Cambodia In Depth 9 Days

Today you will explore all the main temples of world heritage by Tuk Tuk (1 Tuk Tuk = 2 pax): 

At first, we will start to visit the antique capital of Angkor Thom (12 century) : the South Gate with its huge statues depicting the churning of the ocean of milk, the Bayon Temple, unique for its 54 towers decorated with over 200 smiling faces of Avolokitesvara, the Phimeanakas, the Royal Enclosure, the Elephants Terrace and the Terrace of the Leper King. Continue to visit Ta Prohm, one of the area’s most beautiful temples. Ta Prohm has been relatively untouched since it was discovered and retains much of its mystery.

In the afternoon, visit the most famous of all the temples on the plain of Angkor, Angkor Wat, the temple complex covers 81 hectares and is comparable in size to the Imperial Palace in Beijing. Its distinctive five towers are emblazoned on the Cambodian flag and the 12th century masterpiece is considered by art historians to be the prime example of classical Khmer art and architecture. If time and energy permit, visit the Old market for some souvenirs for friends and families.

After the tour, return to the hotel for rest and overnight.

Lunch at a local restaurant.

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch

Overnight at hotel in Siem Reap

8:00AM, picked up from their hotel in the morning by the local guide and driven to Ta Prak Village, 25 minutes out of town. A 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, take a 30-minute ox cart ride through the village to a local market. Take a short walk through this bustling center and be introduced to Cambodian vegetables, herbs, fruits and other local produce. Continue 1 km by foot through the picturesque countryside village, stopping 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. At the end of your ride, have a fresh coconut juice.

Continue and travel out to Kampong Phluk, 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 Phluk, board a local boat for a ride on the lake. On the way, 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. Enjoy the beautiful scenery dominated by the tranquility of the lake.

After tours, transfer back to the hotel.

Lunch at a local restaurant.

Meal: Breakfast/Lunch

Overnight at hotel in Siem Reap

Breakfast at the hotel, check out and overland transfer to Phnom Penh with a driving distance of 314 km, take about 5.5 hours.

Upon arrival in Phnom Penh, transfer directly to visit Champey Academy of Arts (CAA) is non-profit arts school serving primarily disadvantaged children in central Phnom Penh. After sponsoring, for nearly fourteen years, a school (The Apsara Arts Association or 'AAA'), teaching traditional dance to underprivileged children, we decided in the autumn of 2012 to redirect our resources toward establishment of a new school in the center of the city. We named our new school, Champey* Academy of Arts and there we offer classes in traditional dance - both classical and folkloric, traditional music and traditional drawing/painting.

Continue to visit Central Market, a large market constructed in 1937 in the shape of a dome with four arms branching out into vast hallways with countless stalls of goods. The four wings of this gigantic yellow dome are teeming with stalls that sell goods ranging from gold and silver, antique coins, money exchange, men's and women's apparel, clocks, books, flowers, food, fabrics, shoes, souvenirs, fish, seafood, dessert, luggage, and countless other products.

Lastly, we will visit Wat Phnom Temple, a small hill crowned by an active Wat (Pagoda) that marks the legendary founding place of Phnom Penh. After the visit, we will take Cyclo riding from Wat Phnom Penh along the riverside toward the Royal Palace. The Cyclo riding takes about 30mns.

After the tour, transfer to the hotel for check in and rest for the night.

Meal: None

Overnight at hotel in Phnom Penh

Today, we will cycle along the Mekong trail and witness the unique culture, beautiful scenery and vibrant local life that can be found on the various islands along its course. From traditional villages to farmland, there is something for everyone to enjoy when exploring this incredible trail.

At 7:30 AM, our guide and driver will pick you up from the hotel lobby, and transfer you to board the ferry going to Silk Island or Mekong Island. Once you arrive, grab your bike (local leisure bike) and get ready for an exciting cycling adventure that will take you through the countryside and farming villages of Phnom Penh. Be prepared to experience and observe the local culture and way of life as well as enjoy some breathtaking views of the rural landscape!

We will take a visit to the unique craft of silk weaving. Our local villagers will be able to provide you with an authentic insight into the history of silk weaving in Cambodia, a tradition that has been passed down through generations from parent to child. This is an incredible opportunity to learn more about the culture of this country and experience its rich heritage firsthand. You can expect to get back to Phnom Penh city around 12:30 pm, then transfer to have lunch at a local restaurant.

In the afternoon, start your city tour to the Royal Palace, which was constructed in the 19th century when the capital moved from Oudong to Phnom Penh, and has been the home for the Kings of Cambodia since 1866. The palace is a testament to Khmer architectural and aesthetic proficiency so prevalent in their royal and religious monuments. Within the royal palace is the Silver Pagoda, the Silver Pagoda is so named because of its floor, which is made up of 5000 silver tiles. Continue to the National Museum, one of Phnom Penh's true architectural gems. It was designed in Khmer style in 1917 by famed French architect Georges Groslier and Ecole Des Arts Cambodgiens. Last stop at Wat Phnom, the legend of Phnom Penh.

Lunch at a local restaurant.

Meal: Breakfast/Lunch

Overnight at hotel in Phnom Penh

After breakfast, depart Phnom Penh for a scenic drive to Sihanoukville, Cambodia’s most famous beach town. On arrival, check in to your hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure. You may choose to relax on the white-sand beaches, swim in the clear waters, or simply unwind at your resort.

Overnight in Sihanokville

Meals: breakfast

Today is yours to enjoy at your own pace. Spend the day soaking up the sun, exploring the coastline, or taking part in optional activities such as island-hopping cruises, snorkeling, or diving to discover the underwater world.

Overnight in Sihanokville

Meals: breakfast 

Another full day to relax in Sihanoukville. Stroll along the beach, taste fresh seafood, or venture to nearby islands for a change of scenery. It’s a perfect time to slow down and enjoy the coastal charm before continuing your journey.

Overnight in Sihanokville

Meals: breakfast 

Breakfast at the hotel, free until time to check out (12:00 noon) and then picked up by our guide and driver for transfer to Phnom Penh Airport for departure.

Meals: breakfast