Siem Reap - Phnom Penh - Kep - Sihanoukville
The name Alluring Cambodia perfectly reflects the fascination of this itinerary. From outstanding historic and cultural cities to the peaceful rural countryside and picturesque, captivating coastline, all these elements come together to create an unforgettable journey through Cambodia.
Duration: 12 days / 11 nights
Country: 3
Code: CAC6
Classic Highlights
Overview
The Alluring Cambodia Tour is a 12-day journey through the breathtaking landscapes and rich history of Cambodia.
Starting in Siem Reap, visitors will explore the ancient city of Angkor Thom, including the famous Bayon Temple, Baphuon Temple, Terrace of the Elephants, and Terrace of the Leper King, as well as Phimeanakas, known as the “Celestial Palace”. Guests will also visit the world-famous Angkor Wat, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, considered the largest religious monument in the world and a masterpiece of Khmer architecture.
Guests will enjoy a memorable sunset over the rice paddies with a bottle of champagne, followed by dinner at the Crystal Restaurant with a traditional Apsara dance performance.
After experiencing the highlights of the temples, the tour continues with a countryside escape. Travelers will take a traditional ox-cart ride through the rice paddies to observe daily village life and enjoy a family lunch with local residents.
In Mechrey Village, visitors can kayak through the floating community, passing houses, schools, and small shops that gently float on the water.
The journey continues to the capital city Phnom Penh, where travelers will learn more about Cambodia’s history and culture by visiting iconic landmarks such as the Royal Palace, Phnom Penh, Silver Pagoda, National Museum of Cambodia, and the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum.
The tour then heads to Cambodia’s southern coast, where guests will explore the peaceful towns of Kep and Kampot, take a relaxing excursion to Rabbit Island, enjoy a boat ride through the mangrove forests of Ream National Park, and unwind on the beaches of Sihanoukville along the Gulf of Thailand.
This tour offers a wonderful opportunity to experience Cambodia’s unique culture, fascinating history, and beautiful natural scenery, while also providing time for relaxation and adventure. With its diverse itinerary, the tour is ideal for travelers who love history, culture, and beach escapes.
Highlights:
Itinerary in Brief:
Day 1: Arrival in Siem Reap
Day 2: Siem Reap – Angkor Highlighted Temples (B)
Day 3: Siem Reap – Outlying Temples (B, L, D)
Day 4: Siem Reap – Floating Village (B, L)
Day 5: Siem Reap – Phnom Penh by air (B)
Day 6: Phnom Penh City Tour (B)
Day 7: Phnom Penh – Takeo – Kep (B, L)
Day 8: Kep – Kampot – Countryside – Rabbit Island (B, L)
Day 9: Kep – Kampot – Sihanoukville (B, L)
Day 10: Sihanoukville Beach – Free & Easy (B)
Day 11: Sihanoukville Beach – Free & Easy (B)
Day 12: Sihanoukville – Phnom Penh – Departure (B)
Beat the crowd early morning by 7am, visit the picturesque Ta Prohm that had nearly disappeared into the jungle and remains overgrown, an oddly haunting and exotic scene. 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 Prom Temple.
Depart at 7:00 AM for a drive to the countryside about 35 km from the Angkor area to visit Banteay Srei, one of the most beautifully preserved temples of the Angkor period. Built in the 10th century and dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva, the temple is renowned for its exquisite pink sandstone carvings and remarkably fine bas-reliefs, often considered the most delicate artwork of the Khmer Empire.
Continue to Chau Srei Vibol, a peaceful hilltop temple located away from the main tourist routes, offering a quiet atmosphere and a glimpse of a lesser-visited Angkor monument.
Lunch at a local restaurant (own account).
In the afternoon, visit the ancient site of Hariharalaya, the early capital of the Khmer Empire. Explore the temples of the Roluos Group, including the impressive Bakong, one of the earliest temple-mountains in the Angkor region.
Optional – Sunset Champagne (USD 30/pax):
Enjoy a relaxing sunset with a bottle of champagne in the rice paddies, with the exact location arranged depending on the season and the guide’s recommendation.
Morning departure from Siem Reap to the surrounding countryside to experience authentic village life. Begin a gentle walk through a traditional Khmer village, passing wooden houses, roadside stalls and small family businesses. Along the way, observe daily local activities such as villagers preparing food, repairing motorbikes, or selling gasoline in reused bottles—an everyday scene in rural Cambodia. Friendly locals often greet visitors, offering a warm glimpse into their simple and welcoming lifestyle.
Continue with a traditional ox-cart ride through the rice fields, a peaceful way to travel across the rural landscape. The ride leads to a local family home where you will see how villagers produce homemade rice wine and simple handicrafts using traditional methods. The family will welcome you with fresh coconut and a small tasting of their homemade rice wine while sharing stories about daily life in the countryside. A simple home-style lunch will then be served at the house, providing a unique opportunity to learn more about local culture.
