Grand Tour Of Cambodia 12 Days / 11 Nights

Imagine a country full of ancient and modern history, saturated with beautiful religious monuments, teeming with wildlife, and lush with rice fields, grasslands, and rivers. This is probably not how most people think of Cambodia, but after travelling through the country on this 12-day tour, your opinion is likely to change. Get off the tourist trail and let the travel experts of Exotissimo show you the real heart of Cambodia.

The tour starts in the capital of Phnom Penh, where the former granduer of French Indochina shines through in glimpses amongst the modern buildings of this rapidly growing city. Although the city was the epicentre of the tragic Khmer Rouge regime of the late 1970s, Phnom Penh's main sights remained relatively untouched. The splendour of the Royal Palace, graceful lines of the National Museum, and the tree lined river quay are just some of the highlights of the capital.

From Phnom Penh, head north to the rural areas of Kampong Thom and Kratie. Situated upon river banks, these two towns receive gloriously few tourists. Pre-Angkorian temples, rice fields, and dense grasslands dominate the scenery of these towns. But perhaps the biggest draw to the area, is a chance to see the endangered Irrawaddy dolphins that inhabit the shallow pools of the Mekong around Kratie.

As you continue your loop through rural Cambodia, travel toward the country's second biggest city, Battambang. Full of semi-neglected, French colonial buildings and situated on the banks of the Sangker River, the town has a quiet charm about it. But the surrounding countryside is what really makes Battambang shine as it is filled with rice paddies as far as the eye can see, stilted wooden houses, fruit farms, and, of course, temples.

Your tour ends in Siem Reap, the base town for exploring the Temples of Angkor. Built between the 9th and 13th century, hundreads of temples lie within the area that once served as the capital for the mighty Khmer empire. With your expert guide, your tour will not only expose you to the beauty of the temples, but also to the wonders of this ancient kingdom.

See the best Cambodia has to offer as you travel from city to countryside on the 'Grand Tour'. Visit ancient wonders and witness the everday life of the local people, whose giant smiles and friendly greetings will be a constant reminder just how special place Cambodia is.

Day 1 : Arrival in Phnom Penh  ( L)

Upon arriving in Phnom Penh, your guide will meet you and transfer you to your hotel. In the afternoon, explore the rich history and waterways of the capital city. Visit the opulent Royal Place, home to Cambodia's Royal family, and the National Museum, with its superb collection of Khmer art. End the day with a boat ride along the Mekong and Tonle Rivers, and watch the sun set as you cruise up and down Phnom Penh's famous quay, which is lined with French-colonial style buildings. Overnight in Phnom Penh

Day 2 : Phnom Penh - Kampong Cham - Kratie ( B,L)

Driving to Kampong Cham, soak in the scenery of rural Cambodia as you drive pass cashew nut plantations, rice fields, and traditional villages. Tour the town centre of Kampong Cham, a former French trading post on the banks of the Mekong before continue to Wat Nokor, an evocative 11th century sandstone Buddhist shrine. End your day's journey in the sleepy riverside town of Kratie. Overnight at Udom Sambath, Kratie

Day 3 :  Kratie ( B,L )

This morning, stroll through this laid-back northern town, perhaps even visiting the local market where vendors sell everything from fresh fruits and meats to motorbike tires and helmets. Set out for a countryside tour and then board a boat in the afternoon to try and catch a glimpse of the endangered, freshwater Irrawaddy dolphins. Although only about 100 remain in the world, the waters around Kratie have been known to house several pods of these unusual animals. Overnight at Udom Sambath, Kratie

Day 4 :  Kratie - Kampong Thom  ( B,L )

Depart for Kampong Thom passing through lush grasslands- home to a plethora of waterbirds- and watch out for ox-carts along the road, the main form of local transportation in this region. Although there are almost 1000 steps, climbing up Phnom Santuk Mountain offers spectacular vistas of the surrounding countryside and houses a small pagoda at the top. After soaking in the view, descend the steps and continue by road to Kampong Thom. Overnight at Stung Sen Hotel, Kampong Thom

Day 5 : Kampong Thom - Phnom Penh ( B,L )

