Best of Cambodia: 10-Day Private Guided Highlights Tour

Upon arrival at Siem Reap Angkor International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by your friendly tour guide and driver, who will greet you with a smile and traditional Cambodian hospitality.

Enjoy a comfortable transfer to your hotel in Siem Reap city, as your guide shares fascinating insights about the local culture, history, and the daily life of the Khmer people along the way.

After check-in at the hotel, the rest of the day is yours to relax at leisure and settle in. Overnight in Siem Reap.

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

After breakfast at your hotel, begin your day with a journey back in time as you visit the Roluos Group Temples, the cradle of Khmer civilization and the first capital city of the Angkor Empire, dating back to the 9th century. These early masterpieces reflect the beginnings of classical Khmer architecture. You will explore Lolei Temple, once situated on an island in an ancient Baray, showcasing intricate carvings and spiritual history. Continue to Preah Ko, dedicated to the ancestors of King Indravarman I, known for its sacred symbolism and exquisite stucco. Then, visit Bakong Temple, the first true pyramid temple in Angkor, serving as a prototype for later grand structures.

After exploring these historic gems, continue to the nearby port and board a private boat for a scenic cruise on the Tonle Sap Lake, the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia. Journey to the remarkable Kampong Phluk floating village, where you’ll witness the authentic daily life of local fishing communities. The homes, schools, and markets are built on stilts rising up to 10 meters, or floating on boats and bamboo rafts, an incredible adaptation to the lake’s seasonal water levels.

Tonle Sap Lake is a natural wonder, fed by the Mekong River, with a unique water flow system that changes direction twice a year, enriching the biodiversity and lives of those who depend on it.

Return to shore and enjoy lunch at a local restaurant, where you can sample traditional Cambodian cuisine.

In the afternoon, return to Siem Reap for a city exploration tour. Visit Wat Preah Prom Rath, a beautiful and serene Buddhist pagoda in the heart of the city. Then stop at Artisans Angkor, a local workshop dedicated to preserving Khmer arts and crafts, where you can witness skilled artisans at work. Continue to the Royal Residence Park, a peaceful public garden surrounding the Royal Residence, with sacred trees and historic monuments.

End the day with a relaxing visit to the Angkor Botanical Garden, an eco-friendly sanctuary promoting sustainability and wellness. Enjoy the lush greenery, peaceful walking paths, and friendly wildlife in this tranquil space, a perfect place to unwind and reconnect with nature.

After the visit, return to your hotel for an evening at leisure. Overnight in Siem Reap.

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

On the morning after breakfast in the hotel, your tour guide and driver will pick you up and transfer you to visit the world heritage site of UNESCO’s Angkor Temples. The tour begins at the South Gate of Angkor Thom, which was the last capital city of the Khmer Empire, built by the great Khmer King Jayavarman VII at the end of the 12th century. The city covered an area of 9 km², surrounded by massive walls and moats.

Inside the ancient city of Angkor Thom, explore the many temples starting with Bayon Temple, famous for its towers adorned with over 200 serene stone faces. From there, walk to Baphuon, an ancient temple mountain that has undergone extensive restoration. Continue to Phimeanakas, located within the former Royal Palace compound, and walk on to visit the impressive Terrace of the Elephants, once used by the king for public ceremonies. Then visit the mystical Terrace of the Leper King, known for its intricate carvings and spiritual significance.

After fully exploring the Angkor Thom complex, continue the journey to discover the hidden temple of Ta Nei, a peaceful and less-visited site nestled deep in the jungle. From there, travel on to the legendary Ta Prohm Temple, famously known for the giant trees and roots growing over its ruins. This temple offers a stunning visual reminder of how nature has reclaimed these ancient structures.

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

In the afternoon, continue to visit the crown jewel of Khmer architecture Angkor Wat, the largest temple in the world and one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Explore the grandeur of its galleries, bas-reliefs, and towers, all dedicated to the Hindu god Vishnu and later used as a Buddhist sanctuary.

To end your remarkable day, enjoy a peaceful sunset view over the Angkor Temple area, where you can admire the landscape and temples from a jungle viewpoint.

After sunset, transfer back to your hotel to relax. Overnight in Siem Reap.

