Tour
Overview
Discover the heart of Cambodia on
this 8-day journey combining history, culture, countryside, and iconic temples.
Travel from the vibrant capital Phnom Penh through traditional villages and
colonial Battambang, finishing in Siem Reap with the world-famous Angkor
temples and sacred Kulen Mountain. This itinerary offers a perfect balance of
city life, rural experiences, and ancient wonders.
Tour
Highlights
• Phnom Penh city tour: Royal Palace, Silver
Pagoda & history sites
• Scenic overland journey to Battambang with
cultural stops
• Battambang countryside, bamboo train &
hilltop temples
• Sunrise at Angkor Wat & Angkor Small
Circuit
• Sacred Kulen National Park: 1,000 Lingas
& waterfall
• Remote jungle temples: Koh Ker & Beng
Mealea
• Comfortable private transfers with flexible
timing
Day
1: Phnom Penh – Airport Transfer
• Meet & greet at Phnom Penh International
Airport
• Private transfer to your hotel
• Free time to relax after arrival
• Overnight in Phnom Penh
Day
2: Phnom Penh City Tour
Royal Palace & Silver Pagoda
Start the day with a visit to the
Royal Palace, the official residence of the King of Cambodia. This beautiful
complex showcases classic Khmer architecture, golden roofs, and peaceful
gardens. Inside the palace grounds is the Silver Pagoda, named after its floor
made of more than 5,000 silver tiles. Here you will see sacred Buddha statues,
including a life-size gold Buddha decorated with thousands of diamonds.
National Museum of Khmer Art
Continue to the National Museum,
located near the Royal Palace. This museum houses the world’s finest collection
of Khmer art, including sculptures from the Angkor period (6th–13th centuries).
The traditional red terracotta building and tranquil courtyard provide a deeper
understanding of Cambodia’s rich history, culture, and religious traditions.
Wat Phnom (Founding Place of the
City)
Next, visit Wat Phnom, the
symbolic heart of Phnom Penh. Situated on a small hill, this Buddhist temple
marks the legendary founding place of the city. According to legend, Lady Penh
discovered sacred Buddha statues here in the 14th century. Climb the steps to
enjoy views of the city and observe locals praying for good luck and success.
Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S-21)
In the afternoon, visit Tuol
Sleng Genocide Museum, a former high school that was turned into a prison
during the Khmer Rouge regime (1975–1979). This powerful and emotional site
displays photographs, documents, and preserved rooms that tell the tragic story
of Cambodia’s recent past. It offers an important insight into the country’s
history and resilience.
Central Market or Russian Market
(Local Shopping)
After the historical visits,
enjoy free time for shopping at either Central Market or Russian Market.
• Central Market (Phsar Thmei) is famous for
its unique Art Deco architecture and wide variety of souvenirs, jewelry,
clothes, and local snacks.
• Russian Market (Phsar Toul Tom Poung) is
popular for handicrafts, silk products, souvenirs, and casual clothing.
Overnight in Phnom Penh
Day
3: Phnom Penh → Battambang (Sightseeing en Route)
Morning Departure from Phnom Penh
After breakfast, depart Phnom
Penh in the morning for the overland journey to Battambang. Travel comfortably
by private vehicle, leaving the busy capital behind and heading northwest
through Cambodia’s rural heartland.
Visit Oudong Mountain (Former
Royal Capital)
First stop at Oudong Mountain,
the former royal capital of Cambodia from the 17th to 19th century. Climb the
stairs to the hilltop pagodas, where several ancient stupas hold the remains of
past kings. From the summit, enjoy panoramic views over the surrounding plains,
rice fields, and countryside. This site offers both historical insight and
peaceful scenery.
Kampong Chhnang Pottery Village
Continue the journey with a stop
at Kampong Chhnang, famous for its traditional pottery villages. Here you can
observe local artisans shaping clay by hand and using simple tools and kilns, a
craft passed down through generations. This visit provides a glimpse into rural
Cambodian life and traditional craftsmanship.
Scenic Countryside Drive
Enjoy a relaxing drive through
scenic countryside landscapes, passing vast rice fields, rivers, palm trees,
and small local villages. Along the way, you may see farmers working in the
fields, children playing, and traditional wooden houses on stilts, offering
great opportunities for photos and cultural observation.
Evening Arrival in Battambang
Arrive in Battambang in the late
afternoon or early evening. Battambang is known for its charming colonial
architecture, relaxed atmosphere, and artistic community. Transfer to your
hotel for check-in.
