10 Days in Cambodia: Temples, Culture & Waterfalls

Welcome to Phnom Penh, the capital of Cambodia and the seat of its monarchy. Sitting at the confluence of the Tonle Sap & Mekong Rivers, Phnom Penh is a unique blend of ancient traditions & modern life, reflected through a unique mix of French colonical architecture, golden-spired temples, and bustling city life.

Your adventure starts with exploring the Royal Palace & Silver Pagoda – two of Phnom Penh’s most iconic landmarks. The Palace serves as the official residence of the current Cambodian king and a stunning example of Khmer architecture with its golden roofs & intricate carvings.

Within the palace grounds is the Silver Pagoda, which houses the dazzling statue of the Emerald Buddha, and the golden statue of the Matreiya Buddha adorned with thousands of diamonds.

Next, visit the infamous Killing Fields and S21 – a notorious prison during the Khmer Rouge regime, now serving as museum preserving the memory of the thousands who had suffered there.

Conclude your adventure with a stop at the Russian Market to immerse yourselves in its lively atmosphere, shop for unique souvenirs, and sample some local dishes.

Your transport will arrive to take you towards the charming riverside town of Battambang, passing through verdant rice fields and roadside villages.

On the way, stop by the floating village of Kampong Luong, located on the Tonle Sap Lake – the largest freshwater water lake in Southeast Asia. Hop on a boat and discover this unique community of Vietnamese and Cambodian residents, and their equally unique lifestyle.

Arrival at Battambang, check-in to hotel and rest.

Your adventure begins with a visit to the Battambang market for an immersive experience of local life. Then, continue for a walk off the beaten track to explore surrounding villages, discovering the traditional cottage industries and handicrafts.

A moment’s rest, then continue towards Wat Ek Phnom, an 11th century sandstone temple distinguished for its intricate carvings of Hindu mythology and historic atmosphere. A short stroll through the Wat Kor Cultural Village to admire its beautifully preserved wooden houses, showcasing traditional Khmer architecture and craftsmanship.

Conclude today’s adventure at Phnom Sampov, a major Buddhist pilgrimage site in Cambodia, dotted with temples, sanctuaries, stupas, and caves. At dusk, thousands of bats emerge from the caves located on the hillside, creating a spectacular natural phenomenon.

This morning, your adventure starts at the Bamboo Railway Station, boarding the quaint yet charming bamboo train (a 4-wheeled bamboo platform powered by a motor engine). Sitting on this platform, we travel for 8 kilometers through the picturesque landscape of rural country.

Next, a short stop at the Banan Grape Farm, a local family-owned winery, where you can learn all about producing wine in a tropical climate, accompanied with a spot of wine-tasting.

Arrive at your final stop, the serene and untouched Wat Banan Temple, built in the ancient Angkorian style. Embark on a climb of 300+ steps to reach the summit, where you are rewarded with a panoramic view of the Sangke River and the peaceful countryside below.

Today you’ll travel through Cambodia’s scenic countryside to reach Siem Reap, our gateway towards the Angkor Wat Temples – Cambodia’s most well-known historical landmark.

On the way, visit the Angkor Silk Farm for an immersive experience into Cambodia’s rich heritage of silk-making. You can witness the process of silk creation from start to finish, from the harvesting of mulberry, to the breeding of silkworms, and into the final product of high-quality textiles.

Arrival at Siem Reap, check-in to hotel for rest & free time at leisure.

Your adventure of the great Angkor Wat Temple Complex begins, where you will visit the ancient city of Angkor Thom, within which lies several unique landmarks:

• The Bayon Temple with its hundreds of stone faces
• The Terrace of the Leper King & Terrace of Elephants
• The pyramidal Baphuon Temple
• The Celestial Temple of Phimeanakas

In the evening, venture atop the Phnom Bakheng Temple for panoramic view of Angkor Wat at sunset.

Continuing your adventure at the Angkor Wat complex by visiting:

• Thommanon – a less crowded and captivating Hindu temple
• Banteay Kdei – the “Citadel of Chambers”
• Srah Srang – Angkor Wat’s reservoir and the “King’s Pool”
• Ta Prohm – well-known for its towering trees & famously featured in
• Tomb Raider (2001)

A moment’s rest in the afternoon to escape the midday sun, then conclude your journey at Angkor Wat at the Grand Circuit, visiting:

• Pre Rup – a funerary temple that glows a soft golden hue at sunrise & sunset
• East Mebon – an island temple that was once surrounded by a vast reservoir
• Ta Som – a small and serene temple surrounded by jungle, similar to Ta Prohm
• Neak Pean – a spiritual hospital located within a reservoir
  Preah Khan – the “Holy Sword”, a temple gifted by an ancient king to his father

At night, you are treated to an Apsara Dinner Show – a cultural feast of traditional Khmer buffet combined with a captivating performance of classical dance.

Today’s adventure begins at the Rolous Group, an archeological site that marked the first capital of the Khmer Empire, and consists of 3 major temples: Bakong, Lolei, and Preah Ko.

Continue to Banteay Srei, the “Citadel of Women” and jewel of Khmer art. This small but stunning Hindu temple is known for its detailed three-dimensional carvings and remarkable state of preservation. We will also visit Banteay Samre, an often overlooked but nonetheless beautiful ancient temple, located northeast of Angkor Wat.

Conclude your adventure by attending the Phare Circus, a one-of-a-kind performance that blends acrobatics, folk music, dancing, and theatrical storytelling to depict historical and modern aspects of Cambodian life.

Overnight in Siem Reap (breakfast).

After a memorable journey through Cambodia’s temples, villages, and natural wonders, it’s time to say goodbye. Enjoy your final morning in Siem Reap with optional last-minute shopping or a relaxing breakfast at your hotel. Our team will provide a smooth transfer to Siem Reap International Airport for your departure. Leave with unforgettable memories and a deeper connection to Cambodia’s rich history and warm hospitality.

This package does not include international or domestic flights, departure airport taxes, or visa arrangement fees. Travel insurance is the responsibility of each traveler. Any meals and drinks not specified in the itinerary, personal expenses such as souvenirs, laundry, or additional services, as well as excess baggage charges, are not covered. Gratuities for guides and drivers are also not included and are left to the guest’s discretion.