12 Day itinerary in Cambodia, Asia
Embark on an unforgettable journey through Cambodia, exploring the majestic Angkor Wat, bustling Phnom Penh, and serene Siem Reap. Dive into vibrant culture with authentic village tours, Mekong River cruises, and traditional cooking classes. Witness historical landmarks and immerse yourself in local... Read More
By Bamba, Sandra, Jonatan, Judith and Rick
Physical Difficulty
Recommended Age
Operated in
GUIDANCE
starting point
trip type
trip attributes
Cultural
Start
Night
End
Visit the spectacular Hindu temple complex, Angkor Wat
Enjoy an amazing guided tour of the vibrant city Phnom Penh
Soak up the sun on the gorgeous beaches of Koh Rong Samloem
Visit the spectacular Hindu temple complex, Angkor Wat
Enjoy an amazing guided tour of the vibrant city Phnom Penh
Soak up the sun on the gorgeous beaches of Koh Rong Samloem
Accommodation Categories
Day 1: Siem Reap, Cambodia
Arrival Siem Reap
Upon arrival you will meet our local representative who will take you to your hostel. The rest of the day is free for you to relax or explore exciting Siem Reap! Take a dip in the hostel pool or get a massage to relax after your traveling. Afterwards take a stroll around the bustling old Market and Pub Street area and explore or head back to your hostel as tomorrow is a very early start!
Day 2: Siem Reap, Cambodia
Angkor Day Tour (D)
Depart at 5:30AM in the morning for the sunrise at the Angkor temples in Tuk Tuks. You will arrive at the mystical Srah Sarong or “King’s Bath” just in time for sunrise over the water and temples (Do not forget your camera as the views here at sunrise are once in a lifetime!). After the beautiful sunrise experience, head across the road and be first at the fabulous jungle temple of Ta Prohm. Ta Prohm is particularly amazing in the early morning when all you can hear are the sounds of the jungle, before the crowds arrive.
The Angkor Archaeological Park is visually, architecturally and artistically breathtaking and one of the most important archaeological sites in South-East Asia, if not the world. You could spend weeks exploring the ruins, but on this day tour, you will be lucky enough to see all the highlights including an optional 1km walk through the jungle to the hidden temple, here you will visit a few more well known, interesting temples.
After taking a break for lunch and some well deserved cold drinks, the late afternoon is put aside for a visit to the main temple, Angkor Wat. Angkor Wat is one of mankind’s greatest achievements, and the intricate carvings at the temple of Angkor Wat demonstrate the skill of the Khmer builders. To round off a great day exploring, this evening we invite you to join a small sunset BBQ/light dinner with beers at a local Khmer home.
Meals: Dinner
Day 3: Siem Reap, Cambodia
Kulen Mountain
This morning you will travel to Phnom Kulen, the sacred mountain that was the birthplace of the Khmer empire. It was here that Jayavarman II proclaimed independence from Java in 802, setting the stage for the glories of the Angkor-era that was to follow. This mountain plateau was the capital of the Khmer empire before it relocated south to Hariharalaya, known today as Roluos. Wat Preah Ang Thom is a focus of pilgrimage for Khmers during religious festivals and the large reclining Buddha carved into a huge sandstone boulder here offers spectacular views across the lush jungle. Nearby are impressive riverbed rock carvings, including innumerable lingas and representations of Shiva and Vishnu. There is a classic waterfall further downstream which is the perfect place to cool off after exploring, and nearby is a small, jungle-clad temple called Prasat Krau Romeas. Enjoy lunch at local restaurant on your own budget before continuing to Srah Damrei on the back of a motorbike. And around 3:30pm we go back to your vehicle and drive back to Siem Reap. Free relax as your leisure time. Overnight in Siem Reap.
Day 4: Siem Reap - Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Bus to Phnom Penh
Upon arrival in Phnom Penh you will transfer to your hostel and have the rest of the day to explore. We recommend visiting Phnom Penh’s charming riverside. The riverside becomes alive at night time with families, food stalls, dancing and entertainment, you can even join an exercise class if you are feeling energetic! Along the waterfront there are also many good restaurants and bars to check out.
