Over view

• Departure: All
• Category: Family Holidays
• Theme: Interact with local, Cultural, History, Nature
• Suitable: Family with Kids, Couples
• Type: Private tour

Why youll love this trip?

• ️️Explore the fabled temples of Angkor, the ancient capital of the Khmer empire.
• Visit a local market where you will see the daily life of the local tradesmen and have the opportunity to practice some basic Khmer words and greetings.
• Embark on an interesting boat trip on the Tonlé Sap Lake, the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia, and admire life on the lake.
• Join the sunset cruise along the Mekong and Tonle Sap River to admire the beauty of Phnom Penh during sunset and nighttime.

Day by Day itineraries

Day 1: Siem Reap Arrival

Morning

Welcome to Siem Reap, you will receive a friendly welcome from a local guide and driver. Then transfer to your hotel for check-in.

Siem Reap serves as the starting point for discovering the legendary temples of Angkor, once the capital of the Khmer Empire.

Afternoon

The rest of the day is yours to relax and freshen up before being taken on a sunset tour to the magnificent Angkor Wat Temple, the biggest religious temple in the world.

Next, pay a visit to the temple of the "God-King, Vishnuite temple, it is strategically positioned with west exposure.

Meals: NA

Accommodation: Hotel in Siem Reap

Day 2: Siem Reap - Angkor Temple Tour

Morning

Start your day by taking a tuk-tuk and discovering some of the other main Angkor sites.

The first stop is the ancient city of Angkor Thom, known as the last capital of the Great Khmer Empire under the reign of Jayavarman VII.

The journey leads to the heart of the city, featuring the iconic 12th-century Bayon Temple with its 39 towers and enigmatic faces.

Explore captivating bas-reliefs at the Terrace of the Elephants and the Terrace of the Leper King. Uncover rarely visited hidden temples within the former Royal Palace grounds.

Proceed to the mesmerizing Ta Prohm temple, known from the original 'Tomb Raider movie, where jungle trees and vines intertwine with the temple's structure, creating a picturesque and unforgettable experience.

Alternatively, consider visiting the Preah Khan temple, a larger complex with a similar design, offering a more intimate and labyrinthian exploration, especially during the high season.

Return to Siem Reap for lunch at a local restaurant.

Afternoon

In the afternoon, a private vehicle will take you off the tourist track to explore the countryside and practice basic Khmer language at a local market under the guidance of a native Khmer teacher/guide.

First, you visit a local market to immerse yourself in the daily life of local tradesmen, practicing some basic Khmer words and greetings.

Next, proceed to Phnom Bok Mountain, situated 25 km from Siem Reap. Upon reaching the mountain's base, prepare for a climb of 635 steps to the summit.

At the mountain's peak, take a brief break to relish the views and partake in a Khmer language lesson led by our native Khmer guide.

Following the lesson, explore the ancient temple ruins and a Buddhist pagoda, savoring panoramic views across the province. Descend and indulge in a fresh coconut while practicing additional basic words and phrases.

As you depart the mountain, traverse the scenic countryside, passing villages and rice fields to witness Cambodian rural life and learn about rice harvests.

Upon nearing the town, conclude your journey at an evening street market and fairground, where locals unwind and enjoy leisure.

NOTE: This tour involves a steep climb with over 600 steps, requiring guests to possess a good level of overall fitness.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation: Hotel in Siem Reap

Day 3: Siem Reap - Village Tour - Kampong Phluck

Morning

Embark on an enriching journey today as you delve into the daily life of a typical Cambodian village. Get acquainted with welcoming locals and immerse yourself in traditional customs and cultures.

Early in the morning, you will be picked up by a local guide and then drive 25 minutes to reach TaBrak Village.

A western-packed breakfast will be taken and upon arrival, join a local family, share this breakfast with them, and engage in conversations to gain insights into the vibrant activity of the village.

From here, we take a 30-minute ox cart ride to a local market. Stroll through the bustling center, exploring fresh produce.

Continue with a 1 km walk through the picturesque countryside village, interacting with the local community engaged in seasonal activities like rice planting, weaving thatch roofs, or harvesting vegetables.

NOTE: The specific activities vary based on the time of year and local needs, showcasing Cambodia's typical landscape with paddy fields and sugar palm trees.

Cap off the morning at the local pagoda, where a special water blessing by Buddhist monks awaits.

Afternoon

Take a pause at the 9th Century Bakong Temple, part of the Roluos group and a site of an ancient center of Khmer civilization known as Hariharalaya.

Then we embark on a fantastic boat trip on the Tonle Sap Lake, officially designated as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, offering an opportunity to gain insight into life on the lake.

Venture toward Kampong Phluk, a lesser-visited village providing an authentic view of local fishermen and their families in a flooded mangrove forest. Board a local boat for a ride, offering a genuine water-based experience.

NOTE: Due to low water levels during the dry season, the boat trip is only possible from June to March. However, an alternative floating village at Chong Kneas can be arranged instead.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation: Hotel in Siem Reap

Day 4: Siem Reap Optional Tours

Morning

Enjoy a full day at your leisure with a selection of optional activities to choose from.

