SIEM REAP – BATTAMBANG – PHNOM PENH
Embark on an immersive 8-day journey through Cambodia’s cultural heartlands, from the ancient temples of Siem Reap to the colonial charm of Battambang and the vibrant capital Phnom Penh. Begin in Siem Reap, where you explore the awe-inspiring temples of Angkor Wat, Ta Prohm, and Angkor Thom by tuk tuk, cruise through the serene floating village of Kampong Phluk, and engage in authentic local life with ox-cart rides and blessings by monks.
Continue to Battambang, famed for its countryside beauty and traditional life. Visit ancient hilltop temples, enjoy a local cooking class, cycle through villages to learn about cottage industries, and ride the nostalgic Bamboo Train at sunset.
The tour ends in Phnom Penh, where you cycle along the Mekong Island, witness traditional silk weaving, and discover major landmarks such as the Royal Palace, Silver Pagoda, National Museum, and Wat Phnom. Your journey concludes with a meaningful visit to Champey Academy of Arts, supporting local children through traditional arts.
This tour offers a perfect balance of history, culture, nature, and meaningful local interaction—an unforgettable Cambodian experience.
DAY 1: SIEM REAP – AIRPORT ARRIVAL (-/-/D)
Upon arrival Siem Reap airport, meet with our guide and driver, then transfer you to hotel for check in.
Enjoy dinner at local restaurant.
Overnight at hotel in Siem Reap
Distance:
⦁ Siem Reap Airport → Siem Reap Central: 5 miles 25 minute driving transfer
DAY 2: FULL DAY ANGKOR TOUR – MAIN TEMPLES (ANGKOR THOM – TA PROHM – ANGKOR WAT) [B/L]
Today you will explore all the main temples of world heritage by Tuk Tuk (1 Tuk Tuk = 2 pax):
At first, we will start to visit the antique capital of Angkor Thom (12 century): the South Gate with its huge statues depicting the churning of the ocean of milk, the Bayon Temple, unique for its 54 towers decorated with over 200 smiling faces of Avolokitesvara, the Phimeanakas, the Royal Enclosure, the Elephants Terrace and the Terrace of the Leper King. Continue visit Ta Prohm, one of the area’s most beautiful temples. Ta Prohm has been relatively untouched since it was discovered and retains much of its mystery.
Afternoon, visit the most famous of all the temples on the plain of Angkor, Angkor Wat, the temple complex covers 81 hectares and is comparable in size to the Imperial Palace in Beijing. Its distinctive five towers are emblazoned on the Cambodian flag and the 12th century masterpiece is considered by art historians to be the prime example of classical Khmer art and architecture. If time and energy permitted visit old market for some souvenirs for friends and families.
After tour, return to hotel for rest and overnight.
Lunch at local restaurant.
Overnight at hotel in Siem Reap
Distance:
⦁ Siem Reap Central → Angkor Thom (South Gate): 6 miles 25 minutes by tuk tuk
⦁ Angkor Thom → Ta Prohm: 2,5 miles 15 minutes by tuk tuk
⦁ Ta Prohm → Angkor Wat: 3 miles 15 minutes by tuk tuk
⦁ Angkor Wat → Siem Reap Central: 6 miles 25 minutes by tuk tuk
DAY 3: FULL DAY ROLUOS GROUP & KOMPONG PHLUK FLOATING VILLAGE (B/L/-)
AM: Picked up from their hotel in the morning by the local guide and driven to Ta Prak Village, 25 minutes out of town. A packed breakfast from the hotel will be taken and on arrival will meet and sit down with a local family and share this breakfast with them and to learn about local village life early in the morning when generally it is at its most active.
From here, take a 30-minute ox cart ride through the village to a local market. Take a short walk through this bustling center and be introduced to Cambodian vegetables, herbs, fruits and other local produce. Continue 1 km by foot through the picturesque countryside village, stopping to meet the local community along the way to observe whatever seasonal activity is happening at that time, such as rice planting, weaving thatch roofs, planting or harvesting vegetable crops, making fish traps etc.
