Cambodia Highlights 12-Day Historical & Scenic Journey

Overview

Discover the best of Cambodia on this immersive 12-day journey through Phnom Penh, Kratie, Kampong Thom, and Siem Reap, guided throughout by a knowledgeable local expert who brings the country’s rich history and culture to life.

Explore world-renowned landmarks such as Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom, Ta Prohm, Phnom Kulen, and the floating communities of Tonle Sap Lake, while also witnessing the rare Irrawaddy dolphins and experiencing the charm of rural island life.

Enriched with cultural performances, historic sites, and breathtaking natural scenery, this thoughtfully crafted itinerary blends history, adventure, and authentic local experiences for an unforgettable Cambodian escape.

Tour Highlights

Seamless Travel: Enjoy a smooth pick-up in Phnom Penh to begin your journey and conclude with a stress-free private transfer to Siem Reap Airport.
Phnom Penh Heritage: Explore the Royal Palace, Silver Pagoda, Killing Fields, and S-21 Genocide Museum.
Kampong Cham & Kratie: Visit the Spider Market and Phnom Bros & Phnom Srei hills, then spot rare Irrawaddy dolphins and enjoy the laid-back charm of Koh Trong.
Cultural Heritage: Explore Sambor Prei Kuk, Koh Ker’s remote pyramid temple city, and Tonlé Sap’s floating villages on the way to Siem Reap.
Angkor Masterpieces: Experience Angkor Wat sunrise, Angkor Thom, Bayon, Ta Prohm, and Banteay Srei with a local expert guide.
Nature & Adventure: Explore Phnom Kulen and Beng Mealea, ride the Battambang Bamboo Train, and enjoy Apsara dance, APOPO Hero RATs, and Phare Circus.

Tour Itinerary

Day 1 | Arrival in Phnom Penh

Upon arrival at Techo International Airport (KTI) in Phnom Penh, you will be warmly welcomed by our driver holding a personalized sign at the exit hall. You’ll then be transferred to your hotel in the city for check-in.

Enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure.

Overnight in Phnom Penh

Day 2 | Full-Day Phnom Penh City Tour

After breakfast at your hotel, meet your guide and driver at 8:30 AM to begin a full day exploring Cambodia’s complex history.

Start with a visit to Choeung Ek Genocidal Center (The Killing Fields), where more than 20,000 civilians lost their lives during the Khmer Rouge regime. Continue to the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S-21), a former high school turned into a notorious prison.
Lunch at a local restaurant (at your own expense).

In the afternoon, explore the Royal Palace, the official residence of Cambodia’s royal family. Admire the grandeur of the Silver Pagoda, with over 5,000 silver floor tiles, and view royal stupas, shrines, and monuments.

Overnight in Phnom Penh

Day 3| Journey to Kratie via Kampong Cham

After breakfast at your hotel, set off on an adventure to Kratie, stop en route at the famous Skun “Spider Market,” where you can witness the unusual local delicacy of deep-fried tarantulas and experience a truly unique Cambodian roadside attraction.

Adventurous travelers can sample a variety of insect snacks or simply observe this curious part of Cambodian food culture.

After visiting Skun market, continue to the twin hills of Phnom Bros (Man Hill) and Phnom Srei (Woman Hill), where scenic countryside views are paired with rich cultural and spiritual legends of love and rivalry in Cambodian folklore.

Next, visit Cambodia’s longest Bamboo Bridge, a seasonal structure rebuilt each year after the rainy season and typically accessible during the dry months from December to June when water levels are low enough to support it.

Next, enjoy a scenic drive to Kratie, and upon arrival, check in to your hotel to relax and prepare for the adventures ahead.

Overnight on Koh Trong Island!

Day 4| Witness the Irrawaddy Dolphin and Koh Trong Island

Start your morning with breakfast before heading to Kratie Town for a river adventure, where you’ll quietly spot the rare Irrawaddy dolphins by boat and learn about their life in the Mekong.

Continue to the 100-Column Pagoda to hear local legends and explore its historical significance, then enjoy a picnic lunch at Kampi River among the lively weekend crowds.

In the afternoon, return to your homestay to relax before taking a scenic oxcart ride around the island at sunset, picking up local pomelos along the way, and finish the day with a home-cooked dinner and a chance to connect with your hosts.

Overnight on Koh Trong Island!

Day 5| Journey to Kampong Thom – Pre-Angkorain City

In the morning at 8:00 AM, you will begin another journey, this time to Kampong Thom Province. The drive will take you through scenic countryside, offering a glimpse of rural Cambodian life along the way.

Upon arrival, check in to your hotel and continue to the pre-Angkorian temple complex of Sambor Prei Kuk, one of Cambodia’s most important archaeological sites. After exploring its ancient ruins and tranquil forest setting, return to your hotel.

Overnight in Kampong Thom!

Day 6| The Journey to Koh Ker the former Khmer Capital

After your breakfast Travel into Cambodia’s northeast to discover Koh Ker, the former Khmer capital under King Jayavarman IV. Hidden deep in the forest, this remote archaeological site offers a quieter yet equally captivating glimpse into the empire’s past.

