Private Cambodia Highlight 10 Days Tour

Upon arrival at Siem Reap Angkor International Airport, your professional tour guide and driver will be waiting to greet you. Look for your guide holding a personalized welcome sign with the About Cambodia Travel & Tours logo and your name.

Enjoy a comfortable transfer into Siem Reap city, where your guide will provide a brief orientation about local culture, history, and daily life in Cambodia. Once you arrive at your hotel, proceed with check-in and settle in.

The rest of the day is free at your leisure to relax, explore, or prepare for your upcoming adventure. Overnight in Siem Reap

Hotel Accommodation in option below : 

• Royal Crown Hotel & Spa, a 3 stars hotel or similar
• Regency  Angkor Hotel, a 4 stars hotel or similar
• Angkor Paradise Hotel, a 5 stars hotel or similar 

Morning: Ancient Capital of Angkor Thom & Jungle Temples

After breakfast at your hotel, your private tour guide and driver will pick you up and begin the journey into the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Angkor, often hailed as the "Eighth Wonder of the World."

Start your exploration at the South Gate of Angkor Thom, the final great capital of the Khmer Empire, which in the 12th century was the largest city in the world with a population of around one million. Admire the dramatic stone causeway lined with gods and demons before entering the city walls.

Inside Angkor Thom, visit:

• Bayon Temple: known for its iconic towers adorned with serene smiling faces
• Baphuon Temple: a pyramid-style temple mountain
• Phimeanakas, once part of the Royal Palace
• Terrace of the Elephants and Terrace of the Leper King, adorned with detailed bas-reliefs

Continue to Ta Nei, a lesser-visited gem nestled in the jungle, offering peace and raw beauty. Then visit Ta Prohm, famously known as the "Tomb Raider Temple", where massive tree roots weave through the ancient stone walls in a stunning display of nature reclaiming the site.

Lunch at a local Khmer restaurant, where you’ll enjoy authentic Cambodian cuisine.

Afternoon: Angkor Wat & Sunset View

After lunch, head to the world’s largest religious monument Angkor Wat. Built in the 12th century and dedicated to the Hindu god Vishnu, this architectural marvel is the national symbol of Cambodia, appearing on the country’s flag. Explore the well-preserved galleries, intricate stone carvings depicting mythological scenes, and marvel at the harmony and grandeur of this sacred site. As the day draws to a close, witness a breathtaking sunset over Angkor Wat an unforgettable scene as golden light bathes the temple’s towers and then return to your hotel. Overnight in Siem Reap

Hotel Accommodation in option below : 

• Royal Crown Hotel & Spa, a 3 stars hotel or similar
• Regency  Angkor Hotel, a 4 stars hotel or similar 
• Angkor Paradise Hotel, a 5 stars hotel or similar 

Morning: Tonle Sap Lake & Floating Village Cruise

After breakfast at your hotel, your tour guide and driver will meet you and transfer you to the pier for an unforgettable journey to Tonle Sap Lake, the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia and a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Board a private boat and cruise through one of the lake's most scenic floating villages. Here, you’ll witness a unique way of life as families live entirely on the water-homes, schools, markets, and even churches float on rafts or boats. These communities depend on fishing and seasonal rhythms of the Mekong River, which feeds the lake in the green season (May to October) and recedes during the high season (November to April), reversing the lake's flow a rare natural phenomenon found only in Cambodia. Capture photos, meet locals, and learn about their traditions and adaptive lifestyles as you navigate through this remarkable aquatic environment.

Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant, sampling authentic Khmer cuisine.

Afternoon: Cultural Highlights of Siem Reap

After lunch, continue your discovery of Siem Reap’s spiritual and cultural landmarks:

• Wat Prom Rath, a peaceful Buddhist pagoda with intricate art and serene surroundings
• Artisans d’Angkor, a social enterprise preserving traditional Cambodian craftsmanship from silk weaving to stone and wood carving
• Royal Residence Park, a tranquil green space near the royal family’s guesthouse, with shaded walkways and historical statues
• West Baray, an impressive man-made reservoir dating back to the Angkorian era, once used for irrigation and agriculture
• Wat Svay Lmeat Monastery, a quiet spot for reflection and insight into modern Cambodian monastic life

