Verken Cambodja – een privéreis – met een plaatselijke expert – 16 dagen

Upon arrival at Siem Reap Angkor International Airport, your tour guide and friendly driver will warmly welcome you and provide a comfortable private transfer to your hotel in Siem Reap; along the way, they’ll share useful information about the city, local culture, and the daily life of Khmer people.

After check-in, enjoy the rest of the day at leisure to relax or explore the nearby area at your own pace. Overnight in Siem Reap.

• Accommodation : Regency Angkor Hotel, 4 Star Hotel or another similar

After breakfast at your hotel, begin your day exploring the Roluos Group, the first capital city of Angkor in the 9th century, home to some of the earliest and richest temples of the era. Visit Lolei, Preah Ko, and Bakong Temple, each showcasing distinctive pre-Angkorian art and architecture.

Continue to the port and board a boat for a scenic cruise on Tonle Sap Lake, the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia, to explore the picturesque Kampong Phluk Floating Village. Here, witnesses the authentic daily life of fishing communities whose homes are built on towering stilts up to 10 meters high or on floating bamboo rafts. Tonle Sap is a unique ecosystem where the water flow changes direction seasonally, fed by and draining into the Mekong River.

Return to the city and visit Wat Preah Prom Rath, one of Siem Reap’s oldest pagodas, followed by Artisans Angkor, a renowned workshop preserving traditional Khmer arts and crafts.

Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before visiting Royal Residence Park, a serene green space in the heart of the city, and then continue to the Angkor Botanical Garden, an eco-friendly sanctuary surrounded by lush greenery, friendly wildlife, and pristine natural landscapes. Promoting a healthy, sustainable lifestyle with a commitment to zero plastic use, the garden offers peaceful walking paths perfect for relaxation and connecting with nature.

After your visit, return to your hotel to unwind and enjoy the evening at leisure. Overnight in Siem Reap.

• Accommodation : Regency Angkor Hotel, 4 Star Hotel or another similar

Begin your unforgettable day with an early morning transfer to the world-renowned Angkor Archaeological Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since December 14, 1992. Your adventure starts at the majestic Angkor Wat, where you’ll witness a magnificent sunrise as the sun rises behind the temple’s iconic spires, one of the most breathtaking sights in Southeast Asia.

After soaking in the magical sunrise, explore Angkor Wat in depth, admiring its intricate carvings, grand architecture, and spiritual symbolism. Return to your hotel for a relaxing breakfast and short rest before continuing your exploration.

Next, head to the South Gate of Angkor Thom, the impressive gateway to the ancient Khmer capital. Inside the walled city, visit the Bayon Temple, famed for its enigmatic smiling stone faces. Stroll further to discover the Baphuon Temple, the Phimeanakas Temple within the Royal Palace grounds, and the ceremonial terraces Terrace of the Elephants and Terrace of the Leper King.

Continue to the hidden jungle temple of Ta Nei, a peaceful and less-visited gem surrounded by towering trees, offering a tranquil atmosphere far from the crowds. Then, visit the world-famous Ta Prohm (Tomb Raider Temple), where massive tree roots intertwine with ancient stones, creating a mystical scene of nature reclaiming history.

Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant near the temple complex before exploring Banteay Kdei, a beautiful monastic site. Conclude your day at Srah Srang, the royal bathing pool, where the serene water reflects the surrounding beauty.

After a full day discovering Cambodia’s ancient treasures, return to your hotel for relaxation. Overnight in Siem Reap.

• Accommodation : Regency Angkor Hotel, 4 Star Hotel or another similar

After breakfast at your hotel, set out to explore the Angkor temples on the outskirts of Siem Reap. Begin with a visit to Banteay Samre, a beautifully preserved temple with intricate carvings and elegant architecture. Continue to the world-renowned Banteay Srei Temple, often referred to as the “jewel of Khmer art.” Built from pink sandstone, this 10th-century masterpiece is celebrated for its exquisitely detailed carvings depicting Hindu legends.

