Cambodia In-depth & Island Retreat

Upon arrival, please look out for the Siem Reaper Travel welcome sign at the arrivals gate. We will transfer you to your hotel where you can take your time and relax by the pool or venture out for your first exploration of this ancient city. In the early evening, your guide will meet you at the hotel reception where a trip briefing will be held.

After breakfast, It’s time for the main event with a whole day to enjoy a guided tour around the unforgettable Angkor temple complex. First, we will visit Angkor Wat, which is the most famous of all the Angkor temples. The temple, built in the early 12th century by King Suryavarman II contains three stories of libraries, galleries and towers surrounded by a thick retaining wall and an imposing moat. Having your professional historian guide, you will be able to discuss in detail what you are looking to achieve from your time at the temples.

You will then head out into the center of Angkor Thom and enter the city through the ancient Gate, an impressive stone gate carved with elephants and four giant faces. From here, continue to Bayon Temple, found in the center of the city famed as the 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.

Have lunch at a local restaurant for exotic Khmer cuisine. Ta Prohm temple is your next stop before some leisure time in the late afternoon. 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, and creating one of the most photogenic and atmospheric temples of the entire Angkor site.

This morning, we travel to the intricately carved and well-preserved Banteay Srei. The detailed reliefs on this smaller sandstone structure are regarded as the finest, most skillfully crafted in Cambodia. Banteay Srei has only been accessible since the late 1990s, when the Khmer Rouge left the area.

Continue to Banteay Samre, built under Suryavarman II and Yasovarman II in the early 12th century, it is a Hindu temple in the Angkor Wat style. Named after the Samré, an ancient people of Indochina, the temple uses the same materials as the Banteay Srei.

After lunch, we’ll break from the temple trail today. We then explore the great landscape of the Tonle Sap lake. This is a unique experience offering a great outdoor adventure into Siem Reap’s countryside by exploring the floating village and seeing first hand the livelihoods of the Cambodian people. At the end of the day, we will catch the sunset on the lake with some snacks and cold beverages.

Today, we leave the city behind and traveling for some time alongside the great Tonle Sap Lake as we drive to Kampong Thom and visited the temple of Sambor Prei Kok, one of the most important pre-Angkorian sites in Cambodia and soon to become the next UNESCO world heritage site. The temple was built in the Chenla period between the 6th and 7th centuries. After our guide will lead a tour through the temples, we enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.

We then hop back into our minibus for a 4-hour transfer to Phnom Penh, the city is considered as one of the most beautiful cities as it still retains a colonial charm. Cambodia’s capital is the bustling city, majestically located at the confluence of the mighty rivers of the Mekong and Tonle Sap Lake. The city contains many colonial-era buildings that reflect the glorious days and add to the allure of the city where Asian and Western traditions meet in a fascinating way.

Departure to visit this incredible city. The first stop of the day will be Choeung Ek, better known as the “Killing Fields”, where thousands of people were executed during the Khmer Rouge regime. The visits will continue with the genocide museum, “Tuol Sleng S21”, the testimony of the Cambodian genocide of that historical period.

After the visit to the national museum, where exhibits dating from the Angkorian and pre-Angkorian period of the glorious history of the ancient Khmer empire are displayed. The block adjacent to the museum is completely occupied by the royal palace complex, within which is also the “Silver Pagoda”.
Finally, a stop in the rich and interesting “Russian Market” and its great variety of products.

Today, we leave the capital city. We’ll head west into the lush jungles of Koh Kong province. On arrival at Andoung Tuek we transfer from road to river as we continue our journey by boat, cruising along the Preak Piphot River upstream to our final destination, the village of Chi Phat.

Nestled in the south-eastern corner of the Cardamom mountains, Chi Phat is a small palm-lined village embracing an eco-tourism initiative to bring the beautiful surroundings of the area to visitors in a sustainable and responsible way. The area is a nature-lovers paradise, Chi Phat hosts an incredible selection of flora and fauna, including the largest herd of wild elephants found in Asia.

After lunch we set off for a short nature walk to explore our surroundings, where there will also be the chance to take a refreshing dip in the Chhay Chrey rapids. For those feeling energetic, we can continue up to bold mountain for the one hour walk to the peak in time for sunset.

This morning, we take a motorised sampan (a hollowed-out canoe) down the Piphot River to the Stung Prat tributary. We cut the engines and climb into conventional row boats to begin our bird watching with just nature’s chorus as our soundtrack as we enjoy our packed breakfasts. At this time in the morning there is often mist rolling across the river, further adding to the atmosphere. This place is home to over 450 different bird species, and we’re hoping to see eagles, hornbills, and the endangered Siamese partridge, and also macaques, gibbons, and silver langurs. We take a break at the Island Lodge shelter where we can take a dip in the river before returning back to Chi Phat.

The rest of the afternoon is at leisure, with options to explore the village further and enjoy a short trek in the surrounding jungles.

Today, we depart the wilds of the Cardamoms. We leave the jungle by river before driving to the lively coastal town of Sihanoukville. From here we board a public ferry to take the 45 minute transfer to the idyllic Koh Rong Island. We aim to arrive on the island in the early afternoon, where the rest of the day is free to explore our new surroundings or relax on the palm-fringed beaches.

Our accommodation here consists of a number of picturesque thatched bungalows set back from the sand, along with a beach-front restaurant, bar and a selection of hammocks to relax in.

Free time on the beaches of Koh Rong, Cambodia’s most stunning island, with plenty of wonderful beaches and beautiful water.

The picturesque paradise island of Koh Rong will undoubtedly blow you away on your vacation with its clear emerald beaches, great long sandy stretch, and brilliant sunshine. When visiting Koh Rong, relax on the beautiful beach, sample delicious drinks made with local ingredients.

Today is just another free day. You can participate in one of the thousands of exciting activities available, such as swimming, snorkeling, mountain biking, trekking, kayaking, and boat trips.

This morning, we depart Koh Rong on our way back to Phnom Penh, Cambodia’s capital. We take a morning boat back to the mainland before continuing by road to the city, where we plan to reach just after midday. The rest of the day is yours to do as you like, including picking up any last-minute souvenirs in the colorful ‘Central Market.’

We conclude our last night in Cambodia by setting off on a sunset cruise along the Phnom Penh riverfront. Take in the sights and sip cocktails, beer, or soft drinks as you get a unique overview of Phnom Penh and conclude the farewell dinner with your tour guide.

Your tour comes to an end this morning. There are no activities on your final day and you are free to leave at any time. Your time is at leisure until your transfer to Phnom Penh International Airport for your onward flight and says goodbye to your tour leader.