11-day Classic Cambodia Tour

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive at Siem Reap

Stop At: Siem Reap, Siem Reap, Siem Reap Province
After welcoming you at the Siem Reap Airport, a Cambodian Pride Tours representative will transfer you to a comfortable hotel in the city center for overnight.
Duration: 8 hours

No meals included on this day.
Accommodation included: Hotel in Siem Reap

Day 2: Temples of Angkor by bike (Small Circuit)

Stop At: Angkor Wat, Sangkat Nokor Thum, Siem Reap Cambodia
We spent our day cycling through small trail rain forests visit Temple of Angkor and along with the gate of Angkor Thom. This is a very interesting way to discover the small circuit. We start our day after breakfast by cycle from the hotel toward the check-point then continue to the Mother of all temples, Angkor Wat is believed to be the world’s largest religious building built in order to dedicate to the Hindu god, Vishnu. We explore Angkor Wat by foot. Afterward, we cycle from the eastern side of Angkor along with the north mod and through remote villages dotted with palm trees and rice paddies.
Duration: 3 hours

Stop At: Angkor Thom, Angkor Wat, Siem Reap 17259 Cambodia
We reach the south grade of Angkor Thom then continue west alongside the gate with a very nice trail towards the west gate before we turn right and cycle to Bayon temple with a remarkable 54-tower. We explore Bayon Temple by foot. Take lunch break a local restaurant. Then, continue our cycling tour through passing through Ta Keo temple, Chao Say Tevoda, Tommanon, Terrace of Leper King, Terrace of Elephant, Baphoun, Phimean Akas. Later, we return to Siem Reap.
Duration: 3 hours

No meals included on this day.
Accommodation included: Hotel in Siem Reap

Day 3: Angkor Wat Sunrise & Big Circuit

Stop At: Angkor Wat, Sangkat Nokor Thum, Siem Reap Cambodia
Rise early for sunrise over the Mother of all temples, Angkor Wat which is believed to be the world’s largest religious building.
Duration: 2 hours

Stop At: Pre Rup, Siem Reap Cambodia
Then, we head to the temple mountain of Pre Rup, before driving further north to Banteay Srei.
Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Banteay Srei, Siem Reap Cambodia
Banteay Srei, Angkor’s ultimate art gallery. This petite pink temple is the jewel in the crown of Angkor-era sculpture. The elaborate carvings here are the finest found in Cambodia and the name translates as ‘Fortress of the Women’, thanks to the intricate detail here, considered too fine for the hands of a man.
Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Ta Prohm, National Road #6 Angkor Archaeological Park, Siem Reap 17252 Cambodia
Then, we head back to to the famous Ta Promh, embraced by the roots of enormous fig trees and gigantic creepers. Visit Ta Phrom that was built in the 12th century by the famous King Jayavarvan VII indicated to his mother. The ruined Ta Prohm (Tomb Raider) temple was made famous by Angelina Jolie. This temple has been left to the forces of nature by archaeologists as it was ‘discovered’ by French explorer Henri Mouhot in 1860, many parts of its structure being embraced by the roots of gigantic trees, giving the ruin a special atmosphere.
Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Banteay Samre, Banteay Srei Angkor, Siem Reap Cambodia
Then, we explore the frequently visited Banteay Samre. Built by King King Suryavarman II, the same king who built Angkor Wat, the structure with its high temple tower has undergone extensive restoration.
Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Neak Pean, Angkor Wat, Siem Reap Cambodia
In the afternoon we visit Neak Pean, a small island temple situated in the middle of an artificial pool, which translates as “intertwined serpents” due to the coiled serpents encircling the base of the structure.
Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Preah Khan, Angkor Wat, Siem Reap Cambodia
We then continue on to Preah Khan or “sacred sword”, a huge monastic complex which features elaborate carvings.
Duration: 1 hour

No meals included on this day.
Accommodation included: Hotel in Siem Reap

Day 4: Kompong Kleang and Beng Mealea

Stop At: Kampong Khleang, Cambodia
After breakfast, we travel southeast out of Siem Reap to one of the largest and least-visited villages on the Tonle Sap Lake, Kompong Khleang, about 55km from Siem Reap. It’s a population of 10,000 all make a living from the fishing industry. We explore the canals (wet season) or streets (dry season) of this incredible town. In the wet season, the houses appear to be floating, as water laps at the verandas, but in the dry season towering stilts are revealed, the houses almost like wooden skyscrapers. You can hire a boat and cruise into the open water of the great lake to see a small floating village and learn some more about this incredible natural flood barrier.
Duration: 3 hours

