The snapshot of Southern Cambodia 11 days

Welcome to Phnom Penh, the capital and the largest city of Cambodia. This city is located near the confluence of the Mekong River and Tonle Sap Lake. Phnom Penh is charmingly characterized by the capital's modernity, colonial touches, and Angkorian architecture. 

Upon arrival at Phnom Penh airport, you will see your local guide and then travel to the city center for hotel check-in.

On this day, you will explore the best things to do in Phnom Penh to gain a glimpse of Cambodia’s history and culture. Visit the Royal Palace, built in 1866, which houses a vast collection of treasures, including a 90-kilo gold Buddha and the Emerald Buddha dating back to the 17th century. Then, visit the Silver Pagoda in the same compound as the Royal Palace.  Next, head to the National Museum, displaying many artifacts from the pre-Angkorian and Angkorian periods. This museum, built in 1917, is a wonderful place dedicated to Khmer art. 

Hike uphill to Wat Phnom, the highest peak in Phnom Penh at 27m, and you will find the ancient pagoda, offering an overview of the capital city. Carry on with sobering Toul Sleng or the S21, which used to be a secondary school but then turned into a prison by the Khmer Rouge.

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. Late evening, you will travel by tuk-tuk with your tour guide to embark on a food tour, sampling local dishes from Phnom Penh and Cambodia. 

Farewell to the vibrant city of Phnom Penh; you will head south to Kep town, the next stop on your trip in southern Cambodia, for 11 days. This seaside town was the most popular during the 50s and 60s. Kep, Cambodia, was the preferred retreat destination for the French elite in 1908s. However, when the wars ended, this town fell into disuse and ruin. These days, Kep is attractive by its sleepy countryside and abundance of seafood, especially the crab.

On the way to Kep, you can stop for a hike up to Phnom Chisor Temple, built in the 11th century, which offers a fascinating view over the scenic countryside. Upon arrival, check into the hotel and relax till rest of the day.

In the morning, you will board a local boat to Rabbit Island, or Koh Tonsay, with rustic beaches for unwinding. After spending time chilling out or swimming on this island, you will return to Kep town.

In the afternoon, you will explore the culture and history of Southern Cambodia. Visit the cave temple Chhnork, which has sheltered a small brick temple since the 7th century and was built before the Angkorian period. Inside the cave, you also find stunning stalactites and stalagmites.

After breakfast, leave Kep for Kampot, passing by coconut and palm fields. You will visit the pepper plantation in Kampot to learn the techniques they use to grow and harvest pepper. Take a walk with the host, experience pepper processing, like shrubs and drying, and sample some. Possible to buy some local pepper as a gift to bring back home. Make other stops en route to enjoy the rural scenes, farmland, and salt fields. Late afternoon, enjoy a sunset cruise in Kampot, offering a pleasant landscape of the idyllic river and countryside. 

Today, you will visit Bokor National Park, one of the most attractive attractions in southern Cambodia, and discover rugged mountains, French colonial buildings, the Popokvil waterfalls, and verdant forests. Bokor National Park covers an area of 1,500 sq km of rainforest and grasslands and is home to many wild animals and bird species. From the peak, you can also see the Gulf of Thailand. Return to your hotel, then have free time for the rest of the day.

Depart from Kampot this morning and travel to Sihanoukville in over 3 hours. Upon your arrival, board a boat transfer from the pier to your resort on a pristine island, the last destination in your Cambodia tour and beach holiday. The rest of the day will be free for you to do on your own.

After breakfast, enjoy free time at the beach or chill out at the property.

At a good time, the boat will transfer you back to the pier in Sihanoukville, and you will have a transfer (without a tour guide) to Sihanoukville Airport for your flight to your next destination.