Cambodia Grand Experience 15 Days

Upon arrival at Phnom Penh International Airport, you’ll be met and greeted by your guide and transferred to your hotel for check-in. Relax and enjoy your evening. You’ll sepend the night in Phnom Penh.

After breakfast, you’ll be picked up at 08:30 for a day tour that includes the following highlights:

Choeung Ek Memorial: Visit this somber site, where a stupa containing around 8,000 human skulls marks the infamous Killing Fields. This area was the execution ground for the torture victims of Tuol Sleng, and it’s almost unimaginable to think that nearly 9,000 corpses have been exhumed from this peaceful setting.

Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum: Confront Cambodia’s tragic past with a guided tour of this former school, which was transformed into a Khmer Rouge torture center. It’s estimated that more than 20,000 people were imprisoned and tortured here.

National Museum: Explore this museum, which houses 5,000 objects, including Angkorian-era statues, lingas, and artifacts. Notably, you’ll see the legendary statue of the ‘Leper King’ and a fine collection of pieces from later periods.

Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda: You’ll then visit the Royal Palace and the nearby Silver Pagoda, both of which are significant cultural landmarks.

After the tour, you’ll return to your hotel to relax before enjoying a Cyclo City Tour.

Cyclo City Tour: You’ll be picked up from your hotel and enjoy a leisurely ride through the modern city. You’ll stop at the Independence Monument, which commemorates the end of French rule in Cambodia in 1953. Then, visit Wat Phnom, an ancient pagoda atop a hill, marking the legendary founding place of Phnom Penh. Finally, you’ll experience the evening life along Sisowath Blvd before returning to your hotel later in the evening. You’ll sepend the night in Phnom Penh.

After breakfast, you’ll leave Phnom Penh for Mondulkiri (355 km, approximately 6 to 7 hours). You’ll have lunch at a local restaurant along the way. Upon arrival in Mondulkiri, you’ll be transferred directly to your hotel for check-in. Later in the afternoon, you’ll visit Sen Monorom Waterfall, located in Sen Monorom District, about five kilometers from the provincial town via a red soil trail. Along the trail, you’ll pass by industrial plantations of rubber, coffee, and cashew. The waterfall is close to the provincial town, making it a convenient excursion. Your overnight stay will be in Mondulkiri.

After breakfast, you’ll be transferred out of town to the village of Lao Ka, where you’ll be joined by a local Bunong guide for a morning trek. The trek takes place in the shadow of Chrey Yos Hill and through a protected woodland of giant trees. It’s an extremely picturesque walk; throughout the morning, you’ll traverse rolling hills, pastures, and valleys. You’re likely to pass a few minority hillside farms growing a mixture of crops, including rice, corn, and vegetables. You may also spot the footprints of wild boar and deer on the trails.

Just as hunger begins to set in, you’ll arrive at The Coffee Plantation. In addition to the coffee trees, which make up the majority of the farm’s crops, there are many other plantations growing durian, mangosteen, sapodilla, avocado, strawberries, and other delicious produce.

Next, you’ll stop by a waterfall, where you’ll enjoy a unique experience of cooking in bamboo, a traditional method used by the minority for their daily meals. Afterward, you’ll return to Pu Long Village, where you can visit a minority home, chat with the villagers, and, if you have any school supplies, they would be greatly appreciated by the local children.

On your way back to the downtown area, you can choose to visit Busra Waterfall if you wish. Your overnight stay will be in Mondulkiri.

You’ll spend a full day with the elephants, shadowing two families of these majestic creatures in the jungle during the morning and afternoon. You’ll learn about the elephants, the local mahouts, the forest, and ongoing conservation efforts.

The Elephant Valley Project offers a one-of-a-kind experience; you’ll trek into the elephants’ natural jungle habitat and observe them in their true element. It’s as simple and organic as it gets—no riding, no tricks, no shows, and no stress. Spend hours walking alongside them, discovering their trials, tribulations, and incredible stories. If you love elephants and genuinely care about their welfare and future, this is the place for you. This experience is not only unique but also the first of its kind in Cambodia.

Your program for the day (07:30–17:30) includes a half-day with the elephants and a half-day jungle trek. You’ll overnight in Sen Monorom.

After breakfast, you’ll leave Mondulkiri for Ratanakkiri Province, located in the northern part of the country. Here, you’ll experience the diverse minority groups and their way of life along the Sesan River. You’ll travel a distance of 190 km, which takes around 3 hours by car. Upon arrival, you’ll head directly to your hotel for check-in and some relaxation.