After exploring these remarkable temples, venture into a traditional local village to experience the authentic daily life of the Angkor region. See wooden stilt houses, meet friendly locals, and observe rural traditions that have remained unchanged for generations.

Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before embarking on an afternoon journey through the Angkor Grand Circle. Visit Preah Khan, a sprawling complex that once served as a Buddhist monastery and university, followed by the serene Neak Pean, an island temple surrounded by water. Continue to Ta Som, known for its picturesque entrance gate embraced by a giant tree, and then to Eastern Mebon, an imposing temple-mountain that once stood on an island in the Eastern Baray reservoir.

Conclude your day with a visit to Pre Rup Temple to witness a breathtaking sunset over the jungle and rice fields, casting a golden glow over the ancient stones.

Return to Siem Reap for an evening at leisure. Overnight in Siem Reap.

• Accommodation : Regency Angkor Hotel, 4 Star Hotel or another similar

On the morning after breakfast at the hotel, depart from Siem Reap to Preah Vihear Province. Along the way, visit Beng Mealea Temple, a fascinating 12th-century temple almost completely engulfed by nature, with massive tree roots weaving through its stone walls. This mysterious site has served as the backdrop for several films and, in ancient times, was an important city linking Angkor and Koh Ker.

Continue your journey to the Koh Ker Temple Group, the capital city of the Khmer Empire in the 10th century when the king moved the royal seat outside of Angkor. Now located deep within the jungle, Koh Ker offers a sense of discovery reminiscent of Henri Mouhot’s accidental find of Angkor Wat in 1860. Highlights here include Prasat Thom, Cambodia’s tallest pyramid temple with seven levels, as well as Prasat Pram and Prasat Linga.

Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before traveling northwest to visit Preah Vihear Temple, dramatically perched atop a mountain near the Thai border. This architectural masterpiece, constructed using the mountain’s natural rock as its foundation, offers panoramic views of both Cambodia and Thailand. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in July 2007, it is a symbol of Khmer ingenuity and devotion.

After your visit, continue to your hotel in Preah Vihear Province. Overnight in Preah Vihear.

• Accommodation : Sopheakmongkol Motel, 2 Star Hotel or another similar

After breakfast at the hotel, depart from Preah Vihear toward the northeastern province of Ratanakiri, a region renowned for its rich cultural diversity, being home to numerous indigenous communities, and for its pristine eco-tourism landscapes.

Along the way, visit the spectacular Preah Nimit Waterfall, the 4th largest waterfall in the world by volume, the widest waterfall in the world at an impressive 10 km, and the largest waterfall in Southeast Asia. Here, the mighty Mekong River plunges 21 meters at the Cambodia-Laos border. Despite its grandeur, this natural wonder remains little-known in Cambodia due to its remote location, making it a truly off-the-beaten-path experience.

Continue the journey to Stung Treng City and enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before proceeding to Banlung, the capital of Ratanakiri Province. The drive from Stung Treng to Banlung offers a scenic view of lush green forests and the country’s largest fruit plantation areas, showcasing Cambodia’s fertile highland beauty.

Arrive in Banlung in the late afternoon, check in at your hotel, and enjoy the rest of the evening at leisure. Overnight in Banlung. 

• Accommodation : Terres Rouges Lodge, 3 Star Hotel or another similar

After breakfast at the hotel, set out to explore the natural beauty and rich cultural heritage of Ratanakiri Province, a paradise for outdoor lovers and those seeking authentic encounters with traditional ways of life.

Begin your day at Bokheo, a locality renowned for gem mining. Here, you’ll have the rare opportunity to watch miners at work, uncovering precious stones using traditional techniques, a fascinating glimpse into one of the province’s most unique industries.

