12-Day Cambodia Adventure: Angkor Wat, Phnom Penh & Coastal Escapes

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.

Depart from Phnom Penh and begin your adventure at the Phnom Tamao Wildlife Rescue Center, Cambodia’s largest haven for rescued wildlife including elephants, tigers, sun bears, gibbons, and many more native species. Visit the spacious enclosures and learn about the Center’s conservation work as you engage directly with the animals through handfeeding elephants and creating toys for juvenile macaques.

Enjoy a local Cambodian lunch with fresh coconut water at the Rescue Center to escape the heat.

By the evening, arrive at Kep, a tranquil seaside town that combines natural beauty, colonial charm, and delicious seafood. Transfer to hotel for check-in and rest. An evening stroll along the waterfront to the Crab Market is highly recommended.

Begin your adventure with a visit to the nearby port of Kampot to admire the well-preserved French architecture, stroll along the waterfront, and visit the handicraft shops and cafes.

Then, stop by one of the region’s pepper plantation for an immersive experience of Cambodia’s renowned Kampot pepper. Explore the organic farming methods and unique qualities that distinguish Kampot pepper, with an optional cooking class or visit to an on-site restaurant to savor the taste of Khmer spices.

Return to Kep in the evening, and free time at leisure.

Your adventure begins with a short boat ride to Rabbit Island, an unspoiled tropical paradise 4 km off the coast of Cambodia. Spend the morning swimming in the tranquil waters, savoring fresh seafood, or hiking through coconut groves.

Return to the mainland in the afternoon to visit the Kep National Park, ascend the hiking trails and admire the panoramic view of the countryside, and of Rabbit Island as well as Vietnam’s Phu Quoc Island.

Evening, free time at leisure.

Free time for you to enjoy the beach, explore Kep and nearby Kampot on your own initiative.

Your transport will be waiting to take you back to the capital of Phnom Penh. On the way, we will visit Phnom Chisor, a spectacular 11th-century hilltop temple and a hidden gem of history and culture. The ancient sandstone ruins are remarkably well-preserved, and offers a bird’s eye view of the surrounding countryside and rice fields below.

Arrive at Phnom Penh in the late afternoon, check-in to hotel and free time at leisure.

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.

Stop by the floating village of Kampong Phluk, located by the Tonle Sap Lake – the largest freshwater water lake in Southeast Asia. Glimpse into the daily activities of the villagers as they go to schools, temples, and shops all built on stilts, and admire the serenity of life in harmony with nature.

05:00 AM At dawn, we begin our adventure by traveling to the Angkor Wat Temple Complex, to witness the sunrise above the temples. As the first light of day rises behind the iconic temple spires, the sky is filled with fiery rays of red, orange and gold, casting a mystical glow over the complex.

Return to hotel for breakfast and a short rest.

The adventure continues at noon, 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 you will venture to the lush mountain range of Phnom Kulen, about 50 km (31 mi) from Siem Reap.

A short hike through the well-preserved forest of Phnom Kulen before reaching the sanctuary above. Proceed within the hallowed ground, admiring the Reclining Buddha and the River of the Thousand Lingas with its underwater carving.

Continue the hike towards the two-tiered Kulen Waterfall, the highlight of today’s adventure. Take a dip in the refreshing waters surrounded by natural beauty, concluding your adventure.

Free time at leisure for your own activities.

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.