Siem Reap to Phnom Penh Overland

Siem Reap to Phnom Penh Overland Overview

This overland tour encompasses Cambodia's greatest sights. Visit the spectacular temples of Angkor, drive through rural villages in the countryside, see the wonders of the pre-Angkorian monuments of Sambor Prei Kuk, visit the Spider market at Skoun and travel to the cultural heritage of the capital, Phnom Penh.

Cambodia overland from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh Tour

This overland tour encompasses Cambodia's greatest sights. Visit the spectacular temples of Angkor, drive through rural villages in the countryside, see the wonders of the pre-Angkorian monuments of Sambor Prei Kuk, visit the Spider market at Skoun and travel to the cultural heritage of the capital, Phnom Penh.

Best time for this itinerary: November to March

Touring style: Private basis with professional English speaking guide and driver

Day 1: Siem Reap

On arrival in Siem Reap, you will be met for a private transfer to your hotel.

Overnight in Siem Reap.

Distance and journey time: 8 km, 15 mins

Day 2: Siem Reap

Start the day with the crowning jewel of Khmer architecture, Angkor Wat, the national symbol and the highlight of any visit to Cambodia. The largest, best preserved and most religiously significant of the Angkor temples, it impresses visitors both by its sheer scale and beautifully proportioned layout as well as the delicate artistry of its carvings. On the way, stop to enjoy the intricate stone carvings that adorn nearly every surface with some 1,700 Apsaras or celestial dancers, sculpted into the walls. Angkor Wat is stunning at any time of the day, but sunrise and sunset are especially beautiful times to watch the play of light on the stones.

Discover Angkor Thom: The fortified city of Angkor Thom covers an area of 10 km. Enclosed by a wall and wide moats the city includes many of Angkor’s most popular sights. Enter by the monumental South Gate over a causeway lined on either side by statues of demons and gods each carrying a giant naga. Continue to the Terrace of the Elephants and the Terrace of the Leper Kings, former spaces for public ceremonies both adorned with dramatic bas reliefs. Visit the ruined Baphuon, Royal Enclosure, and Phimeanakas before continuing to the mysterious Bayon Temple.

Overnight in Siem Reap.

Day 3: Siem Reap

Continue sightseeing in Angkor. Visit the Banteay Srei Temple. Seemingly miniature in comparison to the other Angkor temples, this is considered to be the jewel of classical Khmer art. The small size, fairy-like atmosphere and extraordinary examples of Khmer sculpture, this temple is often a favourite for visitors.

Discover Ta Prohm, one of the most popular attractions of Angkor as much of the jungle has not been cleared and it looks very much as most of the Angkor monuments would have appeared when European explorers first stumbled across them.

Finally visit Les Artisans d’Angkor, a craft shop which teaches local apprentices traditional woodcarving, stone carving, and lacquer ware painting. Take a tour of the workshops and learn about the craft processes before browsing in the stylish gift shop.

Overnight in Siem Reap.

Day 4: Siem Reap - Kampong Thom

After breakfast depart by car to Kampong Thom. Visit Sambor Prei Kuk. Located outside of Kampong Thom, it is perhaps the most important grouping of pre-Angkorian monuments in Cambodia. Explore the main central complex and gain an insight into the early architectural styles of Cambodia. Overnight in Kampong Thom.

Overnight in Kampong Thom.

Distance and journey time: 201 km, 3 hrs

Day 5: Kampong Thom - Phnom Penh

After breakfast, drive by vehicle from Kampong Thom to Kampong Cham. This is a lively port on the banks of the Mekong River with some good examples of colonial-era architecture.

After visiting the local market and exploring the town, travel into the countryside to the Spider Market in Skuon. This tiny crossroads town is famous for an unusual delicacy. Here, spider merchants sell different varieties of large, furry arachnids for locals and adventurous tourists to snack on. Continue to Phnom Penh. Overnight in Phnom Penh.

Overnight in Phnom Penh.

Distance and journey times:

Kampong Thom to Kampong Cham: 139 km, 3 hrs

Kampong Cham to Phnom Penh: 113 km, 2.30 hrs

Day 6: Phnom Penh

Explore Phnom Penh, a chaotic energetic and always fascinating city. Graceful tree-lined boulevards and riverfront promenades are reminders of bygone eras. Visit Wat Phnom, the birthplace of the capital. Continue the tour with an insight into Cambodia’s cultural heritage with a visit to the Royal Palace and the adjacent Silver Pagoda also known as the Pagoda of the Emerald Buddha. Continue to the elegant National Museum, which contains a comprehensive collection of Khmer Art.

In the afternoon, learn about a chapter from Cambodia’s more recent, tragic, past at the Tuol Sleng Museum. Formerly the Tuol Svay Prey High School, in 1975, this became the interrogation and torture facility for the Khmer Rouge regime - at that time known as Security Prison 21, or simply S-21. Finally, one of Phnom Penh’s two great markets; The Central Market, located in a distinctive domed Art Deco building or the sprawling Russian Market.

Overnight in Phnom Penh.

Day 7: Phnom Penh

Transfer to the airport for departure.

Distance and journey time: 11 km, 20 mins