Cambodia, From Siem Reap to Phnom Penh

The riches of Cambodia and extension in Koh Rong 4^*

Welcome to Siem Reap!

Situated in the north-west of the country, Siem Reap is famous for being home to the eighth wonder of the world: the Angkor Wat complex. Siem Reap will give you the opportunity to discover the Tonle Sap and its authentic rural landscape, or to embark on an adventure to the isolated temples of Beng Mealea, Phnom Kulen, and Kbal Spean.

Transfer from the airport to the hotel by your driver.

Free time to rest up after the long journey.

Please make your own dining arrangements.

Overnight stay in Siem Reap.

Please note: Check-in at the hotel is possible from 2 p.m.

Discover the highlights of Angkor Thom and Angkor Wat in one day, including the Bayon with its Avalokitesvara faces, the Baphuon Temple, the Terrace of the Elephants, and the Terrace of the Leper King. Explore the intertwined roots of Ta Prohm before visiting the majestic Angkor Wat, a UNESCO World Heritage Site dating back to the 12th century.

Please make your own dining arrangements.

Overnight stay in Siem Reap.

Set off on an adventure to Kbal Spean and discover the mysterious lingas carved by hermits centuries ago. After a short walk through the forest, visit the magnificent Banteay Srei, nicknamed the "Citadel of Women" on account of its pink sandstone architecture. Observe rural life in the rice fields and discover the traditional methods of harvesting palm sugar.

On the journey back, explore Sras Srang, the "Pool of Ablutions", and the picturesque abandoned temple of Banteay Kdei, overgrown with lush vegetation. A day full of discovery and adventure awaits!

Please make your own dining arrangements. Overnight stay in Siem Reap.

Comments:

There is a 1.5 km uphill trek through the forest to reach the Kbal Spean waterfall. We suggest you bring a small fan or insect repellent.

The ideal time to visit Kbal Spean is between July and December. Between January and June, the water level is lower.

Explore the Tonle Sap, Southeast Asia's largest freshwater lake.

At Kompong Kleang, a village built on stilts, board a local boat for a peaceful cruise. Sail through the village and canals to the vast lake, which promises breathtaking views. In the dry season, you can meet the locals before starting to explore on your own. Enjoy this unique experience within a diverse and spectacular ecosystem.

Return to Siem Reap in the afternoon and enjoy some free time at your hotel (driver and vehicle unavailable).

Please make your own dining arrangements.

Overnight stay in Siem Reap.

Note: The best time to visit the Tonle Sap Lake is between August and January - outside this period, the water level may be low.

Today, free time to explore the city on your own (vehicle and driver not available).

Please make your own dining arrangements.

Overnight stay in Siem Reap.

After breakfast, you will be driven to the bus station to take the group transfer to Phnom Penh. The 6-hour journey takes you through the provinces to the east of the Tonle Sap, the largest freshwater reserve in South-East Asia. On arrival in Phnom Penh, the driver will take you to your hotel.

Phnom Penh, the capital of Cambodia, lies at the meeting point of three rivers: the Bassac, the enormous Tonle, and the impressive Mekong. Phnom Penh stands out from other Asian capitals on account of its blend of modernity and provincial charm, with buildings from the French colonial era contrasting with Angkorian monuments.

Please make your own dining arrangements.

Overnight stay in Phnom Penh.

Note: Distance from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh: 300 km - 6 - 6.5 hr drive by shared bus.

Explore Phnom Penh, the capital of Cambodia, unique in its fusion of modernity and provincial charm, where French colonial architecture blends with Angkorian remains.

Your day begins with a visit to the sumptuous Royal Palace and its Silver Pagoda, before delving into history at the Angkor National Museum. Discover the golden age of the Khmer kingdom through the museum's collection of precious objects.

Then explore the turbulent history of the Khmer Rouge at Tuol Sleng, now a genocide museum.

Finish off with a colourful stroll through the heritage-listed Central Market, for the chance to immerse yourself in local life and enjoy a unique shopping experience. A day rich in culture, history, and encounters awaits in Phnom Penh.

Please make your own dining arrangements.

Overnight stay in Phnom Penh.

Please note:

• The Royal Palace and the Silver Pagoda may be closed for official ceremonies.
• Shoulders and legs should be covered in religious spaces. If you fail to do so, you will be asked to purchase an appropriate sarong.

You will be driven by your driver to Sihanoukville, from where you will take a non-private speedboat (approximately 45 minutes-1 hour) to the island of Koh Rong.

Check-in at your hotel and the rest of the day free.

Please make your own dining arrangements.

Overnight stay on Koh Rong.

Note: Phnom Penh - Koh Rong via Sihanoukville: 3 hrs 30 mins.

After breakfast at the hotel, you can enjoy a completely free day to relax at the beach or pool, or to explore the island.

Please make your own dining arrangements. Overnight stay on Koh Rong.

After breakfast at the hotel, enjoy a free day on the island to relax.

Please make your own dining arrangements. Overnight stay on Koh Rong.

After breakfast, you will board a speedboat from the island of Koh Rong to Sihanoukville, where our driver will meet you and transfer you to the city of Phnom Penh (approximately 3 hours drive, depending on traffic).

Please make your own dining arrangements. Overnight stay in Phnom Penh.

Free time until our driver transfers you to Phnom Penh Airport for your return flight.

Please make your own dining arrangements.

Note: The room is only available until midday. Late check-out is not included and is available at an additional cost, subject to hotel availability.

Please note that Phnom Penh International Airport (PNH) is currently entering a phase of gradual closure. The new Techo International Airport (KTI) will take over from 9 September. Depending on your date of travel, your return flight may therefore depart from either of these airports.

All trips to Cambodia require insurance covering hospitalisation and repatriation costs, which cannot be covered by the embassy under any circumstances.

Passport & Visa

It is also compulsory to have a passport that is valid for at least 6 months.

Travel to Cambodia also requires a visa.

Visas can be obtained in a number of different ways (the price of a visa may vary by a few dollars depending on the method used; bring some cash in USD as payment by bank card is not always available):

Prior to departure, online (e-visa): tourist visa (type "T");

Prior to departure, at the Cambodian embassy in your country of residence;

On arrival, at Phnom Penh and Siem Reap International Airports, at dedicated immigration counters, on payment of a USD 30 fee for a 1-month tourist visa (type "T").

British nationals born to at least one Cambodian parent are entitled to a free, permanent "K-type" visa. This visa can be issued by the Cambodian embassy in London or on arrival at the airport, subject to proof of filiation with a parent of Cambodian nationality (father or mother). You will need a full copy of your birth certificate, that of the parent(s) concerned and proof of nationality (passport or Cambodian identity card) of the parent(s) concerned.