½ Day Off Beaten Track US $42/per person

The day's adventure starts with a bike ride to Siem Reaps sprawling paddy fields, where your guides will acquaint you with the day-to-day routines of local farmers, offering a profound insight into this agricultural activity.

We take a pause to admire handmade baskets woven by our local villages and learn about this intricate craft, which is traditionally passed down from parent to child.

Our next destination is a vibrant local market, where you can immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere of locals, explore unique local products, and engage in the buying and selling of goods.

Our final stop is a local rice wine distillery, providing you a chance to learn about the processes involved in the making of rice wine as well as its use in holistic medication. And of course, you can get to sample a taste!

Optional: Horseback riding at Happy Ranch - From US $79/per pax

Reach the Happy Ranch outside of Siem Reap, a western-style horse ranch. There, you will get acquainted with your horse of pure Cambodian breed. Set off to explore the countryside on horseback!

The 2-hour trail ride takes you beyond the typical tourist paths, meandering through rice fields and local villages to the less-explored Wat Athvea temple.

NOTE: Happy Ranch can arrange lead rides on gentle ponies for young children. Their experienced staff will walk alongside and lead them or just assist them when necessary.

Optional: Quad Bike Adventure - From US $32/per pax (solo ride), $40/per 2pax (share ride)

Embark on a thrilling 12 km quad bike tour through Siem Reap Province's countryside, exploring local villages.

The highlight is witnessing the sunset in the enchanting rice fields during this one-hour adventure.

NOTE:

• 2 adults can ride on the same quad bike with a maximum weight of 130 Kg. In this case, the driver must have experience of riding a quad bike.
• Children are welcome to sit with their parents as passengers.
• From 14 to 16 years old, children can ride their quad only with an instructor as a pillow.
• 17-year-old children can be allowed to ride alone on their own quad only if they have an adult size and a similar or bigger quad at home.

Optional: Angkor Zipline - From US $66/per pax

Embark on a thrilling zipline adventure at the Angkor Archaeological Park. Experience adventure with 8 ziplines, sky bridges, and tree abseiling, perfect for those seeking a thrilling journey through the jungle canopy.

Arrive at the zipline site, receive a safety briefing, and get geared up. Start with the easiest zip lines, gradually proceeding to the highest and most exhilarating one.

Conclude the adventure by abseiling down from the last zipline before a soft trek through the forest takes you back to the starting point.

NOTE: Max 9 people in a single group, latest start time is 12:00, the excursion lasts 3-4 hrs, maximum weight 125kg, not suitable for children under 5 years old or 1m height, no sandals permitted.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Hotel in Siem Reap

Day 5: Siem Reap Phnom Penh

Morning

After breakfast, begin your day's adventure with a private transfer to Phnom Penh (no guide). It will take about 6 hours to get there.

Along the way, the initial stop is Spider Market at Skun, renowned for its fried spiders selling as snacks to tourists and travelers.

Then stop at Bateay for a lunch break before continuing the journey to Phnom Penh.

Afternoon

Upon arrival in Phnom Penh, transfer to your hotel for check-in, where our guide will extend a warm welcome to you. Afterward, take a brief rest to recharge your battery, preparing for the tour.

Evening

This evening, you embark on a tour to gain the most remarkable sights of Phnom Penh in an original Phnom Penh transportation, a Cyclo.

We explore the riverfront of the Royal Palace, then ride along the river to visit Wat Phnom, nestled near the northern boundary of the city. This location showcases impressive examples of Khmer architecture and statues.

To cap off the day, we indulge in a sunset cruise along the Mekong and Tonle Sap River to admire the enchanting beauty of Phnom Penh during sunset and nighttime before heading back to the hotel.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation: Hotel in Phnom Penh

Day 6: Phnom Penh Cycling and Optional Tour

Morning

Embark on a leisurely bike ride through the countryside around Phnom Penh, and explore the diversity of the rural landscapes, passing small villages, schools, and silk-weaving houses.

Traverse river islands by ferry and pedal along traffic-free small roads, pausing to engage with friendly locals and savor local delicacies.

Return to Phnom Penh and savor a delightful lunch at a local restaurant.

Afternoon

Explore the Royal Palace, an architectural gem dating back to 1866, featuring the Silver Pagoda adorned with over 5000 heavy silver tiles on its floors.

Continue the cultural journey with a visit to the National Museum, showcasing over 5,000 artifacts from the 4th to the 13th centuries.

Evening at leisure with the option to take in a traditional performance from the Cambodia Living Arts:

Optional: Cambodian Living Arts (evening)

Immerse yourself in the vibrant world of Cambodian arts with a captivating performance by Cambodian Living Arts (CLA).

The rotating program features three distinctive performances: "Children of Bassac" showcasing classical and folk dance, "Mak Therng" and "Passage of Life" presenting a blend of music and theater.

Optional: Oct-Mar shows daily except Apr-Aug on Mon, Wed, Fri & Sat

All the shows last one hour and take place in the enchanting gardens of the National Museum, providing an atmospheric setting for the performances.

Enjoy your overnight stay in Phnom Penh.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation: Hotel in Phnom Penh

Day 7: Phnom Penh Departure

Morning

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel and utilize your free time at leisure until it's time to transfer to Phnom Penh Airport for your departure flight. The transfer will be with a driver (no guide).

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: NA