Travel from Siem Reap, home to the world-famous Angkor temples, to the bustling capital of Phnom Penh, where traditional culture meets a rapidly modernising cityscape. Along the way, learn about Cambodia's past and present, journey through rural landscapes, sample distinctive local cuisine, and spend a night in a traditional Khmer bungalow at a sustainable resort that supports the local community.
Breakfast: 6
Lunch: 1
Dinner: 2
Explore Tour Leader
Driver(s)
Local Guide(s)
Bus
6 nights premium hotel
Moderate
Trip maximum 16 Explore average 11
Itineraries on some departure dates may differ, please select the itinerary that you wish to explore.
Our tour starts in Siem Reap, the gateway to the world-famous temples of Angkor and a lively town filled with colorful markets, vibrant cafes and traditional Khmer hospitality. Depending on your arrival time, you may wish to explore the nearby Old Market area or simply relax at the hotel before the group meets this evening.
For those arriving on time, our tour leader plans to meet you in the hotel reception at 6pm for a welcome meeting. If you miss the welcome meeting, your tour leader will inform you of any essential information on day 2.
After the welcome meeting, we'll head out together for our first group dinner at a local restaurant, where you can enjoy authentic Khmer dishes and get a delicious introduction to Cambodia's rich culinary traditions.
A transfer from Siem Reap Airport (SAI), around a 60-minute drive from the hotel, is included on all trips. As part of our Upgraded range, we also offer a complimentary transfer to those who have made pre-tour accommodation arrangements through Explore, regardless of your arrival day.
Borei Angkor (or similar)
Grade: Premium Hotel
\nowidctlpar\hyphpar0\sb120\sa420 In preparation for tomorrow's temple explorations, today, we visit Les Artisans d'Angkor, a renowned social enterprise dedicated to preserving and promoting traditional Khmer arts and crafts. As you walk through the workshops, we'll see skilled artisans carving stone and wood, painting silk and creating exquisite lacquerware - all using time-honoured techniques passed down through generations. It's a fascinating window into the craftsmanship that helped build and decorate the magnificent temples of Angkor.
We then head to Siem Reap's local market with our tour leader for an introduction to Cambodia's vibrant food scene. The market is alive with colours, sounds and aromas - stalls piled high with tropical fruits, fresh herbs, spices and street food favourites. We'll learn how everyday ingredients like lemongrass, galangal, and palm sugar shape the country's cuisine.
This afternoon is yours to explore more of Siem Reap at your own pace. Wander through the town's charming streets, visit boutique shops and cafes, or cool off by your hotel pool. If you'd like to start exploring the temples, consider an optional excursion to Banteay Srei, often referred to as the 'Citadel of Women', admired for its delicate pink sandstone carvings that are among the finest in Angkor.
You could also visit the APOPO Visitor Centre, one of Cambodia's most inspiring and little-known stories of innovation and recovery. Here, you can learn how specially trained African giant pouched rats (nicknamed 'HeroRATs') are helping to clear landmines and make Cambodia safe again.
For a different kind of hands-on experience, visit the Khmer Ceramics & Fine Arts Centre, where you can learn about Cambodia's ancient pottery traditions dating back to the Angkorian period. Watch artisans shape, glaze and fire elegant pieces using traditional techniques, or try your hand at the potter's wheel to create your own ceramic souvenir to take home.
In the evening, don't miss a performance by the Phare Cambodian Circus. More than just a circus, Phare combines theatre, acrobatics, dance and live music into a powerful performance that tells uniquely Cambodian stories. The talented young artists are graduates of a social arts school that provides opportunities for disadvantaged young people.
We have a very early start ahead of us today to catch the breathtaking sunrise over the world-famous Angkor Wat - a magical moment as the 12th-century temple glows in the morning light. Built by King Suryavarman II as a Hindu temple dedicated to Vishnu, it later became a sacred Buddhist site, making it one of the largest religious monuments in the world. As you wander its expansive galleries, the intricate carvings reveal timeless stories of gods, battles and legends.
We will return to the hotel in time for breakfast and a pause before we head back in to the temples of Angkor. Next, we head to Angkor Thom, the 'Great City'. This massive walled capital has five grand gates, each guarded by stone elephants and rows of statues representing gods and demons from Hindu mythology. Once inside, explore the Bayon Temple, famous for its maze-like corridors and more than 200 giant serene stone faces gazing in every direction.