Each tour will be different, and the activities will depend on the time of the year, the family, and the needs of the local village. The surrounding countryside with its paddy fields and sugar palm trees is very typical for Cambodia. End the morning at the local pagoda where a special water Blessing by Buddhist Monks await. At the end of your ride, have a fresh coconut juice.
Continue and travel out to Kampong Phluk, a village a bit further away but which receives very fewer tourists. Thus, this stilted village is the best place to see the authentic life of the local fisherman and their families who live amongst the flooded mangrove forest.
At Kampong Phluk, board a local boat for a ride on the lake. On the way, see houses on stilts that are submerged with the lake extends, pass by floating houses and impressive flooded forests and get a good feel for life on the water. Enjoy the beautiful scenery dominated by the tranquility of the lake. After tours, transfer back to hotel.
Lunch at local restaurant.
Overnight at hotel in Siem Reap
Distance:
⦁ Siem Reap Central → Ta Prak Village: 10 miles → 25 minutes driving transfer
⦁ Ta Prak Village → Kampong Phluk: 13 miles → 40 minutes driving transfer
⦁ Kampong Phluk → Siem Reap Central: 16 miles → 45 minutes driving transfer
DAY 4: SIEM REAP – BATTAMBANG (B/L/-)
AM: Breakfast at Hotel then our guide and driver will pick you up from hotel lobby, and we will departure to Battambang, the second largest city and the biggest rice producer in Cambodia. Travel times take about 3 hours. Upon arrival Battambong continue straight to visit Phnom Banon, the 11th century mountaintop Angkorian ruin of Phnom Banan is the best preserved of the Khmer temples around Battambang. As you approach you will see the distinctive five towers pointing skyward, like a smaller version of Angkor Wat.
At the base of the mountain, you are faced with a steep laterite staircase flanked by Nagas. After climbing the 350+ steps you are treated to a wonderfully peaceful setting. The temple was built by Udayadityavarman II, son of Suryavarman I. After visit Phnom Banon, you may take picnic lunch (local food) nearby temple.
After lunch, continue to visit Wat Sangker Slaket Pagoda, the former residence of the provincial Buddhist patriarch. Next, visit the village along the Sangker river, stop at village in countryside that produce the rice paper.
This evening, we will go out to visit Phnom Sampov during sunset, when every evening at dusk, from 5:30 to 6:00 p.m., thousands of bats leave the cave in an endless stream.
Lunch at local restaurant.
Overnight at hotel in Battambang
Distance:
⦁ Siem Reap Central → Battambang: 103 miles → 3 hours driving transfer
⦁ Battambang City → Phnom Banan: 14 miles → 35 minutes driving transfer
⦁ Phnom Banan → Wat Sangker Slaket Pagoda: 8 miles → 25 minutes driving transfer
⦁ Slaket Pagoda → Countryside Village (rice paper village): 6 miles → 20 minutes driving transfer
⦁ Countryside → Phnom Sampov: 7 miles→ 20 minutes driving transfer
⦁ Phnom Sampov → Battambang City: 8 miles → 25 minutes driving transfer
DAY 5: BATTAMBANG – FULL DAY TOUR (B/L/-)
Breakfast at hotel. In the morning, you will join Nary’s Cambodian Food cooking class from 9:00 to 12:00. The tour starts with a visit to the local market, then you can learn how to cook 4 courses meal instructed by Mrs. Nary. All the participants will get instructions on how to cook the dishes at home after the class. Then you can eat what you have cooked during the class. Transfer back to hotel for some rest.
