Discover Cambodia on this 6-day tour from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap. Explore highlights such as Wat Phnom, the Royal Palace, Silver Pagoda, National Museum, and Central Market. Learn about the country’s history at the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, then travel overland to Siem Reap with stops at a spider market, a stone mason village, and the floating village of Kampong Phluk. In Siem Reap, witness sunrise at Angkor Wat and visit Angkor Thom, Bayon, Ta Prohm, Beng Mealea, Banteay Srei, the Landmine Museum, and a local village known for sugar palm production before ending back in Siem Reap.
Trip Highlights
Included
Not Included
Itinerary
Arrival in Cambodia!
Once you have arrived at Phnom Penh International Airport, you will be met and transferred to the hotel. You will have some free time to explore or relax, before your welcome drinks with fellow travellers and your guide, who will give you a tour briefing.
Overnight: Phnom Penh
Discovering Phnom Penh by Cyclo
Today, we explore Phnom Penh by cyclo, a bicycle rickshaw, taking in the city’s vibrant streets at a relaxed pace. We begin at Wat Phnom, the spiritual heart of the capital, before heading to the grand Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda, still home to Cambodia’s monarchy. Our morning continues at the National Museum, where centuries of Khmer art and sculpture are beautifully displayed.
We will then make our way to the Central Market, a striking Art Deco landmark, which offers everything from jewellery to local crafts. After, we will visit the deeply moving Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum. Once a school, it was turned into a prison under the Khmer Rouge, now serving as a powerful reminder of Cambodia’s recent history.
Overnight: Phnom Penh | Breakfast
Phnom Penh to Skun, Santuk, Kampong Phluk & Siem Reap
Phnom Penh - Skun - Santuk - Kampong Phluk - Siem Reap. This morning, we journey overland from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap, passing through Cambodia’s rural heartland. Along the way, we stop at Skun’s lively market, where we’ll see the famed fried spiders and other insect delicacies—a quirky taste of local cuisine. We then visit a stone mason village near Santuk, where artisans carve sandstone into sacred sculptures, showcasing remarkable traditional skill.
Near the Tonlé Sap, we explore Kampong Phluk, a floating village built on stilts above the seasonal floodwaters. We board a local boat to navigate the village and, if water levels permit, continue by small rowing boat through the flooded mangrove forest—home to rich biodiversity and a peaceful, unique landscape. Afterward, we travel onward to Siem Reap, arriving in the late afternoon to check in at our hotel. The evening is free for you to unwind or explore at leisure.
Please note: The villages are flooded for approximately half of the year, from August/September to February. If the water level of the lake permits, we will take a boat ride through the mangrove forest.
Overnight: Siem Reap | Breakfast
Sunrise at Angkor Wat & Angkor Thom Exploration
We will have an early start this morning before dawn as we head to Angkor Wat to enjoy the sunrise. After taking in the breathtaking views, we’ll explore the central complex and admire the intricate bas-reliefs in the peaceful early morning light. We will then enjoy breakfast at a local restaurant nearby.
We will then explore the southern gate of Angkor Thom, marveling at the towering stone faces of Avalokiteshvara and the stunning Bayon Temple at its centre. We visit the Terrace of Elephants and the Terrace of the Leper King, followed by the 11th-century temples Baphuon and Phimeanakas. In the afternoon, we visit Ta Prohm, famous for its ancient trees entwined with temple ruins. The day concludes with a return to Siem Reap.
Overnight: Siem Reap | Breakfast
Beng Mealea, Banteay Srei & Local Life near Siem Reap
Siem Reap - Damdek - Siem Reap. We start the day at Damdek’s lively local market, soaking in the vibrant atmosphere. Then we head to Beng Mealea, a 12th-century temple partly overgrown by jungle. Its sandstone blocks and detailed pediments tell stories from the Ramayana. Though rich in Hindu motifs, the temple is primarily Buddhist, highlighted by the statue of the Bodhisattva Lokeshvara now housed at the Angkor Conservancy.
After lunch at a local restaurant, we visit the finely carved Banteay Srei temple. On the return journey, we stop at the Landmine Museum, where we can see defused mines and learn about clearance efforts. Finally, we visit a village to observe traditional sugar palm production, offering a glimpse into local life and crafts.
Overnight: Siem Reap | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Departure from Siem Reap
After your final breakfast, depending on your departure flight time, you might have some time for some last-minute shopping, exploring, or relaxing before your transfer to the airport for your onward flight.
Breakfast
Prices & Dates
All departure dates are guaranteed to operate when there are 2 persons booked on the tour. 'Twin/Double' prices are per person when there are 2 people on the same booking sharing a room. 'Single' prices are applicable to solo travellers and anyone wanting the privacy of their own room.
Hotels
The hotels listed below are ones which we frequently use on this tour. We reserve the right to substitute these hotels to ones of a similar standard.
Sensory Park Urban Hotel, Phnom Penh
Just 9 km from Phnom Penh International Airport, the hotel is close to key attractions like the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (a 19-minute walk) and the Royal Palace (2 km). It features a rooftop pool with city views, a sauna, steam room, fitness centre, sun terrace, and lush gardens. Rooms offer air-conditioning, walk-in showers, minibars, flat-screen TVs, and modern city views. The on-site restaurant serves Asian and European cuisine for brunch, lunch, dinner, and high tea, with cocktails available at the bar. Guests also enjoy free WiFi and relaxed outdoor seating areas.
Steung Siem Reap Hotel , Siem Reap
Rebuilt in 2005, the Steung Siem Reap has retained many of its colonial French characteristics, with attractive wooden louvre french-windows and wrought iron balconies. Guest rooms are modern, airy and nicely decorated, the hotel has a good range of facilities and services, together with a nice pool, sauna, restaurant, bar and business center.