Cambodia tour of Culture, Nature & Wildlife

DAY 1: Siem Reap Arrival

Welcome to Siem Reap, the gateway to the wonders of Angkor! 

Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred to your hotel for check-in (check-in time is 14:00). The rest of the day is yours to relax or explore this charming town at your own pace. 

Enjoy your overnight stay at the hotel in Siem Reap.

Summary of inclusions

• Private airport transfer
• Hotel in Siem Reap

DAY 2: Angkor Discovery

This morning, we’ll delve into the wonders of Angkor Thom, the final and most enduring capital of the Khmer Empire. Our exploration includes the South Gate of Angkor Thom, the Bayon Temple with its 54 towers adorned with countless serene and enigmatic Buddha faces, the Royal Enclosure, Phimeanakas, the Terrace of the Elephants, and the Terrace of the Leper King.

Next, we visit Ta Prohm, famously featured in Angelina Jolie’s film “Tomb Raider.” This temple is renowned for its dramatic overgrowth of giant fig trees and sprawling vines, which envelop the stone ruins and create a captivating image of nature reclaiming human architecture.

In the afternoon, we will explore Angkor Wat, the largest religious monument in the world and a symbol of the Khmer Empire. With its five majestic towers representing the five holy peaks of Mount Meru, the abode of Hindu gods, Angkor Wat is also celebrated for its extensive Apsara carvings. The construction of this architectural marvel is believed to have taken around thirty years. Today, Angkor Wat is depicted on Cambodia’s national flag, symbolizing the soul of the Khmer people.

At sunset, Angkor Wat becomes even more enchanting, providing a serene and less crowded opportunity to admire the Apsaras in their most radiant light.

The evening is yours to enjoy at your leisure.

Summary of inclusions

• Private vehicle
• Sightseeing the Angkor
• Breakfast
• Hotel in Siem Reap

DAY 3: Angkor further explore

After breakfast at the hotel, we will explore the Preah Khan temple complex, built by King Jayavarman VII to honor his father on the site of his victory over the invaders. The temple’s name, meaning ‘Holy Sword,’ reflects its original designation as ‘the Holy City of Victory.’ This extensive complex once served as a Buddhist monastery and school, housing over 1,000 monks.

Next, we will visit Neak Pean, a small island temple situated in the middle of the last Baray. This temple symbolizes Anavatapta, a mythical lake in the Himalayas believed to have healing powers.

In the afternoon, we will head to the Roluos Group, the site of Hariharalaya, the first capital of the Khmer Empire from the mid-9th century. The temples here are constructed from various materials, including bricks, laterite, and sandstone. We will explore notable temples such as Bakong, a stepped pyramid temple with intricate carvings, Lolei, an island temple with detailed carvings and inscriptions representing Mount Meru surrounded by the ocean, and Preah Ko, the Sacred Bull temple built to honor the King’s ancestors.

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

Summary of inclusions

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

DAY 4: Prek Toal Nature Reserve

Early in the morning, depart the hotel for a short transfer to the port at Mechrey. Board a traditional wooden boat for a cruise through the Prek Toal Biosphere Reserve, crossing the flooded forest and the expansive lake. Along the way, your guide will provide insights into the unique hydrological system, ecosystem, and the diverse flora and fauna of the lake. Enjoy a picnic breakfast on board.

Explore the natural beauty of the region and the centuries-old way of life of the lake’s inhabitants. Visit the Bird Sanctuary, Southeast Asia’s largest ornithological reserve, with the help of a local ranger. The Prek Toal biosphere spans 31,282 hectares and is home to an astonishing array of water birds, including endangered species such as the Greater and Lesser Adjutants, Black-headed Ibis, Painted Stork, Milky Stork, Spot-billed Pelican, and Grey-Headed Fish Eagle.

Your guide’s expertise will enhance your bird-watching experience and help you understand this complex natural ecosystem. If accessible, climb a tree-top platform to view bird colonies through telescopes and binoculars. (Please note that during the low-water season from February to the end of March, the tree-top platform may be inaccessible, and more time will be spent enjoying bird feeding along the main stream of the sanctuary.)

Return to the village for a local lunch, then visit an environmental education class and a water hyacinth handicraft workshop. Take a small boat to explore how the local community adapts to their floating and ever-changing environment. Visit a floating house to observe local customs and discuss the challenges of living on water. You’ll also see typical farms, a floating school, and floating gardens, offering a unique glimpse into the community’s way of life.

Return to Siem Reap in the late afternoon, with the remainder of the day free for your leisure.

