Cambodia Heritage & Southern Coast 25Days/24Nigths

Tour overview

Marvelously experience the unique journey to see Cambodia’s heritage, hidden nature of the southern Cambodia, wildlife, ancient Angkor complex as well as witnessing the richest history of Khmer Kingdom, the tragic history of brutal regime, the moments of lifestyles, the interesting culture and her friendly people. The adventure begins from the vibrant Phnom Penh Capital to Mondulkiri admired by a day with elephant family and Kratie greatly emerges its rare endangered Irrawaddy – the freshwater dolphins of Mekong River. Combines the must-see incredible Angkor Wat, The Great Lake of Tonle Sap, the famous bats & the bamboo train of Battambang and explore coastal regions including sleepy towns of Kampot & Kep, Koh Kong’s indulgent mangrove forest, and relax yourselves on beautiful Koh Rong Island.

Tour Summary

Day 01: Phnom Penh – Arrival & Sunset Dinner Cruise
Day 02: Explore Phnom Penh By Rickshaw (Cyclo) & The Cheung Ek Killing Field
Day 03: Phnom Penh to Mondulkiri via Kampong Cham
Day 04: Mondulkiri – Full Day Play with Elephant Family
Day 05: Mondulkiri Surroundings, Waterfall & Overland to Kratie
Day 06: Kratie – Koh Trong Exploration & Mekong Irrawaddy Dolphin
Day 07: Kratie – By Private Car to Siem Reap
Day 08: Kompong Phluk Stilt-house, By Canoe to Mangroves & Apsara Performance
Day 09: Siem Reap – Full Day Guided Angkor Discovery
Day 10: Half Day Countryside Bike Experience & Phare Cambodia Circus show
Day 11: City Orientation, Silk Farm & Private Car to Battambang
Day 12: Battambang – Bamboo Train & The Surroundings
Day 13: Battambang to Siem Reap by Private Car
Day 14: Siem Reap – Flight to Sihanoukville & Speed Boat to Koh Rong Island
Day 15: Koh Rong Island – Beach Leisure
Day 16: Koh Rong Island – Beach Leisure
Day 17: Koh Rong Island – Speed Boat to Mainland & Private Car to Kamport
Day 18: Kampot – The Surrounding & Bokor Mountain
Day 19: Kampot – Kep Crab Market & Rabbit Island
Day 20: Kampot – By Private Car to Koh Kong & 4 River Floating Lodge
Day 21: 4 River Floating Lodge – Lost in the Mangrove
Day 22: 4 River Floating Lodge – Nature’s Spa – Tatai Waterfall by Boat
Day 23: 4 River Floating Lodge – Free Leisure & Paradise Regained – Sunset Cruise
Day 24: 4 River Floating Lodge to Phnom Penh by Private Car
Day 25: Phnom Penh – Departure

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 | Phnom Penh – Arrival & Sunset Dinner Cruise

Meal: Dinner

Upon your arrival, you will be greeted by our escort guide and driver then they transfer you directly to hotel for check in and have free time.

Evening, we depart to the riverfront of Phnom Penh then get on board, enjoy welcome cocktail while the boat cruise slowly cruises along Mekong river, capture the nice sunset fading before buffet dinner is started to serve. Disembark and return hotel.
Overnight in Phnom Penh.

Day 2 | Explore Phnom Penh By Rickshaw (Cyclo) & The Cheung Ek Killing Field

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch

Breakfast is at hotel. We take a challenge in cyclo ride (rickshaw) along riverfront for fantastic morning highlight of Phnom Penh Capital toward Independent Monument where we stop to capture some beautiful photos before resuming the ride to stroll around central market to see bustling local trades. Finished the cyclo ride at Royal Palace, we walk to visit The Royal Palace – a complex of buildings which are served as the royal residence for the King of Cambodia, admired by impressive Silver Pagoda with over 5000 solid silver tiles and other Royal Stupas, shrines, monuments etc. We go by car to reveal the National Museum, the world’s most important collection of Cambodian antique sculptures and carvings, and learn from your tour guide the rich history of Khmer civilization during the Angkor time.

Enjoy Cambodian set lunch at Bopha Phnom Penh restaurant by Phnom Penh Riverside.