Stop At: Beng Mealea, 40 km east of Angkor Wat Cambodia
After a lunch break in a local restaurant, we explore the lost temple of Beng Mealea, the titanic of temples, a slumbering giant lost for centuries in the forests of Cambodia. It is the most accessible of Angkor’s lost temples, a mirror image of Angkor Wat, but utterly consumed by the voracious appetite of nature. Constructed by Suryavarman II in the 12th century, the builder of Angkor Wat, the forest has run riot here and it is hard to get a sense of the monument’s shape amid the daunting ruins. Return to your hotel in Siem Reap.
Duration: 2 hours

No meals included on this day.
Accommodation included: Hotel in Siem Reap

Day 5: Siem Reap to Battambang

Stop At: Puok, Cambodia
Today, our journey continues to south the rice bold of Cambodia which is located on the other side of Tonle Sap Lake. Due September – January, the water level of Stung Sangke River is deep enough to allow boat to run. This means we can travel to Battambang by boat. This will let you experience typical Cambodian landscapes to the historic riverside city Battambang. Else, we travel by road En route, we stop at the rural district of Puok, home to the Artisans d’Angkor silk weaving project. We visit a working silk farm where it is possible to learn about all aspects of the production process.
Duration: 30 minutes

Stop At: Preah Netr Preah, Cambodia
We make another stop at Preah Net Preah district to see unique stone carving by locals. Lunch along the road, arrive to Battambang and check in to your hotel.
Duration: 30 minutes

Stop At: Phnom Sampeau, 57 Off NH, Battambang 02000 Cambodia
At around 3:30pm, we drive to Phnom Sampov, a sacred mountain dotted with interesting pagodas and stupas. There is also a moving memorial to Khmer Rouge victims who were thrown into one of the many caves in this holy mountain. After your visit on top of this mountain, we come down and witness millions of bats flying out of their cave at 5:30 – 6pm.
Duration: 3 hours

No meals included on this day.
Accommodation included: Hotel in Battambang

Day 6: Battambang Lifestyles

Stop At: Voat Kor, Krong Battambang, Cambodia
We drive to Wat Kor district to visit a local village and learn about rural life in Cambodia, rice harvest, fruit farming and how the sugar palm is used.
Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Bamboo Train Battambang, Krong Battambang, Cambodia
Board the Bamboo train (locals call Nori). These ‘local trains’ are bamboo platforms with wheels and they fly along the rail tracks offering great views of the surrounding countryside.
Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Wat Kan Doeng, Krong Battambang, Cambodia
Battambang is also known as the best preserve town from the French colony (1863-1953) so let’s witness some of those building including Wat Kan Doeng, old house built since 1907, provincial hall and the national bank. After lunch in town.
Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Ek Phnom, Route 156, Battambang 02000 Cambodia
Then, drive to Ek Phnom district and visit Doun Teav Village where rice paper production is the highlight of the local industry, and we then pass the local market of Psar Bra Houk (fermented fish paste) and also a few other interesting places including Bamboo sticky rice village, Wat Samrong Khnong.
Duration: 2 minutes

Stop At: Krong Battambang, Cambodia
In the evening, perhaps walk along the riverfront where locals indulge in hobbies such as yoga and folk dancing.
Duration: 1 hour

No meals included on this day.
Accommodation included: Hotel in Battambang

Day 7: Battambang to Phnom Penh

Stop At: Phnom Penh, Phnom Penh
We leave behind the charm of this historic riverside city of Battambang and drive to the capital city Phnom Penh. We travel through Pursat province, passing through typical Cambodian landscapes of endless rice fields dotted with sugar palms.
Duration: 7 hours

Stop At: Krakor, Cambodia
Optional visit at Krokor district, to rent a boat to cruise out and experience life in this real floating community untouched by mass tourism Kompong Luong which is the largest Vietnamese floating community on the Tonle Sap Lake.

We continue passing through the busy riverside town of Kompong Chhnang and there may also be the opportunity to visit a local pottery village (Rolea Pa Ear District), as Kompong Chhnang is famous for producing undecorated items for the Cambodian home. Our last stop before we arrive at Phnom Penh is at Kampong Luong Commune (Punhea Leu District, Kandal Province) to see silver craftsmen. Here, silversmiths make tiny silver and copper boxes, often in animal shapes, are a popular souvenir. This is the only place in Cambodia and the king always order the product from here international welcoming.
Duration: 4 hours

No meals included on this day.
Accommodation included: Stay in Phnom Penh

Day 8: Phnon Penh

Stop At: Royal Palace, Sothearos between Street 240 & 184, Phnom Penh Cambodia
Visit the spectacular Royal Palace complex, home to the Cambodian royal family and a symbol of the nation. The private quarters of the Royal Palace are home to King Sihamoni and are closed to the public.
Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Silver Pagoda, Phnom Penh Cambodia
You will, however, be able to visit Wat Preah Keo Morokat with the spectacular Silver Pagoda, the most sacred Wat in Cambodia and decorated with a floor made up of 5,000 silver tiles.
Duration: 30 minutes