Summary of inclusions

• Private vehicle
• Boat cruise
• Prek Toal nature reserve explore
• Floating village visit
• Breakfast & lunch
• Hotel in Siem Reap

DAY 5: Anlong Veng Elephant Sanctuary – Preah Vihear

After breakfast at the hotel, we will bid farewell to Siem Reap and set off on a scenic drive through the countryside towards the Elephant Sanctuary in the Anlong Veng district of Oddar Meanchey province.

The Elephant Sanctuary, also known as Sang Rukhavoan Wildlife Sanctuary, spans 30,254 hectares and was established to safeguard wildlife, ecosystems, and biodiversity. It provides a safe haven for various animals, including elephants, endangered monkeys, and birds. Spend time exploring the sanctuary, interacting with the animals, and learning about the conservation efforts.

Next, we will travel to Anlong Veng, a historic site near the Thailand border. Once the last stronghold of the Khmer Rouge in the 1990s, this area offers insights into the somber history of this genocidal regime. We will visit the remains of the Khmer Rouge structures and learn about their impact on Cambodia. While the visit may be unsettling, it provides valuable context about this dark chapter in Cambodia’s history and the importance of peace.

Continue our journey to Sra Aem, where we will be captivated by the breathtaking mountain landscapes. We will have plenty of opportunities to capture the stunning scenery with photographs.

Upon arrival in Sra Aem, check in to the hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure, whether relaxing or exploring the town.

Summary of inclusions

• Private vehicle
• Wildlife sanctuary visit
• Anlong Veng sightseeing
• Breakfast
• Hotel in Sra Aem

DAY 6: Preah Vihear sunrise – Tmatboey

Wake up early and embark on a thrilling drive along the dramatic mountain roads to reach Preah Vihear Temple at sunrise.

Perched on the edge of a steep cliff on the Dangrek Mountain range, which forms the natural border between Cambodia and Thailand, Preah Vihear Temple offers one of the most breathtaking locations of any Khmer site. Situated approximately 550 meters above the Cambodian plains, the temple provides panoramic views over the fertile landscapes of both Cambodia and Thailand. Dedicated to the supreme god Shiva, the temple’s construction spanned over 300 years, involving several renowned Khmer kings, from Yasovarman in the 10th century to Suryavarman II in the 12th century. Its unique location and architectural features led to its designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Enjoy the awe-inspiring sunrise and take time to explore the temple before descending and returning to your hotel.

After checking out, head south to the Tmatboey Bird Sanctuary, an eco-tourism project managed by the Wildlife Conservation Society of Cambodia. This sanctuary is home to one of only two known nesting areas of the giant ibis and is located in the remote village of Tmatboey within the Kulen Promtep Wildlife Sanctuary. The reserve also hosts other rare bird species, such as the white-shouldered ibis and the sarus crane. After a day of wildlife observation, check in to your accommodation and enjoy the remainder of the day at your leisure.

Summary of inclusions

• Private vehicle
• Phrea Vihear sunrise
• Tmatboey bird sanctuary
• Breakfast
• Hotel in Tmatboey

DAY 7: Tmatboey – Koh Ker – Beng Mealea

At dawn, embark on a visit to the bird sanctuary for another opportunity to observe rare bird species up close.

Following breakfast, journey to Koh Ker, which served as the capital of the Khmer Empire from 928 to 944 AD. This site, largely reclaimed by the jungle and largely unrestored, spans approximately 35 square kilometers and features numerous structures of varying sizes. Dominating the Koh Ker site is Prasat Thom, a towering temple mountain reaching 30 meters in height. The climb to the top offers stunning views over the surrounding forest and plain.

Next, proceed to Beng Mealea, a vast temple built by King Jayavarman VII in the style of Angkor Wat. Covering over one square kilometer and surrounded by a moat, Beng Mealea is approached by four causeways and appears as a massive, partially hidden ruin engulfed by trees. Constructed primarily of sandstone, the temple’s partially ruined state adds to its allure, making it one of the largest and most impressive temples of the Khmer Empire.

Return to Siem Reap after a drive of over an hour. Check in to your hotel and enjoy the evening at your leisure.

Summary of inclusions

• Bird watching
• Ancient relics explore
• Private vehicle
• Breakfast
• Hotel in Siem Reap

DAY 8: Siem Reap Departure

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before spending your time at leisure to relax or explore Siem Reap on your own. When ready, a private transfer will take you to the airport for your flight home or onward destination. 

Safe travels and see you again!

Summary of inclusions

• Private airport transfer
• Breakfast