CAMBODIA NATURE & LOCAL LIFE – 16 DAYS
Itinerary: Phnom Penh-Kep-Rabbit Island-Sihanouk Ville-Kratie-Kampong Cham-Siem Reap-Battabang
CODE TOUR : XSEC 0031 - HIGHLIGHTS TOURS
Highlights:
- Get a feel of a busy capital Phnom Penh with Khmer culture
- Stay at the peaceful beach town of Sihanouk Ville with amazing beach islands to relax and Ream National Park to explore
- Experience the famous Irrawaddy Dolphins that Kratie has to offer
- Discover a small and tranquil Battambang with fun time on the bamboo train
- Marvel at the splendid world of Angkor temples and monuments in Siem Riep
- Try a bamboo train trip and learn how the locals produce rice paper,prahcc
Overview
In 16 days, the Cambodia itinerary includes the bustling capital of Phnom Penh, the white sandy beach of Sihanouk Ville, the rich cultural city of Battambang, the magnificent Angkor Wat in Siem Riep. This trip stands out from other Cambodia tour packages. It also guarantees lifetime adventure and unforgettable travel experience in Cambodia.
Tour summary:
- Day 1: Phnom Penh Arrival - City Tour (L)
- Day 2: Phnom Penh -Transfer to Kep (B/L)
- Day 3: Kep - Rabbit Island - Sihanouk Ville (B/L)
- Day 4: Sihanouk Ville - Ream National Park - Trek & boat (B/L)
- Day 5: Sihanouk Ville - Free & Easy (B)
- Day 6: Sihanouk Ville - Free & Easy (B)
- Day 7: Sihanouk Ville - Phnom Penh (B)
- Day 8: Phnom Penh - Kratie (B/L/D)
- Day 9: Kratie - Kompong Cham (B/L)
- Day 10: Kompong Cham - Transfer to Siem Reap (B/L/D)
- Day 11: Siem Reap - Angkor Tham - Ta Prohm (B/L)
- Day 12: Siem Reap - Banteay Srei (B)
- Day 13: Siem Reap - Battambang (B/L/D)
- Day 14: Battambang - visit & Bamboo train (B/L/D)
- Day 15: Battambang - Siem Reap (B/L/D)
- Day 16: Siem Reap - Departures (B)
DAY 1: PHNOM PENH ARRIVAL - CITY TOUR (L)
Private driver & guide
(Check-in time is 14.00 PM, early check-in is not included in itinerary and subject to availability).
Meals: Lunch
Accommodation at a selected hotel in Phnom Penh
DAY 2: PHNOM PENH - TRANSFER TO KEP (B, L)
Private driver & guide
Breakfast at your hotel. You will leave Phnom Penh to Kep, a quiet seaside town in the South of Cambodia. En route, stop at Tonle Bati and Ta Prohm temple – built in 12-13th century and Yeay Peau Temple – 12th century. You will also visit a silk weaving village before continue to Takeo Province. Lunch in local restaurant. Transfer to Kep and check in your hotel. Overnight in Kep.
