Cambodia Active Explorer: 9 Day Adventure Through Temples, Cycling, Trekking, Boating Tour

Upon your arrival at Siem Reap Angkor International Airport, our friendly tour guide and driver will be waiting to welcome you. Your guide will be holding a welcome signboard featuring the About Cambodia Travel & Tours logo along with your name, making it easy to locate them.

You will then be transferred to Siem Reap city. Along the way, your guide will provide an insightful introduction to the city, sharing information about the local culture, daily life, and what to expect during your stay.

Upon arrival in the city, you’ll proceed to your hotel for check-in. After check-in, the remainder of the day is at your leisure. 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 

After enjoying breakfast at your hotel, meet your cycling tour guide in the hotel lobby for a brief orientation about the day’s itinerary and your bike.

Begin cycling northeast of Siem Reap, heading out of town along the scenic riverside road. Along the way, observe local communities and everyday life as you make your way toward the Angkor Archaeological Park.

Your first stop is the magnificent Angkor Wat, the largest religious monument in the world. With storytelling from your knowledgeable and friendly guide, delve into the history, symbolism, and architecture of this awe-inspiring temple.

Continue your ride through shaded jungle paths, surrounded by lush greenery and the peaceful sounds of nature. Arrive at the ancient city of Angkor Thom, where you will cycle through the historic gates and explore the Bayon Temple, famous for its smiling stone faces, truly a memorable experience.

Take a break for lunch and enjoy authentic, healthy Khmer cuisine at a local restaurant within Angkor Park.

After lunch, the journey continues to the hidden gem of Ta Nei Temple, nestled deep in the jungle and offering a tranquil atmosphere away from the crowds. Then ride on to Ta Prohm Temple, famously featured in the Tomb Raider movie. Here, marvel at the fusion of nature and architecture as tree roots entwine the temple’s crumbling stone walls.

At each site, your guide will provide insightful commentary and ample time to explore and take photos.

From Ta Prohm, cycle back to Siem Reap along a different path beside the Siem Reap River, returning to the town after a day filled with culture, adventure, and unforgettable memories. 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 

After breakfast at your hotel, meet your guide and transfer to the Angkor Archaeological Park, home to over 250 ancient temples spread across a vast area of 401 square kilometers.

Begin your exploration of the Angkor Grand Circuit, starting with a visit to the majestic Preah Khan Temple, once a powerful Buddhist university and monastery. Then continue to the serene Neak Pean, a unique island temple set in the middle of an ancient reservoir.

Next, visit the charming Ta Som Temple, followed by East Mebon, known for its impressive elephant statues and elevated views. The final stop of the Grand Circle is the elegant Banteay Samre, a beautifully preserved temple showcasing classic Angkorian architecture.

Enjoy a lunch break at a local restaurant offering authentic Khmer cuisine.

After lunch, head north to the exquisite Banteay Srei Temple, often referred to as the “Crown Jewel of Khmer Art.” Built from pink and rose-colored sandstone, this temple is renowned for its intricate and delicate carvings, a true masterpiece of craftsmanship.

Following your temple visits, continue to a traditional Khmer village where you’ll get a glimpse of local life. Visit traditional wooden houses and see how villagers produce palm sugar using time-honored methods.

End the day with a peaceful visit to Pre Rup Temple, a beautiful spot to watch the sunset over the Cambodian countryside. 

Return to your hotel for a well-deserved rest. 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 

After breakfast at your hotel, begin your day with a transfer to Tonle Sap Lake, the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia and one of the most unique ecosystems in the world.

Board a local boat to explore one of the most beautiful floating villages on the lake. Witness the fascinating daily life of the local people who live entirely on water, their homes are built on boats or bamboo rafts, and fishing is their main livelihood. Your guide will share insights into the unique hydrological system of the Tonle Sap, which is fed by the Mekong River and is known for its reversing flow during the monsoon season.

After your immersive experience on the lake, continue your journey to the Roluos Group, home to some of the earliest temples of the Angkor period. Begin with a visit to Lolei Temple, followed by the sacred Preah Ko, and conclude with the impressive Bakong Temple, the first mountain temple of the Khmer Empire.

Enjoy a delicious lunch at a local restaurant, where you can sample authentic Cambodian dishes.

In the afternoon, visit Wat Preah Prom Rath, a beautiful and peaceful pagoda in the heart of Siem Reap known for its striking architecture and tranquil atmosphere.

Next, explore Artisans Angkor, a social enterprise dedicated to preserving traditional Khmer arts and crafts. Observe artisans at work as they create intricate wood carvings, stone sculptures, silk paintings, and more.

Conclude your day with a relaxing visit to the Royal Residence Park, a peaceful public garden near the King's Residence, perfect for unwinding and taking in the scenic surroundings.

Return to your hotel in the late afternoon. 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 

After breakfast at your hotel, transfer to the foot of Phnom Kulen Mountain, the sacred mountain range considered the birthplace of the ancient Khmer Empire.

Begin your private guided trekking tour from Preah Ang Jub, a small Buddhist temple nestled at the base of the mountain. From here, set off on a 3-hour trek along scenic trails through dense jungle and mountain landscapes.

As you ascend the Kulen mountain range, your guide will share the spiritual and historical significance of this sacred site. Your first major stop will be the Valley of a Thousand Lingas, where the riverbed is carved with countless lingams (symbolic representations of the Hindu god Shiva), with holy water flowing gently over them, a truly mystical experience.

