Cambodia, From Siem Reap to Phnom Penh

The Essentials of Cambodia and relaxation on Koh Rong 4^*

Pick-up at Siem Reap Airport. Your private driver will be waiting for you at the exit with a sign bearing your name.

Transfer to your hotel. (Room available from 2 p.m.).

Free day - make your own dining arrangements.

Overnight stay at the hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel.

NOTE (ANGKOR SITE): Please be advised that visitors to the Angkor temples in Siem Reap are required to cover their shoulders and the upper part of their knees.

You will depart by Tuk Tuk to discover the famous temple of Angkor Wat, Cambodia's most prestigious monument.

You will then continue on to the temple of Preah Khan.

Make your own lunch arrangements.

In the afternoon, discover the great royal city of Angkor Thom.

After admiring the city's enigmatic gates, you will continue on to the Bayon, the central temple of this fortified city.

Next, a tuk tuk ride to see the various monuments, including the Baphuon - one of the largest restoration projects ever undertaken by France - then the Phimeanakas, located within the Royal Palace, and finally the Terrace of the Elephants, from where the king and his court would watch the games and processions.

In the late afternoon, drive to Ta Prohm; "Ancestor Brahma".

Make your own dinner arrangements.

Overnight stay at the hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel.

This morning, you will drive through the countryside on a road lined with traditional houses and coconut palms to reach the temple of Banteay Samre.

Continue with a visit to the temple of Banteay Srei, the "Citadel of Women".

Stop off en route to find out how palm sugar is made from Thnot, the iconic sugar palm that lines Cambodia's fields.

Make your own lunch arrangements.

The afternoon continues with the discovery of local crafts.

Then continue your immersion in rural life away from the main tourist attractions, as you head off to a village to meet a Cambodian family, where you will enjoy dinner.

On site, the monks will give you a blessing and the village elders will come and chat with you. Discover the traditional habitat and the vegetable garden. From here, take a short walk (45-minute loop) to admire the sunset over the sugar palms.

In the early evening, a unique traditional dinner of local specialities will be served in the home of your Khmer hosts. (for example, you may get to try dried snake salad, crocodile and frog leg soup with ginger...).

Overnight stay at the hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel.

In the morning, your guide will collect you from your hotel. You will leave the city and cross the flooded and fertile areas to reach Lake Tonlé Sap, the largest lake in South-East Asia. You will then proceed to board a wooden boat for an exploration of the lake and its floating houses. You will have the opportunity to discover the floating village of Metchrey (or Chong Khneas, depending on the water level) and admire its organisation, with its fishing techniques, fish breeding ponds, and crocodile farms. Allow for a sailing time of approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes. You will then return to your vehicle.

Make your own lunch arrangements.

Depart with your guide by road to reach the town of Battambang. (Allow for a journey time of around 3 hrs)

Settle into your hotel. Free time to spend however you like.

Make your own dinner arrangements.

Overnight stay at the hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel.

This morning, you will set off by tuk tuk to explore the city centre and its colonial architecture, with a short visit to the Damrei Sos (White Elephant) pagoda.

Continue along the path that runs alongside the river. You will then drive along the Sangker River towards the 11th-century temple of Ek Phnom and its pagoda. Stop off on the way to see small family rice cake factories and a famous fish leg market, the traditional Prahok.

Make your own lunch arrangements.

Following lunch, you will have the opportunity to visit Phare Ponleu Selpak, a prominent NGO in Battambang. This organisation provides training and support to disadvantaged young Cambodians, enabling them to develop their skills in the performing arts and gain international recognition. A member of the association will conduct a tour of the circus, dance and music workshops, as well as the primary school, before presenting a film showcasing the organisation's career achievements and future projects.

The day ends with a visit to Phnom Sampov, a sacred mountain that dominates the surrounding countryside.

Make your own dinner arrangements.

Overnight stay at the hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel.

Drive to Phnom Penh, through the provinces of Pursat and Kampong Chhnang. Stop en route in the town of Pursat to meet the marble carvers from the Cardamom Mountains, something for which the province is renowned.

Make your own lunch arrangement on the way.

Arrive in Phnom Penh in the late afternoon and check into your hotel.

The end of the day is free to explore the city.

Make your own dinner arrangements.

Overnight stay at the hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel.

Meet your private driver for an unguided transfer to the seaside town of Sihanoukville. (Allow for a journey time of 2 hrs)

Your driver will drop you off directly at the town's pier to be transported to the island of Koh Rong by speedboat. (Allow for a sailing time of around 45 minutes).

On site, hotel staff will be waiting to take you to your room.

Make your own dining arrangements and overnight stay at the hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel.

Free days to enjoy the beach and your hotel.

Make your own dining arrangements and overnight stay at the hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel.

Free days to enjoy the beach and your hotel.

Make your own dining arrangements and overnight stay at the hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel.

Departure by local speedboat to Sihanoukville Pier (sailing time): 45 mins.

On arrival, welcome by your local driver. Transfer with private driver to Phnom Penh. Your guide will take you on a tour of the city.

In the afternoon, discover the city's main monuments, starting with the Royal Palace, which includes the residence of King Sihamoni and the famous Silver Pagoda, with its Ramayana-inspired frescoes, crown treasures, and fine collection of Buddhas. Visitors must dress appropriately (shoulders and knees covered).

The tour continues by rickshaw through the bustling districts to Wat Ounalom, the centre of Cambodian Buddhism. You will then cross the colonial district, finally arriving at Wat Phnom, the city's most iconic pagoda, surrounded by a variety of monuments.

Make your own dining arrangements and overnight stay at the hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel.

Free time to spend however you like. Transfer with private driver to Phnom Penh International Airport.

Make your own dining arrangements.

Return flight.

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.

Visa and entry formalities

British nationals require a visa to enter Cambodia. A 30-day tourist visa is available on arrival or online (e-visa) before arrival. Make sure your passport is valid for at least 6 months after your date of entry.

Currency and payments

The local currency is the Cambodian Riel (KHR), however, the US dollar is widely used - particularly in tourist areas.

Bring cash with you, as card payments are limited and cash dispensers can charge high fees.

Culture and etiquette

Respect Buddhist traditions: dress appropriately in temples (shoulders and knees covered) and don't touch people's heads, which are sacred.

Be polite and discreet in your interactions: patience and a smile are appreciated by Cambodians.