Afternoon, we drive out of the hassle capital to witness the tragic site of Cheug Ek – the killing field that proceeded more than 20 thousands of civilians and the site is connecting with Tuol Sleng Museum – was the former school that was transformed to Tortured Prison S21. Stroll around Russian market for shopping before heading to visit Wat Phnom with interesting legendary of founding place of Phnom Penh Capital. Return hotel & Overnight in Phnom Penh.

Day 3 | Phnom Penh to Mondulkiri via Kampong Cham

Meal: Breakfast

Breakfast is at hotel. We check out then drive (6 ½ hours) directly to Mondulkiri Province with mountain and jungle landscapes. One the way, we will stop at Skun village where we challenge to eat crispy bugs including spiders, crickets or grasshoppers and admired by Wat Norkor Bachey Temple – Angkorian temple before we have a chance to observe rubber processing & its plantation. Continue driving to Mondulkiri and check in then have your own free time.

Overnight in Mondulkiri.

Day 4 | Mondulkiri – Full Day with Elephant Family

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch

Breakfast is at hotel. We leave hotel at 8.00am to the Tree Lodge Bungalows where you be transferred to the starting point of the tour in Mondulkiri protecting area then we trek through the jungle to the Mondulkiri Project’s Jungle Lodge. Here you will listen to your guide talk about the Mondulkiri Project. Next it is time to meet an elephant family and their Mahouts. Take lots of photos, get close to the elephants and have fun feeding the elephants bananas. Watch as the elephants walk around eating bamboo and enjoying being elephants. You will also see them scratching against tree trunks and throwing dirt or mud on their backs. After lunch, we continue to the valley for swimming, washing and playing with lovely elephants until late afternoon. Heading back to our awaiting car then drive to our hotel.

Note: On this day, you will have elephant tour guide who leads you to see the surrounding and spend your day to bathe/play with elephants (not private tour).

Overnight in Mondulkiri.

Day 5 | Busra Waterfall, Coffee Plantation & Private Car to Kratie

Meal: Breakfast

Breakfast is at hotel. We’re heading to visit the most beautiful Bousra Waterfall in Mondulkiri, unwind yourself, cool off and relax by the falls (don’t forget to bring extra clothes if you wish to cool off under the falls). Continue to visit coffee plantation with leaning the coffee process before returning to the hotel for refreshment and check out.

We say goodbye to Mondulkiri then drive to Kratie – a sleepy town and the great home for freshwater Irrawaddy Dolphins. Once we arrived, take a local boat to Koh Trong Island and check in then have free time.

Overnight in Koh Trong, Kratie.

Day 6 | Kratie – Koh Trong Exploration & Mekong Irrawaddy Dolphin

Meal: Breakfast

Breakfast is at hotel. Today we explore Koh Trong Island by push bike (if you don’t like biking) or horse cart ride for the highlights of Koh Trong Island, interact local people as well as seeing rural life. Learn from your tour guide about their way of living, routine, culture especially the en-rooted superstitions. Passing traditional stilt houses and hear kids welcoming you by saying “Hello”, you’ll have a lot of chance to take interesting photos. Continue to see Vietnamese floating houses, make a friendly visit to grape farm and enjoy the taste of famous Koh Trong pomelo before heading back to the hotel.

Afternoon, embark a local boat to the mainland then heading to visit Wat Sasar Mouyrouy (100 column pagoda) with interesting history & legend, continue to Kampi pool where you take a small boat to capture the special glimpses of rare endangered freshwater Irrawaddy Dolphins and watch beautiful sunset over the Mekong River.

Overnight in Koh Trong, Kratie.

Day 7 | Kratie – By Private Car to Siem Reap

Meal: Breakfast

Breakfast is at hotel. Check out then take a local boat to the mainland, we drive (6 ½ hours) directly to Siem Reap – the most fascinating attractive region of Cambodia, also the gateway to discover magnificent Angkor Wat – the world’s most renowned heritage. On the way, we will stop for a short visit at Kampong Kdei bridge – one of the ancient Angkorian bridges which was built in the 12th century during the Khmer Empire Era.

Arrived in Siem Reap, check in and have your own free time.

Overnight in Siem Reap.