The day continues at Ta Prohm, where nature has reclaimed the temple with dramatic beauty. Enormous tree roots twist through crumbling stone walls, creating an atmosphere both haunting and captivating. Left largely in the state it was found, Ta Prohm offers a striking contrast to the restored monuments nearby and remains one of Angkor's most evocative sites.
We finish the day at Phnom Bakheng, one of Angkor's oldest hilltop temples, where we can soak in the panoramic views of the surrounding jungle and the spires of Angkor Wat in the distance. As the sun sets, the temple is bathed in warm golden light, creating a truly memorable way to end the day.
In the evening, you might like to head to Pub Street - a neon-lit pedestrian strip filled with music, street performers and plenty of character - for a dose of Siem Reap's lively nightlife. It's a little chaotic, but well worth a visit for the atmosphere alone.
Please note, to make sure we get the best possible experience, our tour leader might adjust the itinerary according to local conditions.
This morning, we say goodbye to Siem Reap and set off on a scenic drive through the Cambodian countryside, passing lush rice paddies, small villages and rural landscapes that offer a glimpse into everyday life outside the city. Along the way, we stop at Kampong Kdei Bridge, a historic 12th-century stone bridge built during the Angkor period. As we explore the site, you can appreciate the craftsmanship of the ancient Khmer builders and learn about the bridge's historical and cultural significance.
In the afternoon, we arrive in Kampong Chhnang, where we'll spend the night at Smiling Gecko, a sustainable resort offering comfortable Khmer-style bungalows. The resort is a peaceful oasis, inviting guests to relax and unwind amid tranquil surroundings. Upon arrival, we'll be warmly greeted by the staff and taken on a guided tour of the property, visiting the different community development projects run by the resort. Here, we can see firsthand how the local community learns and practices sustainable farming techniques, from growing their own vegetables to building furniture and managing fish farms. The projects aim to empower local families, teach valuable skills and promote self-sufficiency while preserving traditional Khmer practices.
In the evening, we come together for a fine dining experience at the resort's restaurant, voted one of the best in Cambodia. The meal combines traditional Khmer flavors with modern fine dining techniques, offering a true farm-to-table experience where ingredients are sourced directly from the resort's own sustainable farms.
Farmhouse Resort & Spa (or similar)
Most of this morning is left free for you to fully enjoy the resort and its facilities. Take advantage of the swimming pool, unwind at the on-site spa with a range of treatments, or simply relax and soak in the tranquil surroundings before we continue our journey at around 11 am.
Later, we set off for Phnom Penh, a drive of less than two hours through scenic Cambodian countryside.
Upon arrival in the capital, we visit the Killing Fields and S21 Museum, both powerful reminders of Cambodia's recent history under the Khmer Rouge. These sites provide a deeply moving and emotional experience, offering insight into the resilience of the Cambodian people and the importance of remembrance.
To end the day, we gather at one of Phnom Penh's famous rooftop bars to enjoy a cocktail together while taking in stunning 360-degree views of the city skyline, the Mekong River and surrounding areas.
We then settle into our hotel, located in the heart of the city and renowned for serving some of the best Khmer dishes in Phnom Penh. The hotel is a peaceful haven amidst the bustling capital, offering a warm, home-like atmosphere and excellent spa services to help you relax and recharge.
La Rose Suites (or similar)
This morning, we head out on awalking tour through Phnom Penh, uncovering both its vibrant energy and its quieter, lesser-seen corners. Along the way, we'll meet locals, learn about daily life in the capital, and discover hidden gems that reflect Cambodia's resilience and cultural spirit. A special highlight of the morning is a visit to a local temple, where we receive a blessing from the resident monks - a peaceful and humbling experience. Donations from our visit help support ongoing community initiatives.
After the walk, we hop into tuk-tuks and head to the iconic Central Market, a striking Art Deco landmark and a bustling hub of local life. Here, you can browse colorful stalls selling everything from clothing and jewelry to souvenirs and street snacks. If you're feeling adventurous, you might even try fried tarantula or the famously pungent durian fruit. Lunch is included at one of the market's lively food stalls, where you can sample authentic Cambodian dishes right in the heart of the city.
