Highlight - Phnom Penh

You will see Irrawaddy Dolphins in Kratie, the many Temples of Angkor Wat, the Bamboo Bridge at Kampong Cham, The Killing Fields and Royal Palace in Phnom Penh, the Floating Village of Kompong Khleang, the Colonial Buildings of laid back Kampot, the Crab Market in Kep, the cool refreshing views from Bokor Mountain, and then the beautiful beaches of Koh Rong on this 12 day Private Tour.

Duration 12 Days
Experiences Tour Guide English
Instant Confirmation
No Deposit Required
Free Cancellation 48 hours before
Mobile Voucher Accepted

12 Day Private Tour of Cambodia

Day 1) Phnom Penh

Today your guide will show you around the Capital, taking in the Silver Pagoda at the Royal Palace, The Genocide Museum, the Killing Fields, and then finishing with a private Sunset cruise on the river.

Day 2) Phnom Penh to Kratie

Departing Phnom Penh we cross the Tonle Sap River, then follow the Mekong as we move northeast. The countryside here is known for its fruit production, with Mangoes being particularly prized. We pass many Pagodas, large and small, and countless villages of people going about their daily life. This is a very pretty drive. We arrive in Kratie, and your guide will see you to your hotel.

Day 3) Kratie and Kampi

We will start the day with a walking tour of the city center, taking in the Market and viewing some of the old French Colonial buildings. Then we go just south of the city to visit the Wat Rokar Kandal, this Wat is noted for its carved wooden pediments and pillars. Most wooden Wats have not survived the ravages of time, or the Khmer Rouge. From there we move north of the city to the village of Kampi, where we board a small boat to explore the deeper pools of the Mekong in search of the Irrawaddy Dolphin. These endangered animals exist in only a few places in Cambodia, there is a resident population here that inhabits the pools below the rapids. You are guaranteed to see them.

Day 4) Kratie to Siem Reap

Today we leave Kratie and move south along the river before crossing the Mekong and heading to Siem Reap. On the way we will stop at the Floating Village of Kompong Khleang. Here we board a boat to view the village and head out onto the Tonle Sap lake itself. The people here sustain themselves by fishing in what is the largest lake in Southeast Asia. The water level changes drastically between the wet and dry season, with a low of 3,000 square kilometres, and a high of 16,000 square kilometres. The Floating Villages evolved as a way to live with the ever fluctuating water levels. Back on dry land we continue on to Siem Reap and get you checked into your hotel.

Day 5) Siem Reap and Angkor Wat

Our first stop of the day is at the magnificient Angkor Wat. Crossing the large Baray (reservoir) we enter the gate to the inner pavillion, then continue on the causeway to the Wat itself. The hundreds of intricately carved bas-reliefs adorning the complex are fascinating and function on a micro scale as a foil to the temples huge size. Then we head to Bayon famous for its large stone pillars topped with smiling faces of Brahma on each of their four sides. We will take a lunch break Cambodian style, sitting on a raised platform, then lay in a hammock with a cool drink for a brief rest. Following on we go to Ta Prohm, this is the temple made famous by the film Tomb Raider. Much of the vegetation and trees have been left to grow here, and are slowly pulling the temple apart. Visiting here gives you an idea of how many of the other temples would looked before restoration.

Day 6) Siem Reap and Environs

You will be up early today to watch the sunrise over Angkor Wat, this impressive site is something you will truly remember all your life. It is hard to describe how lovely this is, and photos do not do it justice. From there we visit the temples of Pre Rup and Banteay Srei. Banteay Srei, constructed from red sandstone, is noted for its numerous intricate carvings and for the temples diminutive size. Last on the agenda today is a visit to Preah Khan. This was a city of over 100,000 people, and contained a monastery, university, government offices, and of course temples. While many buildings were constructed of wood and have not survived, their stone counterparts still exist, including city walls, and numerous buildings, including one unusual two story building thought to be a library.

Day 7) Siem Reap to Kampong Cham

After Breakfast at your hotel your guide will drive you to Kampong Cham. Situated on the right bank of the Mekong this is a city built on river trade. Here you will visit Koh Pen and its Bamboo Bridge. Rebuilt every year during the dry season this is an important link to the mainland. From there we visit Banteay Prey Nokor, located just 2km from the center of the city. This ancient complex is unusual in that it is built primarily of black sandstone. A contemporary Pagoda sits in its centre and breathes new life into the site. After this you will be brought to your hotel and you are free for the evening. You may wish to do as the locals do and wlak along the wide promenade next to the river.

Day 8) Kampong Cham to Kampot

Today we make our way to Kampot with its French Colonial buildings set along an estuarine river. Stopping at the market in Skun you may sample a local delicacy, Tarantula. If that's not your thing don't worry, lunch will be at the delicious La Plantation just outside Kampot. Here you can see and taste the world famous Kampot Peppercorn at their restaurant located right on the Pepper Plantataion. It's a gorgeous spot with lovely gardens. Then to your hotel in Kampot.

Day 9) Kampot and Kep

Our first stop today is at Bokor Mountain, the former Hill Station developed by the French to provide an escape during our Hot Season. We will see the grand statue of Lok Yeay Mao, at 29 metres tall she is a prominent feature on the mountain. From there to the ruins of the Catholic Church, and the magnificient view across the bay to the islands just offshore. Then to Wat Sampov Pram, the Five Boats Wat, perched right along the edge of the cliff. Down the mountain, then to Kep for lunch at the Crab Market. The Crab is fresh off the boat and a delicious local dish is Pepper Crab, combining two of the regions most famous products.

Day 10) Kampot to Sihanoukville- Koh Rong

After pickup your guide will transport you to the Ferry Port in Sihanoukville for the trip to Koh Rong Island. The island has lovely sand beaches and rocky promontories to explore, as well as Jungle to walk through.

Day 11) Koh Rong

This is a free day on the island to enjoy as you wish.

Day 12) Koh Rong-Sihanoukville to Phnom Penh

Today you will take the ferry back to Sihanoukville, then your guide will return you to Phnom Penh. Alternatively, you may end your tour here and continue on independently, book one of our other tours, or we can arrange transport to another location.

Included