Late afternoon, start your Local Livelihoods Cycling Tours. Going around by bicycle is a great way of connecting you with the local community. Just north of Battambang, there is an excellent opportunity to discover and experience many of the traditional cottage industries of the region. This will provide you with a real taste of authentic Cambodian village life. In addition, it will allow you to interact with rural families making a living farming in the countryside. The activities you can observe will include making banana chips, manufacturing rice paper, distilling rice wine and tasting tropical/seasonal fruits. Our enthusiastic guide will be on hand every step of the way to enhance your experience by explaining what you see in more depth.
Return to back to hotel. Then, transfer again to try out for a ride on the Bamboo Train, a fun experience and also a great opportunity to see the sunset view at countryside. It’s like a childhood dream come true. Transfer back to hotel and overnight at Battambang.
Lunch at local restaurant.
Overnight at hotel in Battambang
Distance:
⦁ Battambang City Center → Nary’s Cooking Class: 1 mile (1.5 km) → 5 minutes driving transfer
⦁ Battambang City Center → Starting point of Local Livelihoods Cycling Tour (northern Battambang): 4 miles → 15 minutes driving transfer
⦁ Cycling loop through countryside (banana chips, rice wine, etc.): 5 miles by bike
⦁ Battambang City → Bamboo Train Station: 5 miles → 15 minutes driving transfer
⦁ Bamboo Train → Battambang City Center: 5 miles → 15 minutes driving transfer
DAY 6: BATTAMBANG – KAMPONG LUONG – UDONG – TRANSFER TO PHNOM PENH (B/L/-)
Morning, transfer to Phnom Penh city by private car. The distance is 291 km, which takes around 5 to 6 hours.
On the way, we will stop at Kampong Chhnang, the largest fishing port in Tonlé Sap, whose waters are among the fishiest in the world. Embark on traditional boats to discover the floating village of Kampong Loung, authentic because still little frequented by tourists. Then continue and discover the abandoned royal city of Udong (early 17th century) and enjoy the amazing countryside view from the top of the hill.
Continue the road to Phnom Penh, and upon arrival in Phnom Penh, directly transfer you to your hotel.
Lunch at local restaurant.
Overnight at hotel in Phnom Penh
Distance:
⦁ Battambang City Center → Kampong Luong (Kampong Chhnang): 97 miles → 3 hours driving
⦁ Kampong Luong → Oudong (Udong Mountain): 49 miles → 1.5 hours driving
⦁ Oudong → Phnom Penh city center: 25 miles → 1.5 hours driving
DAY 7: CYCLING ALONG MEKONG ISLAND – ROYAL PALACE – NATIONAL MUSEUM (B/L/-)
Today, we will cycle along the Mekong trail and witness the unique culture, beautiful scenery and vibrant local life that can be found on the various islands along its course. From traditional villages to farmland, there is something for everyone to enjoy when exploring this incredible trail.
At 7:30 AM, our guide and driver, will pick you up from hotel lobby, and transfer you to take board the ferry going to Silk Island or Mekong Island. Once you arrive, grab your bike (local leisure bike) and get ready for an exciting cycling adventure that will take you through the countryside and farming villages of Phnom Penh. Be prepared to experience and observe the local culture and way of life as well as enjoy some breathtaking views of the rural landscape!
We will take a visit to the unique craft of silk weaving. Our local villagers will be able to provide you with an authentic insight into the history of silk weaving in Cambodia, a tradition that has been passed down through generations from parent to child. This is an incredible opportunity to learn more about the culture of this country and experience its rich heritage firsthand. You can expect to get back to Phnom Penh city around 12:30 pm, then transfer to have lunch at local restaurant.
Afternoon, start your city tour to the Royal Palace, was constructed in the 19th century when the capital moved from Oudong to Phnom Penh, and has been the home for the Kings of Cambodia since 1866. The palace is a testament to Khmer architectural and aesthetic proficiency so prevalent in their royal and religious monuments. Within the royal palace is the Silver Pagoda, the Silver Pagoda is so named because of its floor, which is made up of 5000 silver tiles. Continue to National Museum, one of Phnom Penh’s true architectural gems. It was designed in Khmer style in 1917 by famed French architect Georges Groslier&Ecole Des Arts Cambodgiens. Last stop at Wat Phnom, the legend of Phnom Penh.