The afternoon is free to explore Phnom Penh at your own pace. You might choose to visit Silk Island (Koh Dach), a small island on the Mekong River known for its traditional silk weaving communities. A short boat ride takes you across the river to this peaceful rural setting, where you can observe artisans at work using age-old weaving techniques and learn about the process of silk production from cocoon to finished fabric. Alternatively, you could visit the Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda to admire their ornate architecture and gain insight into Cambodia's royal heritage.
Later in the day, you may wish to take a cruise along the Mekong River, offering a relaxed perspective of the city.
For dinner, you have the option to join your fellow travelers for a final group meal at one of Phnom Penh's excellent local restaurants - a perfect way to reflect on your Cambodian journey and share memories of the week together.
Our trip ends after breakfast at our hotel in Phnom Penh.
There are no activities planned today, so you're free to depart from Phnom Penh at any time. If your flight is departing later in the day, luggage storage facilities are available at our hotel. If you'd like an airport transfer today, you'll need to depart from Techo International Airport (TKI), which is a 60-minute drive from our hotel.
We highly recommend adding extra nights in the city, or you might prefer to unwind on Thailand's beautiful beaches with our Koh Samet beach extension starting in Bangkok - a short flight from Pnomh Penh.
On this trip to Cambodia, you'll stay in a selection of upgraded, premium hotels chosen for their quality, comfort, and sense of place. Each property reflects the character of its destination while offering modern amenities to ensure a relaxed and convenient stay.
Your hotels in Siem Reap and Phnom Penh are well located for exploring the cities, with easy access to key sights, markets, and restaurants. Both offer facilities such as on-site dining, spas, and swimming pools, providing comfortable places to relax after a day of exploring.
The highlight of your accommodation is in Kampong Chhnang at the Smiling Gecko Farmhouse, a sustainable retreat set in quiet rural surroundings. You’ll stay in thoughtfully designed Khmer-style bungalows overlooking rice fields and gardens. The Farmhouse is part of a broader community project focused on education, agriculture, and local craftsmanship, offering a peaceful setting while contributing to meaningful development in the region.
Cambodia is a hot and tropical country, being hottest in April and coolest in January (still high 20s). Although rainfall is at its maximum in October, Phnom Penh and Siem Reap receive very little rain compared to the coastal areas, and when it does rain it tends to be in the form of sporadic mid afternoon downpours. There is normally very little rain between December and March.
+7
2 Pin Round
Buddhism
Khmer
Siem Reap: - Lotus Silk Farm Experience - Discover how lotus is transformed into silk by skilled artisans, then enjoy an optional peaceful boat ride through the lotus fields, where picking flowers and fruits symbolises renewal and empowerment. FROM US$5 PER PERSON - Phare Circus - Experience the electrifying PHARE, The Cambodian Circus, where skilled artists blend theatre, music, dance, and acrobatics to tell the story of Cambodian life while supporting a remarkable non-profit arts organisation. FROM US$28 PER PERSON - Apopo Visitor Centre - Visit the APOPO Visitor Centre in Siem Reap to see how specially trained rats detect landmines and tuberculosis, supporting life-saving humanitarian work in Cambodia and beyond. US$10 PER PERSON - Countryside Experience - Take a half-day trip to a real Cambodian village near Siem Reap to experience farm life, ride an ox cart, and enjoy a homemade lunch with the local families. US$75 PER PERSON - Banteay Srei Temple - Discover the 11th-century Banteay Srei with its intricate carvings, and the lesser-known Banteay Samre, showcasing a unique blend of Hindu and Buddhist art. US$84 PER PERSON - Tonle Sap Lake Cruise - Experience life on Cambodia's floating villages. US$32 PER PERSON Phnom Penh: - Khmer Cooking Class - Learn to cook and savour traditional Khmer dishes, guided by an expert chef and featuring a visit to a local market. US$35 PER PERSON - Cycling tour of Koh Dach Traditional Weaving Village - Cycle through villages and past stilted houses on peaceful Koh Dach, or 'Silk Island', and discover its traditional silk-weaving communities. US$76 PER PERSON - Sunset Boat Cruise - Enjoy a 1-hour sunset cruise along the Mekong River, taking in riverside life, stunning scenery, and vibrant evening skies. FROM $5 PER PERSON - Royal Palace - Explore Phnom Penh's Royal Palace to experience the city's stunning architecture, rich history, and cultural treasures. US$20 PER PERSON Please inquire with your tour leader for full details of the optional activities. Some rates apply from a minimum of four participants, and certain experiences are priced for entrance only.