Stop At: National Museum, 13th St. Between 178th and 184th Sts., Phnom Penh Cambodia
Afterwards, we’ll travel to the nearby National Museum which houses the world’s finest collection of sculptures from the Angkor period.
Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Russian Market, Street 163 Corner of Street 444, Phnom Penh 12310 Cambodia
We spend the rest of the morning looking around the city including Russian Market which is one of the premier shopping destinations in the Cambodian capital. An ideal way to spend your evening here is to relax in a cafe by the riverfront.
Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Tonle Sap River, Cambodia
At 4:30 PM, we enjoy a private boat for a sunset cruise and on the Tonle Sap River, which famously reverses direction each year, acting as the world’s largest natural flood barrier for the Mekong River. We cruise past the Royal Palace compound and around the Chrouy Changvar Peninsular onto the mighty Mekong River.
Duration: 1 hour

No meals included on this day.
Accommodation included: Hotel in Phnom Penh

Day 9: Phnom Penh & Kampot

Stop At: Central Market, Calmette St. 53, Phnom Penh 55555 Cambodia
Take a morning cyclo (cycle-rickshaw) tour around Phnom Penh, discovering some of the interesting sights, sounds and smells of the capital, including the wonderful art deco-designed Psar Thmei (Central Market). Along the way, taste some of the best street food in the city.
Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, Corner of Street 113 & St 350 History Museum, Phnom Penh 12304 Cambodia
Back to the hotel to freshen up, and check out. Before you leave Phnom Penh, confront Cambodia's tragic past on a guided tour of the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum.
Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Choeung Ek Genocidal Center, Roluos Village, Sangkat Cheung Aek, Phnom Penh Cambodia
We then travel out of town to the Killing Fields of Choeung Ek. Prisoners from Tuol Sleng followed this same route to their fate. Despite the horrors of the past, it is a peaceful place to go and a tranquil spot to reflect on the tragic events that engulfed Cambodia and its people.
Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Kampot, Kampot, Kampot Province
Afterwards, drive south by private vehicle, towards Kampot, one of Cambodia's most attractive old towns (approximately 4 hours). Arrive in Kampot by evening.
Famous for its pepper, Kampot supplied most French restaurants for many years during colonial rule. Today, the region is also renowned for its durian, a spiky, pungent fruit that either incites adoration or sheer loathing. Try it if you dare! In some free time, you might stroll along the riverside's French colonial architecture, or enjoy a coffee on the veranda of a riverside restaurant and admire the Bokor Mountain Range.
Duration: 4 hours

No meals included on this day.
Accommodation included: Hotel in Kampot

Day 10: Kampot & Kep

Stop At: Pepper Farm Land, Cambodia
After breakfast at your hotel, our day starts with a tour of the countryside, tasting locally-grown, seasonal produce depending on the season; durian or rambutan, plus lychee, pineapples, mangos or bananas. Visit the Kampot Pepper plantation which is grown in Cambodia for centuries. Kampot pepper is considered among the world’s finest by chiefs.
Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Kep Crab Market, Waterfront, Kep 07503 Cambodia
We continue on to the lively Kep Crab markets, where crabs are kept fresh in pots that float in the Gulf of Thailand's warm waters. Enjoy a lunch of fresh crab cooked to perfection, eaten on a pier overlooking the ocean. After lunch, walk along the Kep beach and explore the old oceanfront buildings. Kep was once Cambodia's most popular and prestigious beach town, but the Khmer Rouge destroyed many of Kep's mansions and villas. The ghostly remains now stand as a silent reminder. Alternatively, relax in a hammock or swim in the warm South China Sea. Back to Kampot with an option to visit salt farms (mid-January to end April), either way the sunset over salt field is stunning.
Duration: 1 hour

No meals included on this day.
Accommodation included: Hotel in Kampot

Day 11: Phnom Penh Departure

Stop At: Phnom Penh International Airport, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Rise early to see the fishing boats arrive at the port with their daily catch. For breakfast, perhaps partake in a meal of crab, prawns or squid cooked up with Kampot green peppercorns and served with rice is. Alternatively try some of Kampot's tastiest baguettes on a visit with the owner of a small wood fired oven. This legacy of French colonization is ubiquitous – many roadside carts sell baguettes with meat, sauces and salad as a snack for workers. Then, return to Phnom Penh or international airport for departure flight to next destination. (approximately 4 hour’s drive).
Duration: 4 hours

No meals included on this day.
No accommodation included on this day.