Cambodia adventure 12 days 11 nights

Welcome to Phnom Penh, the capital city of Cambodia, located in the center of the country, where the Tonle Sap and Mekong rivers meet. Phnom Penh features Khmer cum French-colonial cultures and architectures that make this city intriguing.

Upon arrival at Phnom Penh Airport, your driver and local tour guide will welcome and transfer you to the hotel for check-in. The rest of the day is at your leisure to get over jet lag.

Start the Phnom Penh City exploration at the glamorous Royal Palace, whose history dates back to 1866, where the nation’s major treasures are on display, along with other valuable gifts from dozens of countries. One of the most outstanding relics is the 90-kilo gold Buddha encrusted with 9,584 diamonds, and the emerald baccarat crystal Buddha, dating back to the 17th century. In the same compound toward the south, you can also spot the Silver Pagoda. Other names for this pagoda are Wat Preah Keo and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha. They call it the Silver Pagoda as the floor is covered with 5 tons of glistening silver.

Next, move on to the National Museum, established in 1917, for insight into Khmer arts through relics and artifacts dating back to the Pre-Angkor and Angkor periods. Move on to Wat Phnom, a peaceful hill 27m high, the city's highest peak. People said it was constructed by a woman named Penh in 1372 to house the sacred relics.

This afternoon, you will visit the Toul Sleng, which was once a secondary school. The Khmer Rouge then used it as the Security Prison 21 (or S21). Lastly, you will stroll around the Russian Market featuring a splendid colonial architecture.

Crossing the river by local ferry, you will then start cycling through villages and stop to visit the local houses, try out subtropical fruits, and drinks. Next, take the second ferry to Koh Oknha Tei Island, with narrow paths, a Buddhist pagoda, villages, and a plantation. The last island to explore is Koh Dach or Silk Island, where you will have a chance to visit the weaving houses and the traditional way of silk making. 

This morning, you will travel for about 4 hours to the next destination on your Cambodia adventure trip: Kratie, a province situated along the Mekong River. Kratie is renowned for the freshwater Irawaddy dolphin in Cambodia, and is also the gateway to the jungles in northwestern Cambodia.

This afternoon, you will take a local ferry to Koh Trong Island. Take the bicycle and leisurely traverse the luxuriant countryside up close. The rest of the day will be at leisure.

This morning, you will board the venture to Kampi to spot the Irrawaddy dolphins in Kratie province. The motor boat will bring you through the lush and mighty Mekong, and then its engine will be off when approaching the area. Stay focused and listen for the peculiar spitting as they come up out of the water and take a glimpse of the mammals.

Next, you will visit Phnom Sambok Pagoda in Kratie. Climbing up some 200 steps to visit this temple on the hill peak, and gain a fascinating view of the Mekong. The frescoes and other paintings in the pagoda depict the Buddha’s power over evil. After finishing there, you will return to the hotel, with opportunities to capture the bucolic countryside along the way.

This morning, you will travel to Banlung, a sleepy provincial town also known as Red Earth for the color of its soil. You will have a half-day cycling excursion to explore the town and the Yeak Loam, a 700,000-year-old volcanic lake 48m deep, embraced by the graceful forest. Enjoy cycling around the shaded bank until you reach a local sala set up on the shore to rest and admire the surrounding biosphere. There, you can try local snacks like sticky rice, papaya salad, and BBQ chicken, prepared by people from minority villages. There are docks for those who wish to swim in the emerald water.

If you’re not tired yet, let’s set out for Wat Rahtanharanm and get to the hill to see the sunset on top of Banlung.

Continue your journey from Banlung to Stung Treng Province, close to the border with Laos. You will set off on your bicycle and explore the surrounding areas. Start riding from the bank of the Sakong River to the confluence with the Mekong, then to the east bank of the Mekong, where you’ll venture by tarmac, sandy trails, wooden bridges, and local villages.

Set off today by a 2.5-hour drive to Preah Vihear, renowned as “the mother of mountain temples”. You will hike up to discover the most holy and stunning Preah Vihear Temple, built in the 11th century and one of the must-see places in Cambodia. This Hindu temple is a UNESCO World Heritage site atop a 525m cliff, comprising sanctuaries set along an 800m axis. From the temple, you also cast a spell over the breathtaking view. Coming off the cliff, you will drive to the hotel in Preah Vihear for the night.

Today you will head to Siem Reap Province, where the impressive, legendary, and must-see Angkor Temples are located. On the way, you will stop by Koh Ker, a remote Angkor Temple. According to ancient inscriptions, Koh Ker was the capital of the Khmer Empire from 928 to 944 CE. Next, visit the Beng Mealea Temple, constructed on the same plan as the floor of the Angkor Wat Temple. Beng Mealea, meaning “Lotus Pond,” was built as a Hindu temple; Buddhist motifs are also found in its carvings. Later on, leave for Siem Reap, where you will check into the hotel and have free time for relaxation.

After breakfast at the hotel, you will meet up with your tour guide and tuk-tuk driver to unlock the mysterious temples of Angkor Thom, which means “the big city”. Wander around the Angkor Thom Southern Gate, and you will find the Bayon Temple, built in the 12th – 13th century. This temple is unique with 54 giant towers, each with 4 facets. Located nearby is the Baphuon Temple. Carry on, you will visit the Terrace of Elephants, which is 350m long, and the Terrace of the Leper King, where public ceremonies took place.

In the afternoon, visit the renowned Angkor Wat, a monument with an 800m long bas-relief and a 55m tower. Lastly, enjoy the Angkor sunset at Pre Rup Temple.

This morning, you will travel to local villages to experience the lifestyle in Bong Thom Village, join with the locals, and prepare your own breakfast. You will learn how to make rice noodles in the traditional way, make sticky rice with bamboo, and harvest coconuts. There, you will taste delicious snacks topped with fresh coconut. On the way, you also stop to see the local stalls and observe how Cambodian process sugar palm and make handicrafts from palm leaves. On the way back to Siem Reap, you will stop to visit Banteay Srei Temple. This unique pink sandstone temple, also known as the “Citadel of Women,” showcases exceptional sculptures.

After breakfast at the hotel, you will have free time to enjoy the property or get around the town. At a good time, you will proceed to Siem Reap Airport for your flight to your next destination.