
Essential Cambodia two-week tour
Explore the rich history and captivating landscapes of Cambodia on this essential two-week tour. Gaze in wonder at the architectural gems of Angkor Wat and the surrounding UNESCO temple complexes. Meander through verdant paddy fields and slow-paced villages, stopping to meet the locals and taking part in an exciting mix of cultural activities, from cooking classes and foodie tours to pottery making and a circus performance. You’ll also explore Cambodia’s more recent, and darker, past relating to the Khmer Rouge in Phnom Penh. Then your last few days will be spent in all-out relaxation on a tropical island escape. This multi-layered tour gets under the skin of Cambodia, giving you insight after insight into the country’s fascinating history, vibrant present and bright future.
Services
Included:
- Meet & greet, 24/7 assistance
- 13 x nights' accommodation with breakfast
- Meals specified in itinerary
- Airport transfers
- Private transfers in air-conditioned car
- Private tours in Angkor, Kampong Khleang, Battambang & Phnom Penh with English-speaking guides, entrance fee & transfers
- Ferry boat transfers in Koh Rong
- Pottery village experience
- Tickets to Phare Circus
Excluded:
- International flights
- Personal expenses
- Travel insurance
- Visa fee Cambodia ($30)
- Tips for guides & drivers
Optional:
- Kulen Elephant Project (morning tour, $80 pp, join-in tour)
Itinerary at a Glance
Siem Reap
Touchdown in Cambodia
Siem Reap - Angkor Wat
Magical temple complexes
Siem Reap - Kampong Khleang
Floating village life
Siem Reap
Siem Reap & the circus
Siem Reap - Battambang
The road to Battanbang
Battambang
Culture & nature in Battambang
Battambang
Battambang by bike
Battambang - Kampong Chhnang
Pottery making & exploring
Kampong Chhnang - Phnom Penh
Phnom Penh Foodie Tour
Phnom Penh
City tour in Phnom Penh
Phnom Penh - Koh Rong
Island time
Koh Rong
Beach day on Koh Rong
Koh Rong - Phnom Penh
Phnom Penh nights
Phnom Penh
Homeward bound
Detailed Itinerary

Siem Reap
Day 1: Touchdown in Cambodia
Your driver will welcome you at the airport for a transfer to your hotel in the city. Once there, sit down for a chat with one of our team to ask any questions you might have and discuss your forthcoming adventures.
The rest of the day is free for you to relax after your journey. Unwind by the pool with a tropical cocktail and let the Cambodian sunshine melt away any travel fatigue. Or, if you're eager to explore, delve into the vibrant heart of Siem Reap.

Siem Reap - Angkor Wat
Day 2: Magical temple complexes
After breakfast, climb aboard a bicycle tuk-tuk (Cambodia's iconic open-air taxi) for an exhilarating journey to Angkor Wat. This UNESCO World Heritage Site dates back to the 12th century and is a masterpiece of Khmer architecture. Intricate sculptures adorn its walls, with wide walkways and monumental towers. After exploring this wonder, we'll take a refreshing break for lunch. Then, a short drive takes us to Angkor Thom, another impressive temple complex. Our final stop is at Ta Phrom, a captivating temple where nature reigns supreme. Here, towering trees with gigantic roots intertwine with the ancient stonework.
Later that day, it's back to your hotel, where the rest of the day is free for you to relax or explore further.

Siem Reap - Kampong Khleang
Day 3: Floating village life
Get an early start, leaving Siem Reap in one of our charming vintage jeeps. Trade the city bustle for a scenic bike tour along flat, red dirt roads weaving through traditional villages. Stop by a local fish market to witness the vibrant Khmer fish trade and immerse yourself in the everyday life of the community. Then we'll journey to Kampong Khleang, one of Cambodia's most impressive floating villages. During the rainy season, a boat trip will unveil the village's unique charm. In the dry season, we'll navigate on foot. Next, get a glimpse into local life with a delicious Khmer lunch shared with welcoming villagers in their traditional stilt homes. Afterwards, we'll visit a peaceful pagoda and a Vietnamese floating village.
The rest of the evening is free to spend however you please in Siem Reap.

Siem Reap
Day 4: Siem Reap & the circus
The day is free for you to design your own experience in Siem Reap. Dive deeper into Cambodia's rich history by exploring additional temples or tantalise your taste buds with a traditional Khmer cooking class. Feeling energetic? Rent a bicycle and explore the charming town at your own pace. In the evening, prepare to be captivated by Phare Cambodian Circus. This high-octane performance fuses modern circus arts with stunning music, weaving tales to celebrate Cambodian traditions. Prepare to be mesmerised by a vibrant blend of theatre, dance, acrobatics, aerial feats and more.

Siem Reap - Battambang
Day 5: The road to Battanbang
This morning after breakfast, embark on a scenic journey to Battambang (approximately 3-4 hours), a city brimming with colonial architecture and rich cultural heritage.
On arrival, unwind at your hotel, featuring a swimming pool and relaxing palm garden – the perfect haven to recharge after your explorations. The rest of the evening is yours to explore at your own pace.

