Cambodia Cultural Odyssey

Fly from UK to Siem Reap.

Arrive Siem Reap in the morning. Meeting and assistance on arrival by our representative and transfer to Lotus Blanc Hotel for 3 nights stay. Afternoon at leisure.

Morning: Explore some of Cambodia’s most remarkable temples. Begin at Banteay Srei, the 11th-century “jewel of Khmer art,” famed for its intricate pink sandstone carvings. Then visit Banteay Samre, a serene temple blending Hindu and Buddhist elements, with stunning depictions of gods, animals, and mythical creatures.

Afternoon: Transfer to Tonle Sap, Southeast Asia’s largest freshwater lake, and enjoy a scenic boat cruise to a floating village. Observe local life on the water and learn about the lake’s seasonal floodplains, which sustain Cambodia’s fishing communities and contribute to 75% of the nation’s inland fish catch.

Morning: Explore Angkor Thom, the last capital of the Khmer Empire, featuring the South Gate, Bayon Temple with its 216 smiling faces, Baphuon, the Terrace of the Elephants, and the Terrace of the Leper King. Then visit Ta Prohm, the famous jungle temple where massive tree roots intertwine with ancient ruins, creating a mystical atmosphere.

Afternoon: Visit Angkor Wat, the world’s largest religious monument and a UNESCO World Heritage site. This 12th-century temple complex, covering 81 hectares, features five towers representing Meru’s peaks, an enclosing wall, and a surrounding moat symbolizing the ocean.

Depart Siem Reap for Battambang, Cambodia’s second-largest city, known for its riverside charm and well-preserved French colonial architecture. En route, visit local artisans at Preah Net Preah Mountain crafting traditional stone carvings, and sample Krolan, Cambodian sticky rice cooked in bamboo. Upon arrival, check in at Maison Wat Kor for 2 nights.

In the afternoon, explore Phare Ponleu Selpak, the renowned arts school where children engage in music, painting, and circus training. Interact with the students and experience their creative talents firsthand.

Conclude the day with a ride on the Bamboo Train, a unique local transport through scenic rice paddies, offering a memorable glimpse of rural life.

This morning, enjoy a local livelihoods tour, visiting village artisans making incense, rice wine, noodles, rice paper, and Krolan (sticky rice in bamboo). Sample local treats and, depending on the season, join in some of the production activities. Continue to Wat Ek Phnom, an 11th-century temple surrounded by lily ponds and shaded trees, alongside a colorful pagoda decorated with vivid Buddhist murals.

After lunch at a local restaurant, travel through the countryside to Phnom Sampov, a limestone hill offering sweeping views of rice fields and villages. Visit the Killing Caves, a poignant reminder of Cambodia’s past, and stay until dusk to witness thousands of bats streaming into the evening sky—a mesmerizing natural spectacle.

Early morning visit to the Battambang market, then depart for the Farmhouse Smiling Gecko, stopping en route to see traditional stone carving in Pursat. Upon arrival, check in at the Farmhouse Resort & Spa for 2 nights stay.

An English-speaking guide from the Smiling Gecko Project will lead this two-hour tour, providing detailed insights into the project’s history and its various initiatives. The guided visit includes stops at the agricultural area, carpentry workshop, and Education Campus. This tour is a complimentary experience for all guests staying at the Farmhouse Smiling Gecko. Enjoy the rest of the day relaxing and making use of the hotel’s facilities.

Morning drive to Phnom Penh. Check-in at La Rose Suites for 2 nights. In the afternoon, take a Cyclo tour showcasing Khmer architecture from the late 19th century to the post-independence “New Khmer Architecture” era. Explore colonial shophouses, French-influenced buildings, and modern Cambodian designs around the Old Post Office and Central Market areas. Travelling by cyclo offers a unique and intimate way to experience the city’s rich architectural heritage.

In the morning, visit the Royal Palace, exploring the Throne Hall, Royal Treasury, Napoleon II Villa, and the Silver Pagoda with its jade Buddha and silver floors. Continue to the National Museum, home to an impressive collection of Khmer art and sculptures.

In the afternoon, visit the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and Killing Fields, offering a poignant insight into Cambodia’s tragic history. End the day with a Mekong River cruise, enjoying traditional river life and a stunning sunset over the water.

Morning drive to Kampot, known for its French colonial architecture, scenic riverside setting, and famous Kampot pepper. Check-in at Rivertree Villa & Resort for 1 night stay. Explore the town’s charming colonial houses before heading to Kep, renowned for fresh seafood at the bustling Kep Crab Market. In the afternoon, visit La Plantation, an organic pepper and spice farm with stunning views of Bokor Mountain and a secret lake. Enjoy a guided tour and taste some of the world’s finest Kampot pepper.

Drive to Sihanoukville for a speedboat ride to Koh Rong. The boat journey takes approximately 45 minutes. Upon arrival, transfer to The Royal Sands Koh Rong for 3 nights. The rest of the day is at leisure to relax on the pristine beaches of this stunning coastal province, part of the Bay of Cambodia, renowned as one of the world’s most beautiful bays. Optional activities include jungle walks, snorkeling, fishing, or diving.

At leisure.

Morning speedboat transfer back to Sihanoukville. Upon arrival at the mainland pier, meet your driver for a transfer to Phnom Penh Airport for your return flight back home.