In the afternoon, you’ll visit local highlights such as the local market and Yak Lom Volcano Lake. Overnight in Ban Lung.

After breakfast, you’ll head northwest, crossing Kroeung villages and bamboo forests before reaching the village of Kachon, located on the left bank of the Sé San River. Upstream, you’ll find several Tampoun and Katcha villages known for their funeral statuary. You’ll board a boat to the village of Koh Peak, which displays superb totems.

After the visit, you’ll continue to Voeune Saï, located 45 minutes downstream on the left bank of the Sé San River. This village is divided into two sections: a prosperous Chinese area with beautiful traditional shophouses, and a less developed Lao area. Chinese and Lao are the main languages spoken here.

You’ll return to your province in the late afternoon and relax at the hotel.

After breakfast, you’ll leave Ratanakkiri for Kratie Province, a distance of 270 km, which will take around 4 hours on smooth roads. Upon arrival in Kratie, you’ll be transferred to your hotel for check-in. Lunch will be served at a local restaurant in Kratie.

In the late afternoon, you’ll board a local boat and cruise on the mighty Mekong River to get up close to the freshwater Irrawaddy dolphins at Kampi, about 15 km north. You’ll seek out Cambodia’s rare freshwater dolphins with our local wooden motorboat, and then relax on the boat while enjoying the dolphins and the sunset. Witness one of the most endangered mammals in their natural habitat. Afterward, you’ll return to Kratie for dinner and overnight at your hotel.

After breakfast, you’ll leave the hotel and cross the water to the island of Koh Trong, nestled in the middle of the Mekong River. A great spot to relax for a day or two, the island is home to a small community of predominantly fishing and farming families. Once you’ve crossed over to Koh Trong by ferry, you’ll be greeted by an ox-drawn cart for the short journey to your lodge, passing through the sleepy community along the way.

The remainder of your day is at leisure to explore the island or simply relax at your lodge. The island is surrounded by a beach from December to May, and swimming is an option throughout the year from the riverbanks. There are several small villages on the island, and you’ll be warmly welcomed by the locals, who are often keen to interact! Overnight in Kratie.

After breakfast, you’ll leave Kratie for Kampong Thom Province, a distance of 175 km, which will take around 3 hours on smooth roads via Kampong Cham Province. Upon arrival in Kampong Thom, you’ll be transferred to your hotel for check-in. Relax before starting your tour of Sambor Prei Kuk, also known as the Lion Temple. It’s one of the most important pre-Angkorian sites in the country, built during the Chenla period between the 6th and 7th centuries. The three main sites are connected by small, shaded tracks. Enjoy a beautiful walk through the jungle with breathtaking views. After the tour, you’ll head back to your hotel to relax and overnight in Kampong Thom.

After breakfast, at 8:30 AM, you’ll be picked up for Siem Reap. You’ll travel a distance of 146 km, which will take around 2 hours on National Road No. 6. Your first stop en route will be the Ancient Bridge at Kompong Kdei. This old Khmer bridge, with its Naga balustrade across the River Praptos, is one of the few stone bridges dating back to the Angkor period.

Upon arrival in Siem Reap, you’ll check into your hotel and relax before enjoying dinner with an Apsara dance show at 4:00 PM. In the late afternoon, you’ll get your first impression of the mystical Angkor temples in the jungles surrounding Siem Reap. You’ll drive along the small circuit during dusk to experience the special atmosphere as other tourists leave and silence takes over. You’ll stop at an ancient water reservoir and visit some lesser-known temples to enjoy an exclusive sunset. Afterward, you’ll have dinner at a local restaurant with a Khmer traditional dance performance. Overnight in Siem Reap.

4:45 AM: You’ll wake up before sunrise and make the 15-minute journey to Angkor Wat.

Angkor Wat Temple: You’ll visit the famous Angkor Wat temple, built during the reign of King Suryavarman II in the early 12th century. It is designed following the model of the temple mountain, symbolizing Mount Meru, the home of the gods. Angkor Wat is also renowned for the more than 2,000 Apsara dancers decorating the temple.

Angkor Thom City: Continue to the ancient city of Angkor Thom. Angkor Thom was the last capital of the Great Khmer Empire under King Jayavarman VII. This city is surrounded by an 8-meter-high wall, forming a perfect square. Enter the city through the ancient South Gate, an impressive stone gate carved with elephants and four giant faces.

Bayon Temple: Next, you’ll visit Bayon Temple, located in the exact center of the city. This 12th-century masterpiece is known for its grandeur and its 54 towers adorned with enigmatic faces representing the 54 provinces of the Great Khmer Empire.