Continue your journey to an ethnic minority village to experience the vibrant cultures, traditions, and daily life of Ratanakiri’s diverse indigenous tribes. These communities, each with their own language, dress, and customs, often celebrate festivals and rituals on a small scale within the village, offering visitors an intimate cultural exchange.

Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before heading to the spectacular Yeak Laom volcano Lake, a nearly perfect circular crater lake formed by a volcanic eruption over 4,000 years ago. Surrounded by pristine jungle, the lake’s crystal-clear waters plunge to depths of up to 50 meters, making it a refreshing spot for swimming or relaxing on its wooden piers.

The site is managed by the local indigenous community, and the visitor center here offers fascinating insights into their history, traditions, and harmonious relationship with nature.

After a day of scenic beauty and cultural immersion, return to your hotel. Overnight in Banlung.

• Accommodation : Terres Rouges Lodge, 3 Star Hotel or another similar

On the morning after breakfast at the hotel, depart from Ratanakiri for Mondulkiri, traveling through the heart of Cambodia’s national park areas and deep jungle landscapes. Along the way, enjoy the lush greenery, abundant plant life, and diverse wildlife, keeping an eye out for exotic birds that thrive in this pristine habitat.

Continue your journey to the Bousra Waterfall, located northeast of Sen Monorom, the provincial capital of Mondulkiri. Regarded as the most beautiful waterfall in the province, Bousra is famous for its three cascading stages, each offering breathtaking views and a refreshing atmosphere. Its large swimming basin and surrounding forest make it a must-see natural wonder, and it is recognized as one of Cambodia’s most iconic eco-tourism sites.

Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before continuing to explore Sen Monorom City, visiting the authentic local market where minority communities gather to trade fresh produce, traditional crafts, and regional specialties. This is also an opportunity to witness the eco-tourism charm of Mondulkiri, known for its rolling green hills, cooler climate, and vibrant culture.

After exploring, transfer to your hotel for check-in and enjoy the rest of the evening at leisure. Overnight in Sen Monorom.

• Accommodation : KNN Resort Mondulkiri, 4 Star Hotel or another similar

On the morning after breakfast at the hotel, transfer to the meeting point  to joint tour in Sen Monorom for an unforgettable day of jungle trekking and visiting the Elephant Conservation Project in Mondulkiri.

Drive to the starting point of the tour, which offers panoramic views over vast forest landscapes that have been protected from logging by the local Mondulkiri community.

Begin your trek from the hilltop into the lush jungle, making your way to the Mondulkiri Community’s Jungle Lodge. Here, your guide will share insights into the community’s history, traditions, and efforts to protect both the environment and their elephants.

The highlight of the day is meeting the elephants and their Mahouts. Spend time observing and interacting with these gentle giants, learning about their behavior, history, and the sanctuary’s mission to ensure their well-being.

Return to the Jungle Lodge for a picnic lunch in the jungle, surrounded by the tranquil sights and sounds of nature. After lunch, trek down to the waterfall for a refreshing swim in the clear waters. Participate in helping to wash the elephants, a heartwarming and memorable experience that creates a special bond with these incredible animals.

Say your goodbyes to the elephants and head back to the Jungle Lodge before driving back to Sen Monorom in the late afternoon. Overnight in Sen Monorom.

• Accommodation : KNN Resort Mondulkiri, 4 Star Hotel or another similar

On the morning after breakfast at the hotel, depart from Mondulkiri for Kratie, traveling through scenic countryside and lush landscapes. Along the way, visit a vast rubber plantation spanning over a thousand hectares, where you can learn about the process of cultivating and harvesting rubber.

Continue the journey to visit Wat Rokar Kondal Chas, a serene and culturally significant Buddhist temple, before proceeding to Kratie City. Upon arrival, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant featuring authentic Khmer dishes.

After lunch, make your way to Phnom Sambok Mountain, a peaceful Buddhist pilgrimage site located near the Mekong River. Climb to the top to enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding countryside and the mighty Mekong.