Day 8 | Kompong Phluk Stilt-house, By Canoe to Mangroves & Apsara Performance

Meal: Breakfast, Dinner

Breakfast is at hotel. We head out of hotel at 8.30am then heading to Kompong Phluk village of Tonle Sap Lake. We stroll around Rolous market to see trading activities before taking a boat trip along canal toward the centre of Kompong Phluk. Once we arrive, the boat begins to slow down to let you enjoy the surrounding admired by amazing houses atop high poles, come across the highlight of fishing activities as well as see people selling fruits/vegetable/meats on their boats, you sometimes see kids in student uniforms coming back from their classes. Witness how life works on the water and how people make the lake as home then we resume take canoe to explore the pleasant mangroves, enjoy the serenity while taking picturesque photos and you may see a few waterbirds. Continue by our boat to see the great lake of Tonle Sap, learn from your tour guide about ecosystem and its rich biosphere reserve.

Note: A short oxcart ride is available on this day and the additional charge is $10.00 per person.

Return hotel and have free time.

Evening, transfer to have Khmer set dinner followed by traditional Apsara dance performance at Por Cuisine restaurant.

Overnight in Siem Reap.

Day 9 | Siem Reap – Full Day Guided Angkor Discovery

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch

Breakfast is at hotel. We’re journeying out (by car or Tuk Tuk) of hotel at 8.00am the South Gate Angkor Thom atop 4 giant faces that religiously represents compassion, sympathy, equanimity and charity. Stroll around Bayon temple consisting of more than 200 smiling faces in stone, admired by interesting temples including Baphuon, Phimeanakas, terrace of leper king and terrace of elephant. Resume the journey to visit Ta Prohm temple adorned with the stunning, amazing tree roots where Lara Croft Tomb Raider was filmed.

Enjoy Khmer set lunch at The Bamboo air conditioning restaurant.

Afternoon, continue to witness the marvelous Angkor Wat – the world’s heritage listed by UNESCO in 1992 and the largest unrivaled monument in the world. Built by Suryavarman II in 12th Century, Angkor Wat is considered as one of the top destinations in Asia and is a must-see in your lifetime. Learning from your tour guide the amazing history, its ancestral incredible, architectural masterpieces and the finest carvings dates back to the Khmer Empire when it dominated the largest parts of Southeast Asia.

Note: Visiting beautiful sunset is available at Phnom Bakheng but with limit allowance or go to Pre Rup temple for sunset if Phnom Bakheng is not available.

Overnight in Siem Reap.

Day 10 | Half Day Countryside Bike Experience & Phare Cambodia Circus show

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Breakfast is at hotel. Have a brief bike ride safety introduction, then we gently start the bike ride out of the hassle Siem Reap city with highlight of activities. The ride will be on the paved road about 7km passing Buddhist pagoda & school before we cycle along dirt road through local villages, see Khmer stilt houses, rice fields, vegetable gardens and you will be welcomed by kids saying “Hello” to you. The fantastic bike ride takes you to see authentic Cambodia while you’re riding pass to interact local people, visit local market, have a lot of stop to take beautiful photos of huge rice paddies dotting with palm trees, cows and water buffalos.

Once we arrive in a village, you will be introduced to a host family and enjoy welcome fresh coconut juice from the host family, have short break while witnessing local daily life before we enjoy lunch arranged by the host.

We take our support mini-van back to the hotel for relaxing. Late afternoon, we leave the hotel for an hour of Aromatherapy massage. Next, have delicious authentic Khmer set dinner at famous Viroth’s restaurant before heading to watch unique Phare Cambodia Circus show (Seat B).

Overnight in Siem Reap.

Day 11 | Siem Reap – City Orientation, Silk Farm & Private Car to Battambang

Meal: Breakfast

Breakfast is at hotel. We go for guided orientation at the finest Artisan Angkor wood/stone carving center which displays various defined handicrafts and silk products, continue to stroll around old market to see interesting daily trade as well as bargaining for local handmade products, paintings, lacquers, carvings, clothes, traditional crafts and so on. Return hotel for refreshment and check out.

We drive (3 ½ hours) to Battambang Province, we will visit War Museum – a unique and insightful view of the perils that Cambodia faced during the last 3 decades of the 20th century then we stop at Angkor Silk Farm and its famous workshop where you can observe local people produce the finest silk products, weaving activities, learn how they feed and take care the worms, and you will see various excellent silk woven items which you can purchase for family or friends when you fly back home. Continue driving to Battambang, check in and have free time.

Overnight in Battambang.

Day 12 | Battambang – Bamboo Train & The Surroundings

Meal: Breakfast, Dinner

Breakfast is at hotel. We set off to experience some fun on the famous bamboo train in Battambang, cruising on the track of the train rail while enjoying the highlight of rural landscape. Continue to wander around the infamous Prohoc market “Fermented Fish Market”, observe rice paper making, have chances to try the taste of Cambodian rice wine and learn how it is made before drive to visit ancient temple of Wat Ek Phnom – an Angkorain temple built in the 11th century.