Ta Prohm Temple: Your final visit today will be to Ta Prohm Temple, built in the mid-12th to early 13th centuries. Ta Prohm is unique because 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. You’ll spend the night in Siem Reap.

After breakfast, you’ll be picked up by our guide and driver and transferred to visit:

Banteay Srei Temple: Head out to the countryside to see the “gem” of the Angkor area, the beautiful Banteay Srei Temple. Known as the “Citadel of the Women,” it remains the best-preserved temple in Cambodia. This small temple is noted for its remarkably fine bas-reliefs and is unique for being constructed of pink sandstone, which is rare in Angkor.

Preah Khan Temple: Visit this atmospheric site, a blend of tree roots and crumbling stone structures. Commissioned by the great ‘temple builder’ Jayavarman VII in honor of his father, Preah Khan provides an interesting contrast to the more imposing Angkor Wat. The temple is currently being restored by the World Monument Fund and is in remarkably good condition in some areas.

Neak Pean Temple: Explore this artificial island with a Hindu temple situated on a circular island in Jayatataka Baray. Associated with Preah Khan Temple, it was built during the reign of King Jayavarman VII.

East Mebon Temple: Continue to this temple-mountain.

Pre Rup Temple: Visit this temple, built as the state temple of Khmer King Rajendravarman and dedicated in 961 or early 962. It is a temple mountain constructed of brick, laterite, and sandstone. The temple’s modern name means “turn the body.” You’ll then head back to Siem Reap.

Bakheng Temple: Conclude your day with a visit to Bakheng Temple, a symbolic representation of Mount Meru, home of the Hindu gods. Situated atop a steep hill 65 meters above the surrounding plain, the temple is built in a pyramid form with seven levels, representing the seven heavens. It’s a great spot to enjoy the sunset view before heading back to Siem Reap. Overnight in Siem Reap.

After breakfast, you’ll be picked up by our guide and driver and transferred to visit:

Culinary Village Experience: Spend half a day discovering the secrets of authentic Khmer cuisine with a cooking class. The experience begins with a guided trip to a local market where you’ll learn about Cambodian vegetables, herbs, spices, and other ingredients with a Khmer chef. Return to the cooking school or home, where you’ll be shown how to prepare these delicious dishes by an experienced Cambodian chef. This hands-on class is a great way to learn about Khmer cuisine, which is similar to Thai cuisine but less spicy. At the end of your course, you’ll enjoy lunch featuring the meals you’ve prepared. After lunch, you’ll return to your hotel.

If time permits, your guide will then take you to visit Satcha Handicraft, the first Cambodian handicraft center that supports local artisans. This center combines traditional knowledge with contemporary design to showcase Cambodian talent to both local and international visitors, while ensuring a sustainable social, economic, and environmental impact. You’ll also visit the Old Market, where you’ll experience local life and see the bustling center of Siem Reap.

Tonle Sap Great Lake: You’ll embark on a boat trip on Tonle Sap Lake, the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia and a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. This unique excursion allows you to learn about life on the lake and the fishing communities that live there. The lake covers around 250,000 hectares in the dry season and expands to about 10,000 km² during the wet season due to the Mekong River’s reverse flow.

Overnight in Siem Reap.

After breakfast, you’ll be picked up by our guide and driver and transferred to visit:

Preah Dak Village: Explore how Cambodian people make Khmer rice noodles, or Nom Banh Chok. Preah Dak Village is renowned for its rice noodles and is one of the most picturesque villages near the temples. Enjoy a bowl of Nom Banh Chok for a traditional breakfast. Then, continue to a nearby village where you’ll observe street vendors preparing palm sugar. Palm trees are vital to Khmer people, who use every part of the plant, including the stem, leaves, trunk, fruits, and flowers. You’ll taste palm juice with its distinct smell and flavor, primarily for local consumption, and enjoy a Cambodian sugar palm cupcake.

Beng Mealea Temple: In the afternoon, visit Beng Mealea Temple, known as the “Indiana Jones” temple. Built by Jayavarman VII in the style of Angkor Wat, Beng Mealea is vast, covering well over one square kilometer within its moat. Approached by four causeways, the temple appears as a large pile of rubble partially hidden in the trees. As you get closer, the ancient Khmer architecture is revealed. Cloaked in vegetation with few concessions to tourism, this temple resembles how it looked when early French explorers discovered it.

You’ll be transferred to Siem Reap airport for your onward journey. End of services.