PERFECT FOR:
- Families and travelers of all ages
- History & Architecture Buffs
- Immersive Cultural Experiences
- Animal Lovers
A Cultural Tour of Cambodia’s Past & Present – Siem Reap, Phnom Penh, Kep
9 Days / 8 Nights – Tour Code (CMB) – Private Tour – Daily departure
While Cambodia is often exclusively associated with the magnificent Angkor Wat, there is plenty more that meets the eye when it comes to truly experiencing Cambodia – its food, its culture and most extraordinarily, its people. We will preface this by saying this tour may not be for everyone. But for those seeking beyond the beaten path and wish to see Cambodia “unfiltered”, this trip will forever change your life.
Your tour begins with Siem Reap, home to the ever-impressive Angkor Wat that offers a glimpse into the untold mysteries of the mighty Khmer Empire dating back to the 9th Century. Feast your eyes with a plethora of stunning architectures including the massive Angkor Wat Temple, the ancient fortified city of Angkor Thom, the “jungle temple” of Ta Prohm featured hit movie Lara Croft – Tomb Raiders, and the beautifully crafted Banteay Srei Temple built in pink sandstone. Catch a glimpse life outside the tourist spotlight by embarking on a time capsule to Tonle Sap Lake’s primitive floating communities to observe the day-in-the-life of the local Khmer fisherman, or kids play on the Great Lake. At night, Siem Reap comes alive with its colorful night markets and quaint open-air restaurants teeming with locals and tourists alike.
Next, travel to Phnom Penh, Cambodia’s capital city that showcases the country’s humble present, promising future, and painful past. Visit the city’s famed landmarks including the opulent Royal Palace and National Museum. Observe modern-day Cambodia’s modest way of life and feel how it pales in comparison to that of first world societies. Relive Cambodia’s dark chapter under the brutal Khmer Rouge era by visiting Tuol Sleng, or S-21, a high school turned into an interrogation and torture facility; and the mind-boggling Killing Fields where tens of thousands of Cambodians were mercilessly murdered under Pol Pot’s regime. As distressing as these sights might be, it is through learning about the country’s horrific past can one truly gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of the Cambodian people, then and now.
After a couple of days in the big city, it’s time for some R&R. We end your Cambodia adventure journeying southwest bound thru the lush countryside, passing thru small rural villages, to the tiny seaside town Kep. Nestled on the coast of Gulf of Thailand, this little gem is completely off the tourist grid. There are no neon lights, souvenir shops, nauseating bars – just a quaint, peaceful beach town popular amongst the locals. Relax and soak up the sun and surf. Stroll thru Crab Market to observe the local fishermen bring in the day’s catch. Sample tantalizing seafood at one of many unassuming waterfront restaurants. Explore the neighboring towns by motorbike or simply mingle with the friendly locals. Whatever your definition of getting away from it all, Kep will not disappoint.
From Siem Reap’s awe-inspiring Angkor temples to Phnom Penh’s shimmering palaces. Tonle Sap’s serene floating villages to Kep’s unsurpassed seaside charm. Timeless traditions to warm, gentle smiles. This is an unforgettable journey that will change your life.
TOUR INCLUDES:
- Economy Class Siem Reap / Phnom Penh Airfares per itinerary
- 8 nights hotel accommodations of your choice
- Hotel breakfasts daily
- Other meals as specified per itinerary (food only)
- Private Sightseeing & Transfers by private car, driver and Professional Guides
SIEM REAP (3 nights)
- 3 nights at Lotus Blanc Hotel (Superior) OR Shinta Mani Angkor (Deluxe)
- Private Angkor Temples Tour by E-Bike
- Elephant Experience at Kulen Forest
- Private boat trip to Tonle Sap Lake at Kampong Kleang
PHNOM PENH (2 nights)
- 2 nights at Amanjaya Pancam Hotel (Superior) OR Palace Gate Hotel* (Deluxe)
- Extensive sightseeing including Royal Palace, National Museum, Tuol Sleng & Killing Fields
KEP (3 nights)
- 3 nights at Samanea Beach Resort (Superior) OR Knai Baan Chat Resort (Deluxe)
- Free time to relax, soak up the Cambodian countryside and explore this beautiful region on your own
*Accommodations at Palace Gate Hotel features Royal/Apsara Suite
Day 1 Arrive Siem Reap
Upon arrival in Siem Reap, be met by your personal guide and transferred to your hotel for your next 3 nights’ accommodations. Enjoy the balance of the day at leisure to relax and explore Siem Reap on your own.
Day 2 Siem Reap (Angkor Temples)
Experience the beauty and tranquility of Angkor Wat at Sunrise. Angkor Wat, the crown jewel of Khmer architecture and the national symbol of Cambodia. Angkor Wat is the largest, best preserved, and most religiously significant of the Angkor temples covering 81 hectares and comparable in size to the Imperial Palace in Beijing. Angkor impresses visitors both by its sheer scale and beautifully proportioned layout, as well as the delicate artistry of its carvings.
