The Grand Cambodia Journey 23-Day Private Tour Across Culture, Nature & Heritage

Upon arrival at Techo International Airport, your friendly tour guide and driver will be waiting to welcome you. Look for the About Cambodia Travel & Tours logo on the welcome signboard, alongside your name. From the airport, you’ll be transferred to Phnom Penh, the vibrant capital city of Cambodia.

During the drive, your guide will introduce you to the city’s daily life, sharing insights about the local culture and lifestyle. Once you arrive, check into your hotel and settle in. The rest of the day is yours to relax and explore at your own pace. Overnight stay in Phnom Penh.

After breakfast at the hotel, transfer to explore Phnom Penh, the capital city and Cambodia’s top economic and political hub, known for its many tourist attractions. Begin by visiting significant historical sites around the city.

First, travel outside Phnom Penh to the Choeung Ek Genocide Center, a memorial site from the Khmer Rouge regime. Then, continue to the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S-21), where your professional guide will provide detailed information about the Khmer Rouge period from 1975 to 1979.

After this sobering experience, transfer back to a local restaurant for lunch.

In the afternoon, visit the Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda, the residence of the royal family and a treasured cultural site. Continue to the Independence Monument, the statue of King Father Norodom Sihanouk, and visit Wat Ounalom and Wat Phnom, the historic temple marking the original site of Phnom Penh’s founding.

Next, explore the Central Market (Phsar Thmei), a famous market located in a beautiful French colonial-style building, offering a wide variety of goods.

Finally, transfer back to the hotel for an overnight stay in Phnom Penh.

After breakfast at the hotel, transfer to visit Prasat Phnom Chisor, an 11th-century Angkorian temple built from laterite and bricks with intricately carved sandstone lintels. Constructed by King Suryavarman I, the temple was originally named Sri Suryaparvata. Located atop Chisor Mountain, which rises 133 meters, it is dedicated to the Hindu deities Shiva and Vishnu.

At the eastern edge of the mountain, behind the temple, you’ll find a stunning viewpoint perfect for photos, offering panoramic views of the vast rice fields and countryside. Looking east from here, you can see a straight avenue connecting three key features: two outer gates (temples) with cruciform ground plans and a baray (ancient water reservoir).

Afterward, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before continuing to visit Sen Rovieng Temple, Prasat Neang Kmeo, and Tonle Bati. Then explore Ta Prohm Temple, a large complex featuring a square sandstone temple with two library buildings, vaulted galleries, pavilions, permanent basins, and gopuras (entrance towers) on the east and west sides. This temple was built during the reign of King Jayavarman VII in the late 12th or early 13th century.

After the tour, transfer back to your hotel in Phnom Penh for an overnight stay.­ ­

After breakfast at the hotel, transfer to Oudong Mountain, the former royal capital of Cambodia from 1618 to 1866 before the capital moved to Phnom Penh. The site features several temples and large stupas spread across three hills. These impressive stupas, visible from miles away, contain the remains of several Khmer kings.

Next, visit Sontte Wan Buddhist Meditation Center, the largest Buddhist center in Cambodia, renowned for its beautiful decorations, a must-see for visitors.

Continue to Tonle Sap Village, a famous riverside community along the Tonle Sap River. Here, observe local artisans crafting silver and bronze products, which are sold both within Cambodia and exported abroad.

Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before heading to Phnom Baset to visit a pre-Angkorian temple dating back to the 8th century, which also features a reclining Buddha statue. The temple offers stunning views over the surrounding plains and rice fields.

After the visit, transfer back to your hotel in Phnom Penh for an overnight stay.­

After breakfast at the hotel, depart Phnom Penh for Kampong Cham. En route, stop at Skun, a Cambodian town famous for its unique market where fried spiders a local delicacy are sold. Amidst the usual fruits and vegetables, you’ll find women carrying large trays filled with spiced, fried spiders, some as large as a grown man’s palm. This unusual snack has made Skun a world-renowned tourist attraction.

Continue to visit the beautiful Dei Dos Monastery, located near the Bamboo Bridge area, followed by a visit to Wat Norkor Batchey Temple.

Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before heading to Phnom Phnom Bross and Phnom Srey, places rich in Khmer history and culture, especially known for their traditional wedding ceremonies.

