Cambodia Beauty 8 Days 7 Nights
Phnom Penh - Battambang - Siem Reap - Angkor Complex - Beng Mealea - Siem Reap
Dominated by the mighty Mekong River, Cambodia is home to warm and welcoming people as well as a rich and vibrant culture. On this fascinating journey, you will explore the capital city of Phnom Penh, where traces of the Khmer Empire and French colonial history can still be seen today. Continue to Siem Reap, the gateway to the magnificent temples of Angkor Archaeological Park. Discover the iconic tree-covered ruins of Ta Prohm, admire the mysterious smiling faces of Bayon, and venture deep into the jungle to explore the atmospheric temple of Beng Mealea. This journey offers a captivating blend of history, culture, and unforgettable landscapes, revealing the timeless charm of Cambodia.
Duration: 8 days / 7 nights
Country: 3
Code: CAC4
Classic Highlights
Overview:
This 8-day journey offers a rich introduction to the culture, history, and landscapes of Cambodia. The adventure begins in Phnom Penh, the country’s vibrant capital, where you will explore iconic landmarks such as the Royal Palace, Silver Pagoda, National Museum of Cambodia, and the moving Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum to gain insight into Cambodia’s royal heritage and modern history.
Leaving the capital, travel through the Cambodian countryside toward Battambang, passing traditional villages and scenic rural landscapes including Kampong Chhnang Province and Kampong Luong Floating Village on Tonlé Sap Lake. Battambang offers a glimpse into authentic local life and colonial-era charm.
The journey continues to Siem Reap, gateway to the magnificent temples of Angkor Archaeological Park. Discover the legendary Angkor Wat, the ancient royal city of Angkor Thom, and the intricately carved pink sandstone temple of Banteay Srei.
Beyond the temples, experience Cambodia’s rural traditions with a countryside village visit and ox-cart ride through rice fields. Explore floating communities on Tonlé Sap Lake, visit the jungle-covered ruins of Beng Mealea, and journey to the sacred Phnom Kulen National Park, home to the famous Kbal Spean and a beautiful waterfall.
The tour concludes with a hands-on Khmer cooking class, where you will learn the secrets behind traditional Cambodian cuisine before departing.
Highlights:
- Discover the cultural and historical landmarks of Phnom Penh, including the Royal Palace, Silver Pagoda and Tuol Sleng Museum.
- Enjoy a relaxing sunset cruise on the Mekong River.
- Travel through Cambodia’s countryside to Battambang, known for its colonial charm and local culture.
- Explore the spectacular temples of Angkor Archaeological Park including Angkor Wat and Angkor Thom.
- Visit the exquisite pink sandstone temple of Banteay Srei.
- Experience authentic village life with a countryside walk and ox-cart ride through rice paddies.
- Discover floating communities on Tonlé Sap Lake.
- Explore the jungle-covered ruins of Beng Mealea.
- Visit the sacred Phnom Kulen National Park, including the River of a Thousand Lingas and Kulen Waterfall.
- Join a half-day Khmer cooking class in Siem Reap.
Itinerary in Brief:
Day 1: Arrival in Phnom Penh
Day 2: Phnom Penh – Battambang (B, L)
Day 3: Battambang – Siem Reap (B)
Day 4: Siem Reap – Angkor Temples (B)
Day 5: Siem Reap – Tonlé Sap Lake Floating Village (B, L)
Day 6: Siem Reap – Beng Mealea (B)
Day 7: Siem Reap – Phnom Kulen National Park (B, L)
Day 8: Siem Reap – Cooking Class – Departure (B, L)
Itinerary
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Upon arrival in Phnom Penh, you will be met by your guide and transferred to the hotel for check-in or to drop off your luggage (early check-in is not included and is subject to hotel availability).
Begin your city tour with a visit to the magnificent Royal Palace, built in 1866 during the reign of King Norodom and still serving as the official residence of the King of Cambodia. Within the palace complex, visit the famous Silver Pagoda, named after its floor which is covered with more than 5,000 silver tiles.