Overnight in Battambang
Free time to rest or explore
nearby restaurants at your own pace. Overnight stay in Battambang.
Day
4: Battambang City & Countryside Tour
Bamboo Train Ride through the
Countryside
Begin the day with a ride on
Battambang’s famous Bamboo Train (Norry). Travel along old railway tracks on a
simple bamboo platform powered by a small engine. The ride passes through
peaceful countryside, rice fields, and small villages, offering a fun and
unique local experience and a great introduction to rural life in Battambang.
Visit Local Villages & Rice
Paper Making
Continue with visits to nearby
local villages where you can observe traditional daily life. Stop at family-run
workshops to see how rice paper is made by hand, from soaking and grinding the
rice to drying the thin sheets in the sun. You may also see other home
industries such as rice wine or dried banana production, depending on the
village.
Phnom Banon or Phnom Sampov
In the afternoon, visit either
Phnom Banon or Phnom Sampov:
• Phnom Banon is an Angkor-era hilltop temple
with well-preserved ruins and scenic views. A climb of about 350 steps leads to
the summit, rewarding visitors with panoramic countryside landscapes.
• Phnom Sampov is known for its dramatic
limestone hill, Buddhist shrines, and tragic history. Here you can visit the
Killing Caves, where many victims lost their lives during the Khmer Rouge period,
making this an important historical and reflective site.
Evening Bat Cave Experience
In the late afternoon, remain at
Phnom Sampov to witness the unforgettable bat cave experience. At sunset,
thousands to millions of bats stream out of the cave in a continuous flow
across the sky as they head out to feed. This natural phenomenon lasts around
30–45 minutes and is one of Battambang’s most impressive sights.
Overnight in Battambang
Return to Battambang town in the
evening. Enjoy free time to relax or dine at local restaurants. Overnight stay
in Battambang.
Day
5: Battambang → Siem Reap
Morning Departure from Battambang
After breakfast, depart
Battambang in the morning for the journey to Siem Reap. Travel comfortably by
private vehicle, leaving behind the relaxed riverside town and heading east
toward Cambodia’s cultural capital.
Scenic Drive across Rural
Cambodia
Enjoy a scenic drive through
Cambodia’s countryside, passing rice fields, sugar palm trees, small villages,
and farmland. This route offers a genuine look at daily rural life and the
peaceful landscapes between Battambang and Siem Reap.
Stops for Photos &
Refreshments
Along the way, make several stops
for photos, rest breaks, or refreshments. These stops allow you to stretch your
legs, take pictures of local scenery, and enjoy a drink or snack at roadside
cafés or local markets.
Afternoon Arrival in Siem Reap
Arrive in Siem Reap in the
afternoon and transfer to your hotel for check-in. Siem Reap is the gateway to
the Angkor temples and offers a lively yet relaxed atmosphere with many dining
and shopping options.
Free Evening (Optional Night
Market & Pub Street)
Enjoy a free evening at leisure.
You may choose to visit the Angkor Night Market for souvenirs and handicrafts,
or explore Pub Street, famous for its restaurants, cafés, and vibrant
nightlife. Alternatively, relax at your hotel after the journey.
Overnight in Siem Reap
Overnight stay in Siem Reap,
preparing for the temple visits on the following days.
Day
6: Siem Reap – Sunrise & Angkor Small Circuit
Early Morning Sunrise at Angkor
Wat
Depart the hotel very early in
the morning to experience the magical sunrise at Angkor Wat. Watch as the sun
slowly rises behind the iconic towers, reflecting in the lotus ponds and
creating unforgettable photo opportunities. After sunrise, enjoy a short break
for coffee or breakfast near the temple area.
Explore Angkor Wat Temple Complex
After sunrise, explore the Angkor
Wat temple complex in detail. Built in the early 12th century, Angkor Wat is
the largest religious monument in the world. Walk through its grand galleries,
central sanctuary, and impressive bas-reliefs depicting scenes from Hindu epics
and Khmer history. Learn about the temple’s architectural brilliance and
spiritual significance.
Angkor Thom – South Gate
Continue to Angkor Thom, the
ancient walled city and former capital of the Khmer Empire. Enter through the
monumental South Gate, lined with stone statues of gods and demons holding a
naga (serpent). This dramatic entrance sets the stage for the temples within
the city.
