Cambodia overland discovery

DAY 1: Siem Reap Arrival

Su-sa-dei! Welcome to Siem Reap, your gateway to the wonders of Angkor! Upon arrival, you’ll be warmly greeted and transferred to your hotel for check-in (available from 2:00 PM). The rest of the day is yours to unwind or explore this charming town at your own pace. Enjoy your overnight stay in Siem Reap.

Summary of inclusions

• Private vehicle
• Hotel in Siem Reap

DAY 2: Angkor Discovery

An optional sunrise tour at Angkor Wat is available for those who wish to witness the breathtaking sight of the sun rising over the ancient temples.

This morning, we’ll explore Angkor Thom, the last and most enduring capital of the Khmer Empire. Our visit includes the South Gate of Angkor Thom, the Bayon Temple with its 54 towers adorned with countless serene and mysterious Buddha faces, the Royal Enclosure, Phimeanakas, the Terrace of the Elephants, and the Terrace of the Leper King.

Next, we’ll visit the jungle-covered temple of Ta Prohm, made famous by the movie Tomb Raider starring Angelina Jolie. With its massive fig trees and giant creepers entwined around the temple’s stone structures, Ta Prohm offers one of the most picturesque and unforgettable experiences at Angkor.

In the afternoon, we’ll delve into Angkor Wat, the largest religious monument in the world and a symbol of the Great Khmer Empire. Its five majestic towers represent the sacred peaks of Mount Meru, the home of the Hindu gods. Angkor Wat is renowned for its more than 2,000 Apsara dancers carved into the temple walls. Constructed over approximately thirty years of intense labor, Angkor Wat now graces Cambodia’s national flag, symbolizing the soul of the Khmer people.

As the day winds down, we’ll visit Angkor Wat during sunset when it’s less crowded, providing a magical opportunity to see the Apsaras bathed in the most beautiful light.

The evening is yours to enjoy at your leisure.

Summary of inclusions

• Private vehicle
• Angkor discovery
• Breakfast
• Hotel in Siem Reap

DAY 3: Kulen Mountain to Preah Vihear

After breakfast, we’ll check out and drive out of town toward Kulen Mountain, the birthplace and first capital of the Khmer Empire in the early 9th century. On the way, we’ll stop at the local village of Preah Dak, where we can learn about local life and engage with the community. We’ll also visit Banteay Samre temple, adorned with impressive reliefs depicting scenes from the legends of Vishnu and Krishna.

Upon arrival at Kulen Mountain, we’ll take a short trek through the jungle to explore Kbal Spean, also known as the River of 1,000 Lingas. This site features a series of stone rock relief carvings in the sandstone riverbed and banks, depicting Hindu mythological motifs. You may also enjoy a refreshing swim under the cascading waterfall.

We’ll then continue our drive through the captivating countryside toward Anlong Veng, near the Cambodia-Thailand border. This area was the last stronghold of the Khmer Rouge in the 1990s before the regime was finally dismantled. Here, we’ll visit the graves of two of the regime’s notorious leaders, Pol Pot and Ta Mok. We’ll learn about the grim past of this genocidal organization, exploring the remnants of ruined houses and the structure where Pol Pot was convicted of crimes against the Cambodian people. Though this visit may be somber, it provides valuable insight into a dark chapter of Cambodia’s history and highlights the importance of peace.

As we drive further to Sraem, you’ll be rewarded by stunning mountain landscapes, with plenty of opportunities to capture the exceptional scenery.

Once we arrive, we’ll check in at the hotel. The remainder of the day is yours to relax or explore the town at your own pace.

Summary of inclusions

• Private vehicle
• Kulen Mountain & River of Thousand Lingas
• Breakfast
• Hotel in Sra’aem

DAY 4: Preah Vihear – Kampong Thom

Wake up early for a scenic drive along a steep mountain road that leads to Preah Vihear Temple just in time for sunrise.

Situated in one of the most breathtaking locations of any Khmer site, the temple stands atop Poy Tadi, a steep cliff in the Dangrek Mountain range, which forms the natural border between Cambodia and Thailand, separating the Khorat Plateau from the lowland plains of Cambodia. Rising 550 meters above the Cambodian plains, the temple offers stunning views over the fertile landscapes of both countries. Dedicated primarily to the supreme god Shiva, the temple took over 300 years to complete, with contributions from several notable Khmer kings, including Yasovarman I in the 10th century and Suryavarman II in the 12th century. As a result, it showcases a blend of different architectural styles. The combination of its remarkable location and unique design led to Preah Vihear being designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Experience an unforgettable sunrise and take your time exploring this majestic temple before descending and returning to the hotel.

Back at the hotel, you can freshen up and have lunch before heading to Kampong Thom. Along the way, we’ll make a few stops to take in the scenery. The roads are in decent condition, and the landscape, though remote, is truly magnificent.

Upon arrival, check in at the hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure.

