Itinerary: Undiscovered Cambodia

Day One: Siem Reap (D)

Upon your arrival Siem Reap, you will be welcomed by your local English speaking guide and transferred to your hotel for check in. Siem Reap is the base for exploring the fabled temples of Angkor, the ancient capital of the Khmer empire.

After a short relaxing break, you will visit the famous Angkor Wat by local tuk tuk. Built during the reign of King Suryavarman II in the early 12th century, it is constructed following the model of the temple mountain symbolizing the Mount Meru, home of the gods. Inside the temple, the walls are covered with stone carvings and bas-reliefs depicting Hindu mythology and the wars Suryavarman II fought during his reign. Moreover, Angkor Wat is well known for the more than 2,000 Apsara dancers decorating the temple. Construction is thought to have taken around thirty years of intensive labor. Today, Angkor Wat is figured on Cambodia's national flag as the temple symbolizes the soul of the Khmer people.

During sunset time, Angkor Wat is less visited, and the Apsaras will shine in the most beautiful light. Return to your hotel, where you can enjoy the evening at leisure.

An authentic Khmer Welcome dinner will be prepared for you at The Sugar Palm.

Overnight in Siem Reap.

Day Two: Siem Reap (B/L/D)

Optional: Sunrise over Angkor Wat

Start early to catch the sunrise at Angkor Wat – it surely is a memorable experience to see the first sunrays slowly appear over the five iconic towers.

Visit the ancient city of Angkor Thom, the last capital of the Great Khmer Empire under the reign of Jayavarman VII. This city is surrounded by an 8 m high wall, drawing a perfect square. Enter the city through the ancient South Gate, an impressive stone gate carved with Elephants and four giant faces.

From here, continue to Bayon Temple in the exact center of the city. This 12th century masterpiece is a study in grandeur and is well-known for its 54 towers with enigmatic faces representing the 54 provinces of the Great Khmer Empire. The Terrace of the Elephants and the Terrace of the Leper King are also must-visits as they are both known for their intricate bas-reliefs.

End your morning with a visit to Ta Prohm temple, built in the mid 12th to early 13th centuries. Ta Prohm is unique in that 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. This makes the ‘Tomb Raider Temple’ one of the most picturesque and memorable of the Angkor temples.

A Khmer lunch will be served at Viroth’s Restaurant.

From Siem Reap, it is only a short drive to Wat Amphil, a traditional village that is among the most scenic in Cambodia as it is set amidst a sea of rice fields that are extending on to the mighty Tonlé Sap Lake.

Here, in a clean and safe place on the premises of a picturesque wat, you will find our permanent tented camp. Imagine waking up to the sounds of nature is an experience no hotel room can provide. And you don’t even have to cut back on amenities as our large tents are made to feel you at home away from home. Check out the tents setup and take some time to refresh and relax.

From here, head out to the nearby banks of Tonlé Sap Lake, where you will have the opportunity to learn about life on the lake. Tonlé Sap is South East Asia’s largest freshwater lake with its size varying greatly depending on the season, swelling to about four times its usual size during the wet season. Board a local boat and visit Mechrey ecotourism village. The cruise will take you past floating villages and impressive flooded forests, portraying life on the water (ca. 1.5h). Enjoy sunset cocktails on board.

Later today, a candlelight dinner will be prepared for you at the pagoda.

Overnight in a tented camp at Wat Amphil.

Day Three: Siem Reap – Phnom Penh (B/L/D)                                               

Get up early as you will be invited to witness the monks at a local pagoda perform their rituals, and you will have the chance to meet the monks personally. A private blessing ceremony will wish you good luck on your journey.

Transfer overland to Phnom Penh (4.5h), with some interesting stops on the way. Arrival early afternoon, where lunch is already waiting for you at your hotel.

Phnom Penh was once considered as one of the most beautiful cities in the Orient, and despite its recent turbulent history, it still retains a colonial charm. Cambodia’s capital is a bustling city, majestically located at the confluence of the mighty rivers of the Mekong and Tonlé Sap. Wide tree-lined boulevards and many colonial-era buildings reflect the glorious days and add to the allure of the city, where Asian and Western traditions meet in a fascinating way.

