Siem Reap & Phnom Penh In Depth 6 Days

Hop aboard a tuk-tuk (two guests per vehicle) and spend the day discovering the magnificent temples of Angkor, a UNESCO World Heritage treasure.

Your journey begins at the ancient capital Angkor Thom (12th century). Enter through the South Gate lined with striking statues representing the “Churning of the Ocean of Milk.” Continue to Bayon Temple, famous for its 54 towers adorned with over 200 smiling faces of Avalokiteshvara. Visit Phimeanakas, the Royal Enclosure, the Terrace of the Elephants, and the Terrace of the Leper King before heading to Ta Prohm, a hauntingly beautiful temple left largely in its natural state, where massive tree roots intertwine with ancient stone walls.

In the afternoon, explore the awe-inspiring Angkor Wat, the largest and most iconic of all Angkor temples. Covering 81 hectares, this 12th-century masterpiece is celebrated as the pinnacle of classical Khmer architecture, with its five distinctive towers gracing Cambodia’s national flag. If time permits, make a brief stop at the Old Market to browse for local souvenirs. Return to your hotel for a well-earned rest.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Overnight in Siem Reap

At 8:00 AM, your guide will pick you up for a countryside adventure. Bring along a packed breakfast from your hotel and drive about 25 minutes to Ta Prak Village. Upon arrival, share breakfast with a local family and get a glimpse into their daily morning routines. Then, enjoy a 30-minute ox-cart ride through the village to a lively local market. Stroll through the stalls filled with fresh herbs, vegetables, fruits, and traditional ingredients.

Continue on foot for about one kilometer through the scenic countryside, stopping along the way to meet locals and observe seasonal activities such as rice planting, weaving thatch roofs, or making fish traps—depending on the time of year. The morning ends at a peaceful pagoda, where Buddhist monks will perform a traditional water blessing. Refresh yourself with a cool coconut before continuing your trip.

Next, travel to Kampong Phluk, a lesser-visited stilted village surrounded by mangrove forests. Board a local boat and glide through the flooded landscape to see fishermen’s houses on stilts and floating homes, offering a real sense of life on the water. Enjoy the calm beauty and quiet rhythm of the Tonle Sap Lake before returning to Siem Reap.

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch

Overnight in Siem Reap

After breakfast, check out and drive overland to Phnom Penh (approximately 5.5 hours, 314 km).

Upon arrival, begin your city tour at the Champey Academy of Arts, a non-profit school dedicated to preserving Cambodia’s traditional arts. The academy provides free training in classical dance, music, and drawing for underprivileged children, continuing a legacy of cultural preservation.

Continue to the Central Market, a striking 1937 Art Deco building topped with a large dome. Inside, you’ll find endless stalls selling everything from jewelry and souvenirs to fresh food, clothes, and flowers.

Next, visit Wat Phnom, the small hilltop pagoda marking the legendary founding site of the capital. Conclude your day with a relaxing cyclo ride along the riverside from Wat Phnom toward the Royal Palace—an authentic local experience. Afterward, transfer to your hotel for check-in and rest.

Meals: breakfast

Overnight in Phnom Penh

Today begins with an exciting cycling trip along the Mekong River Trail, offering a close-up look at the tranquil rural life surrounding Phnom Penh. At 7:30 AM, your guide will pick you up and transfer you to the ferry heading to Silk Island (Koh Dach). Upon arrival, hop on a local leisure bike and cycle through peaceful farmlands and traditional villages. Learn about the centuries-old craft of silk weaving from local artisans, whose skills have been passed down through generations.

Return to Phnom Penh around midday for lunch at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, visit the Royal Palace, the residence of the Cambodian monarchs since 1866. Within the palace grounds, admire the Silver Pagoda, named for its floor inlaid with 5,000 silver tiles. Continue to the National Museum, an architectural gem showcasing Khmer art and sculpture dating back to the Angkorian era. End your sightseeing with another visit to Wat Phnom, where legend meets spirituality.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Overnight in Phnom Penh

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel and relax until check-out at noon. Your guide and driver will then transfer you to Phnom Penh International Airport for your onward flight.

Meal: Breakfast