15-Day Discover Classic Highlight Tour

15-Day Discover Classic Highlight Tour

Explore Cambodia’s rich history, awe-inspiring landscapes, and vibrant culture on this immersive 15-day adventure. Below is a detailed itinerary for the first week of your journey:

Day 1: Welcome to Phnom Penh

• Arrival & Transfer: Your driver will greet you at Phnom Penh International Airport and transfer you to your hotel.
• Check-In & Free Time: Rooms are available from 2:00 p.m. If you arrive early, simply drop off your bags at reception, then enjoy a stroll around town or relax by the pool.

Day 2: Phnom Penh – The Bustling Capital

• Morning Departure: Meet your guide at 8:00 a.m. and set off by tuk-tuk or car.
• City Highlights:
  • Wat Phnom: Visit the iconic hill pagoda that gave the city its name.
  • Royal Palace & Silver Pagoda: Explore these stunning 19th-century gems of Khmer architecture. (Please note: a strict dress code applies—shoulders and knees must be covered, and masks are required.)
  • Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S-21): Gain insight into the tragic history of the Khmer Rouge regime.

Day 3: Kampong Cham and Kratie

• Morning Transfer: Travel to Kampong Cham.
• Scenic & Cultural Highlights:
  • Visit the hills of Phnom Pros and Phnom Srei for panoramic views of the countryside and the Mekong River.
  • Stop at the bamboo bridge spanning the Mekong, which connects to Koh Pen Island (accessible during the dry season, January–May).
• Kratie Exploration:
  • Continue on to Kratie, a peaceful city on the banks of the Mekong, and take a leisurely walk along its scenic promenade.
  • Embark on a short boat trip from Kampi in search of the endangered Irrawaddy dolphins.
  • Conclude your day with a boat ride to Koh Trong, a charming river island where you will stay overnight.

Day 4: On the Way to Mondulkiri

• Journey to Mondulkiri: Depart by road for Mondulkiri—a remote, naturally rich province home to diverse ethnic communities.
• Sen Monorom: Arrive in the provincial capital, check into your hotel, and enjoy an afternoon at leisure.

Day 5: Jungle Trekking with the Elephant Sanctuary Project

• Morning Session:
  • Enjoy breakfast at 8:00 a.m. before departing to the Mondulkiri Project site.
  • Begin with an informative session on elephant conservation and then set out on a guided hike through protected forest trails.
  • Ascend towards a jungle lodge perched on a hilltop, offering breathtaking valley views.
  • Meet and feed the gentle elephants as you learn about their natural behaviors.
• Afternoon Session:
  • Visit the magnificent, three-tiered Bousra Waterfalls—take a refreshing dip in the natural pool.
  • Continue to the Elephant Sanctuary Forest, located 12 km south of Sen Monorom, where you’ll join a guided walk and observe the elephants and their mahouts in their natural habitat.
• Return: Complete your tour by returning to your hotel in Sen Monorom in the early evening before transferring later to Ratanakiri province.

Days 6–7: Exploring Ratanakiri Around Banlung

Day 6: Ratanakiri – Banlung Immersion

• Transfer to Banlung: Arrive in Banlung, the provincial capital of Ratanakiri, and check into Garden View Lodge.
• Morning Excursion:
  • After an 8:30 a.m. breakfast, journey to Kachon Port and board a boat for a scenic trip along the Sesan River.
  • Visit the Kachok Cemetery and Koh Peak Village to learn about local ethnic traditions.
• Afternoon Highlights:
  • Explore the volcanic lake of Yeak Loam, a sacred site with striking blue waters formed by a meteorite impact (swimming is optional).
  • Continue to the blue zircon mines to witness these dazzling semi-precious stones, then enjoy a final stop to admire the superb Kachanh Waterfalls, featuring a seven-tier Reclining Buddha.
• Evening: Return to your lodge for a relaxing night.

Day 7: Transfer to Siem Reap via Preah Vihear and Koh Ker

• Early Morning Departure: Depart at 7:00 a.m. after breakfast.
• Northern Cambodia Highlights:
  • Visit the town of Sra’ Em near Preah Vihear.
  • Transfer (by 4×4 vehicle) to the Preah Vihear archaeological site—a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2008 and a masterpiece of Khmer architecture on the Thai border, integral to the Royal Route popularized by André Malraux.
• Arrival in Siem Reap: Check into your hotel in Siem Reap and relax for the remainder of the day at leisure.

