The Ultimate 13-Day History and Culture Cambodia Tour

Day 1: Phnom Penh Welcome to Cambodia's Capital

Meet your private guide at the Phnom Penh airport, and transfer to your elegant hotel that looks out over the water. Begin your Cambodia tour with a welcome dinner of traditional Khmer cuisine while dancers tell ancient stories with their elegant and purposeful art. Get acquainted with the city with a quick exploratory tour and enjoy the local nightlife.

Day 2: Phnom Penh Full-Day Tour of the City's Historic Sites

The preservation of the French buildings along the sea is almost regal. The streets and neighborhood stores are naturally colored with pastel hues and graceful wide windows, and the corner windows are accented with little balconies. Travel around the city after breakfast and arrive at Wat Phnom, built in the 14th century. 

It is situated on a green hilltop, with its temple towering over the giant flower-covered clock that adorns the entrance at the height of about 90 feet. Visit the main stupa, shaped like a bell with traditional naga spirits that look like snakes decorating the corners of the roof. Learn about the diverse history of the city, from ancient to contemporary, joyous to tumultuous. This temple claims to be where Phnom Penh first emerged, marking the start of an illustrious "Pearl of Asia."

Day 3: Kratie French Trading Post of Kampong Cham and Wat Nokor Temple

Leave the capital and go to Kampong Cham, a city on the Mekong River that is regarded as the entryway to the eastern part of Cambodia. See the Kizuna Bridge, the nation's first structure of its sort to cross the Mekong, which measures more than 4,921 feet wide. When you get to Wat Nokor, you'll see an 11th-century Buddhist shrine around a contemporary Theravada pagoda. The temple is the residence of several monks, and the calm atmosphere will allow you time to take in the scent of sandalwood. In the evening, retire to your hotel in Kratie, where the captivating rural charm is enhanced by the establishment's rural ambiance.

Day 4: Kratie The Mekong Village of Kampi and Sorsor Mouy Roy Temple

Kratie is a region of Cambodia that depends on the beautiful waters of the Mekong River. Explore the city center's French Colonial architecture. The large windows and beautiful balconies provide a sense of provincial France to the rural town, from the central market to the riverbanks. Explore the center market, which bustles with shoppers from all around the region and offers fresh fish and veggies. Embark on a kayak and explore the river in search of the critically endangered Irrawaddy dolphin. Sit on the riverbanks and enjoy the evening as you watch the sun fall over the entire horizon.

Day 5: Kampong Thom Visit Phnom Santuk Mountain

Bid the freshwater dolphins farewell and proceed in the direction of Kampong Thom. Discover a pagoda at the top of Phnom Santuk Mountain's 980 steps. The foothills are intermittently adorned with Buddha statues, and the slopes are forested. As you ascend, you will pass numerous pagodas adorned with nagas and dragons, and tiny statues of monks will line the route to the mountain's summit. Monks are eager for you to enter the temple at the summit of the mountain, and they will formally invite you. After arriving at Kampong Thom, make yourself at home in the Sambor Village, which is surrounded by the relaxing murmur of the river.

Day 6: Siem Reap Pre-Angkorian Ruins of Sambor Prei Kuk

Explore Sambor Prei Kuk to see the historic temples hidden among the trees. The brick-built temples, dating as far back as the 7th century, precede Angkor by about 500 years. Take a look at some of the carvings on the temple walls, such as the series of female fertility symbols that surround the main tower. Go to Siem Reap and stay in the opulent rooms of the Somadevi Angkor Hotel and Spa, where the fusion of contemporary conveniences and classic design creates a wonderful, embracing atmosphere.

Day 7: Siem Reap Angkor Wat and the Ta Prohm Complex

Follow your guide to the legendary Angkor Wat temple. At the western gate, come to the first imposing building and proceed along the corridor. Even as a silhouette in the early dawn, the magnificent structure from the 12th century is breathtaking. From the large building, five towers emerge. The cluster of spires symbolizes Mount Meru, the gods' residence. When you enter the main structure, you'll see intricate reliefs that highlight religious legend. You could spend all day tracing your finger against the sandstone's dancing apsaras and prancing animals. The grandeur's craftsmanship and size make it more than just impressivethey also make it intriguing.

Day 8: Siem Reap The Ancient City Angkor Thom

At its height, Angkor Thom had a population of up to 150,000, making it the largest metropolis in the world. After breakfast, proceed to the massive, old city walls with the assistance of your personal guide. The 328-foot-wide moat is crossed by a substantial bridge in the Khmer Empire's capital. Witness the noteworthy elements that differ from the Angkor Wat excursion the day before as you stroll among the wonderful artwork and historic buildings. Investigate the Leper King's Terrace. It is a sizable ornate platform with a statue perched atop it. The statue is surrounded by a multi-headed naga and is carved with detailed deities in various poses.

Day 9: Siem Reap Explore the Overgrown Jungle Around Beng Mealea

The jungle's majesty lies not only in its natural beauty but also in its hidden mysteries. When you go to Beng Mealea, you can explore the hidden riches the jungle holds. The huge moat surrounded the Hindu temple when it was built in the 12th century. Enjoy the calm atmosphere, which heightens the legend-like feeling. Hindu mythology is depicted on standing walls, and the temple passageway is astonishingly preserved despite being low-lit.

Day 10: Battambang Visit the Villages of Tonle Sap Lake

Leave the jungle's treasures behind and travel to Battambang. Step onto your boat and proceed to the Tonle Sap Lake shoreline, the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia. While the sun is warm and the breeze is cool, watch the settlements that line the shoreline quickly vanish into the distance. Watch as longtail boats filled with happy children, waving fishermen, and rice fields on distant coastlines flow past you. Arrive in Battambang in the afternoon. It is the second-largest city in Cambodia and feels like a tranquil town because of the nearby river's calming influence. Observe the French Colonial buildings that line the riverbank.

Day 11: Battambang The Temple of Phnom Sampeau and the Bamboo Train

The French Colonial buildings that makeup Battambang's historic core is just one example of the city's wealth in architectural diversity. Among the best colonial buildings in all of Cambodia, the pastel hues and abundance of windows create a distinctive ambiance. Find the Bamboo Train in the countryside. The French built the railroads that connected Battambang and Phnom Penh. Ride on and find the splendor of the expanse of fields. Get a taste of the entrepreneurial and enduring spirit of Cambodia.

Day 12: Phnom Penh Traditional Villages of Kampong Chhnang and Oudong

The French Colonial buildings that make up the city's historic core are just one example of the wealth of architectural styles found in Battambang. Among the colonial buildings in Cambodia that are best preserved, the pastel colors and abundance of windows create a distinctive ambiance. Find the Bamboo Train outside of the city. Battambang and Phnom Penh were connected by French-built railroads.

Day 13: Phnom Penh Depart for Home

After breakfast, your guide will transfer you to the airport for your international departure.