Afternoon, continue our journey to visit traditional wooden house which was built a century ago during French Era and have a short tour that reveals a very interesting background regarding to its history. If time permits, we will stroll at Battambang winery before heading to Phnom Sampov where you enjoy the active walking up to the mountain to see the spectacular sunset, witness the killing caves and watch thousands of bats flying back to their homes. Evening, enjoy dinner at a selected local restaurant.

Overnight in Battambang.

Day 13 | Battambang to Siem Reap by Private Car

Meal: Breakfast

Breakfast is at hotel. We go to see the morning highlights of Battambang, take some pictures of French colonial buildings and stroll around Battambang market where you can observe the local trading between vendors and buyers. Return hotel and check out then we drive back to Siem Reap Province.
Overnight in Siem Reap.

Day 14 | Siem Reap – Flight to Sihanoukville & Speed Boat to Koh Rong Island

Meal: Breakfast

Breakfast is at hotel. Enjoy the rest of your free time in Siem Reap. Our car driver (no guide) transfers you to airport for flight departure to Sihanoukville. Upon arrival, you will be welcomed by our driver (no guide) then takes you to Sihanoukville boat pier, catch speed boat at 2.00pm (1 hour) to beautiful Koh Rong Island.

Once you arrived at the pier in Koh Rong, the hotel staff will welcome and assist you with your luggage to the hotel resort for check in. Leisurely enjoy your beach vacation after check in.

Overnight in Koh Rong Island.

Day 15 | Koh Rong Island – Beach Leisure

Meal: Breakfast

Breakfast is at hotel. Today is completely reserved for your own free time by the seaside for sunbathing, swimming and relaxing.
Overnight in Koh Rong Island.

Day 16 | Koh Rong Island – Beach Leisure

Meal: Breakfast

Breakfast is at hotel. Free and easy on the white sand beach.
Overnight in Koh Rong Island.

Day 17 | Koh Rong Island – Speed Boat to Mainland & Private Car to Kamport

Meal: Breakfast, Dinner

Breakfast is at hotel. Catch speed boat at 12.00pm back to the mainland of Sihanoukville then our awaiting car driver (no guide) transfers you with 3 hours directly to Kampot Province. Check and have short break before heading out for welcome dinner at a selected restaurant.
Overnight in Kampot.

Day 18 | Kampot – The Surrounding & Bokor Mountain

Meal: Breakfast

Breakfast is at hotel. Today we leave at 8.00am to see the salt fields, enhanced by beautiful rice paddies dotting with palm trees and mountainous landscape while we bike toward Phnom Chhnouk where we experience walking 203-step staircase, down into the caves and admired by Pre-Angkorian bricked temple. Continue our journey to observe the process of pepper at Sothy’s Pepper Plantation where the best famous Kampot pepper comes from.

Afternoon, we drive up Bokor mountain to capture the highlights of Bokor attraction including 29-metres high Yeay Mao statue, The Black Palace of King Norodom Sihanouk, along with the interesting legend of Wat Sampov Pram (5 Boats Pagoda) which was built in 1924 by King Monivong and also grab the breathtaking with picturesque panoramic views. We resume to visit a grand colonial building “Le Bokor Palace” and Catholic Church before returning back to the hotel.
Overnight in Kampot.

Day 19 | Kampot – Kep Crab Market & Rabbit Island

Meal: Breakfast

Breakfast is at hotel. We head out from Kampot visit famous Crab Market animated by crab farming, people selling a lot of fresh seafood as well as regional vegetables and fruits. Next, we venture by trekking with 8km through the jungle trail of Kep National Park, feel the serenity of the mother nature that admired by songs of wildlife/birds and you will probably come across wild monkeys, and take beautiful photos of Cambodia’s landscape overlooking blue sea, islands and countryside.

Transfer Kep boat pier, embark a local boat to Rabbit Island where we will have lunch mixing of fresh seafood and fried crabs with Kampot green peppers. Enjoy free time, swimming by the white sand beach or have a short trekking to see people growing sea weeds on this island. We take the boat back to the mainland and return to hotel in Kampot.
Overnight in Kampot.