Bring light, comfortable clothing that can be layered to suit changing temperatures. While the days are typically hot, evenings can feel cooler, so it's worth packing some warmer layers. Tops made from moisture-wicking fabrics will help keep you dry, and a fleece or pullover makes a good mid-layer. A light rain jacket is useful year-round, particularly between May and October, when sudden showers are more common. We recommend packing: - Breathable wind- and waterproof jacket - T-shirts and long-sleeved tops - Lightweight walking trousers (preferable to jeans) - Shorts - Sunhat - Swimwear and a travel towel - Mid-layer fleece or pullover - Comfortable shoes Casual clothing works best for day-to-day wear, but it's advisable to have long sleeves and trousers for evenings to protect against insects. When visiting temples or sacred sites, please dress modestly: shorts, vests, revealing clothing, and open-backed sandals are not permitted.
20kg
Should consist of a main piece of baggage and a daypack.
- Sunglasses and reef-safe sun cream with strong UV protection - Sunhat to guard against the tropical heat - A camera to capture your journey - Personal toiletries and a basic first aid kit - Insect repellent - It's usually better to buy mosquito repellent in Asia, as local products are stronger, more effective against tropical mosquitoes, and widely available at affordable prices. - Small waterproof dry bag to keep valuables like your phone safe during boat trips or sudden downpours - A lightweight backpack for daily excursions - Tote bag for shopping and market visits - Reusable water bottle - enjoy a 15% discount on a Water-to-Go bottle with your booking
On this trip to Cambodia, you'll enjoy upgraded stays at a selection of premium hotels. Each property has been carefully chosen for its character and style, reflecting the atmosphere of the destinations we visit while providing plenty of comfort and modern amenities. Both hotels in Siem Reap and Phnom Penh are conveniently located for exploring the cities and feature excellent facilities, including on-site restaurants, spas, and swimming pools - perfect for unwinding after a day of discovery. Our highlight stay is in Kampong Chhnang, at the Smiling Gecko Farmhouse, a sustainable retreat set amid tranquil countryside. Here, you'll stay in beautifully designed Khmer-style bungalows surrounded by rice fields and gardens. The property is part of a wider community project focused on education, agriculture, and craftsmanship, offering a peaceful oasis where comfort meets meaningful impact. Please note that in Asia, mattresses tend to be firmer than you may be used to at home.
Can you drink the water? The water quality is poor and therefore it is recommended to avoid drinking tap water during your trip.
We strongly recommend that you check your government's travel advisory for up-to-date information and advice about your destination's safety and security, entry requirements, health, local laws and customs. Relevant government website links for UK, US, Canadian, Australian and New Zealand citizens are available on our Travel Safety page. If you'd like some inital information on country-specific entry requirements, such as visas or any health declaration forms, please refer to our Entry Requirements page. The services and information on this page are provided by a third party, and so we will still recommend that you cross check this against your government website for the latest advice.
Please note that some countries require proof of parental consent when travelling overseas with under 18s. Please check requirements with the relevant embassy or consular office well in advance of travel if this applies to your party.
Once your booking has been confirmed we guarantee the price will not increase, whatever the circumstances. However, please note that if you voluntarily make any changes to your booking including changing your trip or departure date, any additional costs or charges incurred will not be covered. Before booking please ensure you have read our important tour pricing information.Booking Conditions
CAMBODIA: A single visa is required by UK, New Zealand, Australian, USA & Canadian citizens. We would recommend paying for the visa on arrival but alternatively, you can also obtain it online prior to arrival. All arrivals into Cambodia will also be required to complete the e-immigration arrival card prior to proceeding to the immigration counter upon arrival. No paper immigration documents will be accepted. The registration needs to be completed within 7 days of arrival via the official app or website www.arrival.gov.kh At present, the E-immigration arrival card process is applicable to travellers who arrive by flights into Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, and Sihanoukville airports. Those entering Cambodia by land crossing or boat will still use the traditional paper-based immigration forms at this time. All visa related issues including information for other nationalities should be confirmed with the relevant Embassy prior to departure. Please note that it is a pre-requisite for entry into Cambodia that your passport is valid for a minimum of 6 months from your date of entry.