Continue to the National Museum of Cambodia, home to one of the world’s finest collections of Khmer art and sculpture dating from the Angkor period. The tour also includes a visit to the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, a former school that was used as a prison during the Khmer Rouge regime and now serves as an important historical memorial.
Optional: Sunset Dinner Cruise
In the evening, you may join an optional sunset dinner cruise along the Mekong River. From the boat, enjoy beautiful views of Phnom Penh’s riverfront while watching the sunset over the city skyline and the Royal Palace. Relax with soft drinks or local beer while enjoying a BBQ dinner as you observe daily life along the riverbanks. After the cruise, return to the pier and transfer back to your hotel.
Start early today for the journey to Battambang, a drive of approximately five hours through the Cambodian countryside. Leaving the bustling capital of Phnom Penh, travel north toward Oudong, the former royal capital of Cambodia from the early 17th century until the mid-19th century. Climb the hill to visit the temples and stupas that house important Buddhist relics while enjoying panoramic views over the surrounding plains.
Continue to Kampong Chhnang, a riverside town well known for its traditional pottery villages. Here you can observe local artisans producing clay pots and household items using techniques that have been passed down for generations. The region is also famous for its sugar palm trees, where locals collect palm sap to produce palm sugar, an important ingredient in Cambodian cuisine.
On the way, enjoy views of rural Cambodia with rice paddies, small villages and traditional wooden houses along the roadside. Afterward, continue your drive to Battambang, one of Cambodia’s most charming colonial towns. Upon arrival in the late afternoon, check in at your hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.
Beat the crowd early morning by 7am, visit the picturesque Ta Prohm. The magnificent roots of a tree, pushing between the huge stone blocks of the temple in a sort of embrace, evoke feelings that you may remember forever. And continue to visit the intricately carved Khmer ruins at Angkor Wat - one of the world’s most impressive ruins. The temple still owns fine Apsara carvings in Angkorian era art. Lunch is own account.
Afternoon, explore the mysterious Royal city Angkor Thom. City & Bayon Its 54-tower temple is an awesome sight. At first glance it seems a shapeless mass of stone, but further scrutiny reveals a face, and then another and another until suddenly you are engulfed by the silent, heavy, enigmatic and silent gaze through half-closed eyes, staring out from a primitive and remote time. Further, visit to the surroundings of the complex including the Baphou, Elephant Terraces, Lepper King Terrace and Royal Place area and visit one more ruin in Angkor Area of Preah Khan temple, built in 12th century by King Jayavarman VII and it is the same style to Ta Prohm Temple.
This morning, depart from Siem Reap and travel to a peaceful countryside village located just outside the city. Upon arrival, enjoy a guided walk through the village to observe daily life and interact with friendly local residents. Along the way, you may see small roadside shops, traditional wooden houses, and everyday activities such as locals preparing food, repairing vehicles, or selling gasoline in recycled bottles – a common sight in rural Cambodia.
Continue your exploration with a 30-minute ox-cart ride through scenic rice paddies and farmland, offering a glimpse of the traditional rural lifestyle. The ride will bring you to a local family home where you can learn about their daily activities, such as making rice wine or producing simple handicrafts. During the visit, the family will offer fresh coconut and a taste of homemade rice wine while you chat and learn more about village life.
Enjoy a simple home-cooked lunch at the family’s house in a clean and welcoming setting before continuing your journey.
In the afternoon, travel to Mechrey Floating Village on Tonlé Sap Lake, where you will experience a unique kayaking excursion through the floating community. Paddle past houses, schools, and small shops built on the water while observing the daily life of local fishermen and their families. This activity is best enjoyed during the high-water season from October to February, when the floating village is fully accessible.
Return to Siem Reap in the late afternoon.