Day 5: Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Phnom Penh City Tour
This morning you will meet your guide at the hostel to begin this unique tour where you will discover and reveal Phnom Penh. Visit Phsar Kandal morning market and try some of the local delicacies and mouth-watering street-eats. Next, head to the old French Quarter which is home to fine colonial architecture; while some buildings have been gorgeously restored, others beautifully decay. Move on to visit more fantastic sights such as Wat Phnom, a Buddhist temple, an old post building and disused train station, Cambodia’s largest market, Psah Thmei, all while enjoying beautiful flowers, food, antiques and more. From city exploration, it is now time to pay respect to the dark history of the Cambodian Genocide. Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S-21), was once a high school and was converted into a detention and torture center during the Khmer Rouge regime. Tuol Sleng remains to remind and educate all people about this dark time in Cambodian history. After a long and exciting morning sightseeing you will return to your hostel and the rest of the afternoon is free to kick back and relax. We recommend checking out some different parts of the city and seeing some more of Phnom Penh! Maybe try the super trendy Bassac Lane for cool bars and great food.
Day 6: Phnom Penh - Kampot, Cambodia
Head to Kampot
Today you will head to Kampot! Your bus will be leaving Phnom Penh at 8:15 AM on a two and a half hour journey. Upon arrival you will be transferred to your guesthouse and can enjoy the rest of the day free to kick back, relax or explore the local area. At 4:30PM, your tuk tuk driver will pick you up for a Sunset Cruise along Kampot River. The cruise will last 2 hours and includes a free beer, stunning mountain views, firefly watching, passing through mangroves and local fishing villages and to end, the boat will stop and you can jump off and swim before a relaxing sunset on the lake. You will arrive back to your hotel ready for dinner. We recommend going to one of Kampot’s nice restaurants along the waterfront. Kampot and Kep are famous for local seafood (especially the soft-shell crab) so make sure to try it while you are there! Overnight in Kampot.
Day 7: Kampot, Cambodia
Kampot Countryside Tour
Today is our big Kampot day trip! Meet with your driver at the arranged time in the morning and be ready for a fun filled day. You will head out onto a half day tour exploring the surrounding Kampot countryside. You will experience the salt fields, majestic caves, pepper plantations and abandoned holiday homes that were devastated by the Khmer Rouge.
Day 8: Kampot - Koh Rong Samloem, Cambodia
Travel to Koh Rong Samloem island
Make sure you have breakfast this morning and grabbed any snacks you want for your travels from Kampot to Koh Rong Samloem. You will first get a bus to Sihanoukville before boarding a ferry to Koh Rong Samloem and this will take around 4 hours in total. Once you arrive, you will check into your accommodation. You will be staying in one of Mad Monkeys dorm rooms which are famous for their fun, friendly atmosphere, evening activities and cool vibes. Now it is time to sit back, relax and enjoy for beach. The next two days can be spent sunbathing, swimming, lying in hammocks and swings in the water, snoozing on the beanbags, chatting to the many other travelers, playing beach volleyball and other games up at the bar, kayaking or going for a wander to the other side of the island. There is also an inflatable water park equipped with a blob and trampoline at the edge of the pier. The bar closes at midnight but this doesn’t stop the party! If you want to continue then everybody usually heads down to the beach, where you also have the chance to swim with the bioluminescent plankton (the most spectacular part of this beautiful island).
Day 9: Koh Rong Samloem, Cambodia
Free day
Enjoy your free day, exploring the stunning island or soaking up the sun on the beach. Go swimming, kayaking or play beach volleyball and other games up at the bar. If you want more adventure, you will find an inflatable water park equipped with a blob and trampoline at the edge of the pier. At night, go party at the beach and get the chance to swim with bioluminescent planktons. Overnight in Koh Rong Samloem
Day 10: Koh Rong Samloem, Cambodia
Free day
Spend another free day getting some rest or enjoying the beach. Make sure to reconfirm your return ferry with the staff at the bar as you need to be on the first ferry out. Overnight in Koh Rong Samloem.
Day 11: Koh Rong Samloem - Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Return to Phnom Penh
This morning, you will leave on the first ferry out of Koh Rong Samloem back to Sihanoukville. Please be ready to go for the boat to wait for the high speed ferry back to Sihanoukville. Once back on dry land, a man with your name sign board will transfer you to bus station. The bus departure time is at 12:30PM. This is a long day of travelling so make sure to bring some drinks and snacks. Arrive Bus station in Phnom Penh at 4:30PM, then meet your tuk tuk driver transfer to check in your hotel.
Day 12: Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Check-out and Departure Phnom Penh
This morning it is time to say farewell to Cambodia after an amazing trip! We wish you a safe onward journey.
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