Next, visit the Eco Village at Cheung Kok, a community of farmers and craftsmen where ecotourism and craftworks have helped generate income. Here, you can experience authentic village life by staying in typical local homesa unique cultural immersion.

After the visit, transfer to your hotel in Kampong Cham for an overnight stay.

After breakfast at the hotel, depart Kampong Cham for Krong Sen Monorom, the capital of Mondulkiri province. Mondulkiri, Cambodia’s largest but most sparsely populated province, is renowned for its stunning natural beauty dense forests, majestic waterfalls, and rolling green hills.

En route, stop at Bousra Waterfall, one of Cambodia’s most impressive waterfalls. This triple-drop cascade features an upper tier of 12 meters, a spectacular lower tier with a powerful 20-meter drop, and a smaller 4-meter final tier.

Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before continuing to Sen Monorom City. Nestled in the hills, Sen Monorom is a quiet, charming town ideal for travelers seeking to explore off-the-beaten-path destinations. The area is a promising spot for eco-tourism, offering unspoiled landscapes and authentic experiences with local hill tribe communities largely untouched by mass tourism. Overnight stay in Mondulkiri.

After breakfast at the hotel, transfer to the trekking area for an exciting Jungle Trekking adventure as part of the Wildlife and Elephant Conservation Project. During the trek, you will enjoy walking through dense jungle trails, visiting villages inhabited by minority groups, and relaxing by a scenic waterfall where you’ll enjoy a picnic lunch surrounded by nature. Along the journey, you'll have opportunities to observe wildlife and learn firsthand about the significant efforts made to protect elephants and other wildlife species in their natural habitats. Following the trekking experience, transfer back to your hotel for an overnight stay in Mondulkiri.

After breakfast at the hotel, depart Mondulkiri for Krong Banlung, the vibrant city of Ratanakiri province known as a premier ecotourism destination in Cambodia.

En route, stop to visit interesting sites along the way before arriving in Banlung city. Enjoy a lunch break upon arrival.

In the afternoon, explore popular attractions in Banlung. Visit the central Phsar Banlung Market, where you can find beautiful jewelry, carvings, and baskets crafted by local tribal communities. Continue to Eisan Ratanaram Pagoda on nearby Phnom Svay hill, which offers panoramic views of the city and features a large reclining Buddha statue. To the east, follow a scenic trail along the shoreline with wooden piers providing access to the water, perfect for a peaceful stroll.

Return to your accommodation for an overnight stay in Ratanakiri.

After breakfast at the hotel, transfer to explore the natural beauty and rich cultures of Ratanakiri Province, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts and those interested in traditional ways of life.

Begin your day at Bokheo, a locality known for gem mining. Here, you may have the chance to observe miners at work, witnessing this fascinating local industry firsthand.

Next, visit an ethnic minority village to experience the vibrant cultures and traditions of Ratanakiri’s diverse tribes. Most festivals and events here take place on a small, village scale, reflecting each community’s unique customs.

Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before continuing to Yeak Laom Lake, a stunning, nearly perfectly circular crater lake formed by a 4,000-year-old volcano. Surrounded by lush jungle, the lake’s deep, crystal-clear waters (up to 50 meters) provide a refreshing spot for swimming from several wooden piers.

The lake is managed by the local indigenous community, and a visitor center offers insights into their culture and history.

Return to your accommodation for an overnight stay in Ratanakiri.

After breakfast at the hotel, depart Ratanakiri for Kratie. En route, stop in Stung Treng city to visit the spectacular Spheakmit Waterfall, the largest waterfall on the Upper Mekong River in Cambodia.

Enjoy the breathtaking natural scenery, relax in the fresh air, and listen to the soothing sounds of cascading water. Located near the Cambodian-Laos border in Pheah Vihear Province, Spheakmit Waterfall is a popular destination for both local and international visitors.

After soaking in the beauty of the falls, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before continuing your journey to Kratie.

Arrive in Kratie city in the late afternoon and check in to your hotel. Overnight in Kratie.

After breakfast at the hotel, take a ferry from Kratie city to Koh Trong Island. Explore the island by Tuk-Tuk or bicycle along its approximately 7 km length. Visit traditional wooden houses and spend time with local families, learning about their daily lives and customs.