After lunch, continue by vehicle to Mechrey Floating Village on Tonlé Sap Lake. Here you will explore the floating community by kayak, gliding past houses, schools and small shops built directly on the water while locals move around in traditional wooden boats. (Best experienced from October to February when water levels are higher.)
Breakfast at the hotel before transferring to the airport for a morning flight to Phnom Penh. Upon arrival, meet your local guide and transfer to your hotel for check-in or luggage drop-off before beginning a city exploration.
Start with a visit to the magnificent Royal Palace, built in 1866 during the reign of Norodom. Within the palace grounds, discover the famous Silver Pagoda, named for its remarkable floor made of thousands of silver tiles and home to many treasured Buddhist artifacts.
Continue to Russian Market, one of the city’s most vibrant local markets. Here you can browse a wide range of goods including clothing, handicrafts, souvenirs, jewelry, and everyday local products.
Later, enjoy a relaxing cyclo ride along the riverside area where the Mekong River meets the heart of the capital. This traditional three-wheeled bicycle taxi offers a slow and charming way to observe city life and enjoy the fresh river breeze.
Return to the hotel for overnight in Phnom Penh.
Breakfast at the hotel before departing for a visit to Choeung Ek Genocidal Center, located about 17 km from the city. At first glance, the quiet fields appear peaceful, yet this site holds one of the most tragic chapters in Cambodia’s history. Known worldwide through the film The Killing Fields, Choeung Ek is where thousands of victims of the Khmer Rouge were executed during the rule of Pol Pot. Today, a memorial stupa filled with human skulls stands as a tribute to more than 17,000 victims, while scattered mass graves serve as solemn reminders of the suffering endured during that period.
Return to the city for lunch on your own.
In the afternoon, visit the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, formerly a high school that was transformed into the infamous S-21 security prison during the Khmer Rouge era. The preserved classrooms and narrow corridors now tell the tragic stories of thousands of innocent Cambodians who were imprisoned and tortured here. Photographs of prisoners and historical displays provide a powerful insight into this dark period of Cambodian history.
Continue to Wat Phnom, the hilltop temple that gave the city of Phnom Penh its name. From this peaceful landmark, enjoy views of the surrounding tree-lined streets before returning to your hotel.
Pick up from your hotel in Phnom Penh and depart for the countryside south of the capital. The first stop is Tonle Bati, where you will visit the ancient temples of Ta Prohm and Prasat Yeay Pov, peaceful monuments surrounded by greenery and local villages.
Continue to Meas Family Home for lunch (own account). After lunch, take a short walk through the nearby village to observe local homes and gain insight into the daily life and culture of the community.
In the afternoon, visit the historic hilltop temple of Phnom Da and explore the nearby archaeological site of Angkor Borei, an important early settlement linked to the Funan civilization.
After the visit, continue the journey to Kep, approximately one hour away, where you will arrive in the late afternoon.
Depart early in the morning to experience the daily life of local communities along the southern coast of Kep, where many families rely on agriculture and small-scale fishing. Take a gentle walk through a nearby village to observe the morning activities of local people, including trading at small markets and working in the rice fields.
During the visit, you will also witness a traditional alms-giving ceremony to Buddhist monks at a local family home—an important spiritual practice in Cambodian culture. After the experience, return to the hotel for breakfast.
Later, take a boat excursion to Koh Tonsay, also known as Rabbit Island, where you can relax on the beach and enjoy the peaceful island atmosphere. In the afternoon, return by boat to Kep and transfer back to your hotel.
Breakfast at hotel, visit to the pepper plantation, rice field, and ancient cave in Phnom Chngouk. Lunch will be provided at a local restaurant in Kampot province. We continue to Sihanouk Ville and stop to take the boat ride in Ream National Park, view the mangrove forest. Drop off at hotels in Sihanouk Ville.
The remainder of the day is free at leisure for swimming and relaxation on the beach.
Enjoy two full days at leisure in Sihanoukville to relax and explore at your own pace. Spend time on the sandy beaches, unwind with a seaside massage, or take an optional trip to nearby islands for swimming and snorkeling in the clear tropical waters.
Overnight in Sihanoukville.
Enjoy two full days at leisure in Sihanoukville, giving you time to relax and enjoy the coastal atmosphere at your own pace. You may unwind on the beach, enjoy a traditional seaside massage, or take an optional boat trip to nearby islands for swimming and snorkeling in the clear tropical waters.
Overnight in Sihanoukville.
Today is free at leisure in Sihanoukville until check-out time. Afterwards, transfer back to Phnom Penh or directly to Phnom Penh International Airport for your onward flight.
End of services.
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