After breakfast at the hotel, depart from Siem Reap for an excursion to Beng Mealea, one of the most atmospheric temples in the Angkor region. Built in the early 12th century during the reign of Suryavarman II, the same king who commissioned Angkor Wat, Beng Mealea is largely unrestored and surrounded by dense jungle. Massive tree roots, collapsed galleries and moss-covered stones create a mysterious atmosphere, offering visitors a unique experience exploring a temple that still retains its original, untouched character.
After the visit, return to Siem Reap and continue to Wat Damnak, one of the historic pagodas in the town known for its peaceful setting and traditional Khmer architecture.
Here you will take part in a traditional Buddhist blessing ceremony performed by local monks. During the ceremony, monks chant sacred prayers and sprinkle holy water to bring good fortune, health and protection. A sacred thread will then be tied around your wrist as a symbol of blessing and safe travels. This meaningful cultural ritual offers a memorable insight into Cambodia’s spiritual traditions.
After the ceremony, return to your hotel in Siem Reap and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.
Located about 40 km north of Angkor Wat, Phnom Kulen National Park is considered one of the most sacred mountains in Cambodia for both Hindus and Buddhists. The mountain played an important role in the history of the Khmer Empire and today is a popular pilgrimage site for local people. One of its main highlights is the beautiful Kulen waterfall, surrounded by lush forest landscapes.
In the morning, depart from Siem Reap and travel by car through the countryside to Phnom Kulen. Upon arrival, drive up the mountain road to the summit where you will visit the sacred pagoda housing the famous reclining Buddha statue carved directly into the sandstone rock.
Continue to explore the nearby Kbal Spean, also known as the River of One Thousand Lingas, where ancient carvings can be seen on the riverbed and rocks beneath the flowing water. Afterwards, visit the Kulen waterfall where you may relax, enjoy the fresh air of the forest, and take a refreshing swim in the natural pools.
If time permits, enjoy a short walk with your guide to admire the surrounding tropical forest before returning to Siem Reap in the late afternoon.
After breakfast at the hotel in Siem Reap, begin the day with a hands-on Cambodian cooking class led by a professional local chef.
Start with a visit to a nearby local market where you will select fresh ingredients for the class. As you explore the market, the chef will introduce the wide variety of herbs, spices and vegetables commonly used in traditional Khmer cuisine.
Afterwards, return to the cooking school to learn how to prepare three classic Cambodian dishes through step-by-step instruction and live demonstrations. Once the cooking is complete, enjoy the delicious meal you have prepared yourself.
In the afternoon, enjoy free time to relax at your hotel or explore the lively Phsar Chas (Old Market), where you can browse local handicrafts, souvenirs and street food stalls.
At the scheduled time, transfer to Siem Reap–Angkor International Airport for your departure flight.
Tour Includes:
- Accommodation in selected hotels based on double or twin sharing, including daily breakfast.
- Private air-conditioned vehicle for all transfers and sightseeing as mentioned in the itinerary.
- Entrance fees for all sightseeing sites listed in the program.
- Experienced English-speaking guide during sightseeing tours.
- Meals as specified in the itinerary (B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner).
- Cambodian cooking class experience in Siem Reap.
- Drinking water and refreshing towels during touring days.
- All government taxes and service charges currently in effect.
Tour Excludes:
- Cambodia tourist visa fee (approximately USD 30 per person, subject to change by the Cambodian government).
- International airfare and airport taxes.
- Domestic flights and related airport taxes if applicable.
- Meals and beverages not mentioned in the itinerary.
- Early check-in or late check-out at hotels (subject to availability).
- Compulsory gala dinners on Christmas Eve (24 December) and New Year's Eve (31 December) if required by hotels.
- Peak season or holiday surcharges imposed by hotels if applicable.
- Personal expenses such as laundry, telephone calls, minibar, drinks, etc.
- Travel insurance (strongly recommended for all travelers).
- Tips and gratuities for guides, drivers and service staff.
- Any other services not clearly mentioned in the itinerary.
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