Day 1: Arrive Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Day 1: Arrive Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Welcome to Phnom Penh! Once known as the ‘pearl’ of Southeast Asia, this lively city still holds plenty of traditional Khmer charm alongside its French colonial past. As you travel through, you’ll spot elegant old villas and tree-lined boulevards that hint at its rich history. These days, Phnom Penh is buzzing with energy, thanks to a recent economic boom that’s brought in new hotels, cafes, bars, and nightlife.
On arrival, you’ll be met by our driver (please note there’s no guide today) and transferred to your hotel for check-in.
MEALS: Nil
OVERNIGHT (3 STAR OPTION): Mettavary Hotel, Phnom Penh
OVERNIGHT (4 STAR OPTION): Frangipani Royal Palace, Phnom Penh
Day 2: Phnom Penh – City Tour
After breakfast, your day kicks off with a visit to the Royal Palace compound, built in 1866 by the predecessors of King Norodom. This striking collection of Khmer-style buildings is one of the most iconic sights in Phnom Penh. Nearby, you’ll explore the Silver Pagoda (also known as the Temple of the Emerald Buddha), which houses a dazzling collection of Buddha statues made from gold, silver, emeralds, and diamonds.
Next up is the National Museum, a beautiful red building showcasing classic Khmer architecture. Built in 1917, it holds more than 5,000 artefacts made from sandstone, bronze, wood, silver, and copper.
You’ll then stop by the Independence Monument, built in 1954 to commemorate Cambodia’s independence from French colonial rule.
From here, you’ll delve into Cambodia’s more recent and tragic history. First, you’ll visit the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S21), a former school that was turned into a prison and torture centre during the Khmer Rouge regime. It’s a sobering but important stop.
Later, head to Wat Phnom, the city’s tallest religious structure. Built in 1373 and standing 27 metres high, this peaceful temple is a central part of Phnom Penh’s identity.
Then it’s off to the Central Market (Phsar Thmei), a vibrant Art Deco building painted in bright ochre. Built in 1937, it’s packed with local crafts, clothes, and street food.
In the late afternoon, you’ll hop into a traditional cyclo for a relaxed ride along the riverside, giving you a different perspective of the city’s lively streets. To wrap up the day, enjoy a one-hour sunset cruise on the Mekong and Tonle Sap Rivers, where you’ll see Phnom Penh from the water at the meeting point of the “Four Arms”.
MEALS: Breakfast
OVERNIGHT (3 STAR OPTION): Mettavary Hotel, Phnom Penh
OVERNIGHT (4 STAR OPTION): Frangipani Royal Palace, Phnom Penh
Day 3: Phnom Penh ~ Kampot
After breakfast, your driver (no guide today) will pick you up for a private transfer to Kampot, a charming riverside town in southern Cambodia.
As you head towards the coast, you’ll pass through a region once favoured by the French in the early 1900s as a glamorous seaside escape. The southern towns of Kampot, Kep and Sihanoukville still carry that colonial charm, with wide, tree-lined streets, grand old villas, coastal views, and even a few vintage-style casinos and palaces overlooking the Gulf of Thailand.
Once you arrive in Kampot, you’ll check in to your hotel and have the rest of the day free to relax or start exploring the town at your own pace.
MEALS: Breakfast
OVERNIGHT (3 STAR OPTION): The J Break Hotel, Kampot
OVERNIGHT (4 STAR OPTION): The J Break Hotel, Kampot
Day 4: Kampot ~ Koh Rong Sanloem
After breakfast, your driver (no guide today) will pick you up and take you by private vehicle to the Kampot pier. From there, you’ll hop on a speedboat bound for the stunning island of Koh Rong Sanloem.
Once you arrive, you’ll be met by your hotel staff and transferred to your accommodation for check-in. The rest of the day is yours to relax, unwind, and soak up the island vibes.
MEALS: Breakfast
OVERNIGHT (3 STAR OPTION): Eden Beach Resort, Koh Rong Sanloem
OVERNIGHT (4 STAR OPTION): La Passion Resort, Koh Rong Sanloem
Day 5: Koh Rong Sanloem – Free Day
Today is all yours to enjoy at your own pace. Whether you’d prefer to relax on the beach, go for a swim, snorkel in the crystal-clear waters, or simply unwind with a good book, the day is completely up to you.
MEALS: Breakfast
OVERNIGHT (3 STAR OPTION): Eden Beach Resort, Koh Rong Sanloem
OVERNIGHT (4 STAR OPTION): La Passion Resort, Koh Rong Sanloem
Day 6: Koh Rong Sanloem ~ Siem Reap
This morning, it’s time to farewell the island. You’ll take a speedboat back to Sihanoukville, where your driver will be waiting to transfer you to the airport for your flight to Siem Reap.
On arrival in Siem Reap, you’ll be met by another driver and taken to your hotel for check-in. The rest of the day is yours to relax or explore the town at your own pace.
MEALS: Breakfast
OVERNIGHT (3 STAR OPTION): Pierre Hotel, Siem Reap
OVERNIGHT (4 STAR OPTION): Royal Angkor Resort, Siem Reap
Day 7: Siem Reap: Angkor Highlights Tour
After meeting your local tour guide, you’ll head out to explore the incredible Angkor complex, starting with Angkor Thom – the great walled city built by King Jayavarman VII after the Chams briefly occupied Angkor in the late 1100s. The king responded by creating a grand and secure capital at the heart of his empire.
Your first stop is the striking Bayon Temple, right at the centre of Angkor Thom. Known for its enormous stone faces, Bayon reflects both the creativity and ego of Cambodia’s most legendary king.
From there, you’ll walk to Baphuon Temple, one of the most beautiful temples in Angkor, dating back to the 11th century reign of Uditayavarman I.
Next, you’ll visit the Terrace of the Leper King, followed by a walk along the Terrace of Elephants, once used as a royal viewing platform for parades, dances, and traditional sports.
You’ll then explore Ta Prohm, made famous by the Tomb Raider film. Unlike other temples, Ta Prohm has been left largely as it was found—engulfed by the jungle—showing how nature reclaims all.
In the afternoon, it’s time to experience the crown jewel of Cambodia: Angkor Wat. Widely considered the world’s largest religious monument, it’s a stunning example of Khmer architecture and a proud symbol of Cambodia’s heritage.
To end the day, head to Pub Street, where you can enjoy a cold drink, a bite to eat, or pick up some souvenirs at the Angkor Night Market.
MEALS: Breakfast
OVERNIGHT (3 STAR OPTION): Pierre Hotel, Siem Reap
OVERNIGHT (4 STAR OPTION): Royal Angkor Resort, Siem Reap
Day 8: Siem Reap – Free Day
Today is completely yours to enjoy however you like. You might choose to explore more of Siem Reap’s markets and cafes, or book an optional tour.
MEALS: Breakfast
OVERNIGHT (3 STAR OPTION): Pierre Hotel, Siem Reap
OVERNIGHT (4 STAR OPTION): Royal Angkor Resort, Siem Reap
Day 9: Depart Siem Reap – End of Tour
After breakfast, your driver will pick you up and transfer you to Siem Reap Airport for your onward journey.
It’s time to say goodbye – thank you for travelling with us, and we’d love to welcome you back again someday!
MEALS: Breakfast