Meals: Breakfast , Lunch
Accommodation at a selected hotel in Kep
DAY 3: KEP - RABBIT ISLAND - SIHANOUK VILLE (B)
Private driver & guide
Breakfast at the hotel. This morning, take the boat trip to Kor Tonsai (Rabbit Island). The beach is typical tropical island settings with long and lined with coconut palms. Return to Kep by afternoon, then continue to drive to Sihanouk Ville. Overnight in Sihanouk Ville.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: at a selected hotel in Sihanouk Ville
DAY 4: SIHANOUK VILLE - REAM NATIONAL PARK - TREK & BOAT (B,L) 14KM TREK
Private driver & guide
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: at a selected hotel in Sihanouk Ville
DAY 5: SIHANOUK VILLE - FREE & EASY (B)
Free full day for you to relax. Lunch and Dinner are on your own. Stay overnight in Sihanouk Ville
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: at a selected hotel in Sihanouk Ville
DAY 6: SIHANOUK VILLE - FREE & EASY (B)
Free full day for you to relax. Lunch and Dinner are on your own. Stay overnight in Sihanouk Ville
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: at a selected hotel in Sihanouk Ville
DAY 7: SIHANOUK VILLE - PHNOM PENH (B)
Private driver
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel
Enjoy the morning at your leisure before taking a transfer back to Phnom Penh (5 hour drive). Check into your hotel and spend the day at leisure. Overnight in Phnom Penh.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: at a selected hotel in Phnom Penh
DAY 8: PHNOM PENH - KRATIE (B,L,D)
Private driver & guide
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel
Today we will take 5 hour drive from Phnom Penh, passing the countryside and villages up North to Kratie. After lunch, you will get on local boat to spot the famous Irrawaddy Dolphins. After this memorable experience, continue to cycle along the banks of the Mekong until you reach Wat Sorsor Mouy Roy in the village of Sambour – the temple is so-called ‘100 Pillars Pagoda’ is an important historical and cultural building and quite famous for its legend involving a princess and a crocodile. After finished your visit today we will transfer to Kratie pier, where you will take a short ferry ride to Koh Trong. Overnight in Koh Trong, Kratie.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: at a selected hotel in Kratie
DAY 9: KRATIE - KAMPONG CHAM (B,L)
Private driver & guide
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel
Get along the Mekong river, you will reach to Kampong Cham. From Chhlong west and onwards to the village of Stung Trong. 50km of lush rural scenery abounds. Another ferry will take you 12km to the quite village of Phnom Han Chay. This small hilltop pre-Angkorian temple is a best viewpoint looking over the Mekong and lowlands. After that, you will go through the rubber plantations and roadside villages before reaching Kampong Cham. Overnight in Kampong Cham.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: at a selected hotel in Kampong Cham
DAY 10: KAMPONG CHAM - SIEM REAP (B,L,D)
Private driver & guide
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel
Transfer to Siem Reap. En-route visits Sambor Prei Kuk, one of the most important pre-Angkorian sites in the country. Sambor Prey Kuk was built in the Chenla period between the 6th and 7th century and there are over 100 well preserved temples scattered in the forest. Enjoy a beautiful walk through the jungle with breathtaking views. After lunch follows a transfer towards Siem Reap (3 hour drive). Arrive in Siem Reap, check in and rest before you have dinner at Sugar Palm Restaurant. Overnight in Siem Reap.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: at a selected hotel in Siem Reap
DAY 11: SIEM REAP - ANGKOR THOM - TA PROHM (B,L)
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel
Today you will visit the ancient city of Angkor Thom – the last capital of the Great Khmer Empire under the reign of Jayavarman VII. The city is surrounded by an 8m high wall. We will enter the city through the ancient South Gate, an impressive stone gate carved with Elephants and four giant faces. On each side of the entrance path is a row of 54 gods or demons is holding the sacred Naga snake. Continue to Bayon Temple – built in 12th century with 54 towers of faces representing provinces of the Khmer Empire. You will also visit Terrace of the Elephants and the Terrace of the Leper King. Finish the day at the famous Angkor Wat – built during the reign of King Suryavarman II in the early 12th century. Angkor Wat has more than 2,000 Apsara dancers carved in the temple and many other parts depicted legends, history and lives at the time. Leavin Angkor Wat, we head to Ta Prohm temple the famous temple with overgrown trees over it, also where the Tomb Raider movie was filmed. Back to your hotel. Overnight in Siem Reap.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: at a selected hotel in Siem Reap
DAY 12: SIEM REAP - BANTEAY SREI (B)
Private driver & guide
You will spend half a day to Banteay Srei – “Citadel of the Women”. Banteay Srei remains the best preserved temple in Cambodia. The temple is unique and different with all other temples in Angkor Complex since it is constructed with pink sandstone. Back to Siemreap town. The rest of the day on your own leisure.