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

After breakfast at the hotel, transfer to visit the pyramid-form temple Pre Rup, located in the Grand Circle of Angkor. Built in the 10th century, this five-tiered temple predates Angkor Wat and was used for royal cremations. From the upper levels, enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding jungle and rice fields.

Continue the journey to visit Banteay Samre, a beautifully restored temple featuring classic Angkorian architecture and elegant carvings. Then proceed to explore the stunning Banteay Srei, widely regarded as the most beautiful temple of Khmer art. Built in pink sandstone, this temple is renowned for its delicate and intricate carvings, earning it the nickname “The Jewel of Khmer Art.”

Along the way, stop by a traditional village, where you can observe the daily life of the local people living in the Angkor region. Admire the charm of traditional wooden houses on stilts, witness rural lifestyle, and get a glimpse into Cambodia’s cultural heritage.

Afterwards, transfer to a local restaurant for lunch, where you can enjoy authentic Khmer cuisine.

In the afternoon, continue to explore the major temples of the Grand Circle. Visit the Eastern Mebon, an impressive temple dedicated to Shiva and known for its large elephant statues and elevated platforms. Next, head to Ta Som, a quiet yet enchanting temple with a massive tree growing over the entrance perfect for photos and a peaceful walk.

Then, visit Neak Pean, a unique island temple built on an artificial lake, once believed to have healing powers. Conclude your temple exploration at the vast and fascinating Preah Khan, a sprawling temple complex that once served as a university and monastery, featuring long corridors, collapsed structures, and detailed carvings.

After a full day of exploration, return to your hotel 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 the fascinating Beng Mealea Temple, a 12th-century masterpiece almost completely reclaimed by the jungle, with massive tree roots intertwined with its stone walls. This atmospheric temple has been used as a filming location for several movies. In ancient times, Beng Mealea was an important city between Angkor and Koh Ker.

Continue to explore the Koh Ker Temple Group, which served as the capital city of the Khmer Empire in the 10th century when the king moved the royal seat outside the Angkor region. Today, the site lies deep in the jungle, dotted with many ruined temples. Visiting this area feels like the rediscovery of Angkor by Henri Mouhot in 1860. Here you will see Prasat Thom, the largest pyramid temple in Cambodia, rising over 36 meters with seven levels, offering a panoramic view of the surrounding forest. Then continue to Prasat Pram, known for its photogenic towers embraced by giant tree roots, and visit Prasat Linga, an ancient shrine dedicated to Hindu worship.

Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before continuing northwest towards the Preah Vihear Temple, located near the Cambodia–Thailand border. This 10th-century temple is dramatically situated atop a mountain, offering sweeping views of both the Cambodian and Thai landscapes. In ancient times, the Khmer king cut into the mountaintop to create the temple’s foundation, blending the structure seamlessly with its natural setting. Preah Vihear Temple was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in July 2007 for its outstanding universal value.

After the visit, continue to your hotel in Preah Vihear for check-in and enjoy the evening at leisure. Overnight in Preah Vihear.

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

After breakfast at the hotel, depart from Preah Vihear to Kampong Thom Province to explore pre-Angkor temples dating from the 7th to 8th century, located in the heart of Cambodia. The drive takes you through scenic jungle landscapes, offering a glimpse of the country’s natural beauty.

Visit Prasat Preah Khan of Kampong Svay, the largest temple complex in Cambodia, covering an area four times the size of Angkor Wat. Known in ancient times as Bakan, meaning a high tower or citadel, this vast and rarely visited site is surrounded by remote wilderness, giving it an enchanting atmosphere.

Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before continuing your journey. Along the way, you will experience more of the authentic daily life of the Cambodian countryside, passing through villages and farmlands.

Arrive at Sambor Prei Kuk, the pre-Angkor capital city, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This archaeological complex is located deep in the jungle and consists of three main temple groups. Explore the Prasat Yeay Pean Group, known for its octagonal towers and intricate carvings, then continue to the Prasat Tor Group, and finally visit the Prasat Sambor Group, the spiritual heart of the ancient city.

After exploring Sambor Prei Kuk, continue to Kampong Thom City for hotel check-in and enjoy the evening at leisure. Overnight in Kampong Thom.

• Accommodation : Kampong Thom Palace Hotel, 3 Star Hotel or another Similar

On the morning after breakfast at the hotel, depart from Kampong Thom to Kratie. Along the way, stop to visit the Stone Statue Road, an area where local artisans carve intricate stone statues in traditional Khmer styles. Continue the journey to explore a vast rubber tree plantation covering more than a thousand hectares, learning about the cultivation and harvesting process.