After a culturally rich day, return to your hotel. Overnight in Siem Reap

Hotel Accommodation in option below : 

• Royal Crown Hotel & Spa, a 3 stars hotel or similar
• Regency  Angkor Hotel, a 4 stars hotel or similar 
• Angkor Paradise Hotel, a 5 stars hotel or similar 

Morning Departure from Siem Reap

After breakfast at your hotel, begin your scenic journey to Battambang, Cambodia’s second-largest city. Renowned for its tranquil atmosphere, colonial architecture, and preserved traditional Cambodian wooden homes, many over a century old, Battambang offers a compelling blend of culture, history, and rural beauty.

First Stop: Angkor Silk Farm

En route, visit the Angkor Silk Farm, where you’ll get a firsthand look at the traditional Khmer silk-making process, from mulberry cultivation and silkworm farming to weaving and dyeing. This artisan workshop supports local communities and preserves a cherished Cambodian craft.

Second Stop: Banteay Chhmar Temple

Continue to the impressive Banteay Chhmar temple, one of the most remote yet significant archaeological sites in Cambodia. Located near the Thai border, this sprawling complex dates back to the late 12th century and is known for its serene bas-reliefs and towering face sculptures reminiscent of Bayon. It offers a peaceful, off-the-beaten-path experience with fewer tourists and an authentic atmosphere of discovery.

Arrival in Battambang

Arrive in Battambang in the late afternoon and check in to your hotel. The evening is free to relax or take a casual stroll along the riverfront. Overnight in Battambang

Hotel Accommodation in option below : 

• Classy Hotel & Spa, a 3 stars hotel or similar
• Cambana La Riviere Hotel, a 4 stars hotel or similar
• Maisons Wat Kor, a 5 stars hotel or similar 

Morning – Local Traditions & Village Life

After breakfast at your hotel, embark on a captivating journey into Battambang’s countryside. Your first stop is the traditional village of Pheam Ek, renowned for its handmade rice paper a vital ingredient in Cambodian spring rolls. Observe the step-by-step process as locals steam rice paste, then lay it out on bamboo frames to sun-dry. Be sure to sample the sweet local coconuts, a regional specialty. Next, visit the bustling Prohok Market, set along the scenic Sangke River. This market offers a vivid glimpse into daily Khmer life and is famed for its pungent fermented fish paste, a staple in Cambodian cuisine.

• Temples & Heritage Sites: Continue to Ek Phnom Temple, an 11th-century Angkorian ruin with spiritual and historical significance. Then visit Wat Damrei Sor and the Battambang Provincial Museum, which houses artifacts dating back to the pre-Angkorian and Angkorian periods. As you explore, admire the town’s charming French colonial buildings, which echo its rich past.
• Bamboo Train Adventure: Experience the iconic Battambang Bamboo Train, a one-of-a-kind rail journey across the countryside on a bamboo platform powered by a small engine. It’s a thrilling and fun ride offering sweeping views of rice fields and village life.

Lunch at a local restaurant, where you’ll enjoy authentic Khmer flavors.

Afternoon – Phnom Banan & Phnom Sampov

After lunch, visit Phnom Banan, a hilltop temple offering panoramic views and peaceful surroundings. Then, explore Phnom Sampov, a site of deep spiritual and historical significance. Learn about its role during the Khmer Rouge era and visit the Killing Cave, a somber reminder of Cambodia’s past. As dusk approaches, witness the spectacular natural phenomenon of millions of bats flying out of the cave, a breathtaking sight as they fill the sky in a seemingly endless stream.

Return to your hotel for an overnight stay in Battambang.

Hotel Accommodation in option below : 

• Classy Hotel & Spa, a 3 stars hotel or similar
• Cambana La Riviere Hotel, a 4 stars hotel or similar 
• Maisons Wat Kor, a 5 stars hotel or similar 

Morning Departure from Battambang

After breakfast at your hotel, depart Battambang for Phnom Penh, Cambodia’s dynamic capital. This journey is not just a transfer, it’s a cultural adventure through Cambodia’s heartland, with fascinating stops along the way.