Day 8: The Majestic Angkor Temples

• Early Morning: Wake up at 4:45 AM and request a take-away breakfast from your hotel in advance. Depart to witness the breathtaking sunrise over Angkor Wat, the world’s largest temple and a must-see UNESCO heritage site.
• Temple Circuit: Travel by tuk-tuk or car to explore:
  • Angkor Wat: Admire the pinnacle of Khmer architecture.
  • Angkor Thom: Discover the Bayon with its giant stone faces, Baphuon with a 40-meter reclining Buddha, Phimeanakas, the Terrace of the Elephants, and the Terrace of the Leper King.
  • Ta Prohm: Marvel at the ruins embraced by massive trees with sprawling aerial roots.
• Sunset: Conclude your day with a sunset at Phnom Bakheng (please note: access is limited to 300 visitors at sunset and is not permitted for children under 12).

Day 9: The Roluos Group & Kampong Phluk on Tonlé Sap Lake

• Morning: After breakfast, head out by car to the Roluos archaeological site—home to the early temples of the Hariharalaya empire. Explore Bakong, Lolei, and Preah Ko, which mark the beginnings of classical Khmer civilization.
• Midday: Proceed to Kampong Phluk on Tonlé Sap Lake (approximately a 1-hour drive from Siem Reap) and embark on a private boat tour to discover the dynamic floating villages.
• Afternoon: Return to town for lunch, then visit the Lotus Farm by Samatoa. Learn about the sustainable process of crafting eco-friendly fabric from lotus fiber—from harvesting and spinning to weaving and recycling.
• Late Afternoon: Continue to Phnom Krom Mountain for panoramic views of the rice fields and visit the temple and pagoda at its summit before enjoying a memorable sunset.

Day 10: Road to Battambang

• Morning & Afternoon: Transfer to Battambang. Visit Banon Temple perched atop a hill—climb 358 steps for a stunning panorama of the Cambodian countryside.
  • Travel through traditional villages where you can watch locals making rice cakes and engage with the community.
  • Stop at local vineyards to observe Cambodian winegrowers and sample wine, grape juice, ginger, or even cognac.
  • Explore Phnom Sampov (“the hill-ship”) and stay until sunset to watch bats take to the sky, and even ride the famous bamboo train.
• Evening: Visit a large prahok (fermented fish paste) workshop to learn about this unique local delicacy. Optionally, explore the Psar Nat Market (open until 6:00 PM).

Day 11: Transfer to Kampot – A Peaceful Riverside City

• Afternoon: Depart for Kampot, arriving around 2:00–3:00 PM. Check into your accommodation and enjoy the rest of your day free to explore this charming riverside town at your leisure.

Day 12: Leisure Time in Kampot

• Full Day at Your Leisure: Take advantage of your free day to visit:
  • The famous pepper fields and salt fields.
  • The mysterious Kampong Trach caves.
  • The Bokor hillside station for panoramic views.

Explore Kampot’s relaxed and picturesque ambiance at your own pace.

Day 13: Transfer to Koh Rong – A Seaside Escape

• Morning: Depart early for Sihanoukville Pier (around 7:30 AM), where our on-site team will assist you with your boat tickets to Koh Rong. (Remember: the boat staff will collect half of your ticket—keep the other half safe for your return.)
• Transfer: Begin your boat journey to the idyllic Koh Rong Island.

Days 13–14: Beach Days on Koh Rong & Koh Rong Samloem

• Leisure on the Beach: Enjoy your days relaxing on the white sands, swimming in crystal-clear waters, or exploring the island’s laid-back atmosphere. These free days provide the perfect opportunity to unwind and savor the tropical paradise.

Day 15: Return to Phnom Penh or Siem Reap

• Morning: Depart Koh Rong by boat from Sihanoukville Pier at either 9:30 AM or 10:30 AM (depending on the boat operator).
• Transfer: Upon arrival at the pier, meet your driver for a final road transfer to either Phnom Penh or Siem Reap.
• Optional Extension: If you wish to extend your stay, please contact us to arrange an extra night in Phnom Penh or Siem Reap.
• Evening: Enjoy free time until your transfer to the airport, arranged according to your flight schedule. (International flights are not included in the tour package.)

This 15-day journey encapsulates the essence of Cambodia—from inspiring temples and bustling markets to serene beaches and countryside retreats. Customize your adventure for an unforgettable experience that will leave lasting memories.

For more information or to book your personalized tour, please contact us today!