Start at Prasat Pram, where towering tree roots wrap around brick temples, creating a dramatic “lost city” feel. Continue to Prasat Neang Kmao and the nearby Linga temples, tranquil sanctuaries dedicated to Shiva and once symbols of royal power.

End at Prasat Thom, Koh Ker’s iconic seven-tiered pyramid. Climb to the summit for panoramic views of the surrounding jungle.

Picnic lunch nearby on your own then check in to your hotel.

Overnight in Koh Ker.

Day 7| The Journey to Angkor via Beng Melea and Tonle Sap Lake

After breakfast, begin your journey to Siem Reap with a stop at Beng Mealea. Wander through moss-covered stones, crumbling towers, and giant tree roots that create a striking “lost temple” feel, with beautiful photo opportunities away from the crowds.

End the day in Kampong Khleang, a floating and stilted village on Tonlé Sap Lake. Cruise by private wooden boat through seasonal landscapes, flooded forests in the wet months or colorful fields and high stilt houses in the dry season.

Explore this vibrant community of 20,000 residents and see how locals adapt through fishing and farming.

Head to Siem Reap for check in to your hotel.

Overnight in Siem Reap.

Day 8| Angkor Wat Majestic Temples and Apsara Dance Show

Discover the grandeur of Angkor, beginning with the 12th-century masterpiece Angkor Wat, dedicated to Vishnu and famed for its vast galleries and epic bas-relief carvings. Continue to Angkor Thom via the impressive South Gate and explore Bayon Temple with its iconic smiling stone faces, followed by the royal Terraces of the Elephants and the Leper King.

Conclude at Ta Prohm, the atmospheric “jungle temple,” where massive tree roots entwine ancient stones for a dramatic finish to your Angkor journey.

In the evening at 6:30PM your guide and driver will pick you up again for a buffet and dances show in one of the most popular theaters.

Return to your hotel and overnight in Siem Reap.

Day 9| Phnom Kulen Waterfall and Banteay Srei Temple

Discover the spiritual heart and natural beauty of Phnom Kulen Mountain, Cambodia’s most sacred site located just 50 km from Siem Reap. This revered mountain is a pilgrimage destination for both Hindus and Buddhists.

Visit the famous Temple of the Reclining Buddha, marvel at the river of 1,000 Lingas with its intricate carvings on the riverbed, and refresh yourself at the stunning Phnom Kulen Waterfalls.

After exploring this unique spiritual landscape, venture to the Banteay Srei temple known for its red Santone and intricately carvings.

Overnight in Siem Reap

Day 10| Day Trip to Battambang

Start your day at 7:00 AM with a scenic drive from Siem Reap to Battambang, enjoying the lush Cambodian countryside along the way. Upon arrival, experience the famous Bamboo Train for a unique and thrilling ride through local villages.

Explore the vibrant Phsar Nat Market and admire Battambang’s charming French colonial architecture, then sample traditional delicacies such as homemade rice paper and the region’s distinctive fermented fish paste.

Continue your journey to Phnom Sampov, a hilltop site with panoramic views, where you can visit the historical Killing Caves and learn about Cambodia’s past. As the day winds down, witness the breathtaking spectacle of thousands of bats flying out at sunset, a natural phenomenon unique to the area.

After a full day of culture, history, and adventure, return to Siem Reap in the evening for an overnight stay.

Overnight in Siem Reap!

Day 11| Siem Reap City Tour – Apopo Hero Rates and Phare Circus

Experience a meaningful and entertaining Siem Reap city tour, starting with APOPO to see life-saving Hero RATs in action, then explore local markets, artisan workshops, and cultural landmarks.

Finish the day with the thrilling Phare Circus, a vibrant performance of music, dance, and acrobatics inspired by real-life Cambodian stories.

Overnight in Siem Reap.

Day 12| Siem Reap Departure

In the morning or afternoon, depending on your flight schedule, your driver will pick you up from your hotel and transfer you to the airport for your onward journey.

We sincerely hope you had an unforgettable experience in Cambodia, filled with rich history, vibrant culture, and meaningful connections.

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Pricing

1 Pax: 2500.00USD
2 Pax: 1399.00USD/Person
3 Pax: 1129.00USD/Person
4 Pax: 999.00USD/Person
5 Pax: 699.00USD/Person
6 Pax: 599.00USD/Person
7 Pax+: 549.00USD/Person

Pickup Time

Pick up at 8 am from your hotel in Siem Reap

Pickup Point

From your hotel in Siem Reap

Return Details

Drop off at your hotel in Siem Reap or a requested drop off point within the city

Additional Info

Please dress to cover your shoulders and knees with good walking shoes.

What to Bring:
Camera, sunscreen, sunglasses, insect repellent and small backpack etc.

What's Included

Experienced English-speaking tour guide
All entrance fees (Boats - Ox-cart - Temples - Bamboo Train)
Koh Trong Homestay
Air-port pick up and transfer
Private air-conditioned vehicle and bottles of water
2 dinners at Koh Trong Island and 1 dinner at Apsara Dance Show