Cambodia Journey Through History 7 Days

Upon arriving at Phnom Penh International Airport, you’ll be met and driven to your hotel for check-in. Afterward, you can rest and relax after your journey. Your overnight stay will be at a hotel in Phnom Penh.

After breakfast, you’ll spend the morning visiting the infamous Tuol Sleng Museum and Choeung Ek, better known as the Killing Fields, which serve as sobering reminders of the atrocities committed by the Khmer Rouge regime. While this tour may not be joyful, it provides essential insights into the history and development of this still-recovering country. You’ll have lunch at a local restaurant.

In the afternoon, you’ll visit the Independence Monument, which commemorates the end of French rule in Cambodia in 1953. Next, you’ll explore Wat Phnom, an ancient pagoda on a hill that marks the legendary founding place of Phnom Penh. Afterward, you’ll continue to the National Museum or the Royal Palace, built in 1866, and, if time permits, the Silver Pagoda, located within the Royal Palace compound. The Silver Pagoda is named for its floor, made up of 5,000 silver tiles, and it houses the Emerald Buddha. You’ll then return to your hotel and spend the night in Phnom Penh.

After breakfast, you will meet our guide and driver and then transfer to Battambang, a small town located 291 km from Phnom Penh. The journey will take you across three provinces—Kandal, Kampong Chhnang, and Pursat—covering around 4 hours on National Road No. 5. Along the way, we’ll stop to visit a silver-smithing village via the Prek Kdam Bridge, specifically in Kôh Chen, a small village where the inhabitants specialize in silver and copper smithing. They create ornamental items, including delicately engraved tropical fruits used in traditional ceremonies at pagodas or weddings.

Next, you’ll head to Kampong Chhnang, where we’ll stop at a Pottery Village before continuing to Battambang. Upon arrival, you’ll check in to your hotel. In the afternoon, you’ll visit Ek Phnom Temple, explore the local daily life, and try local delicacies such as Krolan (sticky rice) and Sombok Nem. Enjoy a short walk along the colonial buildings and experience the evening life of the people and tourists in Battambang. Your overnight stay will be at a hotel in Battambang.

This morning, you’ll enjoy a Bamboo Train ride through the Khmer villages. The Bamboo Train was set up by the villagers to facilitate the transportation of goods and people, as regular trains no longer run. The ‘train’ itself is quite basic: a bamboo platform on four wheels, powered by a small motor. You’ll sit on the platform (we’ll provide some cushions for your comfort) and travel 8 km to the next station, passing through beautiful landscapes and rice paddies (depending on the season of your visit). It’s a true rollercoaster ride—minus the loops!

Afterward, you’ll head to Siem Reap via National Roads No. 5 and No. 6, covering a distance of 160 km in about 3 hours. Upon arrival in Siem Reap, you’ll transfer to your hotel for check-in.

After lunch, you’ll enjoy a boat ride on Tonle Sap Lake at Chong Kneas Village. This is the largest permanent freshwater lake in Southeast Asia, flowing into the Tonle Sap River and joining the Mekong in Phnom Penh. We’ll visit a fishermen’s ‘floating village,’ complete with floating schools, a floating police station, and more. The entire ‘village’ moves from place to place, following the water levels and currents of the lake.

Before returning to the hotel, you’ll have time to take in the sights and atmosphere. Your overnight stay will be at a hotel in Siem Reap.

At 05:15, you’ll be picked up and taken to the Angkor Complex to start your day with a sunrise visit to Angkor Wat, Cambodia’s crown jewel, often described as the ‘Temple that is a City.’ This visit will provide a glimpse into the grandeur of the Khmer Empire, which once ruled much of Southeast Asia and is home to countless temples and palace complexes. You’ll then explore Angkor Wat itself, the largest and, for many, the most impressive temple in the complex.

Afterward, you’ll return to the hotel for breakfast and some relaxation.

In the late morning, you’ll continue our tour by visiting some of the most prominent sites. You’ll start with Angkor Thom, also known as the ‘Temple of Faces,’ followed by the Bayon Temple, a unique structure showcasing a transition from Hinduism (in its foundations) to Buddhism (in its superstructure). Next, you’ll visit the Elephant Terrace and the Leper King Terrace, and then the Baphuon Temple, which is nearing the completion of an extensive eight-year restoration project.

You’ll have time to relax and enjoy lunch before we proceed to Ta Prohm, renowned for its massive tree roots intertwining with the temple ruins, reflecting the state of the entire complex when it was discovered in 1860 by French naturalist Henri Mouhot. After the visit, you’ll return to your hotel to relax and spend the night. Your overnight stay will be at a hotel in Siem Reap.

After breakfast, you’ll leave the hotel at 08:00 and head along National Road No. 6 to Kulen Mountain for an adventurous day. This new adventure trip offers a journey back to the 500-year era of the pre-Angkorian and independent Khmer Empire under a single ruler, marking the beginning of what would later become known as the Angkor period.

You’ll drive 50 km to the eastern side of Angkor Thom. Arriving at the foothill around 08:50, you’ll take a five-minute walk to Preah Ang Chup, a secretive spot, before hiking to the Reclining Buddha at Preah Ang Thom (15th century CE, post-Angkor period). The hike will take you through a lush rainforest and past the River of 1000 Lingas, and will take approximately 1.5 to 2 hours to reach the top.

After spending some time exploring Phnom Kulen National Park, the most sacred mountain in Cambodia, you’ll visit the enchanting Banteay Srei, known as ‘The Citadel of Women.’ This temple is famous for its finely carved pink sandstone, with every space adorned in intricate detail.

You’ll then spend the rest of the day enjoying the sunset at Bakheng Temple before heading back to the hotel. Your overnight stay will be at a hotel in Siem Reap.

After breakfast, rise and shine! You’ll be picked up from the hotel at 07:30 to join a tour where you can experience the daily life of our elephants. You’ll spend time observing them as they enjoy their natural surroundings, walk with them into the forest and witness how they choose to spend their time.

At noon, you’ll return to the base camp for a traditional meal before heading back to Siem Reap. You will depart from Siem Reap around 8:00 AM and return around 2:00 PM.

The tour includes transport, morning tea or coffee, and lunch.

In the afternoon, you’ll have free time until your guide and driver pick you up to transfer you to Siem Reap International Airport for your flight to your next destination. End of services.