After a relaxing break, you will be greeted by a driver who will take you on a tour of the historical French Quarter in a Cyclo, an original Phnom Penh means of transportation and a fun way to explore this lively city.

Tonight, you will be treated to a delicious Asian dinner at Mangosteen Restaurant & Bar, the latest addition to the lively Phnom Penh restaurant scene.

Overnight in Phnom Penh.

Day Four: Phnom Penh (B/L/D)                                                                 

Today, you will gain insight into the art of Khmer cuisine with a hands-on cooking course. Start the day with a guided tour through the local food market where your chef will explain the Cambodian fruits, vegetables and spices. Be amazed at the vast array of colors, smells, and tastes for sale - from the ubiquitous, smelly fish sauce to the sweet, fragrant mangoes. Back at the cooking school; explore the secrets of traditional food preparation. With the guidance of your chef, you will observe and then practice Khmer cuisine techniques creating your own dishes for lunch!

Spend the rest of the afternoon browsing through the colorful markets of Phnom Penh. Visit the Central Market, an art deco landmark and one of the largest markets in the city, if not all of Cambodia. You can find clothes, souvenirs, jewellery, and food. Also visit the Russian Market, the best place in the city for wood and stone carvings, jewellery, clothes and Cambodian silk souvenirs.

Optional: Tuol Sleng & the Killing Fields

Gain insight into Cambodia’s recent dark history on a visit to the remarkable Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, housed in the former school that was taken over by the Khmer Rouge and used as its main detention and torture center named ‘S-21’. Further visit the Killing Fields of Choeung Ek. A grim, but important visit that will allow you to dig below the surface and understand Cambodia better.

Enjoy a special dinner cruise on the Phocea Mekong boat.

Overnight in Phnom Penh.

Day Five: Phnom Penh - Kep (B/L/D)                                       

Early morning, leave Phnom Penh in a Southern direction for Kep (3.5h). Cambodia’s prestigious beach resort of the 1960s is now awakening to its former glory. A fascinating mix of a small calm beach, reminders of the past and a growing choice of activities.

After lunch at your resort, enjoy the afternoon at leisure to stroll through town, discover the picturesque countryside by bicycle or just relax by the sea.

Enjoy a seafood dinner at the Sailing Club with a fantastic sea view.

Overnight in Kep.

Day Six: Kep – Ream – Sihanoukville (B/L/D)                                                      

Transfer via Kampot to Ream National Park (2.5h). Here, visit the mangrove forests on a boat trip along Prek Toeuk Sap River. There is a chance that you will see spot-billed pelicans or the rare freshwater dolphins (December-February).

The park was established in 1993 on a 210 km² area on the Gulf of Thailand that includes thick pristine jungle, mangrove forests and off-shore coral reefs. It's a nature lovers paradise with nearly 200 bird species, many kinds of monkeys and it is also the habitat of the pangolin. You will be transferred to one of Ream’s most scenic isolated beaches, called Koh Sampouch.

A delicious lunch will be prepared at a local restaurant. Koh Sampouch is still one of the rare beaches in Southeast Asia that have not yet seen any development, and you will be all by yourself with only once in a while a boat stopping by.

Enjoy some time for swimming and enjoying the beautiful beach. Mid afternoon, continue over land to Sihanoukville.

A foot massage by the beach will put you in the right mood for a special dinner at your resort.

Overnight in Sihanoukville.

Day Seven: Sihanoukville – Koh Kong (B/L/D)

This morning after breakfast at the hotel, transfer to Koh Kong (4h), from where a short scenic boat ride takes you to the unique 4 Rivers Floating Lodge. Situated on the Tatai River in the remote Cardamom Mountains, this unusual property offers visitors total peace and tranquillity in a beautiful natural setting. Twelve floating, tented bungalows feature spacious interiors and private terraces complete with panoramic river views. Upon arrival, check into your room and enjoy the afternoon at leisure to just relax and take in the scenery or to discover the stunning surroundings by kayak.

Lunch and dinner at the lodge.

Overnight in Koh Kong.

Day Eight: Koh Kong – Phnom Penh – Departure (B)                             

Enjoy some time at leisure until your direct transfer to Phnom Penh International Airport for your departure flight (5h) or continue over land to Thailand.

I had a wonderful time with this itinerary... So much adventure and beauty.

Sunny Regards,

Joyce