The untamed spirit of cambodia in 12 days

Welcome to the vibrant heart of Cambodia! Upon landing at Phnom Penh International Airport, you’ll be warmly greeted by your private guided tour representative and escorted to your elegant hotel. Take a moment to settle into your premium family accommodation or elegant suite and let the rhythms of the capital gently unfold around you. As part of this leisurely travel experience, your first afternoon is yours to relax at leisure, perhaps by the hotel’s inviting poolside with a refreshing drink in hand or simply unwinding after your journey. Allow the city’s timeless charm and warm hospitality to set the tone for your Cambodian adventure. This soft-paced tour is designed for your total comfort

Overnight in Phnom Penh.

After breakfast, embark on a profound journey through Phnom Penh’s past. Begin at Choeung Ek, the haunting Killing Fields, and Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, a former school turned prison, where history whispers unforgettable stories of resilience. Continue with a leisurely stroll through the bustling Russian Market, where vibrant stalls invite you to shop for local treasures. In the afternoon, explore the National Museum’s exquisite collection of Khmer art, followed by Wat Phnom - the legendary birthplace of the city. After a short break at your hotel, the evening unfolds in elegance: step aboard a river cruise, sip on a welcome cocktail, and watch the Mekong glow under the golden sunset. As twilight deepens, savor a refined Khmer set dinner while the city lights sparkle on the riverbank.

Overnight in Phnom Penh.

This morning begins with a charming cyclo ride along Phnom Penh’s lively riverfront, offering a unique glimpse of daily life. Pause for photos at the Independence Monument before weaving through the bustling Central Market. The ride concludes at the Royal Palace, where you’ll admire its golden spires, the sacred Silver Pagoda adorned with over 5,000 silver tiles, and graceful stupas and shrines. A refined Khmer set lunch awaits at Bopha Titanic by the riverside. In the afternoon, embark on a scenic 6.5-hour drive into the lush highlands of Mondulkiri. En route, stop at Skun village, famous for its adventurous delicacies of fried spiders and crickets and visit verdant rubber plantations. Upon arrival, check in to your resort, embraced by tranquil mountain and jungle landscapes, before enjoying the rest of your evening at leisure.

Overnight in Mondulkiri.

After breakfast, set out for a once-in-a-lifetime encounter in Mondulkiri’s pristine forests. Begin with a jungle trek to the Mondulkiri Project’s Jungle Lodge, where your guide shares the inspiring story of elephant conservation. Soon, you’ll meet a gentle elephant family with their mahouts. Capture unforgettable photos, feed them bananas, and watch as they roam freely chewing bamboo, playfully tossing dirt, or rubbing against ancient trees. After a picnic lunch in the valley, the highlight unfolds: bathing and splashing with these majestic giants in the river, a joyful and humbling experience that lingers long after. By late afternoon, return to your hotel, carrying memories of a day deeply connected with nature and Cambodia’s most beloved animals.

Overnight in Mondulkiri.

This morning, venture to Busra Waterfall, the crown jewel of Mondulkiri. Feel the mist on your skin, cool off beneath the cascading waters, or simply relax and take in the untouched beauty of the highlands. Continue to a local coffee plantation, where you’ll discover the journey from bean to brew and sample the region’s distinctive flavors. Return to your hotel to refresh and check out before bidding farewell to Mondulkiri’s serene landscapes. Your private car then whisks you to Kratie, a sleepy riverside town known as the sanctuary of the rare Irrawaddy dolphins. On arrival, cross by local boat to charming Koh Trong Island, where your retreat awaits. The rest of the evening is yours to enjoy at leisure, embraced by the island’s tranquil rhythms.

Overnight in Kratie.

After breakfast, cycle leisurely through the rustic charm of Koh Trong Island. Pedal past stilted wooden houses, lush orchards, and playful children greeting you with cheerful “hellos.” Along the way, gain insights into local traditions, daily rhythms, and fascinating beliefs deeply rooted in island culture. Pause to admire Vietnamese floating houses, visit a seasonal grape farm, and savor the island’s famed pomelo and fresh coconut juice before returning to your hotel. In the afternoon, cross back to the mainland to visit the storied 100-Column Pagoda, a place steeped in legend and history. Continue to Kampi pool, where a small boat awaits to bring you close to the rare Irrawaddy dolphins. As the sun sets over the Mekong, cherish this magical encounter before returning to your retreat on Koh Trong.

Overnight in Kratie.

After breakfast, bid farewell to Koh Trong and cross by local boat back to Kratie’s mainland. Take a leisurely stroll through the city’s local market, alive with colors, flavors, and everyday bustle, offering a glimpse into authentic Cambodian life. From here, your private car whisks you on a six-hour journey to Siem Reap, Cambodia’s most captivating destination and the gateway to the timeless temples of Angkor. Along the way, pause at Kampong Kdei, a 12th-century Angkorian bridge that still stands as a testament to Khmer ingenuity and grandeur. By late afternoon, arrive at your elegant hotel in Siem Reap and settle in. The evening is free for you to relax, perhaps by the pool or exploring the town’s lively yet charming atmosphere at your own pace.