After lunch, head to the picturesque Ta Prohm by E-Bike. This temple is considered to be Angkor’s most beautiful structure and is overgrown with fig trees, giving a haunting yet exotic atmosphere. The magnificent roots of the trees have merged over the centuries with the temple’s huge stone blocks, emphasizing a ‘forgotten city’ feeling. Next up is Angkor Thom, the ancient royal city of the Khmer Empire best known for its Bayon temple, Terrace of the Elephants, and Terrace of the Leper King. Overnight in Siem Reap. (B,L)
Day 3 Siem Reap (Elephant Experience & Tonle Sap Lake)
Get ready for once-in-a-lifetime opportunity of an elephant experience at Kulen Elephant Forest. In the foothills of Kulen Mountain lie 1100 acres of protected forest inhabited by the 14 elephants of Angkor. Upon arriving at Kulen Mountain, head out to meet and greet the elephants with a 2km observation trek through the forest where the elephants are free to roam. Watch these gentle giants play in the cool pond and a chance to offer them some treats. Enjoy lunch at the lodge or at a local restaurant before continuing on to yet another unforgettable experience.
This afternoon, embark on a culturally inspiring boat trip to Tonle Sap Lake at Kampong Kleang. Tonle Sap, or the Great Lake swells up to seven times its original size during the monsoon season with an ecosystem that is one of the richest and most diverse in the region. This boat trip explores the primitive floating fishing villages that dwell atop the Great Lake, passing submerged forests and fishing farm and observing local children at play or fishermen at work. Return to your resort in Siem Reap. (B,L)
Day 4 Siem Reap / Phnom Penh
Fly to Phnom Penh, the charming yet somewhat chaotic capital of Cambodia. Commence sightseeing of the Royal Palace. Built in 1866 by King Norodom, this vast compound comprises of several revered treasures including the Silver Pagoda, a gold Buddha encrusted with 9,584 diamonds, and the 17th century emerald and baccarat crystal Buddha. Afterwards, visit the Champey Academy of Arts (Caa), a local non-profit school offering impoverished youth free training in Cambodian traditional arts including dance, music, drawing and painting. Champey’s mission is to inspire young people to preserve, protect and promote their nation’s culture. Continue to the nearby National Museum exclusively devoted to preserving and exhibiting Khmer art and sculptures, home to hundreds of relics spanning both pre-and post-Angkorian era. Lunch is served at the exclusive FCC. (B,L)
Day 5 Phnom Penh
Today’s program offers a glimpse to the horrors of the Pol Pot Regime as a way to gain a deeper understanding and appreciation for modern-day Cambodia. Visit Tuol Sleng, also known as S-21, a former High School that was used by the Khmer Rouge regime as the interrogation and torture facility. Kept largely unchanged, Tuol Sleng showcases photographs and exhibits about the tens of thousands of victims that passed through these doors – of which only seven of whom came out alive. Afterward, continue to the Killing Fields of Choeung Ek, one of numerous mass graves that was later discovered. The Killing Fields provide a stark reminder of the atrocities under the Pol Pot regime where millions of innocent Cambodians were mercilessly murdered. Afternoon free at leisure to relax and explore Phnom Penh on your own. (B)
Day 6 Phnom Penh / Kep
After a plethora of sights and sounds, it’s time for some R&R. This morning, travel by road through the countryside, passing through small rural towns, to the quaint seaside town of Kep. En-route, visit a Pepper Plantation for which this region is well known for producing some of the best green, black and white peppers in the world. Check-in at your resort and enjoy your next 3 days in paradise. (B)
Day 7 Kep
Full day free at leisure to relax and enjoy Kep’s peaceful setting and charming local vibes. For the adventure minded, why not rent a motorbike or hire a car to the quaint riverside town of Kampot and/or several limestone caverns nearby. (B)
Day 8 Kep
Full day free at leisure. (B)
Day 9 Transfer to Phnom Penh
Transfer to Phnom Penh Airport (approx. 3 hours) your departure flight for your next destination. (B)
| 2025 Price Chart (Price valid through December 31, 2025) | ||||
Hotel | Twin Sharing | Single Supplement | ||
| LS | HS | LS | HS | |
| Superior | 2,925 | 3,295 | 935 | 1,245 |
| Deluxe | 3,625 | 4,035 | 1,775 | 2,125 |
| Tour requires 2 passengers to operate | ||||
- Prices are per person, based on double occupancy
- Prices includes all entrance fees, domestic air taxes, hotels taxes & service charges
- Price excludes personal expenses, beverages and gratuities to guides and drivers.
- Holiday surcharges and/or compulsory gala dinners at hotels apply between Dec. 20 – Jan. 05
- Land only cost includes intra-Asia flights per itinerary
- A Visas is required for Cambodia. Not included in package.
- For Air & Land Option:
- When Trans-Pacific travel takes place on a weekend (Friday-Sunday), add $50 per person each direction.
- *Jun-Aug rates apply for departures between May 24-31 due to peak season airfares
- **Airfare supplement of $500 (West Coast) | $600 (East Coast) applies for departures between December 10 – 31
- U.S. & Foreign departure taxes, fees and fuel surcharges are not included (Approx. $230 – subject to change).
- All flights, hotels and land services are subject to availability at time of reservation
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HIGHLIGHTS
- Angkor Wat & Angkor Thom
- Elephant Experience
- Boat trip of Tonle Sap Lake
- Tuol Sleng (S-21) & Killing Fields
- Royal Palace
- Visit to a performing arts school for impoverished children
- Beach Escape in Kep
Price Starting From:
$2,925
RELATED TOURS
ACCOMMODATIONS
Siem Reap – Lotus Blanc Resort
Phnom Penh – Palace Gate Hotel
Siem Reap – Shinta Mani Angkor Hotel
Kep – Samanea Beach Resort
Phnom Penh – Amanjaya Pancam Suites
Kep – Knai Bang Chatt Resort
WHAT PRIVATE TOUR MEANS