- Optional for balloon riding
- Optional for Phare: The Cambodian Circus Show in Siem Reap
- Optional for a traditional Khmer massage
DAY 13: SIEM REAP - BATTAMBANG (B,L,D)
Private driver & guide
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel
After breakfast, transfer to Battambang. Battambang is Cambodia’s second largest city but still very quiet town and off the beaten track to most travellers. In Battambang, you can see some of the most well preserved colonial French buildings in the country. After check in, take a short rest before you see the highlights of Battambang Museum, local market and have a walk around the main streets. Enjoy dinner tonight in the restaurant. Overnight in Battambang.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: at a selected hotel in Battambang
DAY 14: BATTAMBANG - BAMBOO TRAIN (B,L,D)
Private driver & guide
Today is a fun experience with Bamboo Train – the once famous way to transfer rice after harvest from places to places. As its name, The bamboo train is literally one bamboo platform on 4 wheels is activated by small motor. You will travel 8km to the next station through beautiful landspace and rice paddies. This afternoon, you will be taken to some of the many villages around Battambang, where you will learn how the locals produce rice paper,prahoc (typical Cambodian fish paste), grolan (sticky rice stuffed in bamboo), and other Cambodian treats. You will also visit a weaving and handicraft centre in another village. A special show is waiting for you tonight at Phare Ponleu Selpak School of Music, Visual & Performing Arts. Phare Ponleu Selpak combines the Arts to provide education, support and entertainment to the poor communities. This circus is surely a not-to-miss show once you are in Battambang. (Note scheduled show is on Monday and Thursday. On other days private performances are available on request and supplement fee will be charged). Overnight in Battambang.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: at a selected hotel in Battambang
DAY 15: BATTAMBANG - SIEM REAP - ANGKOR WAT (B,L,D)
Private driver & guide
Today you will take boat trip to Siem Reap (Note not available in dry season from about Jan to June). Cruise along Tonle Sap River, you have chance to see many villages on the way where people live on stilted or floating house. Arrive in Siem Reap mid-afternoon, check in and take a short rest. This afternoon, a local tuk tuk will take you to one of the definite highlights of your trip to Cambodia The legendary Angkor Wat – built during the reign of King Suryavarman II in the early 12th century. Angkor Wat has more than 2,000 Apsara dancers carved in the temple and many other parts depicted legends, history and lives at the time. Tonight enjoy Khmer farewell dinner at Viroth’s Restaurant. Overnight in Siem Reap.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: at a selected hotel in Siem Reap
Notice: During the visit of the Bakan Tower of Angkor Wat Temple
– Visitors are required to wear proper attire, covering shoulders and knees (no short, miniskirt or short trousers).
– Visitors have to be in the queue and waiting to climb up the Bakan Tower of Angkor Wat
– Children under twelve years old are not allowed to climb up this tower.
– It will be closed on the Buddhist Sabath Days, the Buddhist religious days (four days a month)
DAY 16: SIEM REAP - DEPARTURE (B)
Private driver
Free at leisure until transferring to airport for your onward flight home. End of services.
Meals: Breakfast
Since this can be private or group tour, the price per person varies and depends on many aspects, such as your group size, the hotel ratings and your departure date. If you want to get a custom price quote for this tour, please fill out the online inquiry form and give you as much information as possible about your trip. Your online travel consultants will be at your service and help you make the most of your travel time and dollars!
2.Passport & Visa
- You will need a valid passport and a Cambodian visa to enter Cambodia. Tourist and business visas are valid for one month from the date of entry into Cambodia. Cambodia offers online visa processing.
- The Cambodian visa now may also obtain at the airports in Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, and at all major border crossings. Cambodian immigration officials at airports now collect fingerprints upon entry using an inkless, electronic process. The visa on arrival is valid for a 30-day stay and issued at a cost of US $30 per tourist and US$35 per business traveler.
- You must prepare:
+ A passport valid for at least 6 months from the expiry date
+ 02 recent passport-sized (4cm x 6cm) photographs - Some nationalities are required to get a visa in advance at Royal Embassy of Kingdom of Cambodia in their country: Afghanistan, Algeria, Arab Saudi, Bangladesh, Iran, Iraq, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Sudan and Nigeria.
- On the other hand, the nationals of the Laos, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Vietnam, Thailand, and Indonesia do not need a tourist visa and may stay in Cambodia for 21 and 30 days respectively.