For customers visiting the EU, or transiting via EU countries, please be aware that the European Union’s (EU) new Entry/Exit System (EES) is being rolled out, with full operation from 10 April 2026. This means that when you travel into, or depart from, the Schengen area for short stays, you will need to register your biometric details, such as fingerprints and a photo. You do not need to take any action before you arrive at the border, and there is no cost for EES registration. On your first entry or exit into a Schengen country, you will be asked to register your details at a special booth before proceeding to the immigration desk. At some ports and international stations allow for extra time as there may be increased wait times while EES registration is completed before passengers leave the UK and transit through a EU country. Once initial registration has been completed future entering or exiting of an EU Schengen country should be simplified as only a single fingerprint scan or facial recognition scan will be required. If you do require assistance in obtaining a visa then you may be able to apply through Explore's recommended visa service in the UK, Travcour. See www.travcour.com to download the relevant visa application for your trip, if applicable (UK citizens only), along with details of how to apply for your visa through Travcour. The Team at Travcour will be happy to answer specific questions relating to visa applications, please call them directly on 0208 5431846. It is your responsibility to ensure that you are in possession of a full passport, with the correct validity for your chosen destination.
Before booking your Explore trip, please ensure that you read both our Essential Information and Booking Conditions.
Customers who have chosen to book on the ‘Land Only’ arrangements of our tour, please ensure that you have checked your tour specific ‘Joining Instructions’ prior to booking your own travel arrangements. Your joining instructions can be found below in the dates and prices information. You may also be eligible for the Free Explore Transfer.
Customers booked on the ‘Land Only’ arrangements will receive a Free Transfer, provided you arrive and depart on the tour only itinerary start and end dates. The complimentary transfers will be arranged from the Explore designated airport or train station to your trips joining point, and then back from the ending point to the designated airport or train station. Generally the airport or station that Explore have selected will be the one that is closest to the town or city where the trip starts, or the one nearest to the joining point. It will be either an airport or train station but not both. The exception to this rule is customers who are booked on a tour where the joining and ending point is at the designated airport or train station.
Free transfers are not available for Polar customers.
If you are not eligible for the Free Transfer then you will need to make your own way through to the joining and ending point. On a majority of our tours Explore will be able to provide a private transfer at an additional cost. Please ask for a quote at the time of booking. For more information regarding the Explore Free Transfer click here
It is a condition of booking with Explore that you have adequate valid travel insurance. It is your responsibility to arrange appropriate travel insurance and ensure you have read and understood the full terms and conditions of your travel insurance policy to ensure that you are covered for all activities you intend to undertake whilst on the tour, including all optional activities. Your Insurance Policy must fully cover you for medical expenses and emergency repatriation to your home country. Please ensure your policy includes medical emergency helicopter evacuation in the event of illness or injury and covers the entire duration of your holiday. If you are trekking at altitude please ensure that there is no upper altitude limit which may limit or exclude cover for your trip. The cost of many of our Polar Voyages will exceed the capped amount covered by standard insurance premiums and you will be required to pay an additional premium to cover the full value of your trip. Please ensure that you are covered for the full amount of your holiday cost, as insufficient cover could invalidate a claim under the policy. Medical and repatriation insurance cover is not mandatory for UK residents who are travelling on trips within the United Kingdom. Read more information about what travel insurance is required.
Explore can arrange your flights for you, to make joining and leaving our trips easy. Read more about them here.
You are able to book this tour on a 'land only' basis or as a ‘flight inclusive’ package. Your flight inclusive package will be fully protected by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) ATOL protection scheme.
We have a good selection of flights not only from London but from many regional airports around the UK allowing us to compare fares between scheduled carriers as well as low cost and charter airlines. Our dedicated flights team will match the best flight options to your arrival and departure airport.
On our website we display the price of the tour only. Please call us or select the flight option during the online checkout to receive a quote for a flight inclusive package. To avoid paying supplements or to secure your preferred flight option, we recommend booking as early as possible, especially for peak travel dates.
Nothing compulsory, but we recommend protection against malaria, infectious hepatitis, tetanus, typhoid, diphtheria and polio. Consult your GP regarding tablets advised for malaria. Though not compulsory, travellers may wish to immunise themselves against japanese encephalitis. Please check the latest requirements with your travel clinic or doctor prior to departure. The above is not an exhaustive list. Information regarding vaccinations and travel health advice can be found by on the NaTHNaC website and from your local healthcare provider. Visa and vaccination requirements are subject to change and should be confirmed by you before travelling.