Next, head to the Mekong River port for a memorable boat cruise to visit the Irrawaddy freshwater dolphins in their natural conservation area. Glide along the tranquil river, spotting these rare and gentle creatures, and take in the serene atmosphere.

As the day winds down, relax on the boat and watch the sunset over the Mekong River, a spectacular sight enhanced by the playful movements of the dolphins in the golden light.

Return to Kratie Town for hotel check-in at a riverside property along the Mekong. Overnight in Kratie.

• Accommodation : Mekong Dolphin Hotel, 3 Star Hotel or another similar

On the morning after breakfast at the hotel, transfer to the port and take a ferry across the Mekong River to Koh Trong Island. Upon arrival, enjoy a cycling or Tuk-Tuk tour around the island to explore the peaceful local life. Discover charming traditional Cambodian wooden houses, meet friendly locals, and learn more about their daily routines. Taste seasonal fruits, including the island’s famous grapefruit, renowned for its unique flavor.

After exploring this tranquil island on the Mekong, return to the port and take the ferry back to Kratie Town. Check out from your hotel and continue your journey from Kratie to Phnom Penh, passing through Kampong Cham Province, the third-largest city in Cambodia, rich in history and culture.

In Kampong Cham, visit the beautiful Dei Dos Monastery, known for its spiritual ambiance and cultural significance. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before resuming your trip.

On the way to Phnom Penh, stop at Skun Town, home to one of the most unusual markets in the world. At first glance, it resembles other local markets in Asia, but here you’ll find a unique delicacy fried spiders. Skun Market is world-famous for this snack, with vendors offering trays full of fried and spiced spiders, some as large as a grown man’s palm, alongside an array of fruits and vegetables.

Continue the journey to Phnom Penh, arriving in the late afternoon for hotel check-in and evening leisure. Overnight in Phnom Penh.

• Accommodation : Sun & Moon Urban Hotel, 4 Star Hotel or another similar

On the morning after breakfast at the hotel, transfer to explore Phnom Penh, Cambodia’s vibrant capital and top economic hub, rich in both political significance and cultural heritage. Begin with a visit to the Killing Field at Cheung Ek Genocide Center, a solemn memorial site commemorating the victims of the Khmer Rouge regime.

Continue to the Toul Sleng Genocide Museum (S-21 Prison), where your professional guide will share detailed insights into the atrocities committed between 1975 and 1979, deepening your understanding of this tragic period in Cambodian history.

Afterward, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before visiting the Royal Palace, the official residence of the King of Cambodia, and the Silver Pagoda, famed for its dazzling floor made of silver tiles and its sacred treasures.

Next, admire the Independence Monument, a symbol of Cambodia’s liberation from French colonial rule, followed by a stop at the Statue of King Father Norodom Sihanouk. Continue to Wat Ounalom, Phnom Penh’s most important monastery, before heading to Wat Phnom, the historic temple that marks the birthplace of the city.

Conclude your day at the Central Market (Phsar Thmei), an iconic colonial-era building with a unique Art Deco design. Here, browse through stalls selling jewelry, handicrafts, souvenirs, clothes, and local goods before returning to your hotel. Overnight in Phnom Penh.

• Accommodation : Sun & Moon Urban Hotel, 4 Star Hotel or another similar

After breakfast at the hotel, depart from Phnom Penh for a scenic drive to Kampot, passing through numerous villages and enjoying the beautiful countryside views along the way. Your first stop is at the Ta Prohm Tonle Bati Temple, a 12th-century temple showcasing classic Khmer architecture and steeped in ancient history.

Continue to Phnom Chisor, an important historical site that once served as the first Khmer capital. This temple complex is one of the most attractive sites in Takeo Province and is surrounded by ancient monasteries and lush greenery. The area’s towering trees and rich atmosphere have even made it a popular filming location for Cambodian movies. Here, you will also gain insights into traditional Cambodian life.