Koh Trong is famous for its grapefruit orchards, grown by many families on the island. Don’t miss the chance to taste fresh, delicious grapefruits during your visit.

After cycling around the island, take a boat back to Kratie city. Explore the city’s largest local market, surrounded by ancient buildings in an area proposed for UNESCO World Heritage status.

Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before visiting Krolanh (Bamboo Cake), a national symbol of Cambodia. Continue to the ancient monastery Wat Sor Sor Moury Rory and Phnom Sambok, located along the Mekong River bank.

End the day with a visit to see the rare freshwater Mekong dolphins at sunset, a truly unique experience as these dolphins live only in the Mekong River of Cambodia. Return to your hotel for an overnight stay in Kratie.

After breakfast at the hotel, depart Kratie for Kampong Thom, exploring highlights along the way. Stop at Cambodia’s largest rubber tree plantation and drive past vast fruit plantations, enjoying spectacular views of the Mekong River and its peaceful islands.

Continue to visit a stone cutting village, where traditional craftsmanship thrives. Then explore Phnom Santuk, a significant natural and cultural site located in the heart of Kampong Thom province.

Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before visiting the pre-Angkorian ancient city of Sambor Prei Kuk, nestled in the jungle and listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Sambor Prei Kuk features three distinct temple groups: Prasat Sambor Group, Lion Temple Group, and Prasat Yeai Poeun Group.

After the visit, continue your journey to Kampong Thom city for an overnight stay.

After breakfast at the hotel, depart Kampong Thom and en route stop to visit Preah Khan Kampong Svay, the largest temple complex in Cambodia. This vast site is four times the size of Angkor Wat, covering an area of 5 square kilometers. It features four enclosure walls, a central sanctuary, a baray (water reservoir), and various buildings and basins.

Located in a remote area, Preah Khan Kampong Svay attracts far fewer visitors compared to other Angkor temples, preserving much of its natural state despite some restoration efforts. This makes it a rewarding destination for adventurous travelers.

After exploring this unique temple, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before continuing to Preah Vihear city. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel for an overnight stay.

After breakfast at the hotel, depart Preah Vihear and visit the stunning Preah Vihear Temple, perched atop the Dângrêk Mountain range on the Cambodia-Thailand border. This 9th-century Hindu temple, built during the Khmer Empire, offers breathtaking views and a unique cultural experience. Preah Vihear was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site on July 7, 2008.

After exploring the temple complex and taking in the panoramic scenery, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.

Continue to Anlong Veng to visit the former homes of Khmer Rouge leaders, including Pol Pot and Ta Mok, for insight into Cambodia’s recent history.

After the visit, proceed to Siem Reap for an overnight stay.

After breakfast at the hotel, begin the day with a visit to the earliest temples of Angkor, which marked the Khmer Empire’s first capital in the 9th century. Explore Lo Lei, Preah Ko, and Bakong temples some of the most historically significant and richly detailed temples from the early Angkor period.

Continue your journey to Tonle Sap Lake, the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia. Enjoy a scenic boat tour of Kampong Phluk, a picturesque floating village where locals live in stilted homes up to 10 meters high or on boats and bamboo rafts. Observe the daily life of fishing communities and gain insights into this unique way of life.

Tonle Sap is renowned for its unique seasonal water flow, during the green season, water from the Mekong River flows into the lake, while in the high season, it reverses, flowing back to the Mekong.

After the boat tour, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before visiting cultural sites in Siem Reap, including Wat Bo Pagoda, the renowned Artisans Angkor handicraft center, and the Royal Residence Park.

Return to your hotel for an overnight stay in Siem Reap.

Your tour guide and driver will pick you up from your hotel lobby for an unforgettable journey to the Angkor Archaeological Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since December 14, 1992. Begin the day with the iconic sunrise at Angkor Wat, as the sun rises dramatically behind the temple's central towers, an unforgettable moment and one of the highlights of any visit to Cambodia.

After sunrise, explore the Angkor Wat complex, the largest religious monument in the world, known for its grand scale, intricate bas-reliefs, and spiritual significance. Then return to your hotel for breakfast.