Arrive in Kratie and enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. After lunch, proceed to the port and board a private boat cruise along the Mekong River to visit the famous freshwater Irrawaddy dolphins in their protected conservation area. As you travel by boat, you will have the chance to watch these rare and gentle creatures in their natural habitat, a truly memorable wildlife experience.

After the dolphin encounter, continue to Phnom Sambok Mountain and walk up to enjoy panoramic views of the Mekong and surrounding countryside. Then take a short ferry crossing to Koh Trong Island for a leisurely tuk-tuk tour around the island. Koh Trong offers a peaceful, vehicle-free escape with a mostly smooth trail winding through traditional villages, farmlands, and orchards. Try the island’s famous pomelo fruit, known for its sweet, refreshing flavor.

Return to Kratie for hotel check-in and enjoy the evening at leisure. Overnight in Kratie.

• Accommodation : Mekong Dolphin Hotel, 3 Star Resort or another Similar

On the morning after breakfast at the hotel, depart from Kratie to Phnom Penh, traveling through Kampong Cham Province. Along the way, visit some of the province’s most notable attractions in Kampong Cham City, the third-largest city in Cambodia, known for its charm and historical sites. Begin with a visit to the beautiful monastery Dei Dos, an impressive spiritual site with ornate architecture and a peaceful atmosphere.

Continue to Cheung Kok Eco Village, a traditional village dedicated to promoting sustainable rural life. The villagers primarily grow rice, but as they can only harvest one crop per year, they have developed alternative livelihoods such as silkworm cultivation and eco-tourism. Walking along the village’s soil paths, exploring the courtyards, and observing the traditional stilt houses provides a vivid insight into authentic Cambodian village life. The locals are warm and hospitable, and your guide will share fascinating details about their daily routines and customs.

After exploring these sites, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before continuing the journey to Skun, a Cambodian town famous for its unusual market. At first glance, it looks like any other market in Asia, but it is world-renowned for its unique delicacy, fried spiders. The market features vendors carrying large trays piled with fried and seasoned spiders, some as large as the palm of your hand, alongside more traditional fruit and vegetable stalls. This is a truly distinctive cultural experience, offering a glimpse into one of Cambodia’s most unusual culinary traditions.

From Skun, continue your drive to Phnom Penh and check in at your hotel for an evening at leisure. Overnight in Phnom Penh.

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

On the morning after breakfast at the hotel, begin a full-day exploration of Phnom Penh, the vibrant capital city of Cambodia and the country’s top economic, political, and cultural center. The day starts with visits to some of the most significant historical sites in the city. Travel to the Choeung Ek Genocide Center at the Killing Fields, a deeply moving memorial to the victims of the Khmer Rouge regime. Your professional guide will share powerful stories and historical context to help you understand the country’s tragic past.

Continue to the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, formerly a high school transformed into the notorious S-21 prison during the Khmer Rouge era from 1975 to 1979. The museum preserves harrowing evidence of Cambodia’s recent history and offers an important educational experience.

Afterward, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before continuing to the majestic Royal Palace. Walk through the palace grounds and visit the Silver Pagoda, home to Cambodia’s most treasured artifacts and still used for royal and religious ceremonies.

Proceed to the Independence Monument, built to commemorate Cambodia’s independence from France in 1953, and walk in the adjacent park to see the Statue of King Father Norodom Sihanouk. Continue your journey to Wat Ounalom, considered the oldest and most important monastery in Phnom Penh, serving as the center of Cambodian Buddhism.

Next, visit Wat Phnom, a hilltop pagoda that marks the legendary founding site of the capital and offers panoramic views of the city. End the day at the iconic Central Market, a striking Art Deco building constructed during the French colonial period. This bustling marketplace offers everything from jewelry, handicrafts, and clothing to fresh produce and local snacks.

After exploring the market, return to your hotel for the evening at leisure. Overnight in Phnom Penh.

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

On the morning after breakfast at the hotel, enjoy free time at leisure until your driver meets you in the hotel lobby for a private transfer (without tour guide) to Techo International Airport for your next flight.

Say goodbye to Cambodia, taking with you unforgettable memories of its history, culture, and warm hospitality.