Battambang
Day 6: Culture & nature in Battambang
Enjoy breakfast, then kick off the day with a thrilling ride on the iconic bamboo train, with a bamboo platform that serves as a local transport marvel. This unique experience will offer a glimpse into the lives of the villagers who use it to carry their goods.
Next, we'll journey through the northern countryside of Battambang, stopping to meet the locals and learn about Cambodian food traditions and crafts. After a delicious lunch, we'll hop on a tuk-tuk and weave through charming villages and picturesque rice fields towards Phnom Sompov Mountain. Here, take a scenic motorbike ride up the first part of the mountain to explore ancient temples and shrines. As the sun dips, we'll descend on foot to see a truly awe-inspiring spectacle – witnessing thousands of bats emerge from their mountainside caves at dusk.

Battambang
Day 7: Battambang by bike
Eat a hearty breakfast today, as this morning we'll set off on a unique cycling adventure that combines the architectural wonders of Battambang with an exploration of the surrounding countryside. Hop on a bike and prepare to be charmed by the town's historical buildings before venturing into the lush surrounding landscapes.
We continue our journey towards a traditional Muslim fishing village. Here, we'll trade our bikes for authentic wooden fishing boats to explore the Sangke River. Sit back, relax and soak up the tranquillity as you witness the timeless art of local fishermen casting their nets. In the afternoon, we return to the city for a free evening, making a few cultural pitstops along the way home.

Battambang - Kampong Chhnang
Day 8: Pottery making & exploring
Today after breakfast, we journey south along Highway 5 enjoying views of verdant rice paddies, rural life and villages. Our first stop is Kampong Chhnang, the ‘Port of Pottery’ with its rich heritage of fishing, agriculture and pottery making. Here, we'll delve into the heart of this time-honoured craft by visiting a local pottery workshop. Get ready for a truly hands-on experience. Witness the meticulous skills passed down through generations and grab the chance to create your own pottery masterpiece.
We continue to Smiling Gecko's Farm, nestled amid idyllic rice fields. Here you'll discover an innovative and holistic social project. Learn about the farm's inspiring work and gain a deeper understanding of sustainable practices within a beautiful rural setting. We'll spend the night here at the farm.

Kampong Chhnang - Phnom Penh
Day 9: Phnom Penh Foodie Tour
Spend a full morning exploring the farm and learning about its varied projects.
In the afternoon, we'll travel to Phnom Penh, the captivating capital of Cambodia. This vibrant city sits at the confluence of three mighty rivers – the Mekong, the Bassac and the Tonle Sap. Phnom Penh blends French colonial architecture and tree-lined boulevards with awe-inspiring Angkor influences. Settle into your new hotel, then embark on an unforgettable culinary journey through Phnom Penh, exploring the city's vibrant street food scene. Savour the authentic flavours of Cambodia as you sample 20 delectable dishes and drinks across seven unique stops. Our expert local foodie guide will be your compass, navigating you through bustling markets and charming backstreets. Along the way, they'll unveil fascinating stories about the city's food culture and rich history.

Phnom Penh
Day 10: City tour in Phnom Penh
After breakfast, climb aboard a traditional Khmer tuk-tuk for a city tour. Our first stop is a dazzling display of Khmer architecture at the Royal Palace.
Next, we take a short climb to Wat Phnom, a tranquil pagoda perched atop a 35m hill. As we continue, prepare for a more sombre experience with a visit to the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and the Killing Fields. While undoubtedly disturbing, these visits are essential for understanding the resilience of the Cambodian people and their unwavering spirit as they move towards a brighter future.
Afterwards, return to your hotel, where the rest of the evening is at your leisure.

Phnom Penh - Koh Rong
Day 11: Island time
After breakfast, your driver will whisk you away from Phnom Penh to the Sihanoukville boat pier. From there, you'll embark on a scenic journey by boat, cruising towards the captivating Koh Rong Island. Prepare to be dazzled as you approach this tropical paradise. Pristine white sand beaches fringed with swaying palm trees and crystal-clear turquoise waters await.
Check into your accommodation and relax: this island escape promises blissful relaxation under the sun, refreshing dips in the ocean, and unforgettable moments spent soaking up the beauty of your surroundings.

Koh Rong
Day 12: Beach day on Koh Rong
Let the day unfold at your own pace starting with a relaxed breakfast at your island hotel.
Sink your toes into the warm sand and feel the ocean breeze on your skin. Today is left free for you to enjoy island life in the sunshine, perhaps with an optional excursion of diving or snorkelling in the tropical waters.

Koh Rong - Phnom Penh
Day 13: Phnom Penh nights
Say goodbye to Koh Rong island paradise as you board a scenic ferry back to the mainland.
Back on land, your driver will welcome you for a journey through Cambodia's ever-changing tapestry back to Phnom Penh. Lush rice paddies unfurl, bustling towns thrum with life and serene countryside vistas are all around. Check-in at your hotel and enjoy one last evening in the city. Delve into its rich history, tantalise your taste buds with Cambodian delicacies, or simply wander the bustling streets, soaking up the atmosphere.

Phnom Penh
Day 14: Homeward bound
After breakfast, it's time to transfer to the airport in good time for your homeward flight.