some downtime after this action packed tour.
Day 14
return to Phnom penh & Fly to next destination
A note on price
The prices outlined above are a rough guide to give you an idea of costs and enable you to budget for your trip.
Guide prices are generally for private arrangements based on twin share, in well located, good quality accommodation (excluding international flights).
Please note costs are indicative and may vary due to a number of factors such as; travel date, hotel choice, room category, number of people travelling and prevailing exchange rates.
Price Guide $5995+ per person
When to travel
janfebmaraprmayjunjulaugsepoctnovdec
Cambodia is hot all year round, with very little rainfall between November and April. The rains generally start in May and continue through to October, although visits are still possible, as these usually consist of only short, but heavy, downpours. This can be a good time to visit Angkor as it is when the temples are at their least busy and most atmospheric.
January is the coolest month of the year in Cambodia, with pleasant temperatures and low humidity. It is a great time to visit if you are looking for a break from the heat. There is little rain in January, but if there is it is usually light and scattered. • Average temperature: 26°C • High: 30°C • Low: 22°C • Rainfall: 10mm
February is a good month to visit Cambodia, as the weather is pleasant and there is not too much rain and humidity is not too high. The temperatures start to rise in February, but they are still comfortable. • Average temperature: 27°C • High: 31°C • Low: 23°C • Rainfall: 15mm
March is the hottest month of the dry season in Cambodia. The temperatures start to climb in March, and the humidity starts to rise as well. There is not too much rain in March, but towards the end of the month expect showers. • Average temperature: 29°C • High: 33°C • Low: 25°C • Rainfall: 20mm
April is the hottest month of the year in Cambodia. The temperatures are consistently high, and the humidity is very high. There is still not too much rain in April, but it is a good idea to be prepared for some showers. • Average temperature: 30°C • High: 34°C • Low: 26°C • Rainfall: 30mm
May is the start of the rainy season in Cambodia. The temperatures are still hot, but the humidity starts to rise significantly. There is more rain in May, but it is usually not too heavy. • Average temperature: 31°C • High: 35°C • Low: 27°C • Rainfall: 100mm
June is usually the wettest month of the year in Cambodia. The temperatures are still hot, and the humidity is very high. • Average temperature: 32°C • High: 36°C • Low: 28°C • Rainfall: 150mm
July is another wet month in Cambodia. The temperatures are still hot, and the humidity is high. There is a lot of rain in July, and it can be quite heavy at times. • Average temperature: 33°C • High: 37°C • Low: 29°C • Rainfall: 150mm
August is the last official month of the rainy season in Cambodia. The temperatures are still hot, and the humidity is very high. There is a lot of rain in August, and it usually occurs in heavy down pours in the late afternoons. • Average temperature: 33°C • High: 37°C • Low: 29°C • Rainfall: 150mm
September is the start of end of the wet season in Cambodia. The temperatures start to cool down, and the humidity starts to drop. There is still rain in September, but it is usually not too heavy. • Average temperature: 32°C • High: 36°C • Low: 28°C • Rainfall: 100mm
October is the start of the dry season in Cambodia. The weather is pleasant and sunny, with very little rain. This is a great time to visit if you are looking for a relaxing beach vacation. • Average temperature: 27°C • High: 32°C • Low: 22°C • Rainfall: 10 mm
November is similar to October in terms of weather. The temperatures are starting to cool down, and it is a comfortable time to visit. • Average temperature: 26°C • High: 31°C • Low: 21°C • Rainfall: 10 mm
December is the coolest month of the year in Cambodia. The weather is pleasant and sunny, with very little rain. This is a great time to visit if you are looking for a break from the heat. • Average temperature: 25°C • High: 30°C • Low: 20°C • Rainfall: 10 mm
Add on’s
There are a multitude of add on holiday options to this Cambodia itinerary, for example you could head to Vietnam, Laos or Thailand, the opportunities are really endless.
Cambodia is also easily accessed by the main flight hubs of Singapore, Kuala Lumpur and Bangkok making city stopovers or beach extensions on Asia’s fabulous sandy shores easy to arrange.
Want a quote on a trip like this?
Speak to one of our travel specialists and we’ll create your personalised itinerary just for you