Summary of inclusions

• Private vehicle
• Preah Vihear sunrise
• Breakfast
• Hotel in Kampong Thom

DAY 5: Kampong Thom – Kampong Cham

Situated on the banks of the Stueng Saen River, Kampong Thom—meaning “Grand Port” in Khmer—is the capital of the province of the same name. This charming and laid-back city serves as a gateway to the countryside and the ancient temples of Sambor Prei Kuk, which date back to the 6th and 7th centuries. As the oldest temple complex in Cambodia, Sambor Prei Kuk is one of the most significant pre-Angkorian sites, with over 100 well-preserved temples scattered throughout the forest.

A scenic drive of about an hour will bring you to the temple site, where you’ll enjoy a delightful bicycle ride through the jungle on narrow pathways, offering breathtaking views as you explore the fascinating temples and local villages. A tasty local lunch will be provided by a local family at a picnic spot by the river.

After returning to Kampong Thom, we’ll journey through the picturesque countryside to Kampong Cham. Along the way, we’ll make stops for interactive visits, including the beautiful Wat Hanchey, an ancient pagoda perched on a hill with stunning views of the Mekong River. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to meet young and jovial novice monks in their bright saffron robes.

Upon arrival in Kampong Cham, check in at the hotel and spend the rest of the day exploring the town at your leisure.

Located on the banks of the mighty Mekong River, Kampong Cham is the capital of its province and named after the large Cham ethnic community residing there. The city boasts a relaxed atmosphere and quaint charm, with plenty of colonial French architecture giving it a “wild west” feel. The friendly locals are welcoming to tourists, making it enjoyable to stroll through the town, visit a bustling local market, or sit in a relaxed café, sipping café au lait while watching the world go by.

Summary of inclusions

• Private vehicle
• Kampong Thom country cycling
• Breakfast
• Hotel in Kampong Cham

DAY 6: Kampong Cham – Phnom Penh

After breakfast at the hotel, we’ll head to a river island on the Mekong. Enjoy a horse cart ride along dirt tracks that connect small villages, where you’ll visit a local pagoda, a school, and a silk-weaving village. This is a wonderful way to immerse yourself in the local community and learn about their way of life.

Later, we’ll drive to Phnom Penh, stopping at a local market brimming with regional produce. If you’re feeling adventurous, you might even try a local delicacy: fried spider!

Upon arrival in Phnom Penh, check in at the hotel and spend the rest of the day at your leisure.

Once known as the “Pearl of Asia,” Phnom Penh was considered one of the most beautiful French-built cities in Indochina. The city is renowned for its stunning historical architecture and landmarks. With its wide, tree-lined boulevards and charming colonial buildings, the city provides a picturesque backdrop to bustling cafes. The riverside promenade, or “corniche,” is vibrant and alive, where Asian and Western traditions blend in a captivating manner. Enjoy your free time exploring the charming parts of the city.

Summary of inclusions

• Private vehicle
• Kampong Cham countryside explore
• Breakfast
• Hotel in Phnom Penh

DAY 7: Phnom Penh Sightseeing

This morning, we’ll start with a visit to the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, also known as S-21 Prison. Originally a secondary school, the site was repurposed in 1976 by the Khmer Rouge as a prison and interrogation center during their brutal regime from 1975 to 1979. The name Tuol Sleng translates to “Hill of the Poisonous Trees” in Khmer. Here, an estimated 20,000 people were detained, tortured, and forced to confess to supposed “revolutionary crimes” before being taken to the extermination camp known as the “Killing Fields” of Choeung Ek, located 15 km south of Phnom Penh, which we will visit afterward. This visit may be distressing, but it is a crucial part of understanding the country’s historical and cultural context.

In the afternoon, we’ll explore Toul Tompong Market, renowned for its variety of local products and souvenirs, including wood carvings, bronze items, silk, silver jewelry, and traditional musical instruments.

Later, enjoy a sunset cruise on the Tonle Sap and Mekong Rivers before you have some free time to relax and explore at your own pace.

Summary of inclusions

• Private vehicle
• Sightseeing Phnom Penh
• Breakfast
• Hotel in Phnom Penh

DAY 8: Phnom Penh further explore

After breakfast, we’ll begin the day with a visit to the National Museum, which houses an impressive collection of Khmer art. With over 5,000 artifacts on display, the museum features statues from the Angkorian era, lingas, and other significant relics.

Next, we’ll explore the Royal Palace, which includes the Royal Residence, the Throne Hall, and the Silver Pagoda. The Silver Pagoda is renowned for its cultural treasures, including a 90 kg golden Buddha adorned with 2,086 diamonds and a floor covered in silver tiles.

Our final stop will be Wat Phnom Temple, a key pagoda in Phnom Penh built in 1373 on an artificial hill by a wealthy widow named Penh, from whom the city derives its name.

Return to the hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure.

Summary of inclusions

• Private vehicle
• Sightseeing Phnom Penh
• Breakfast
• Hotel in Phnom Penh

DAY 9: Phnom Penh departure