Cambodia Grand Tour

Cambodia Grand Tour Overview

If you are looking for a two week itinerary in Cambodia to give you a great insight into the country, then this may be the tour for you. From the majestic temples of Angkor and quaint village life to the vibrant capital, beaches and the old Riviera that was much loved by the French and Khmer elite; it shows off the best of the country.

DAY 1 - WELCOME TO THE MIGHTY TEMPLES OF ANGKOR
Welcome to Siem Reap. Your private guide and driver will meet you at the airport and take you to your hotel, where you can check in and freshen up. This afternoon you will cycle to see the sunset on the top of Bakheng Hill, where you can look over the temple of Angkor Wat and the whole site of Angkor Heritage. Return to the Navutu Dreams, a gorgeous boutique resort in the countryside, which is the ultimate relaxation spot. (Explorer Room)

DAY 2 - GETTING TO GRIPS WITH ANGKOR
This morning you will begin your day at the awesome Angkor complex, accompanied by your private guide. You will visit Bayon Temple, which has become famous for the countless faces in the stone, as well as the temples of Baphuon, Phimeanakas, The Royal Enclosure, Terrace of Elephants and Leper King. After lunch the whole afternoon is set aside for a visit to Angkor Wat, which is the largest religious structure in the world. Return to your hotel to enjoy your evening at leisure.

DAY 3 - EXPLORE THE FLOATING VILLAGES ON A UNIQUE LAKE
This morning enjoy a private excursion to Mechrey Village on Tonle Sap Lake (about one hour’s drive), stopping at the traditional village of Ampil Peam on the way, where locals live much as they have for centuries. At Tolne Sap you will board a local-style boat and explore the floating village and flooded forests – it is a fascinating lake that has been declared a Unesco listed biosphere. Return to Siem Reap and enjoy your afternoon and evening at leisure.

DAY 4 - GET OFF THE BEATEN TRACK IN RURAL CAMBODIA
You will be driven to the quaint town of Battambang in a private vehicle. (At certain times of the year this journey can be taken by boat, which is one of the most beautiful river journeys in the country.) This afternoon take the legendary “bamboo train” in Battambang, which is little more than a bamboo raft that hurtles down a disused railway track in the countryside before watching a traditional performance by the young Phare Ponleu Selpak dance troupe. Tonight you will check into Bambu – a home from home. (Superior Room)

DAY 5 - ENJOY THE COUNTRYSIDE ON TWO WHEELS
This morning you can enjoy a half-day bike tour, which will give you a fabulous insight into the traditional Cambodian local industries surrounding Battambang. Along the way you’ll meet local families and learn about their traditional livelihoods and businesses, often unchanged throughout generations. You can even try your hand at local industries such as rice paper making, rice wine and snack on Battambang’s famous bamboo rice cakes. Enjoy your afternoon at leisure.

DAY 6 - EXPLORE THE BUSTLING CAPITAL OF PHNOM PENH
This morning you will be driven to Phnom Penh by private vehicle (approx 6 hours without stops), stopping at Udong, the capital of Cambodia from the early 17th century until 1866, where several temples and stupas cover three hills with great views. You will have time to check into your hotel before enjoying a sunset cruise down the Mekong River. Tonight you will check into the White Mansion, a central and smart base for exploring the city. (Deluxe Room)

DAY 7 - TAKE A FOOD AND CULTURAL TOUR OF THE CAPITAL
Enjoy a cyclo tour through the heart of Phnom Penh, stopping at the holy site of Wat Phnom, the Royal Palace, the Silver Pagoda and the National Museum. Lunch will be served at Friends Restaurant, which gives under-privileged street children the opportunity to gain work experience. This afternoon you will visit Tuol Sleng, a school that was used as a prison by the Khmer Rouge, and Choeung Ek, also known as the “killing fields”, where many were left to perish. This excursion may prove distressing for some; it is however an important piece of Cambodia’s recent past.

DAY 8 - HEAD TO THE COASTAL TOWN OF KEP
This morning you will make your way to the seaside town of Kep, visiting several sites on the way, including Ta Prohm and Yeay Peau temples as well as Phnom Chisor – from where you will have commanding view over the countryside. This afternoon you will check into the Veranda Natural Resort, which is nestled into the hills beside Kep National Park and has wonderful ocean views in the distance. (Rosewood Room)

DAY 9 - RELAX AT YOUR BEAUTIFUL RESORT
Today you can enjoy Kep at your own pace, the grounds of Veranda Natural Resort are very peaceful – the swimming pool is set in well manicured gardens, providing the perfect setting to relax. If you wish we can organise an excursion for you in the surrounding National Park or to Rabbit Island off the coast, but you may just enjoy taking today at a slower pace.

DAY 10 - SEE THE COLONIAL TREASURES OF THE SOUTH
After breakfast, travel through the countryside and see Phnom Kampong Trach cave, a pepper plantation and some salt fields on your way to Kampot, which has lovely old colonial buildings along the riverfront. You will then drive to see the rapids (Teuk Chur), where you can swim and enjoy a local picnic lunch in a small Khmer cottage, stopping at fruit plantations and a handicraft village on the way. This evening take a local boat along Stung Kampong Bay as the sun sets before heading back to Veranda Natural Resort.

DAY 11 - HEAD TO THE BEACH
This morning you will make your way to the beachside town of Sihanoukville (approx. 3 hours), stopping at the imposing Bokor Mountain, which was one of the last standing points of the Khmer Rouge and used to be home to French colonial villas, the remains of which can still be seen today. Upon reaching Sihanoukville you will check-in to the Tamu Hotel, which is located on the quietest stretch of beach here – far away from the main crowds. (Standard Room)

DAY 12 - EXPLORE CAMBODIA'S BEAUTIFUL, REMOTE ISLANDS
Today we will take you to one of the most beautiful islands off Cambodia, Koh Rong Samloem. Your boat will make a stop at the island of Koh Tas, which offers good swimming and snorkelling. Enjoy a buffet lunch before continuing to Koh Rong Samloem, which has a 5km white sandy beach. Spend a few hours relaxing on the beach before returning to Sihanoukville for about 5.30pm. (You may prefer to stay on the island for a night or two.)

DAY 13 - STAY IN A UNIQUE FLOATING TENT OFF THE BEATEN TRACK
This morning meet your private driver and depart on the four to five hour drive to the Tatai River in Koh Kong. Settle into your fabulous tented bungalow that is floating on the calm river and explore the area, taking a stroll through the virgin forest of the Cardamom Mountains. Return to the 4 Rivers Floating Lodge for the evening. (Floating Tent)

DAY 14 - EXPLORE SOME OF CAMBODIA'S MOST BEAUTIFUL NATURE
This morning you will take a 45 minute boat ride, past Tatai village, into the heart of the Cardamom jungle to the Tati Waterfall, where you can take a dip and enjoy a picnic lunch. After leaving the falls, you will stop at the mouth of a small river where you can paddle your kayak to a traditional Cambodian farm. Return to the 4 Rivers Floating Lodge to enjoy the evening at your leisure.

DAY 15 - BON VOYAGE!
This morning you will be driven back to Phnom Penh (about four hours) in time to catch your flight back home. Bon voyage!