This privately guided journey through Cambodia is designed for curious travellers who want more than just a checklist of sights. It’s ideal for those who appreciate a balance of cultural depth, local flavour, and immersive experiences, whether it’s your first time in the country or you’re returning to explore beyond the usual routes. With a thoughtfully paced itinerary, there’s time to absorb the atmosphere of each destination, from Phnom Penh’s layered history to the floating villages of Tonlé Sap.
Travelling by car, bike, boat, and even bamboo train, you’ll experience Cambodia’s landscapes and communities up close. Highlights include cycling to Silk Island, exploring the majestic temples of Angkor by tuk tuk, and staying overnight in a stilted village homestay. Along the way, you’ll meet artisans, monks, and chefs, and enjoy meals that reflect Cambodia’s rich culinary heritage. All logistics are taken care of, and the tour can be tailored to your interests, so you can focus on discovering the country at your own rhythm, with expert guidance every step of the way.
Arrive in Phnom Penh, Cambodia’s vibrant riverside capital. After a private transfer to your hotel, the rest of the day is free to relax or begin exploring at your own pace. Phnom Penh can feel chaotic at first glance, but there’s an energy here that draws you in. Wide boulevards sit beside narrow lanes where motorbikes weave past street food stalls, colonial villas, and faded shopfronts. This city tells stories in layers, of ancient empires, French rule, civil war, and recovery. You might take a stroll along the riverfront, browse one of the city’s lively markets, or simply settle in by the pool.
Start the day at the Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda, where what remains offers a glimpse into Cambodia’s pre-war grandeur. Afterward, enjoy a some food tasting to sample local favourites and get a feel for the city’s flavours. Continue to Phsar Kandal Market, a lively spot where locals shop for fresh produce and household goods. Walk through the French Quarter, passing colonial-era buildings and restored landmarks. Visit Wat Phnom, the city’s namesake temple, and pass the Old Post Office, Raffles Hotel and Central Market.
In the afternoon, visit the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, a former school turned prison under the Khmer Rouge. End the day with dinner at Sombok, a fine-dining Khmer restaurant led by chef Kimsan Pol. The all-female team serves beautifully presented dishes inspired by Cambodia’s provinces, using local ingredients and modern techniques in a setting designed by a young Cambodian architect. (B,L,D)
Leave the city behind and cross the Mekong by ferry to reach Koh Dach, known as Silk Island. This peaceful stretch of countryside is home to small farming communities and traditional silk weavers. You’ll cycle quiet backroads past orchards, vegetable gardens and stilted wooden homes, with friendly locals often calling out greetings as you pass. The island is known for its handwoven silk scarves, and you’ll stop to see the weaving process up close, gaining insight into a craft that has been passed down through generations. It’s a slower, more personal side of Cambodia that many visitors miss.
After returning to Phnom Penh, unwind with a private sunset cruise along the Tonlé Sap and Mekong rivers. As the sun dips behind the skyline, you’ll see the city from a different perspective, calmer, quieter, and beautifully lit by the golden hour. (B)
Today you’ll travel northwest to Battambang, with a stop at Oudong Temple. This site was Cambodia’s ancient capital, established in 1601 by King Srei Soryapor after Longvek was abandoned. Oudong served as the royal capital until the mid-19th century under King Ang Duong. Climbing the temple’s many steps rewards you with panoramic views of the surrounding countryside and a glimpse into Cambodia’s royal history through its impressive stupas and monuments.
The drive to Battambang takes about six hours in total, offering a chance to see changing landscapes along the way. (B)
Start the day by visiting Cambodian families who still use traditional methods to make local delicacies. Watch rice paper being crafted by hand and taste sun-dried bananas. Then explore a well-preserved Khmer traditional house, learning about its architecture and the daily life of Cambodia’s past.
In the afternoon, experience the famous Bamboo Train. This simple yet thrilling ride glides over rails across rice paddies, offering a unique view of the countryside. Later, head to Phnom Sampov cave to witness one of nature’s most impressive sights: thousands of bats taking flight at dusk. Finish the day with dinner at Jaan Bai Restaurant, a social enterprise supporting young Cambodians. (B,D)
Travel from Battambang to Siem Reap, taking the scenic route through Cambodia’s countryside. Along the way, stop at Banteay Chhmar, a rarely visited Angkorian temple complex hidden in the northwest. With few tourists and a knowledgeable local guide, you’ll have space to explore its intricate carvings and crumbling towers in peace. This is a chance to experience the scale and artistry of Angkor without the crowds. Continue to Soieries du Mékong, a silk centre where women artisans preserve traditional weaving techniques. Watch the process from thread to finished scarf and learn how this social enterprise supports rural livelihoods.
After lunch at a local restaurant, arrive in Siem Reap and settle into your hotel. In the evening, attend a performance by Phare, Cambodia’s contemporary circus. Blending theatre, acrobatics and live music, the show tells powerful stories of modern Cambodia and supports young artists through education and training. (B,L)
Spend the day exploring the temples of Angkor, travelling by tuk tuk for a more open and flexible experience. Begin at Ta Prohm, where tree roots twist through crumbling stone, creating one of the most atmospheric sites in the complex. Continue to Angkor Thom, the former royal city, and visit Bayon Temple, known for its towers of carved faces, and the Terrace of the Elephants.
In the afternoon, explore Angkor Wat, the largest religious monument in the world. Its scale and detail are extraordinary, from the bas-reliefs to the symmetry of its towers. End the day with a peaceful gondola ride along the moat of Angkor Thom, a quiet way to take in the landscape as the sun sets. In the evening, enjoy dinner at Chanrey Tree, a well-regarded restaurant serving refined Khmer cuisine in a relaxed garden setting. (B,D)
Start the day with a gentle bike ride through the countryside outside Siem Reap. You’ll meet a local chef who’ll guide you through a market visit, then teach you how to prepare a traditional Khmer meal. Once cooked, the food is offered to monks at a nearby pagoda, a meaningful way to engage with Cambodia’s Buddhist culture.
After lunch in a local home, travel to Kampong Khleang, a stilted village on the edge of Tonlé Sap Lake. Depending on the season, the houses either tower above the water or stand on dry floodplains. You’ll stay overnight in a family home, with time to explore the village, visit a school or pagoda, and learn how locals fish, smoke catfish and adapt to the rhythms of the lake. End the day with a boat ride on the lake and a sunset drink before helping your host family prepare dinner. (B,L,D)
Start the day early with an optional visit to Kampong Khleang’s fish market, where traders gather before sunrise to buy and sell the morning catch. It’s a lively, no-frills scene that offers a real glimpse into daily life on the lake. After breakfast with your host family, say goodbye and return to Siem Reap. The afternoon is free to spend as you wish. You might choose to relax at your hotel, visit a local café or explore more of the town’s markets and galleries. (B)
Spend your final hours in Siem Reap at your own pace. Whether you choose to relax at the hotel, pick up last-minute souvenirs, or enjoy one more stroll through the town’s markets or cafes, the day is yours to enjoy. When it’s time, transfer to Siem Reap Angkor International Airport for your onward journey. (B)
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