Lunch at local restaurant.
Overnight at hotel in Phnom Penh
Distance:
⦁ Phnom Penh city center → Mekong/Silk Island ferry terminal: 3 miles → 20 minutes driving
⦁ Cycling route on Mekong Island (loop through villages): 6–9 miles → 3 hours leisure cycling
⦁ Ferry terminal → Phnom Penh city center (return): 3 miles / 5 km → 15–20 minutes driving transfer
⦁ Phnom Penh city center → Royal Palace → National Museum → Wat Phnom: 5 miles → 20 minutes walking
DAY 8: PHNOM PENH CITY TOURS – CHAMPEY ACADAMY – DEPARTURE AIRPORT (B/L/-)
Morning, we start the tour by visiting Wat Phnom Temple, a small hill crowned by an active Wat (Pagoda) marks the legendary founding place of the Phnom Penh. Then from here you will take Cyclo ridding toward Central Market, a large market constructed in 1937 in the shape of a dome with four arms branching out into vast hallways with countless stalls of goods. The four wings of this gigantic yellow dome are teeming with stalls that sell goods ranging from gold and silver, antique coins, money exchange, men’s and women’s apparel, clocks, books, flowers, food, fabrics, shoes, souvenirs, fish, seafood, dessert, luggage, and countless other products.
Continue to visit Champey Academy of Arts (CAA) is non-profit arts school serving primarily disadvantaged children in central Phnom Penh. After sponsoring, for nearly fourteen years, a school (The Apsara Arts Association or ‘AAA’), teaching traditional dance to underprivileged children, we decided in the autumn of 2012 to redirect our resources toward establishment of a new school in the center of the city. We named our new school, Champey* Academy of Arts and there we offer classes in traditional dance – both classical and folkloric, traditional music and traditional drawing/painting.
Afternoon, free until time for check out and transfer to Phnom Penh Airport for departure flight.
Lunch at local restaurant.
Distance:
⦁ Phnom Penh City Center → Wat Phnom: 1.2 miles → 10 minutes driving
⦁ Wat Phnom → Central Market (Cyclo ride): 1 mile / 1.5 km → 15 minutes by cyclo
⦁ Central Market → Champey Academy of Arts: 0.6 mile → 10 minutes by cyclo
⦁ Champey Academy → Phnom Penh International Airport: 6.8 miles → 45 minutes driving transfer
HOME SWEET HOME!
Included / Excluded
To help you plan your trip, we have put together a list of what's included and what's not included in your tour package. This will give you a clear understanding of what to expect and help you make any necessary arrangements before your journey begins.
- Hotel Accommodation with daily breakfast (shared in twin/ double room)
- Experience English speaking tour manager on tour
- Private transfer and transportation on tour
- Meals are mentioned on program (B: Breakfast, Br: Brunch, L: Lunch, D: Dinner)
- Entrance fees are mentioned on the itinerary
- Daily mineral water (2 bottles/ pax/ tour day)
- All flights with tax
- Visa Approval Letter and Visa Stamping fee at arrival counter
- Travel Insurance
- Early check in or late check out
- Drinks and Beverages
-
Surcharge 20% for Public Holidays:
o New Year: 31 December 2024 – 02 January 2025 (inclusive)
o Vietnamese New Year: 28 Januray – 02 February (inclusive)
o Unification Day and May Day: 28 April – 03 May 2025 (inclusive)
o National Day: 28 August – 04 Sep 2025 (inclusive)
o Christmas: 23 – 25 December 2025 (inclusive - TIPPING for local guide, cruise team, tour manager and driver (compulsory)
- All other services are not mentioned on Inclusions
Tour Map
This comprehensive map is designed to guide you through an exciting journey filled with remarkable destinations and captivating experiences.
