Cambodia Insights – 15 Days / 14 Nights

Upon arrival in Phnom Penh, your driver will meet you at the airport and escort you to your centrally located hotel. In the late afternoon, enjoy a short city exploration starting with Wat Ounalom—an important Buddhist monastery founded in 1422 and home to a revered library and the Institute of Buddhism. Continue on to the nearby Phsar Kandal (Central Market), a vibrant and authentic local shopping area filled with traditional stalls and Khmer flavors. Rest for the night at your charming boutique hotel.

This morning, delve into Cambodia’s classical art with a visit to the Apsara Foundation. Watch young dancers perfect their craft through years of rigorous training and even try on a traditional costume yourself as you learn a few basic movements under the guidance of dedicated performers. Later, embark on a scenic boat ride across the Mekong River to Koh Dach (Silk Island). There, observe the fascinating silk-weaving process and engage with artisans preserving centuries-old traditions. Return to the city and visit the National Museum, home to a stunning collection of Angkorian-era artifacts and Khmer sculptures. Continue to the Royal Palace and the nearby Silver Pagoda, both shimmering with history and cultural grandeur. After a full day of insight and exploration, return to your hotel for the evening.

After breakfast, journey into Cambodia’s lush eastern highlands as you travel to Mondulkiri province (approx. 6–7 hours). The drive takes you through vibrant plantations of rubber, cashew, and coffee. Upon arrival in Sen Monorom, check in to your peaceful resort. In the late afternoon, visit the nearby Sen Monorom Waterfall—one of the region’s natural highlights. Surrounded by forest and popular among locals during festivals, this three-tiered cascade offers tranquil beauty, especially during the rainy season when the water roars to life. Rest for the night in the cool highland air.

Today promises a rare and meaningful experience at the Elephant Valley Project. Spend your day trekking through forest terrain alongside two elephant families in their natural habitat. There’s no riding or performances—just peaceful observation as the elephants roam freely, play in the mud, and interact with their caretakers. Learn about conservation efforts, the mahout tradition, and the project’s mission to rehabilitate rescued elephants. This intimate, ethical experience will deepen your appreciation for wildlife and responsible tourism. Return to your resort for a relaxed evening in Mondulkiri.

Leave the highlands behind as you descend toward the tranquil riverside town of Kratie (approx. 2.5 hours). After checking in, enjoy lunch and some rest before boarding a local boat for a sunset cruise on the Mekong. Your destination: Kampi, where the rare Irrawaddy dolphins surface gracefully in the golden light. Watching these endangered freshwater mammals in their natural habitat is both awe-inspiring and serene. Return to Kratie as the sky turns crimson and enjoy a peaceful night by the river, surrounded by colonial architecture and a relaxed local vibe.

Set off on a full-day drive through Cambodia’s central provinces, passing through Kampong Cham and Kampong Thom en route to Siem Reap. Along the way, take in the ever-changing scenery of rural villages, rice paddies, and roadside markets. After a stop for lunch in Prey Pros, continue westward until you reach Siem Reap in the afternoon. Later, embark on a gentle boat journey across Tonle Sap Lake, Southeast Asia’s largest freshwater lake, and visit the floating village of Chong Kneas. Witness the rhythm of daily life lived on water—schools, homes, and markets afloat. Return to town and settle into your riverside retreat for the night.

Start your day with an off-the-beaten-path cycling adventure. Pedal through shaded forest trails to the majestic Angkor Thom, where you’ll explore the Bayon Temple—famous for its many stone-carved smiling faces—along with the Elephant and Leper King Terraces. Continue to the enigmatic Ta Prohm, overgrown with massive tree roots. Later, head north to the exquisitely carved pink sandstone temple of Banteay Srei, a masterpiece of Khmer art. After lunch, explore Angkor Wat itself, the crown jewel of Cambodian heritage. As the day ends, ascend Phnom Bakheng for a panoramic sunset over the ancient complex and the surrounding countryside.

Today takes you off the tourist trail into the mystical jungles surrounding Siem Reap. Begin your exploration at Koh Ker, once the capital of the Khmer Empire under King Jayavarman IV. Its centerpiece is Prasat Thom, a dramatic 30-meter pyramid rising above the forest canopy. Climb to the top for panoramic views and imagine the grandeur of a city lost to time. After a rustic local lunch, continue to Beng Mealea, often referred to as the “Indiana Jones Temple” for its untouched, overgrown charm. Enshrouded in trees and vines, the temple offers a glimpse into what the early explorers must have seen upon rediscovery. Its sprawling complex and collapsed galleries exude mystery and grandeur. Return to Siem Reap by late afternoon for a well-earned rest.

This morning offers a glimpse into authentic Cambodian village life. Travel by tuk-tuk into the countryside, stopping at a local market to shop for ingredients. Switch to an ox cart—the traditional local transport—and meander through peaceful rural lanes lined with rice paddies and stilt houses. Arrive at a family home where your hosts will warmly welcome you. Learn about their daily routines and help prepare a traditional Khmer lunch. Enjoy your meal with the family in this immersive, heartwarming cultural exchange.

In the evening, be inspired by Phare, The Cambodian Circus. Performed by graduates of a social arts school founded by former refugees, the show blends acrobatics, dance, music, and theater to tell stories of contemporary Cambodian life. It’s an unforgettable fusion of art and social mission.

Your culinary adventure begins with a visit to a local market alongside your chef, where you’ll learn about essential Khmer herbs, vegetables, and cooking customs. Then, head to a traditional wooden house where your hands-on cooking class begins. Under the guidance of your chef, prepare a series of authentic Cambodian dishes, each filled with local flavors and rich history. Whether it’s fish amok or green mango salad, you’ll learn techniques to recreate these dishes at home. After enjoying your freshly prepared meal, return to your hotel for a relaxing afternoon.

This morning, bid farewell to Siem Reap and fly south to Sihanoukville. From there, a scenic 45-minute speedboat ride whisks you across the Gulf of Thailand to the pristine shores of Koh Rong Island. Upon arrival, check into your luxurious beachfront villa and spend the rest of the day at leisure. Bask in the sun, take a dip in the clear waters, or simply unwind to the rhythm of the ocean breeze. This is your time to relax and soak up the island atmosphere.

Enjoy two full days in this tropical haven, where white-sand beaches and turquoise waters await. Swim, snorkel, or explore the coral reefs, trek into the lush jungle, or indulge in spa treatments and fresh seafood. For the adventurous, activities like zip-lining, kayaking through mangrove forests, or island-hopping are also available. Or simply do nothing at all—just let the peaceful rhythm of Koh Rong soothe your soul. Each evening, return to your luxurious beachfront villa and fall asleep to the gentle sound of waves.

After breakfast, take the speedboat back to the mainland and begin your overland journey to Phnom Penh. Enjoy scenic countryside views as you pass through rural Cambodia, arriving in the capital city by late afternoon. Check in to your hotel and enjoy your final night in this historic city, perhaps with a leisurely stroll along the riverside or a sunset drink to toast your adventure.

Enjoy your final breakfast in Cambodia. Depending on your flight schedule, you may have free time to relax or explore nearby cafés or shops before your private transfer to Phnom Penh International Airport. Your enriching journey across Cambodia ends here—with memories of temples, elephants, cuisine, villages, and sun-kissed beaches to last a lifetime.