Arrive in Siem Reap
Welcome to Siem Reap, the charming gateway to the famed Temples of Angkor. You will be greeted by your local English speaking guide, who will accompany you to your hotel for check in. Settle in and enjoy some time at leisure to refresh.
Get a first glimpse of Angkor today at the early temples of the Roluos Group and consists of three main temples: Bakong, Lolei and Preah Ko. The surrounding countryside with its paddy fields and sugar palm trees is very typical for Cambodia – enjoy the natural beauty on a cow cart ride, a fun way to get in touch with rural Cambodia and its friendly people. In the contemporary Roluos Pagoda in the vicinity of the monuments, Buddhist monks will celebrate a private blessing ceremony for you, wishing you health and a safe journey – a very special experience!
A traditional Khmer Welcome dinner will be celebrated for you at The Sugar Palm, set on the terrace of a typical wooden house.
Overnight in Siem Reap. (Dinner)

Arrive in Siem Reap
After breakfast, discover some of the other main Angkor sites on a leisurely bicycle ride. First, head to the ancient city of Angkor Thom. This city is surrounded by an 8 m high wall drawing a perfect square. From here, continue to Bayon Temple in the exact center of the city. This 12th century masterpiece is a study in grandeur and is well-known for its 54 towers with enigmatic faces representing the 54 provinces of the Great Khmer Empire. Return to the hotel for a relaxing break during the midday heat.Spend the early afternoon exploring Siem Reap’s colorful markets. End your day with a tour to the temples of the Small Circuit by local ‘remork’ (similar to the Thai tuk tuk). The most illustrious of these is Ta Prohm, built in the mid-12th to early 13th centuries. Your visit will also include Banteay Kdei, a Buddhist monastery from the late 12th Century, and Sra Srang, also known as the “pool of ablutions”. Return to the hotel.
Overnight in Siem Reap. (Breakfast)

Siem Reap
Start early to catch the sunrise at Angkor Wat – it surely is a memorable experience to see the first sunrays slowly appear over the five iconic towers. After a breakfast at Angkor Café right in front of the monument, explore the famous temple in depth. Then, travel to the countryside to see the “gem” of the Angkor area, the pretty temple of Banteay Srey. Continue north to Kbal Spean, one of the earliest Hindu pilgrimage sites in Cambodia. A short 3 km trek up the hill through dense jungle will reward you with excellent views over the plains and the Kulen hills.
On the way back to Siem Reap, stop at the Landmine Museum which promotes mine awareness. The museum serves also as a rescue center for a number of landmine amputee children that Aki Ra has brought off Phnom Penh’s streets or from impoverished rural communities. Transfer back to Siem Reap in the afternoon for some time at leisure.
Overnight in Siem Reap. (Breakfast & Lunch)

Siem Reap – Battambang
After an early breakfast, embark on a private boat that will take you on a fascinating journey across Tonlé Sap Lake to Battambang. You will pass floating villages and flooded forests, portraying life on this body of water that forms Cambodia’s heart. Packed lunch on board. (Note: This boat trip is only possible in the high water period from July to December as water levels are too low during the dry seasonand transfer times can be extremely long. From January to June alternative transfer by road.)
Arrive in Battambang and enjoy some rest at the hotel. This afternoon, explore some of the many cultural villages around Battambang, where you will learn how the locals produce rice paper, prahoc (typical Cambodian fish paste), grolan (sticky rice stuffed in bamboo), and other Khmer treats.
Tonight, a special visit awaits you at Phare Ponleu Selpak. School of Music, Visual & Performing Arts - Phare Ponleu Selpak combines the arts to provide education, support and entertainment to the poor communities. A visit to one of their circus shows will leave you with a lasting memory of the wonderful Cambodian people and should not be missed when in Battambang! (NOTE: The circus performance is only performed regularly on each Monday & Thursday. On other days private performances are available on request and for a supplement).
Dinner this evening at Pomme d’Amour with its inventive menu mixing French and Khmer cuisine.
Overnight in Battambang. (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner) .