Continue your trek to Preah Ang Thom, a revered Buddhist temple home to a massive 15-meter reclining Buddha, beautifully carved from a single sandstone boulder.

From there, head to the Kulen Waterfall, a serene and picturesque spot where you can swim and relax in the refreshing natural pools, surrounded by lush jungle. Enjoy a lunch break at a local restaurant nearby.

After lunch, continue by vehicle to visit Poeng Ta Kho Cliff, a stunning viewpoint perched above the mountains, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the Cambodian countryside, a perfect photo opportunity and a peaceful moment to reflect on the day.

Finally, transfer back to Siem Reap, arriving at your hotel in the late afternoon. 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 

After breakfast at your hotel, depart from Siem Reap for a scenic drive to Battambang, Cambodia’s charming second-largest city known for its blend of French colonial architecture, traditional wooden houses, and rich cultural heritage.

Upon arrival in Battambang, check in at your hotel and freshen up before setting out to explore the city's highlights.

Begin your discovery with a visit to Tauk Ta Bambong Krognung, the largest statue in Battambang, symbolizing the city's legendary guardian. Then continue to Wat Damrey Sor Pagoda, a peaceful temple with spiritual significance and local history.

Next, take a leisurely walk along the riverside, where you'll admire well-preserved French colonial buildings that line the streets, a throwback to the city’s colonial past.

Experience one of Battambang’s most iconic attractions: the Bamboo Train (Norry). This fun and unique ride offers a scenic journey through the countryside, gliding along old tracks on a bamboo platform powered by a small engine, a truly local adventure!

Enjoy a lunch break at a local restaurant, sampling Battambang's regional cuisine.

In the afternoon, head to Phnom Banan, home to a 12th-century hilltop temple offering panoramic views after a short climb. Then continue to the sacred Phnom Sampov, a mountain deeply tied to Cambodia’s spiritual and tragic history.

Visit the haunting Killing Caves, a poignant reminder of the Khmer Rouge era. As evening approaches, witness one of nature’s most breathtaking spectacles at the Bat Cave, where millions of bats stream out in a mesmerizing line across the sky, an unforgettable experience.

After the sunset show, return to your hotel. 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 

After breakfast at your hotel, depart Battambang for the journey to Phnom Penh, the vibrant capital city of Cambodia. Along the way, enjoy scenic views of rural life and make several cultural and historical stops.

Your first stop is in Pursat Province, famous for its marble stone carving village. Witness skilled artisans at work as they carve intricate statues and traditional sculptures from locally sourced marble, a beautiful example of Cambodia's enduring craftsmanship.

Continue the drive to Kampong Chhnang, a city known for its rich pottery-making tradition. Visit a local pottery village, where you’ll see how families have been crafting ceramic wares by hand for generations, using techniques passed down over centuries.

Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant along the way, featuring traditional Cambodian dishes.

After lunch, visit Oudong Mountain, the former royal capital of Cambodia in the 16th century. Hike to the top of the mountain to explore the ancient stupas, pagodas, and monuments that once served as the spiritual and political center of the Khmer Empire. From the summit, take in panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.

Continue your journey to Phnom Penh, arriving in the late afternoon. Check in at your hotel and relax after a day of exploration. Overnight in Phnom Penh.

Hotel Accommodation in option below : 

• Ohana Phnom Penh Palace 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 

After breakfast at your hotel, begin a full-day guided tour of Phnom Penh, the bustling capital of Cambodia. Today, Phnom Penh stands as the country’s economic, political, and cultural center, blending French colonial charm with modern development and deep historical roots.

Start your day with a sobering visit to the Choeung Ek Genocide Center (Killing Fields), where you will learn about the tragic events of the Khmer Rouge regime. Continue to the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S-21), a former high school turned prison, now a powerful memorial and educational center.

After this important historical experience, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant offering a selection of authentic Cambodian dishes.

In the afternoon, explore the Royal Palace, the official residence of the King of Cambodia. Stroll through the palace grounds and visit the nearby Silver Pagoda, named for its gleaming floor made of over 5,000 silver tiles. These sites reflect the grandeur of Cambodia’s royal heritage.

Next, visit Wat Phnom, the city’s symbolic birthplace, perched atop a small hill and surrounded by shady trees. Then proceed to Wat Ounalom, the largest and most important monastery in Phnom Penh, serving as the center of Cambodian Buddhism.

Continue your city tour with a stop at the Independence Monument, built to commemorate Cambodia’s independence from France, followed by a visit to the Statue of King Father Norodom Sihanouk, a beloved national leader.

Conclude the day with a visit to the Central Market (Phsar Thmei), an iconic Art Deco-style market built during the French colonial era. This is a great place for souvenir shopping, browsing local crafts, jewelry, textiles, and snacks.

Return to your hotel after a meaningful and enriching day in the capital. Overnight in Phnom Penh.

Hotel Accommodation in option below : 

• Ohana Phnom Penh Palace 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 

After breakfast at your hotel, enjoy some free time at your leisure. You may choose to relax at the hotel or explore the nearby area on your own.

At the scheduled time, your private driver (no tour guide) will meet you in the hotel lobby for your transfer to Techo International Airport. 

We hope you had a memorable journey discovering the rich culture, history, and natural beauty of Cambodia. Thank you for traveling with us, and we wish you a safe and pleasant flight.

Goodbye and see you again!