After breakfast, continue your exploration with a visit to the South Gate of Angkor Thom, the ancient royal city of the Khmer Empire. At the heart of the city, visit the majestic Bayon Temple, known for its 54 towers adorned with over 200 serene stone faces.

Stroll through the ancient city to see other important sites including:

• Baphuon: a stepped pyramid temple
• Phimeanakas: a royal temple once part of the king’s palace
• Terrace of the Elephants: used for royal ceremonies
• Terrace of the Leper King: believed to be a royal cremation site

Next, visit the mysterious and less-crowded Ta Nei Temple, followed by the world-famous Ta Prohm Temple, also known as the "Tomb Raider Temple" due to its appearance in the Angelina Jolie film. Unlike most other temples, Ta Prohm has been left largely in its natural state, with giant tree roots growing through the ruins, giving visitors a sense of how the entire Angkor complex once looked when hidden in the jungle for centuries.

­Lunch Break: Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant near the temples.

After lunch, visit Banteay Kdei, a peaceful and lesser-visited temple, and nearby Srah Srang, the royal bathing pool once used by Angkor’s elite. Return to your hotel in Siem Reap for an overnight stay.

After breakfast at the hotel, begin your full-day exploration of the Angkor Grand Circle, home to some of the most beautiful and historically rich temples in the Angkor complex and start with a visit to:

• Preah Khan: a sprawling monastic complex with intricate carvings and partially unrestored ruins
• Neak Pean: a unique island temple in the middle of a tranquil baray, believed to have healing powers
• Ta Som: known for its picturesque entrance gate engulfed by a sacred fig tree
• East Mebon: a temple once located on an island in the middle of the now-dry East Baray
• Banteay Samre: a beautifully preserved temple with elegant towers and galleries

Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant near the temples.

In the afternoon, continue to the exquisite Banteay Srei Temple, often referred to as the "Crown Jewel of Khmer Art". This 10th-century temple is known for its intricate carvings and red-pink sandstone construction, a true masterpiece of Khmer architecture.

On the way back to Siem Reap, stop at a traditional Khmer village, where you can see traditional wooden houses and observe locals making palm sugar using age-old methods.

End the day with a beautiful sunset at Pre Rup Temple, a classic mountain-style temple offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscape before return to your hotel for an overnight stay in Siem Reap.

After breakfast at the hotel, depart for a full-day excursion to Phnom Kulen National Park, a site of great historical, cultural, and natural significance. Phnom Kulen served as the quarry site for the sandstone used to construct the temples of Angkor, making it an essential location in Khmer history.

Your vehicle will ascend to the top of Phnom Kulen Mountain, offering stunning panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. At the summit, visit:

• Poeng Ta Kho (Amazing Cliff): a dramatic viewpoint offering breathtaking scenery
• The Largest Reclining Buddha: carved directly into the surface of a massive natural sandstone boulder within an active Buddhist monastery

Continue to explore the River of a Thousand Lingas, where intricate carvings of Hindu symbols are etched into the riverbed, believed to bless the water as it flows downstream to Angkor. Nearby, visit the largest waterfall in the area, a serene and sacred spot perfect for swimming and relaxation.

Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant near the falls.

In the afternoon, visit a local village to experience rural Cambodian life before returning to your hotel in Siem Reap. Overnight in Siem Reap.

After breakfast at the hotel, depart for a full-day journey to explore some of Cambodia’s most fascinating and remote temples, hidden deep in the jungle.

Begin with a visit to Koh Ker, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and former capital of the Khmer Empire during the 10th century. It was the first time the capital was moved from the Angkor region. Although the capital later returned to Angkor, Koh Ker remains one of the most remarkable archaeological sites in Cambodia. At Koh Ker, explore several unique temples:

• Prasat Thom: the first pyramid-style temple in Cambodia, rising seven levels high
• Linga Pura temples: showcasing giant lingas and sacred symbolism
• Prasat Pram: famous for its mystical beauty, with giant trees growing through the temple structures

After your temple visit, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.

In the afternoon, continue to Beng Mealea, one of the most atmospheric temples in Cambodia, still largely consumed by the jungle. Built by the same king who constructed Angkor Wat, Beng Mealea offers a raw, adventurous experience. Visiting this ruined temple is often compared to the feeling French explorer Henri Mouhot might have had when he rediscovered Angkor Wat in the 1860s. After exploring the temple complex, return to your hotel in Siem Reap. Overnight in Siem Reap.