Afterward, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before proceeding to Buddha Kiri Cambodia, a significant Buddhist pilgrimage site. Built by devoted monks, it features a large golden seated Buddha at the mountain’s summit and is renowned for its 84,000 golden Buddha statues that line the pathway leading up the mountain, creating a breathtaking spiritual landscape.

In the late afternoon, continue your journey to Kampot. Upon arrival, check in at your hotel and enjoy the evening at leisure. Overnight in Kampot.

Accommodation : Rainforest Hotel By NSUN, 4 Star Hotel or another similar

After breakfast at the hotel, begin your day exploring Kampot City, which is recognized by UNESCO for its well-preserved colonial-era architecture and charming riverside atmosphere. Stroll through the city to admire its ancient structures and enjoy views of the surrounding countryside as you pass through traditional villages.

Continue to Phnom Chhngok Cave, a truly captivating site known for its natural limestone formations and the ancient brick shrine hidden within. The cave’s hauntingly beautiful chambers create a mystical atmosphere, making it one of the most unique attractions in Cambodia.

Next, visit a pepper plantation, where you’ll learn about the cultivation of Kampot pepper, world-famous for its exceptional flavor and quality. Enjoy the scenic plantation views and gain insights into why this spice is prized by chefs globally.

After a delicious lunch at a local restaurant, journey to the Trapeang Sangke Mangrove Community. This inspiring community-based ecotourism project focuses on mangrove restoration and conservation. Once a simple fishing village, it has become a popular destination for travelers interested in the ecological importance of mangroves. Take a peaceful boat ride through the mangrove forest, observe diverse wildlife, and see firsthand how your visit supports local livelihoods.

Continue to Kep, a charming coastal city famous for its fresh seafood and relaxed beach atmosphere. Visit the famous Crab Market along Kep Beach, where you can watch local fishers bring in the day’s catch and see crabs being prepared in traditional Cambodian style.

Arrive at your hotel for check-in and enjoy the evening at leisure. Overnight in Kep.

• Accommodation : Vakara Hotel Kep, 4 Star Hotel or another similar

On the morning after breakfast at your hotel, begin exploring Kep City before heading to Kep National Park. Enjoy a peaceful walk along scenic trails such as the Kep Mountain Trail, where you’ll be treated to sweeping viewpoints of the coastline, lush forest, and distant islands.

Continue your journey to Bokor National Park, a stunning highland retreat offering cooler air and breathtaking landscapes. Drive through the park to enjoy panoramic views, and visit notable landmarks including Wat Sampov Pram, the mysterious Old Palace, and the largest statue of Lok Yeay Mao, a revered guardian figure in Cambodian folklore. The combination of history, legends, and spectacular scenery makes Bokor a highlight of your trip.

After an enriching morning, continue toward Sihanoukville, stopping for lunch at a local restaurant along the way. Upon arrival in the coastal province, explore the city’s highlights, beginning with the symbolic Statue of Preah Thong Neang Neak, which depicts the mythical love story central to Khmer culture. Wander through Phsar Leu Market, the largest local market in Sihanoukville, where you can browse for fresh produce, local snacks, and handmade goods.

After discovering Sihanoukville’s key attractions, transfer to your beachfront hotel for check-in. Spend the rest of the evening relaxing by the sea, enjoying the laid-back charm of Cambodia’s coastal gem. Overnight in Sihanoukville.

• Accommodation : Sokha Beach Resort, a 5 stars hotel or another similar 

On the morning after breakfast at your hotel, enjoy free time at leisure to relax by the beach or take in the last moments of Cambodia’s coastal charm.

At the appropriate time, meet your driver in the hotel lobby for a comfortable private transfer to Techo International Airport for your departure flight and say a warm goodbye to Cambodia.

• Note: We recommend booking your departure flight from Phnom Penh International Airport in the afternoon, with the best departure time from 12:30 PM onward, to ensure a smooth and stress-free transfer

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