Colonial Cambodia
Daily.
PRIVATE tour
- Breakfast. Lunch also included on days 3-7, 10-12, 13 (packed lunch) & 14-15. Dinner also included on days 3-5 & 10-11. Majority of included meals at local restaurants.
- 3* hotels (except The Farmhouse at Kampong Chhnang which is 4*)
- The price shown for this privately escorted tour by air-conditioned car is based on the best value travel dates in low season and includes international flights, private transfers between your hotels, 3* accommodation (except The Farmhouse at Kampong Chhnang which is 4*), sightseeing as outlined, private services of an English speaking guide and entrance fees. 4* and 5* hotels are also available at a supplement.
- Phare Ponleu Selpak in Battambang is closed weekends and public holidays. *Water levels vary seasonally at Tonle Sap, so during the dry season (approximately February to July), you will visit another Floating Village on Tonle Sap Lake, Chong Kneas floating village. The surrounding forest floods during the rainy season (approximately August to December). Instead of exploring the village on foot, you will explore the forest by pirogue. During the visit to the Bakan tower of Angkor Wat temple, visitors must wear proper attire, covering shoulders and knees, as this temple is still considered a sacred site (no shorts, miniskirt, or short trousers). Children under 12 years old are not allowed to climb up this tower. It will be closed on the Buddhist Sabbath and religious days, four days a month per the Lunar Calendar.
- This holiday is 100% financially protected. ATOL protected 2713
Discover Cambodia's ancient temples, colonial heritage and rural charm on this privately guided journey. Begin among the temple wonders of Siem Reap including Angkor Thom, jungle-clad Ta Prohm and the stilted village of Kampong Phluk before travelling to colonial Battambang, riding the famous Bamboo Train and meeting local artisans. Delve into Phnom Penh's Royal Palace, poignant history and vibrant markets, then wind through Takeo Province's ancient Khmer temples to the pepper farms, salt fields and limestone caves of Kampot. Experience a rich blend of temples, colonial charm and countryside encounters, all at your own pace.
Our suggested itinerary is a starting point
We're specialists in tailor-made holidays, where we can adapt each itinerary to suit your requirements
Days 1-4 Siem Reap
Fly to Siem Reap and transfer to your hotel. Explore the 9th-10th century Roluos group of temples (Preah Ko, Bakong and Lolei) before visiting Angkor Thom, the 12th-century last capital of the Khmer Empire, the 54 smiling towers of Bayon, Baphuon and the Terrace of the Elephants and Leper King. Drive through the countryside to the graceful 11th-century Banteay Srei and Banteay Samre temples, then visit jungle-clad Ta Prohm, barely touched since its rediscovery.
Finish with a visit to Kampong Phluk - a remarkable stilted village on Tonle Sap Lake, nicknamed the "bamboo skyscrapers" for its houses built high above the water*.
Days 5-6 Battambang
Drive to colonial Battambang, which is Cambodia’s second-largest city. After lunch, head to Phare Ponleu Selpak, a non-profit association working with vulnerable youngsters and families. Later, experience a short ride on the Bamboo ‘Train’, a basic vehicle used by villagers in times past to transport themselves and their goods (approx 3 hours drive). Embark on a local livelihoods tour to discover some of the artisans who open their homes and workshops, with products such as incense, rice cakes, rice wine and rice paper.
Drive on to Wat Ek Phnom, an 11th century temple surrounded by trees and lily ponds. After lunch, head for Phnom Sampeau, a limestone outcrop home to several temples which tell the story of the tragic history of the Khmer Rouge regime.
Days 7-8 Kampong Chhnang
Early morning visit Battambang Market before an onward drive to the Smiling Gecko Farmhouse Resort & Spa in Kampong Chhnang where the rest of day is free. Go on a morning tour with the Smiling Gecko Project which was established to sustainably combat poverty in rural Cambodia through schooling and vocational training.
Days 9-11 Phnom Penh
Travel to Phnom Penh and on arrival enjoy lunch in a local restaurant. Embark on a cyclo tour of the city's "New Khmer Architecture," Chinese shophouses and French colonial buildings, exploring the old Post Office district and the Central Market area on foot and by cyclo. Visit the Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda, then the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and Killing Fields (which some may find this upsetting), followed by a Mekong River sunset cruise.
Join a local market visit and Khmer cooking class, feasting on the results for lunch, then take a walking tour to the "2 Faces of Life Foundation," which supports underprivileged children. Enroute to Takeo Province visit Tonle Bati, Ta Prohm, Yeay Peou Temples and Prasat Neang Khmau before Chiso Mountain for the 11th century Khmer Brahmanic Temple. Continue to Kampot (approx 3 hours drive).
Days 12-14 Kampot
Explore picturesque Kampot’s colonial-style houses before travelling to Kep Crab Market. In the afternoon, visit La Plantation, an organic pepper and spice farm. Visit the salt fields, surrounded by rice paddies, palm trees and mountains. Next is Phnom Chngouk for a walk down 203 stairs into the caves. In the afternoon, take a Kampot River boat ride, with an hour long kayak activity through the green cathedral (green loop).
Day 15 Phnom Penh
Transfer to the airport for your onward journey.
Need to know
Departures
Daily.
Meals
Breakfast. Lunch also included on days 3-7, 10-12, 13 (packed lunch) & 14-15. Dinner also included on days 3-5 & 10-11. Majority of included meals at local restaurants.
Accommodation
3* hotels (except The Farmhouse at Kampong Chhnang which is 4*)
Tour price
The price shown for this privately escorted tour by air-conditioned car is based on the best value travel dates in low season and includes international flights, private transfers between your hotels, 3* accommodation (except The Farmhouse at Kampong Chhnang which is 4*), sightseeing as outlined, private services of an English speaking guide and entrance fees. 4* and 5* hotels are also available at a supplement.
Notes
Phare Ponleu Selpak in Battambang is closed weekends and public holidays. *Water levels vary seasonally at Tonle Sap, so during the dry season (approximately February to July), you will visit another Floating Village on Tonle Sap Lake, Chong Kneas floating village. The surrounding forest floods during the rainy season (approximately August to December). Instead of exploring the village on foot, you will explore the forest by pirogue. During the visit to the Bakan tower of Angkor Wat temple, visitors must wear proper attire, covering shoulders and knees, as this temple is still considered a sacred site (no shorts, miniskirt, or short trousers). Children under 12 years old are not allowed to climb up this tower. It will be closed on the Buddhist Sabbath and religious days, four days a month per the Lunar Calendar.