After breakfast at the hotel, transfer to the port to begin one of Cambodia’s most scenic and culturally immersive journeys: the boat trip from Siem Reap to Battambang. This journey is widely considered the most beautiful boat ride in Cambodia and offers a rare glimpse into authentic river life that cannot be seen by road.

As the boat glides along the waterways, pass through floating villages, where homes, schools, and markets rest on the water. Observe the daily lives of the river communities:

• Fishermen standing waist-deep in water casting their nets
• Large fishing boats equipped with massive nets
• Women traders paddling from house to house, selling goods
• Children playing joyfully in the water along the riverbanks

Along the way, the boat will stop at one of the villages, giving you a chance to stretch your legs, use the facilities, and enjoy lunch with a local family, a meaningful and personal experience of Cambodian hospitality.

This trip offers unique, authentic scenes of river life that are impossible to experience from a bus or car.

Upon arrival in Battambang, transfer to your hotel for check-in. Overnight in Battambang.

Note:

• This boat journey is available from July to March, when water levels are high enough for smooth travel.
• From April to June, the transfer from Siem Reap to Battambang will be made by overland route due to low water levels.

After breakfast at the hotel, begin a full-day exploration of Battambang, Cambodia’s second-largest city. Known for its charming blend of colonial architecture and traditional Cambodian wooden houses, some over a century old, Battambang offers a deep connection to the country’s cultural heritage.

Start your day by visiting local villages, where you’ll observe traditional crafts and daily life. See locals producing:

• Sun-dried bananas
• Rice paper for spring rolls
• Fresh Khmer noodles
• Traditional Khmer cakes
• Sticky rice cooked in bamboo 
• Fermented fish paste (Prohok) and many other authentic Cambodian products.­

Next, visit the ancient Ek Phnom Temple, followed by a ride on the world-famous Bamboo Train, a unique and fun experience that lets you cruise through the countryside on a traditional wooden platform powered by a small engine.

Continue to visit Wat Damdei Sor, one of the oldest and most beautifully decorated monasteries in the region. In the city center, explore historic colonial sites:

• An Italian-style colonial building constructed in 1904
• The famous Phsar Nat (Central Market), an iconic colonial-era marketplace
• Tadombong Kro Nhung, the province’s largest statue and a symbol of Battambang

Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before continuing your journey to some of Battambang’s most iconic natural and historical sites:

• Phnom Banan:  a 12th-century temple located on a hill with panoramic views
• Phnom Sampov: a limestone mountain known for its carvings, shrines, and spiritual sites
• Visit the haunting Killing Caves, a somber reminder of Cambodia’s Khmer Rouge era
• End the day at Bat Cave, where at sunset, you’ll witness millions of bats flying out of the cave in a spectacular natural display

Return to your hotel. Overnight in Battambang.

After breakfast at the hotel, depart Battambang for Siem Reap, Cambodia’s third-largest city and the gateway to the Angkor temples.

En route, stop to explore Sisophon, a quiet and charming city near the Thai border, offering a glimpse into local life away from the tourist crowds.

Continue the journey to visit the Banteay Chhmar Temple, a remarkable and lesser-known Khmer temple complex nestled deep in the jungle. Built in the late 12th century during the reign of Jayavarman VII, this sprawling site is rich in intricate carvings and historical significance, offering an off-the-beaten-path experience for those interested in Khmer heritage. After exploring the temple, enjoy lunch at a local stop along the way.

In the afternoon, visit the Angkor Silk Farm, where you can witness traditional silk production, from mulberry tree cultivation to weaving on wooden looms. Then continue to West Baray, one of the largest ancient reservoirs built during the Angkorian period, offering scenic views and insight into Khmer engineering.

Arrive in Siem Reap in the late afternoon. Overnight in Siem Reap.

After breakfast at the hotel, enjoy free time at your leisure until your driver arrives to meet you in the hotel lobby.

You will then be transferred (without guide) to Siem Reap Angkor International Airport for your onward flight to your next destination.

Farewell and thank you for visiting Cambodia! We wish you a safe and pleasant journey.