Welcome to Cambodia, a country with splendid culture, typical cuisine and traditional handcrafts, which is one of the most popular destinations in Southeast Asia.

Upon arrival, you will be met at Phnom Penh International Airport by the local guide and transferred to your hotel. Spend some time to refresh yourself after a long flight.

To begin your Khmer cuisine tour in the evening, we will arrange you with a luxurious welcome dinner of authentic Khmer cuisine at the restaurant.

In the morning, embark on a culinary adventure with a local guide to the bustling local market. Though Cambodian cuisine may not boast the same international fame as its neighbors, its national dishes are a window into the country’s rich heritage. Hop on a traditional cycle to reach the market, then meander through the stalls, sampling local fruits while your guide elucidates the diverse ingredients used in Khmer cooking.

For lunch at a nearby eatery, you’ll spot those freshly learned ingredients in the dishes. Don’t miss trying a Num Pung, a French baguette, and nom bahn chok, a classic Khmer dish of rice noodles, green fish curry, and fresh veggies.

Later, continue your exploration by cycling to the Royal Palace. Then, visit the adjacent Silver Pagoda, adorned with Buddha icons in gold, silver, bronze, and crystal. Finally, visit the National Museum of Cambodia, built in traditional Khmer style, housing around 5,000 artifacts from the 4th to 13th centuries.

Get up early in the morning to embark on a picturesque 5-hour private car journey to Battambang. Along the way, you’ll have a wonderful opportunity to pass by charming local villages and pagodas, soaking in the authentic rural atmosphere. Make a stop at Oudong to visit a local family and gain insight into the fascinating process of palm sugar production. Afterward, ascend Mount Oudong to savor breathtaking panoramic vistas of the idyllic countryside. Enjoy a delightful local picnic-style lunch in a quaint, rustic hut, surrounded by nature’s tranquility.

After that, continue your 4-hour drive towards Battambang, a city renowned for housing Cambodia’s most exquisitely preserved colonial architecture. If time permits, you could enjoy an unforgettable evening at the acclaimed Phare Circus (admission at your own expense), where you’ll be captivated by awe-inspiring acrobatic performances, engaging theater, and unique Cambodian music, creating memories that will last a lifetime.

Although Battambang is Cambodia’s second-largest city, its relaxed and easygoing atmosphere can be attributed, in part, to its river culture. The Sangker River meanders through this verdant province, nourishing the rice paddies and forming a picturesque waterway that links the Cardamom Mountains to the vast and majestic Tonle Sap Lake. The countryside surrounding Battambang has earned its fame for both its scenic beauty and the high quality of rice it produces.

In the morning, you can embark on a cultural tour to the villages around Battambang. Join the locals and artisans to discover the processes behind making rice paper, as well as “groan”—sticky rice wrapped in bamboo, and “prohac”—fish paste, a staple in Cambodian cuisine. To witness weavers and textile artisans at work, pay a visit to a handicraft center.

In the afternoon, you can take a leisurely bicycle ride around town, guided by an informative audio set available in both English and French. Simply sit back and enjoy the journey, instructing the driver to stop wherever you find something attracting you.

Today, you will embark on an exhilarating boat journey from Battambang to Siem Reap, offering breathtaking vistas of Cambodia’s picturesque countryside.

Our local guide will take you along the serene Stung Sangker River to the Prek Toal Bird Sanctuary, a vital breeding haven for a myriad of bird species in the area. Continuing your voyage, you’ll traverse Tonle Sap Lake, the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia, where you’ll witness the vibrant life that thrives on and around its waters. You’ll pass by floating villages and stilted houses, gaining a unique glimpse into the daily lives of those who call this aquatic landscape home.

After a six-hour scenic boat ride, you’ll arrive in Siem Reap in the mid-afternoon. Please notice that this boat trip is only feasible during the rainy season from July to December.

Today, you will do a small circle of Angkor and explore its highlights. The day tour starts from Angkor Thom, also known as Great Angkor or the City of Angkor, which served as the last capital city of the Khmer Empire. It was repeatedly ravaged by wars and subsequently rebuilt multiple times, acting as the “heart” of the Angkor archaeological site. At its zenith, the city boasted a population of up to a million people. Today, the moat bridge, city gates, as well as in-city ruins such as the Bayon Temple, Baphuon Temple, and the Phimeanakas (often referred to as the “Aerial Palace”), are among the major attractions for visitors. The Bayon Temple stands at the heart of Angkor Thom and represents its quintessential part. Built in the late 12th century, it was constructed as a temple for King Jayavarman VII himself. Here, you can not only witness the renowned “Khmer Smile” but also admire the rich and vivid bas-reliefs adorning the temple’s corridors. The Terrace of the Elephants is located within Angkor Thom. It once served as the venue where the Angkor kings selected their mounts, conducted military reviews, and held ceremonial celebrations. It consists of three platforms, stretching approximately 350 meters in length and standing 2-3 meters high. The lengthy base is adorned with numerous meticulously carved elephant heads and elongated trunks, each brought to life with exquisite detail. Baphuon Temple is situated approximately 200 meters northwest of the Bayon Temple. It was constructed as a state temple dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva by Udayadityavarman II. This architectural marvel was truly majestic and predated the construction of Angkor Thom. However, due to the collapse of most of its structures, only a few sculptures remain within the temple. The sight of numerous stone blocks scattered about is likely to leave a lasting impression on visitors.

After lunch, drive back to your hotel and have a short break.

In the afternoon, continue on your exploration tour. Ta Prohm Temple, located to the east of Angkor Wat, was built in 1186 by Khmer King Jayavarman VII to honor his mother, hence it is also known as the “Mother Temple.” Constructed from massive stones, it once served as a sanctuary housing monks, priests, and dancers, functioning both as a temple and a monastery. Over time, however, it was invaded by rampantly growing tropical trees. Tree roots, resembling pythons, have crept over the temple and penetrated deep into its structures, causing internal stone towers and enclosing walls to collapse. The once orderly architecture has been transformed into a “labyrinth” by the intertwining of rubble and vegetation. This unique blend of natural and human-made wonders has even served as a filming location for the movie “Tomb Raider.” The day tour ends at the most popular site of Angkor, Angkor Wat, a UNESCO World Heritage site, which is the largest religious monument globally. Built in the 12th century by Khmer King Suryavarman II, it’s dedicated to Hinduism. With intricate carvings and grand architecture, it showcases ancient Khmer civilization’s splendor and remains a symbol of Cambodia. You will have the opportunity to admire the breathtaking sunset scenery at Angkor Wat (depending on the weather). After the tour, drive back to your hotel.

Today, you will embark on the half-day cooking class at the home of the founder as well as the owner of the Sugar Palm Restaurant in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap, Mrs. Kethana Dunnet. You will have the chance to get a deep understanding of Khmer cuisine. At the end of the course, you may get a chance to enjoy the lunch that you have just cooked.

This afternoon, you will visit the Golden Silk Peach Farm in which the ancient Khmer-style silk weaving is being revived as a viable local livelihood by a local non-governmental organization. In the mid-afternoon, come back to Siem Reap to capture the sunset in Angkor Wat.

Today, easy and free on your own in the morning. Then transfer to Siem Reap International Airport for your homeward flight. End your unforgettable journey in Cambodia.