•  Stop 1: Pursat Province – Stone Carving Village: Pause in Pursat, a province known for its skilled stone carvers who create detailed sculptures from local marble. Witness the traditional techniques passed down through generations and admire intricately carved Buddhas and mythical creatures that line the roadside workshops.
• Stop 2: Kampong Chhnang – Pottery Village: Continue to Kampong Chhnang, famous for its traditional Khmer pottery. Visit a local pottery village where artisans handcraft clay pots using methods that have remained unchanged for centuries. This village also offers glimpses of floating homes along the riverbanks, blending craftsmanship with riverside charm.
• Stop 3: Oudong Mountain – Ancient Capital & Spiritual Site: Arrive at Oudong Mountain, Cambodia’s former royal capital during the 16th to 19th centuries. Climb to the summit for panoramic views of the countryside and visit sacred stupas that house relics of past kings and monks. The site is a peaceful blend of history, spirituality, and stunning natural beauty.

Arrival in Phnom Penh

Continue your drive into Phnom Penh, the vibrant and fast-growing capital city located at the confluence of the Mekong and Tonle Sap rivers. Check in at your hotel and enjoy the evening at leisure. Overnight in Phnom Penh

Hotel Accommodation in option below : 

• King Grand Boutique Hotel, a 3 stars hotel or similar
• Sun & Moon Urban Hotel, a 4 stars hotel or similar
• Sun & Moon Riverside Hotel, a 5 stars hotel or similar 

Morning – Khmer Rouge History & Reflection

After breakfast at your hotel, meet your professional English-speaking guide and driver for a profound and educational tour through Cambodia’s recent history.

• Cheung Ek Killing Fields (Genocide Center): Start the day with a visit to the Cheung Ek Genocide Center at Killing Fields, one of the most haunting yet important memorial sites in Cambodia. Your guide will share in-depth knowledge of the Khmer Rouge regime, which tragically took control of the country from 1975 to 1979, leading to the deaths of nearly two million Cambodians.
• Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S-21 Prison): Continue to Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, a former high school turned interrogation center. The preserved prison cells and photographic documentation offer an emotional insight into Cambodia’s darkest chapter.

Lunch Break: Enjoy a traditional Khmer lunch at a local restaurant, offering a welcome moment to reflect and recharge.

Afternoon – Royal Heritage & Cultural Sites

•  Royal Palace & Silver Pagoda: Explore the elegant Royal Palace, the current residence of the Cambodian royal family. Within the complex lies the Silver Pagoda, named for its gleaming floor of over 5,000 silver tiles. Admire the sacred treasures, including the famed Emerald Buddha. 
• Wat Ounalom & Wat Phnom: Visit Wat Ounalom, the spiritual center of Cambodian Buddhism, and then Wat Phnom, the tallest religious structure in the city and legendary birthplace of Phnom Penh itself. 
• Independence Monument & King Father Norodom Sihanouk Statue: Stop by the Independence Monument, built in 1958 to commemorate Cambodia’s liberation from French colonial rule, and the nearby statue of King Father Norodom Sihanouk, a revered figure in modern Cambodian history. 
• Central Market (Phsar Thmey): Conclude your day with a stroll through Central Market, an architectural gem from the French colonial era. With its iconic art-deco dome and endless stalls selling everything from handicrafts to jewelry and local foods, it’s a shopper’s paradise and a cultural experience.

Return to Hotel: Transfer back to your hotel in the early evening. Overnight in Phnom Penh

Hotel Accommodation in option below : 

• King Grand Boutique Hotel, a 3 stars hotel or similar
• Sun & Moon Urban Hotel, a 4 stars hotel or similar
• Sun & Moon Riverside, a 5 stars hotel or similar 

Morning – Departure from Phnom Penh

After breakfast at your hotel, begin your overland journey from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap, passing through the heart of Cambodia. Along the way, enjoy scenic countryside views and stops at some of the country's most unique cultural and historical sites.