Bayon Temple (Smiling Faces)
Visit the Bayon Temple, famous
for its many serene stone faces carved on towering pillars. Built in the late
12th century, Bayon is known for its detailed bas-reliefs showing everyday
life, battles, and celebrations of the Angkor era. The mysterious smiling faces
make this one of the most memorable temples in Angkor.
Baphuon & Elephant Terrace
Proceed to Baphuon, an
11th-century temple mountain that offers a short climb and views over the
Angkor Thom area. Nearby, visit the Elephant Terrace, once used by kings for
public ceremonies and royal processions. The terrace is decorated with detailed
elephant carvings and ancient stone reliefs.
Ta Prohm (Tomb Raider Temple)
In the afternoon, explore Ta
Prohm, one of Angkor’s most atmospheric temples. Left largely in its natural
state, massive tree roots grow over and through the temple ruins, creating a
dramatic scene. Ta Prohm became famous after appearing in the movie Tomb Raider
and remains a favorite for photography.
Return to Hotel & Rest
After a full day of temple
exploration, return to your hotel in the afternoon. Free time to relax, swim,
or enjoy a massage after the early start.
Overnight
in Siem Reap
Day
7: Kulen National Park
Drive to Phnom Kulen National Park
After breakfast, depart Siem Reap
for a scenic drive (approximately 1–1.5 hours) to Phnom Kulen National Park.
This sacred mountain is considered the birthplace of the Angkor Empire and is
an important pilgrimage site for Cambodians. The drive passes through rural
villages and forested landscapes before reaching the park entrance.
River of 1,000 Lingas
Begin the visit at the River of
1,000 Lingas, a shallow riverbed carved with thousands of ancient Shiva lingas
and symbolic designs dating back to the 9th century. The carvings bless the
water as it flows downstream toward Angkor. Visitors can walk along the river
and observe these unique underwater carvings during the dry season.
Reclining Buddha at Preah Ang
Thom
Continue to Preah Ang Thom, home
to a large reclining Buddha carved directly into a sandstone rock. This sacred
site is an active place of worship where locals come to pray and make
offerings. Climb the stairs to the platform and enjoy peaceful views of the
surrounding forest.
Kulen Waterfall (Swimming
Possible – Seasonal)
Visit the Kulen Waterfall, one of
the most beautiful natural attractions near Siem Reap. Depending on the season,
enjoy time to relax, take photos, or swim in the refreshing natural pools
beneath the falls. The waterfall is especially impressive during the rainy
season.
Return to Siem Reap in the
Afternoon
In the afternoon, depart Phnom
Kulen National Park and return to Siem Reap. Enjoy the scenic drive back after
a day of nature, culture, and history.
Overnight in Siem Reap
Arrive back at the hotel and
enjoy free time in the evening. Overnight stay in Siem Reap.
Day
8: Koh Ker & Beng Mealea Temple
Early Departure to Koh Ker
(Former Khmer Capital)
Depart Siem Reap early in the
morning for a drive to Koh Ker, located about 120 km northeast of the city. Koh
Ker was the capital of the Khmer Empire in the 10th century under King
Jayavarman IV. The journey passes through remote countryside, forests, and
traditional villages, offering a glimpse of rural Cambodia beyond the main tourist
routes.
Visit Prasat Thom (Pyramid
Temple)
Explore Prasat Thom, the most
impressive monument at Koh Ker. This seven-tiered pyramid temple rises
dramatically above the surrounding forest and is unique among Khmer temples.
Climb the staircase to the top platform for panoramic views over the jungle.
Learn about the site’s historical importance and its distinctive architectural
style, which differs from Angkor temples.
Continue to Beng Mealea
(Atmospheric Jungle Temple)
After Koh Ker, continue the
journey to Beng Mealea, an Angkor-era temple located about 40 km from Siem
Reap. Built in the early 12th century, Beng Mealea is largely unrestored and
offers a true “lost temple” experience.
Explore Ruins Overgrown by Nature
Walk through the temple ruins,
where massive stone blocks, collapsed galleries, and towering trees intertwine.
Wooden walkways guide visitors through the complex, allowing safe exploration
while preserving the wild atmosphere. Beng Mealea’s jungle setting makes it one
of the most photogenic and mysterious temples in Cambodia.
Return to Siem Reap / Drop-off at
Hotel or Airport
In the afternoon, return to Siem
Reap. Transfer directly to your hotel or Siem Reap International Airport,
depending on your departure schedule, marking the end of the journey.
✅ Private transfer
✅ English-speaking Driver
✅ Air-conditioned vehicle
WhatsApp +85515316987
King Regard !
Shimon