2.International flight
- Our offer does not include international flights between your country and Cambodia for two reasons:
- International flights from your country are more expensive if purchased in Vietnam. It is therefore more beneficial for you to buy them from a ticketing agency in your country.
- The payment and booking conditions for international flights are strict while it is difficult for us, a local agency, to apply the same conditions to you (full payment before travel). Since international financial transactions give rise to significant bank charges, you will be led to pay unnecessary surcharges.
3.Foods should to try in Siem Reap
- Cambodia is not only famous for the Buddist temples and Angkok complex, but also well-known for its appetizing and original cuisine. “Natural Sweetness” is the essence of Cambodian food, with vegetables and fruits being utilized largely, thanks to its rich resource all-year-round in a tropical country.
- Prahok: Prahok is a crushed, salted and fermented fish paste that is used in Cambodian cuisine as a seasoning. Fish are exposed to the sun for a day, flavored with salt, pepper, garlic and cold rice and kept in a jar for several months. After it becomes pasty and grayish, it can be enjoyed. Prahok is among the symbols of Cambodian cuisine.
- Green Mango Salad: Takes little time to prepare, yet the results can be great. Such a dish is top ideal for any meal and any time during the day. The salad plate features various vegetables and fruits such as green mango (of course), tomato, cucumber, bell peppers and other ingredients like peanut butter, green onion, fresh basil/mint, fish sauce, etc.
- Kralan Bamboo sticky rice: Kralan is a snack that is made from Cambodia sticky rice cooked with coconut milk and soybean in a bamboo tube. The bamboo tree must be the bamboos that grow in village because it has long tubes, contains a lot of water and has white flesh inside the tube. Bamboo tubes are burned in coal fire, all the faces of the tubes must face the fire to be well-cooked.
- Jaggery sweet soup: Jaggery sweet soup’s main ingredients are coconut milk and palm fruits. Jaggery sweet soup is a sweet thick soup with potato cubes and green beans and best served in cool or with some ice. Its typical colors range from golden brown to dark brown. This dessert can be savored to balance all the hot and spicy food you may have tried in Siem Reap and boost your energy.
4.10 best things to do in Phnom Penh
- See the monks in the morning. Saffron robes and bare feet are a common sight in Phnom Penh. Starting at around 6am each morning, the city’s monks begin to emerge from their wats to collect morning alms and food offerings, stopping at shop doorways to chant blessings as they make their daily procession through the streets.
- Go on a self-guided walking tour of central Phnom Penh.
- Get lost in a local market. Whether you’re scouting for something specific or just window shopping, Phnom Penh’s wet and dry markets (called phsar in Khmer) are a must-visit. Try Tuol Tom Poung (the Russian Market), Central Market, Olympic Market and the Night Market for starters, and be sure to venture to some of the city’s lesser-known markets for a more local experience.
- Tour Kingdom Breweries. Beer is big business Cambodia, and Kingdom Breweries offers some of the country’s finest ales. Unscheduled guided tours of the biggest craft brewery in Southeast Asia (which is located on the riverside just north of the city) leave from the onsite Taproom bar between 1pm and 5pm, Monday to Saturday.
A spot on the tour will set you back $15, but it includes unlimited free samples of Kingdom’s many beer and cider varieties. If you’re in town on the first Friday of the month, check out Kingdom’s TGIF nights, which include all-you-can-drink drought beer and burgers and fries for just $13 per person.
- See the sun go down.
- Go for a bike ride through Phnom Penh’s green space. When I lived in Phnom Penh, my favourite weekend activity was jumping on my bike and cycling the Mekong Islands. There are a string of lush islands set in the river and accessible by car ferry from the city.
Once there, you can spend an afternoon cycling through rice paddies, small villages and forested areas. Bikes are available to hire for a few dollars a day.
- Stroll along Sisowath Quay at dusk. A Mekong River cruise is a popular choice for travellers wanting to see Phnom Penh’s riverfront at dusk, but in the dry season the water is low, making it difficult to see anything over the high river banks.