Sambor Prei Kuk, 30 kms north of town, is a jungle-enclosed temple complex that receives very few tourists due to its remote location. However, a visit to these Pre-Angkorian ruins should not be missed. As you travel through the ruins on bike and foot, you will be awe-struck at the melding of architecture and nature, as the brick structures here blend seemlessly with the nature surrounding them. After lunch in Kampong Thom, return to Phnom Penh for the evening. Overnight in Phnom Penh

Day 6 : Phnom Penh - Battambang ( B,L )

Today's drive takes you west to Battambang, Cambodia's second largest city, yet worlds away from the buzz of Phnom Penh. After checking in to your hotel, visit Wat Ek Phnom, an 11th century temple situated on a small hill and surrounded by lily ponds and motas. Overnight at La Villa, Battambang

Day 7 :  Battambang ( B,L)

In the morning, make an excursion to Phnom Sampoeu to visit the Memorial for Khmer Rouge victims, before continuing on to Phnom Banan, where a gorgeous brick pagoda sits atop a hill in the middle of the countryisde. A dramatic reminder of the Pol Pot Regime is the Komping Puoy Resevoir, where thousands died working on this gigantic civil-engineering project which was part of the Regime's plan to irrigate the countryside. Overnight at La Villa, Battambang

Day 8 : Battambang - Siem Reap ( B,L )

After breakfast, transfer by road to Siem Reap, the gateway city to the Temples of Angkor. En route, stop at a Silk Farm where you can see every step of the process starting from the raising of silk worms to the spinning, dying, and weaving of the silk. Check in to your Siem Reap hotel, relax . Overnight in Siem Reap

Day 9 : Siem Reap ( B,L)

This morning, take an excursion to Banteay Srey. This petite pink sandstone temple is amongst the oldest of the Angkor monuments, being built in the 10th century, and is covered in intricate carvings. The highlight of this afternoon's tour is the fabulous Ta Prohm Temple, where, over the years, the roots of enormous fig trees and gigantic creepers have embraced the temple; visits to Pre Rup, East Mebon, Ta Som, Neak Poan and Preah Khan. Overnight in Siem Reap

Day 10 : Siem Reap (Koh Ker and Beng Mealea) (B,L)

Today leave Siem Reap town for a full day trip to Koh Ker and Beng Melea. Koh Ker is a former capital of the Khmer Kingdom, pre-dating Angkor, and is home to many spectacular 10th century temples. Continue to the remote Beng Mealea, a temple often missed out by the crowds due to its location and jungle surroundings. However, it offers excellent photo opportunities of tree covered structures and hidden carvings and hallways. Overnight in  Siem Reap

Day 11:  Siem Reap ( B, L )

Your final day of temple touring commences at the South Gate of Angkor Thom where gigantic moats, archways, and 8 metre high walls surround the 'great city'. Inside, dozens of temples fill the area, including the mysterious Bayon with its face-covered towers dominating the skyline. This tour saves the best for last as you cap off your temple exploration with a visit to the magnificent 12th century Angkor Wat. As the afternoon casts its light on to the bas-reliefs and towers of this incredible structure, reflect upon the magnitude and splendor of the temples of Cambodia. Overnight in Siem Reap

Day 12 : Siem Reap Departure ( B,L )

After breakfast, take a boat trip on the great lake Tonle Sap (July-February) where you'll see Vietnamese and Cambodian fishing villages of bamboo-thatched, stilted houses, and sunken forests. Or, choose to visit Artisans d'Angkor where young Cambodians are being trained in traditional arts and crafts, such as wood and stone carving. Your tour will end with your transfer to Siem Reap Airport for your onward flight.

We can arrange additional customized trips for you if the above itinerary does not match your expectations.

• Accommodation as mentioned in the program
• Meals as per mentioned (B = Breakfast , L = Lunch, D = Dinner )
• Local English speaking guides
• Tours and transfers as mentioned by private air-conditioned vehicles
• Entrance fees for mentioned visits
• All sighseeing and activities as mentioned.

• Services and meals not mentioned
• International and additional domestic flights incl. Taxes
• Drinks, mini bar, and personal expenses
• Travel insurance
• Tips
• Flight Siem Reap-Phnom Penh on day 4 (excl. domestic airport-tax)