Battambang
Spend the morning on a tour that combines walking, a boat ride and then cycling along and across the Sangke River to experience Battambang daily life. The tour includes prayers with monks as well as rich explanations of the city’s design and artistic heritage.
Watch a few minutes of film footage which will help you imagine how developed the town was in its heyday. A tour of the main market, Psar Nath includes trying a local coffee. Then walk the few metres to the river and cross a couple of minutes on a local boat to the other side of the Sangke River. Visit Wat Povil temple and take the opportunity to pray with the monks (Note: the monks may observe different rituals according to their calendar though can be seen on a daily basis). It is usually possible to accompany the boats back across the river as they begin their morning alms collection.Once back on the other side it is time to begin the bike tour. The historic 2.5 Street is visited along with a Thai temple before you arrive at a smaller market. Continue a short distance to Wat Kor Village, known for its many old Khmer heritage houses built around a century ago. Visit one of the best preserved homes.
Cycle along the river and cross a suspension bridge where only motorbikes and bicycles can pass. On the way back into town there is another short drinks stop before arriving back in the town at approximately 12:45 p.m.
In the afternoon head to the Bamboo Train station. The Bamboo Train has been set up by the villagers in order to facilitate the transportation of goods and persons as there are no regular trains running any more. Sitting on the platform, you will travel the 8 km to the next station through beautiful landscape and rice paddies (depending on season of visit). A true rollercoaster ride without loops!
(Note: the train tracks from Battambang to Phnom Penh are currently being rebuilt. The long term future of the bamboo train ride cannot be guaranteed. Should the service stop we will arrange alternative sightseeing).
After head towards Phnom Sampeau, meaning “Ship Hill” in Khmer, due to its distinctive shape, and one of the few hills standing out in this otherwise pancake-flat plain. From the small temple on the top, you will have a fantastic view over the typical landscape of paddy fields and sugar palm trees. Phnom Sampeau is home to the notorious killing caves, which are cruel reminders of Cambodia’s troubled past. Serenity and inhumanity represented in one place make this an interesting visit...Your visit will last until dusk – a time when millions of bats emerge from a cave and create patterns as they fly in tandem across the sky – a nightly spectacular show of nature !
Overnight in Battambang. (Breakfast)

Battambang - Phnom Penh
Depart Battambang for the overland transfer to Phnom Penh (duration 51⁄2 hours not including stops). Starting early travel first to Kampong Chhnang, known for its traditional pottery, with many kilns at work in this province. In a village near KampongChhnang, to see the different aspects of pottery making and also experience the production of traditional rice wine.
Continue to Oudong, the former royal capital of Cambodia. Upon arrival at Oudong enjoy a traditional Khmer lunch at a picnic hut at the foot of the hill. Then, climb the stairs to the top of Oudong Mountain and enjoy magnificent views over the plains below. Your guide will explain the history of the area and its buildings as well as the religious culture of the Cambodian people. Before heading to Phnom Penh stop to take a look at the spectacular Vipassana Dhura Buddhist Meditation Center.
From here, it is not far to Phnom Penh where you will reach in the late afternoon. Check into your hotel. The evening is at leisure.
Overnight in Phnom Penh. (Breakfast & Lunch)

Phnom Penh
This morning, you will visit the most remarkable sights of Phnom Penh in a Cyclo, an original Phnom Penh means of transportation and a fun way to explore this lively city.First, head to the Royal Palace. In this temple you will view a collection of Buddhas in gold, silver, crystal, and bronze.
Your next stop is the National Museum, built in traditional Khmer style. It houses the world's foremost collection of ancient Khmer artistic, archaeological, and religious artifacts from the 4th to the 13th centuries.
For lunch you will be treated to a delicious Khmer meal at Le Lotus Blanc.Visit the fascinating Russian Market, where you will have ample opportunity to shop for some souvenirs. As a contrast pay a visit to the Apsara Arts Association (AAA), a local non- governmental organization created to promote classical and folkloric dance and music. Finish the day at Wat Phnom, the birthplace of the city, located on a small hilltop that forms the highest elevation of Phnom Penh.
Enjoy dinner at the renowned Foreign Correspondents’ Club located on the Riverside. Dinner is à la carte with a good selection of both Western and Asian dishes.
Overnight in Phnom Penh. (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

After breakfast transfer to the beach resort of Sihanoukville (duration 4 hours). Arrive around midday and check into your hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure. Overnight in Sihanoukville. (Breakfast)

Sihanoukville
Breakfast at the hotel. Enjoy your day at leisure or enjoy with the optional tour.
Ream National Park (Optional Tour)
The park was established in 1993 on a 210 km2 area on the Gulf of Thailand that includes thick pristine jungle, mangrove forests and off-shore coral reefs. A BBQ seafood lunch is included in this shared excursion.
Overnight in Sihanoukville. (Breakfast)

Sihanoukville
Breakfast at the hotel. Enjoy your day at leisure or enjoy an optional tour.
Three Islands tour (Optional Tours)
Take a boat trip departing 9am to explore three islands giving you the chance to snorkel, fish or just rest and relax. At the first stop you will see colorful corals and fishes at the island of Koh Chaluh. At Bamboo Island enjoy swimming with in the clear waters or relax on a long yellow sandy beach with a coral reef. Have a seafood BBQ lunch with cool drinks and fruit on the beach. After an easy walk of 10 minutes to the other side of Bamboo Island before departing to either Koh Tres for some snorkeling or Koh Takiev for some more beach (please advise at the start of the tour which option you prefer). In the afternoon return to Sihanoukville to arrive 4-5pm.
Overnight in Sihanoukville. (Breakfast)

Sihanoukville – Phnom Penh - Departure
Breakfast at the hotel. This afternoon you will transfer back with driver only to Phnom Penh (Note: For an early departure time a supplementary charge will apply). (Breakfast).