- See sericulture and silk weaving on Koh Dach. A narrow island in the middle of the Mekong, Koh Dach (or ‘Silk Island’, sometimes called ‘Mekong Island’) can be easily reached by tuk-tuk, moto or bicycle from Phnom Penh.
- If you’re heading to Siem Reap next, be sure to take a free tour of the Artisans D’Angkor silk farm and workshop while you’re there.
Walk yourself down Street 13. Not all of Phnom Penh’s streets warrant a walking tour, but Street 13 which links the National Museum and Chinese House is a popular route if you want to take in colonial architecture and bustling markets in equal measure.
- Immerse yourself in urban art culture. Phnom Penh has some awesome murals by local and international street artists. Some of the best pieces can be seen around Street 240.
5.10 credible things to do in Siem Reap
- Visit the Old Market
Also known as Psah Chas (pronounced “psa cha”), the old market is right in the heart of town and was the original market before the countless others cropped up. This market has everything and is a must-visit as it will give you a glimpse of the real Cambodia, the country that lies outside of the well-visited Siem Reap.
- Try a Fish Spa
Veteran travellers to Southeast Asia will have experienced these spas before, but they are mostly new to many. For around $5-10, you can soak your feet in a tank of dead skin eating fish resulting in beautiful (or rather clean) feet.
- Sip a drink in “Soul Kitchen.”
After all that shopping and temple hopping, it is time for a drink to wind down in a great venue without the chaos. For anyone looking for more Cambodian flavors, great cocktail and live music, where better than Soul Kitchen’s creative bar – A great escape from the loud and overpriced Pub Street.
- Foodie Tour by night riding a Vespa
Food lovers will enjoy Khmer cuisine on a vespa tour! What could make this experience better – experiencing it at night, of course. One of the best attractions on offer in Siem Reap, this tour also comes with a free flow of alcohol and a driver (thankfully). Not to be missed!
- Must-See: Phare, The Cambodian Circus Show
A great show for both kids and adults, the Phare circus show is a blend of arts, music, juggling, gymnastics, traditional, and modern theatre. Not only will it make you laugh and smile, but the project grew out of a Cambodian non-profit organization founded by ex-refugee artists.
- Eat a Scorpion Salad at Bugs Cafe
Yuck! But actually, they can be delicious. Try out Bugs Cafe, which offers insect tapas, scorpion salad, and a host of other crunchy critter delights.
- Visit a floating village
If you want to get out of the touristy Siem Reap, then head to one of the nearby floating villages and glimpse into traditional fishermen’s lives. The two closest ones are Kompong Phlouk and Kompong Khleang, the second being the less touristy of the two.
- Join a cooking class
After all the adventuring and sights in Siem Reap (not to mention exploring the Angkor ruins), you must be getting hungry. So why not delve into Khmer cuisine with a cooking class!
- Fun thing to do for everyone: Zipline!
If you are visiting Asia, you need to zip line at least once! While there are many zip line locations, who could pass up ziplining past Angkor Wat?
- Horse riding in Siem Reap Countryside
Another unusual thing to do in Siem Reap but lots of fun – Horse riding! And where better than the Happy Ranch! If you can ride a horse, there are also carts available.
LIST OF OUR HOTELS:
The hotels offered by Xuan Son Travel classified from 02 to 05 stars at international standard, comfortable with all the required services.
- Homestay/local homestay: we have developed fair tourism, through contacts with the local population, the possibility of sleeping with locals and sharing their daily lives. The conditions of these accommodations that we offer you are well assured and with the best possible conditions
- Standard Category: 2 stars. The rooms are decent, clean, equipped with bathroom, satellite TV and air conditioning.
- Superior Category 3 stars. The rooms are generally spacious and the services and facilities are more numerous.
