Cambodia Cultural Adventure

Our journey begins in Cambodia’s capital, Phnom Penh. Around 6pm we meet our tour leader and fellow travellers to hear about the days ahead and get to know one another, then we head out together for a welcome dinner at a nearby restaurant. If you want extra time in Phnom Penh, you can arrange additional hotel nights before the tour through your sales representative.

Leaving Phnom Penh, we travel through rural Cambodia to riverside Kampot, pausing at the 11th century Phnom Chisor mountain temple for magnificent hilltop views. On arrival, we check into our centrally located hotel – our base for the next two nights – then board a local boat for a sunset trip on the Kampot River, which runs through the town centre and can flow in both directions as it is closely connected to the sea.

Today we explore the countryside of Kampot province, taking in salt flats, rice fields, fruit and pepper plantations, and the atmospheric Phnom Chhnork caves. Kampot is a major producer of durian – famed for its pungent aroma, it is even banned indoors in parts of Southeast Asia. After our rural discoveries, we visit Kep ghost town, once a chic seaside resort and now dotted with old villas marked by the Khmer Rouge years. It is regaining popularity with local visitors, and you might like to have lunch at the simple crab shacks lining the beach – crab in Kampot pepper sauce is a favourite.

After breakfast, we drive from Kampot to Sihanoukville – approximately two and a half to three hours – then take a speedboat across to beautiful Koh Rong, a journey of about 45 minutes to one hour. On arrival, we settle in for two nights and you have free time to relax on the sand, refresh with a swim in the sea, or sip cocktails as the sun sets.

Our resort sits on one of the island’s most mesmerising and secluded white sand beaches. Today you are free to unwind by the shore and enjoy the crystal clear water, try optional activities such as kayaking and other watersports, or simply soak up the exotic surroundings. Your tour leader can advise on all the options available.

This morning we transfer back to the mainland by speedboat – around 45 minutes to one hour – and continue by road to Phnom Penh, a journey of approximately five to six hours with a stop for lunch. Set where the Tonle Sap meets the Mekong, the city is home to about 2.2 million people yet retains a laid back Cambodian feel. We set out on a sunset cyclo ride for an easy orientation, stopping to see street food by the waterfront and to sample local specialities, before finishing at a restaurant serving tasty Khmer cuisine. If you fancy a nightcap, the waterfront bars are appealing – the Foreign Correspondents’ Club overlooking the Tonle Sap River is a popular choice.

This morning we visit the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, also known as S21, a former school turned interrogation centre during 1975–1979 that starkly documents the Khmer Rouge period. We then continue to the Killing Fields of Choeung Ek, a site about the size of a football pitch that holds mass graves of many thousands. In the afternoon, we explore the Royal Palace complex and its Silver Pagoda – named for the solid silver tiles that cover the floor – with time to wander the graceful traditional buildings. If time allows, you may also shop at the impressive Central Market or the sprawling Russian Market.

Today we travel to Battambang, Cambodia’s second largest city, centred on an attractive riverside quarter with traces of French elegance, friendly Khmer hospitality and well‑preserved colonial architecture. There are notable examples of art deco design too, including the central market, Victory swimming pool and the train station. En route, we may stop at a pottery village, a silversmith village and a marble handicraft workshop for an insight into local crafts and industry. In the evening, we enjoy an orientation walk along the Sangke River to observe daily life.

Today we cycle through the countryside to experience rural life, stopping at villages to see cottage industries, traditional scarf weaving and farming. There are countless chances to chat with villagers who may be surprised to see us travelling, as they do, by bicycle. We reward our efforts with fresh fruit and a cooling coconut. The ride is easy on flat terrain with plenty of pauses. If you prefer not to cycle, you can opt to ride by tuk tuk instead – let the leader know at the start of the trip so alternative arrangements can be made.

After breakfast, we head to Siem Reap, stopping at the local market in Pouk. Markets here are wonderfully fragrant – you may encounter Cambodia’s so called ‘cheese’, a famously strong‑smelling speciality made entirely from fish. We also make a brief stop at the Angkor Silk Farm for an introduction to the silkworm’s life and the production of this fine textile. This afternoon, we walk past the Royal Gardens and along the Siem Reap River to the Old Market to help us get our bearings. You may like to finish with a visit to Artisans d’Angkor, a not for profit organisation that provides vocational training in traditional Cambodian arts.

Our first full day of temple touring is by private bus, allowing us to reach outlying sites such as Banteay Srei – the ‘Women’s Citadel’ – a small complex with intricate carvings devoted to Brahma. Particularly impressive are Banteay Kdei and Ta Prohm, still wrapped in jungle much as they were when first revealed. Described as ‘grander than anything of Greece or Rome’ by French explorer Henri Mouhot, this World Heritage site ranks among the world’s most remarkable archaeological wonders. Tonight is free for you to enjoy the many restaurants on the ‘Bar Street’ boulevard in central Siem Reap – you may also wish to see the acrobatic Phare Cambodian Circus or watch traditional Apsara dancing.

This morning we get set up on mountain bikes for an easy yet active ride around the Angkorian ruins closer to town. Travelling by bicycle helps us avoid some crowds and offers a unique perspective on this extraordinary site. If you wish to rise early, you can arrange with the leader to witness Angkor at sunrise before the day’s cycling. We visit the incomparable Angkor Wat and the many temples within the Royal City of Angkor Thom, including the magnificent Bayon with its 54 intricately carved towers in a single temple. Angkor is a magical experience and a photographer’s delight. The ride is approximately 25km (15.5 miles) with plenty of stops for refreshments and photos. If you would prefer not to cycle, you can cool down in the support vehicle – let your leader know so the logistics can be arranged.

Our tour ends this morning in Siem Reap after breakfast. If you would like to extend your stay, speak to your sales representative.