Overnight in Siem Reap.

After breakfast, set off at 8:00am for a full-day immersion into the wonders of Angkor. Enter Angkor Thom through its majestic South Gate, guarded by four serene faces symbolizing compassion and balance. Explore Bayon, with its more than 200 enigmatic stone smiles, and continue to Baphuon, Phimeanakas, and the royal terraces of the Elephants and the Leper King. Then, marvel at Ta Prohm, where ancient tree roots are entwined with crumbling stones in a scene made famous by Tomb Raider. A traditional Khmer lunch is served at a local restaurant near the temples. In the afternoon, experience the crown jewel of Cambodia: Angkor Wat. Admire its monumental scale, intricate carvings, and the timeless grandeur of the Khmer Empire. For those with energy, a hike to Phnom Bakheng rewards you with a golden sunset over the jungle and temples.

Overnight in Siem Reap.

After breakfast, depart at 8:00am for Kbal Spean, known as the “River of a Thousand Lingas.” A 45-minute hike through shaded jungle trails leads you to ancient riverbed carvings and seasonal waterfalls, where sacred history flows with every ripple. Continue to Banteay Srei, the exquisite “Jewel of Khmer Art,” admired for its delicate pink sandstone, intricate reliefs, and remarkable preservation. After a refined Khmer lunch nearby, stop at a palm sugar village and Preah Dak, where locals craft delicious sticky rice cakes filled with coconut milk. The afternoon reveals more Angkorian treasures: Banteay Samre’s 12th-century grandeur, Ta Som’s tranquil embrace, Neak Pean’s mystical waters, and Preah Khan’s atmospheric ruins. By evening, return to your hotel in Siem Reap, where leisure awaits after a day of rich discoveries.

Overnight in Siem Reap.

After breakfast at the hotel, depart at 8:00am for an inspiring journey to Kompong Khleang, a captivating, stilted village on the edge of the Tonle Sap Lake. The drive offers glimpses of Cambodia’s rural charm, dotted with sugar palms and small villages. En route, stop to witness the traditional making of bamboo sticky rice, a beloved Khmer delicacy, with the chance to taste this local treat. Upon arrival, embark on a private boat to explore the intricate canals, passing towering stilt houses, bustling floating markets, and fishing boats. Experience daily life on Southeast Asia’s largest freshwater lake, while learning about its unique ecosystem and rich biosphere from your expert guide.

In the afternoon, continue to Beng Mealea, an enigmatic jungle temple swallowed by nature. Built in the early 12th century under King Suryavarman II, this mysterious sanctuary remains largely unrestored, offering an authentic “lost temple” adventure. Wander through collapsed galleries, climb over moss-covered stones, and marvel at hidden carvings that whisper stories of Angkor’s golden age.

This evening, indulge in a refined Khmer set dinner accompanied by a graceful Apsara dance performance, where ancient mythology and artistry come to life through elegant movements and music.

Overnight in Siem Reap.

After breakfast, depart at 8:00am for a soul-stirring journey into Cambodia’s serene countryside. Pass endless rice paddies dotted with sugar palms and water buffalo before arriving at a charming rural village. Along the way, stop to observe the making of bamboo sticky rice and fresh rice noodles, and if adventurous, sample some crispy fried insects, a local delicacy. Upon arrival, enjoy a delightful ox-cart ride through the village, greeted with warm smiles and cheerful “hellos” from local children. Meet your host family and take part in authentic daily activities such as palm leaf roof weaving or vegetable planting, an unforgettable immersion into Cambodia’s agrarian traditions. Relax at the family’s home, savor tropical fruits and fresh coconut juice, then share a rustic Khmer lunch prepared with heartfelt hospitality.

In the afternoon, continue to a tranquil Buddhist pagoda. Meet saffron-robed monks and gain insight into their spiritual way of life before receiving a sacred water blessing—an ancient ritual believed to wash away misfortune and invite prosperity. This moving

experience offers a rare glimpse into Cambodia’s deep-rooted culture and spiritual heritage.

Overnight in Siem Reap.

Savor a leisurely breakfast at your hotel, then enjoy your remaining free time in Siem Reap whether relaxing by the pool, indulging in last-minute shopping, or simply reflecting on the unforgettable journey through Cambodia. At the appointed time, our team will escort you from your hotel to Siem Reap Angkor International Airport for your on-go flight.

As you bid farewell to the Kingdom of Wonder, carry with you cherished memories of Cambodia’s timeless temples, serene landscapes, and heartfelt encounters that will stay with you for a lifetime.