• Stop 1: Skun Town – Cambodia’s Famous Spider Market: Your first stop is in the town of Skun, known worldwide for its unusual delicacy: fried spiders. Often referred to as “Spider Town,” this bustling market is lined with vendors offering deep-fried tarantulas, crickets, and other adventurous snacks. This fascinating culinary stop is not for the faint of heart, but it’s a must-see cultural experience that reveals Cambodia’s resourceful and diverse food traditions.
• Stop 2: Prasat Sambor Prei Kuk, Kampong Thom: Continue your journey to the ancient Sambor Prei Kuk Temples, one of Cambodia’s most significant pre-Angkor archaeological sites. These historic temples, dating back to the Chenla period, showcase early Khmer architecture and provide an intriguing glimpse into the civilization that predated the Angkor Empire. Explore the peaceful forested complex and admire the brick towers and intricate carvings that highlight the artistry of the 7th century.

Lunch Stop: Enjoy a delicious local Khmer lunch at a restaurant along the route, with opportunities to relax and sample authentic countryside dishes.

• Stop 3: Phlat Rice Village Experience: Continue on to Phlat Rice Village, where you’ll witness traditional rice farming techniques and rural Cambodian life. This peaceful stop offers insight into the country’s agricultural heritage and the vital role rice plays in everyday life. 
• Stop 4: Naga Bridge (Spean Praptos): Before reaching Siem Reap, visit the Naga Bridge, a remarkable 12th-century Angkorian bridge that remains incredibly well preserved. Once part of an ancient highway, this stone structure is adorned with serpent (naga) railings and reflects the incredible engineering of the Khmer Empire.

Arrival in Siem Reap

Arrive in Siem Reap by late afternoon or early evening and check in to your hotel. The rest of the day is free for you to relax or explore the town at your own pace. Overnight in Siem Reap

Hotel Accommodation in option below : 

• Royal Crown Hotel & Spa, a 3 stars hotel or similar
• Regency  Angkor Hotel, a 4 stars hotel or similar
• Angkor Paradise Hotel, a 5 stars hotel or similar 

Morning – Departure for Phnom Kulen

After enjoying breakfast at your hotel, meet your tour guide and driver in the lobby for a scenic journey to Phnom Kulen National Park, located to the north of the Angkor archaeological zone. Known as the sacred mountain of Cambodia, Phnom Kulen is both historically and spiritually significant, considered the birthplace of the ancient Khmer Empire.

• Poeng Ta Kho (Amazing Cliff Viewpoint): Travel up the winding road to the summit of the mountain, where panoramic views of the lush national park unfold. At Poeng Ta Kho, you’ll witness breathtaking cliffside views, a perfect photo opportunity and a tranquil moment in nature.
• Reclining Buddha and Sacred Monastery: Visit the largest reclining Buddha statue in Cambodia, intricately carved into a massive natural sandstone boulder. Located within a serene Buddhist monastery, this spiritual site offers a peaceful and reflective atmosphere.
• The River of a Thousand Lingas: Continue your journey to the River of 1000 Lingas, where intricate carvings of sacred Hindu symbols are etched into the riverbed. These carvings were made over a thousand years ago to sanctify the water that flowed downstream to the Angkor temples.
• Phnom Kulen Waterfall: Cool off and relax at the largest waterfall in the park, a local favorite for swimming. Known for its "sacred waters," the waterfall is nestled in the heart of the jungle and surrounded by lush vegetation, a refreshing and serene natural retreat.

Lunch at a Local Restaurant: Enjoy a delicious lunch at a local restaurant near the park, sampling traditional Khmer cuisine while taking in the natural beauty of the surroundings.

Afternoon – Visit a Local Village

Before returning to Siem Reap, visit a nearby local village to learn more about traditional Cambodian rural life. Observe the craftsmanship, farming practices, and daily routines of local residents for an authentic cultural experience.

Return to Siem Reap: Transfer back to your hotel in Siem Reap for a restful evening. Overnight in Siem Reap

Hotel Accommodation in option below : 

• Royal Crown Hotel & Spa, a 3 stars hotel or similar
• Regency  Angkor Hotel, a 4 stars hotel or similar
• Angkor Paradise Hotel, a 5 stars hotel or similar ­

Enjoy a relaxed morning at your leisure after breakfast. When it’s time for your departure, your private driver will meet you in the hotel lobby (note: no tour guide service today) and transfer you comfortably to Siem Reap Angkor International Airport for your onward flight.

• Note: no tour guide service today

We hope you had a memorable journey through Cambodia. Safe travels and farewell from the Kingdom of Wonder!