- Deluxe category: 4 stars. The rooms are luxurious and spacious, with a wide choice of quality services have swimming pool, spa, Jacuzzi
Luxury Category: 5 stars. Hotels with excellent comfort and a wide range of excellent services. Swimming pool, spa, Jacuzzi…)
| CITIES /AREAS | HOME STAY | HOTEL-STANDARD | HOTELS-SUPERIOR | HOTEL-DELUXE | HOTELS- LUXURY |
| Phnom Penh | Capital Hotel | Khmer Village Guest House/Brigade Manager Hotel | Cardamon/King Grand Boutique/Town View III/River Home/Asia Tune/The Frangipani Living Arts Hotel | Ohana/Juliana/Harmony Phnom Penh/Kravan/ The Frangipani Royal Palace/Villa Langka/Iroha Garden Hotel & Resort | Sokha Phnom Penh Hotel/Palace Gate Hotel & Resort/Rose Suites/ Raffles Hotel Le Royal |
| Kep | Khmer Hands/Le Logis De kep/ | The Boat House | Atmaland Resort/Palm House Boutique & Spa/Mealea Resort/Sunset Valley Resort/Spring Valley Resort | Veranda Natural Resort/Rock Royal Hotel & Resort | Try Palace Resort & Spa |
| Sihanouk Ville | Jully Anna Guesthouse/ Don Bosco Guesthouse/Red House | Pat Pat Boutique | Golden Sand Hotel/Sihanoukville Plaza hotel | Independence Hotel Resort & Spa/Holiday Villa Natava/Serendipity Beach Resort/Moon Julie Hotel | Sokha Beach Resort/ |
| Kratie | Sorya Guesthouse/Le tonle Guesthouse | Oudom Sambath Hotel & Restaurant/ | Rajabori Villas/Le Bungalow | Le Relais De Chhlong | … |
| Kampong Cham | Mekong Crossing Guest house | Sunrise Villa/Phnom Pros Hotel | KC River Hotel/Hanchey Bamboo Resort | LBN Asia Hotel | … |
| Siem Reap | Anou Home Guesthouse/Chamraoen’s Home/Sihariddh Angkor Villa | Ta Som Guest House/Mother Home Boutique Hotel | Central Boutique Angkor Hotel/Laniche D’Angkor Boutique/Angkor Holiday Hotel/City River/Treasure Oasis/Cheathata Angkor/Silk Angkor/The Frangipani Villa Hotel & Spa | Saem Siem Reap Hotel/Sokha Roh/Mother Home Boutique/Treasure Oasis Angkor | Hotel Somadevi Angkor Boutique & Resort/Royal Angkor Resort/Angko Micracle/Sokah Angkor/Angkor Palace Resort/Sak Mut Hotel & Spa… |
| Battambang | Lucky Hostel/ Por Chey/Ramchang Guesthouse | Capital Battambang Hotel | King Fy Hotel/ | Battambang Resort/Bamboo Hotel/Delux Villa Hotel/ | Maison Wat Kor |
SERVICES & PRICE
TRAVEL PRICE: CAMBODIA NATURE & LOCAL LIFE 16 DAYS 15 NIGHTS
From…. To… usd /per
Excluding international flights
Inclusion
- The English speaking guide as guided time.
- Accommodation based on double/twin sharing with daily breakfast.
- Meals as indicated (B = Breakfast; L = Lunch; D = Dinner).
- All transfers with the air-conditioned private vehicle.
- Private boat excursion.
- Tuk tuk riding and blessing ceremony as mentioned.
- Water & cool towels.
- Government taxes & service charge.
Exclusion
- Domestic flight ticket from Phnom Penh – Siem Reap
- Bus ticket from from Phnom Penh – Siem Reap: $15 /pax.
- Early check in/ late check out.
- Meals, drinks & beverage not indicated.
- Personal expenses such as Telephone and Laundry bills.
- Tips and gratuities.
Customize this tour
This tour is designed with balanced activities and pace. If you want to customize it, you may always change its itinerary and accommodations according to your needs.
Contact us
- +84 914374251
- xuansontravel@yahoo.com.vn
My name is Nicky, English & French speaking advisor at Xuan Son Travel. I have been the specialist in tailor-made trips to Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia for 18years. I love the charm of the small streets of Hanoi as well as the charm of the countryside, with magical landscapes, warm and smiling inhabitants in all regions of Vietnam. As a Travel Consultant, I put it at your disposal and will assure you that your wishes and desires are perfectly suited to your trip to Asia.