Cambodia Discovery
PRIVATE TOUR: Explore the colonial capital city of Phnom Penh, visit the floating villages of Lake Tonle Sap, explore the incredible temples of the Angkor Complex and more, on this extensive 8 day private tour of Cambodia, which also includes the lesser visited temples of Kompong Thom.
For a detailed itinerary and information about visas, money, weather and more download our Trip Notes
Tour overview
Itinerary
Day 1 Phnom Penh
Day 1 Phnom Penh
Welcome to Cambodia! Upon arrival, you will be met by your tour guide and driver before being transferred to your hotel. The remainder of today is at your leisure to explore independently.
Day 2 Phnom Penh
Day 2 Phnom Penh
This morning embark on a cyclo ride through the bustling streets taking in Central Market, riverside and the Independence Monument. Also see the famous Royal Palace which was built in 1866 and the incredible solid silver-floored Silver Pagoda - famous for its lavish decorations, silver paved floor and Buddha statues made from precious metals and stones, before bidding farewell to your cyclo driver.
Then visit the National Museum, a treasure chest of Angkorian and pre-Angkorian artefacts before ending your city tour with a visit to Wat Phnom pagoda and shopping at the Russian market. End the day with a scenic, sunset boat cruise on the Mekong River.
Day 3 Sambor Prei Kuk
Day 3 Sambor Prei Kuk
Phnom Penh - Kompong Thom. After breakfast bid farewell to Phnom Penh and travel by road to Kompong Thom province. The province is large in size with some 13,814 km making it the second biggest province of Cambodia. It is one of the most popular historical and cultural sites to explore due to its pre Angkorian temples. Later visit Sambor Prei Kuk, the most impressive group of pre-Angkorian monuments in Cambodia.
Day 4 Ton Le Sap Lake
Day 4 Ton Le Sap Lake
Kompong Thom - Ton Le Sap - Siem Reap. Depart after breakfast and drive to Siem Reap, stopping en route to visit the beautiful Tonle Sap Lake. Enjoy a cruise on the lake, passing a floating village and seeing the daily life of local people there.
Day 5 Angkor Wat & the Angkor Complex
Day 5 Angkor Wat & the Angkor Complex
Spend a full day discovering the famous Angkor Complex on a guided tour today. This morning, visit spectacular Angkor Wat, built for king Suryavarman II in the early 12th century as his state temple and capital city. The largest and best-preserved temple at the site, it is the only one to have remained a significant religious centre – first Hinduism, then Buddhism since its foundation.
Enter the South Gate of Angkor Thom Temple and marvel at the striking Bayon, see the terrace of Elephants and terrace of Leper King. Then continue on to Ta Keo, an incomplete temple in the Khleang style built as the state temple of Jayavarman V. Also visit the famous Ta Prohm temple, shrouded in jungle and Thommanon Temple, one of a pair of Hindu temples built in the end of the 11th century. Later climb up Bakheng Hill to enjoy the superb view as the sun sets over Angkor Wat.
Day 6 Banteay Srey
Day 6 Banteay Srey
Today travel to Banteay Srey, one of the most unusual temples of Angkor Cambodia. It lies 20 km due north of the main group of temples and is built largely of red sandstone, which is covered with elaborate and intricate carvings. Then there's the opportunity to support Cambodian reforestation efforts by planting a tree in Preah Dak Village. You may be planting a jackfruit or mango tree, which will help carbon offsetting and directly benefit the local community.
The Srah Srang, a royal bathing Palace located east of Banteay Kdei, is your next destination. It was constructed in the mid-10th century, and modified in the 12th or 13th century. Final stop of the day is at Banteay Kdei Temple, a massive Buddhist monastery from the latter part of the 12th century.
Day 7 Siem Reap free day
Day 7 Siem Reap free day
Spend a day at leisure in Siem Reap, relaxing by the pool, taking a stroll around town or souvenir shopping at the local market.
Alternatively take an optional excursion to visit Beng Mealea Temple, a spectacular jungle temple around 60 Kms drive to the north east of Siem Reap. It is one of the "new" highlights of Cambodia; having only been cleared of mines at the end of 2003. Built by Jayarvaman VII; in the style of Angkor Wat; its scale is huge. Being well over one square kilometre in area and all located within a moat. Approached by four causeways, Beng Mealea appears to be a huge pile of rubble partially hidden in the trees, it's not until you get closer to the high walls that the ancient Khmer Architecture reveals itself. Cloaked in vegetation the temple looks as it did when French explorers first stumbled across it.
Day 8 Siem Reap
Day 8 Siem Reap
Arrangements conclude after breakfast and onward departure transfer to the airport.
Tour Highlights
Included
Not Included
Prices & Dates
Hotels
Duong Chan Hotel is a great base for exploring the city's attractions, including the Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda. The rooftop pool and sky bar area is a great place to relax, and there is also a spa and gym onsite. For dining, guests can choose from two onsite restaurants, Chantrea Restaurant and REHU Lounge. Rooms boast elegant Khmer designs with wood-panelled flooring and comfortable furnishings. There are ensuite bathrooms and free Wi-Fi, as well as large windows for enjoying the high-rise view over the city. Rooms are also air-conditioned, with minibar, safe, tea and coffee-making facilities, TV, and eco-friendly bathroom amenities.
Rooms are well-appointed with tea/coffee making facilities and daily seasonal fruits as well as a balcony overlooking the river in this well-located hotel. The hotel's swimming pool and jacuzzi are the ideal place to unwind after a day of sightseeing. The restaurant offers exotic Asian food as well as Western dishes whilst the business centre offers internet access.
Surrounded by tropical gardens guests can enjoy a slice of the Cambodian life in this simple town dominated by tall palm trees, green fields and water buffalo. This boutique hotel set in lush tropical greenery with a simple yet elegant Khmer decor and modern comforts. Facilities include a swimming pool, a restaurant serving the finest local produce and a poolside bar.
This stylish and sophisticated hotel offers luxurious accommodation with elegant dining, fantastic facilities and a perfect location. The spacious rooms are wonderfully finished with smart wood flooring and ensuite bathrooms, plus there is free WiFi access. The hotel's bars and restaurants provide a diverse range of international and local cuisine, with a buffet breakfast served at Tong Tara Restaurant and cocktails served at Lily Lounge and the pool bar. The hotel also features a spa, outdoor swimming pool, complimentary bicycle rental, and for budding chefs - cooking classes in Thai and Khmer food! This hotel is just six kilometres from the Angkor temple complex.
Tour Reviews
Much enjoyed a good overview trip to Morocco. We had a fabulous group of 12 that added to the experience. I must mention our guide, Omar in this ... he was top class! Attention to detail, super helpful, knowledgeable and went the extra mile to ensure everyone's needs comfort and wellbeing.
Both sets of drivers and guides did their jobs really well. In particular we should mention Koi, our first driver who went the extra mile by always having plenty of chilled water available and a neverending supply of boiled sweets. Our second guide was a life saver. We inadvertantly left our passports in our room at Sandor Village and didn't realise until we checked in at Siem Reap. He told us not to worry and sure enough when we met him the next morning the first thing he did was hand us our passports. Can you please make sure your guides and drivers wear name badges. We know our first driver was Koi and our first guide was Darick but we really haven't a clue about the names of our second set. Lovely people, but we really couldn't tell you their names. I know the Sandor Village is listed as 3 star but really it's only a 2 star with a swimming pool. I had to endure 2 cold showers before the hot water started to run hot for my wife and somewhere like Cambodia really can't afford to waste water.
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