Itinerary
- Day 1
Siem Reap
You'll arrive in Siem Reap and meet your local guide who picks you up at the airport. The first activity is a traditional tuk tuk ride through town, which gives you a real feel for how locals get around. Later, you'll participate in a blessing ceremony with Buddhist monks at a nearby pagoda, a chance to learn about Cambodian spirituality and traditions. In the evening, head to a local restaurant for dinner while watching an Apsara Dance Show, which features traditional Khmer performances with intricate hand movements and costumes.
- Meals
- Dinner (Dinner at local restaurant with Apsara Dance Show)
Included Activities
- Tuk Tuk ride
- Blessing ceremony by Buddhist monks
- Apsara Dance Show with dinner at local restaurant
- Day 2
Siem Reap
This is your main day exploring Angkor temples, so start early. You'll visit the South Gate of Angkor Thom first, then move through Bayon temple with its famous stone faces. After that, check out the Terrace of Elephant and the Terrace of Leper King, where you can see ancient carvings and sculptures. Grab lunch somewhere nearby, then spend the afternoon at Angkor Wat, the 12th century temple built by King Suryavarman II. Your guide provides commentary throughout about the history and architectural details.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch
Included Activities
- Visit South Gate of Angkor Thom
- Visit Bayon temple
- Visit Terrace of Elephant and Leper King
- Visit Ta Phrom jungle temple
- Visit Angkor Wat
- Guided tour with expert commentary
Landmarks South Gate of Angkor Thom Bayon Temple Terrace of Elephant and Leper King Ta Phrom Angkor Wat 
- Day 3
Siem Reap
After breakfast at your hotel, you'll head out to Banteay Srei temple, known for its intricate red sandstone carvings and smaller scale compared to other major temples. Then move to Banteay Samre Temple nearby. In the afternoon, switch gears for a private boat ride on Tonle Sap Lake where you visit a floating fishermen's village with its own schools, shops, and police station. It's a different perspective on how communities function on the water. You'll be back in Siem Reap by evening with time to rest or wander around town.
- Meals
- Breakfast (Breakfast at hotel), Lunch
Included Activities
- Breakfast at hotel
- Visit Banteay Srei temple
- Visit Banteay Samre Temple
- Private boat ride on Tonle Sap Lake
- Floating village visit
Landmarks Banteay Srei Banteay Samre Tonle Sap Lake 
- Day 4
Siem Reap
You're heading into the Khmer countryside to see temples that fewer tourists visit. Start with Beng Mealea temple, which sits partially reclaimed by jungle with vines and trees growing through the structures. Then continue to Koh Ker in northern Cambodia, which has over 30 major structures and around 100 smaller buildings spread across the site. Your guide will show you the impressive garuda statue (a mythical bird figure) that's now in the National Museum collection. The drive is longer but you'll get some great photos and a sense of Cambodia beyond the main tourist route. Return to Siem Reap later that day.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch
Included Activities
- Visit Beng Mealea temple
- Visit Koh Ker
- Exploration of 30+ major structures and 100+ minor sacred buildings
Landmarks Beng Mealea Koh Ker - Day 5
Siem Reap to Battambang
Early in the morning, you'll depart Siem Reap heading toward Battambang, Cambodia's second largest city. Along the way, stop at Wat Slaket Pagoda and Wat Ek Phnom to see local temples. You'll visit a local market to watch how Prahoc, a traditional fish paste that's a staple in Khmer cooking, is made. Later, try a unique ride on a sliding bamboo train in Oudombong village, a quirky local experience. Arrive in Battambang in the evening to settle into your hotel.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch
Included Activities
- Visit Wat Slaket Pagoda
- Visit Wat Ek Phnom
- Local market visit to watch Prahoc (fish paste) making
- Bamboo train ride in Oudombong village
Landmarks Wat Slaket Pagoda Wat Ek Phnom Oudombong village - Day 6
Battambang
Head early to Phnom Sampeou Mountain and its caves, which are both natural and historically significant. You'll learn about the Khmer Rouge's 'killing caves' as part of understanding Cambodia's difficult recent history. The natural caves themselves are worth seeing. Around dusk, you'll witness hundreds of thousands of bats flying out of the cave in a massive group. It's an unusual sight. Afterward, head back to your hotel in Battambang for the evening to process what you've learned and seen.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch
Included Activities
- Visit Phnom Sampeou Mountain
- Visit Phnom Sampeou Caves
- Visit Khmer Rouge 'killing caves'
- Bat viewing at caves
Landmarks Phnom Sampeou Mountain Phnom Sampeou Caves - Day 7
Battambang to Phnom Penh
After breakfast in Battambang, travel to Phnom Penh, Cambodia's capital. The drive takes several hours, so you'll have lunch along the way and see rural countryside. Once there, explore a silversmith village where artisans craft silver jewelry by hand. Stop at a fish market to see what locals buy and eat. Check in at your hotel and spend the rest of the afternoon and evening either resting or walking around the city neighborhoods to get oriented.
- Meals
- Breakfast (Breakfast in Battambang), Lunch
Included Activities
- Visit Silversmith village
- Fish market visit
- Scenic countryside views
Landmarks Silversmith village 
- Day 8
Phnom Penh
Start with breakfast at your hotel in Phnom Penh. Visit the Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda to see where the king resides and a temple containing Buddhist relics. Then head to Wat Phnom, the city's most important pagoda set on a hill. The next part of the day focuses on Cambodia's history at the Killing Fields of Choeng Ek and Tuol Sleng Museum, where you'll learn about the Khmer Rouge regime. This is heavy subject matter but important for understanding Cambodia. If you still have energy and daylight, pop over to Russian Market for clothing, silk, jewelry, and local crafts. Return to your hotel to rest and reflect.
- Meals
- Breakfast (Breakfast at hotel)
Included Activities
- Breakfast at hotel
- Visit Royal Palace
- Visit Silver Pagoda
- Visit Wat Phnom
- Visit Killing Fields of Choeng Ek
- Visit Tuol Sleng Museum
Optional Activities
- Visit Russian Market (if time permits)
Landmarks Royal Palace Silver Pagoda Wat Phnom Choeng Ek Killing Fields Tuol Sleng Museum Russian Market - Day 9
Phnom Penh
Your driver will pick you up from the hotel depending on your flight time and take you to the airport for your departure. If you have an early flight, this happens early morning. If it's later, you might have time for one last walk around the city or a quiet breakfast before heading out.