Day 20 | Kampot – By Private Car to Koh Kong & 4 River Floating Lodge

Meal: Breakfast, Dinner

Breakfast is at hotel. Enjoy the rest of free time in Kampot. At 11.00am, our guide and driver transfer you with 5 hours to 4 Rivers Floating Lodge in Koh Kong Province. Once we arrived at the boat dock, embark the shuttle boat at 5.00pm to 4 Rivers Floating Lodge (Approx. 25 minutes). Check in and relax in the luxury tent.
Enjoy set dinner and overnight in 4 Rivers Floating Lodge.

Day 21 | 4 River Floating Lodge – Lost in the Mangrove

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Breakfast is at hotel. Leaving 4 Rivers around 10.00am, depending on the tide, you will cruise deep into the mangroves to experience a rare glimpse of life among the fishing communities that live off the natural bounty of this watery paradise.

Drinks will be served en route as you glide down the waterway to your fishing village destination where you will spend time with these shy but friendly people. While the men tend their boats, the womenfolk patiently mend their nets and children play tag and football in the narrow alleyways between the stilt houses.

BBQ lunch on the beach would be served after visiting the pagoda, school and a few villager’s homes.

Back in the boat, you will experience the pure magic of life among the mangroves from our boat and the kayaks before heading back to 4 Rivers’ comfort.

Enjoy set dinner and overnight in 4 Rivers Floating Lodge.

Day 22 | 4 River Floating Lodge – Nature’s Spa – Tatai Waterfall by Boat

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Breakfast is at hotel. Your day, depending on the tide, starts at around 10am for the 45-minute boat ride past Tatai village to the falls.

Turning on to a tributary you head into the heart of the Cardamom jungle to the far-off sounds of exotic birds and its secretive wildlife. Within minutes you are at journey’s end, gazing down into the turbulent waters of the falls.

Soon it’s time for lunch, maybe a few moments hydro-massage and a refreshing drink as you find some shade for a picnic and open your senses to the sights and sounds of the jungle. We will also arrange to transport some kayaks for your added fun and adventure.

After leaving the falls, depending of the season, we might stop at the mouth of a small river where you can paddle your kayak to a traditional Cambodian farm; you will see rice fields and some fruit trees.

Enjoy set dinner and overnight in 4 Rivers Floating Lodge.

Day 23 | 4 River Floating Lodge – Free Leisure & Paradise Regained – Sunset Cruise

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Breakfast is at hotel. Today is reserve as FREE & EASY for your own relaxation.

Note: Lunch is served at 4 Rivers Floating Lodge.

Evening at 4.30pm, we leave for sunset boat, as your boat cruises the waters of Tatai River with a warm ocean breeze, the descending darkness embraces you in the lush green of the forest and brings the misty mountains closer as the tropical sun dips to the horizon and transforms the skies into a spectacle showing off magnificent shades… Before the sun sets, with the calm waters and the natural sounds of the surrounding forest to complement the romantic mood, you can sit back, relax and indulge your senses, with a glass of wine, on an unforgettable 4 Rivers Sunset Cruise.

Toast the end of a perfect day in paradise as the sun’s flare dies down and the velvet darkness of the night descends …a prelude to a magical evening at 4 Rivers.
Enjoy set dinner and overnight in 4 Rivers Floating Lodge.

Day 24 | 4 River Floating Lodge to Phnom Penh by Private Car

Meal: Breakfast

Breakfast is at hotel. Say Goodbye to 4 Rivers Floating Lodge then catch shuttle boat at 8.00am to the mainland. Disembarked, our awaiting car driver (no guide) meets you then transfers with 6 hours directly to your hotel in Phnom Penh and have your own free time in the evening.
Overnight in Phnom Penh.

Day 25 | Phnom Penh – Departure

Meal: Breakfast

Breakfast is at hotel. Simply have the rest of free time in Cambodia. Our driver will meet you at hotel’s lobby then transfers to Phnom Penh international airport for your flight back home.
Say Goodbye to lovely Cambodia.

We will offer you the quot after you purpose this tour.

Kids (0-4 yrs) are free of charge, Children (5 – 11 yrs) 50% charge of the adult (12 yrs+) and need to be accompanied by at least one adult.

Additional Tour Information Before You Go

Dressing Code

Cambodia geographically stays in the tropical monsoon, its weather varies and annually brings wet and dry seasons, generally hot in during day time and a bit cooler at night, and in the early morning. You should wear whatever most comfortable but remember to dress appropriately to respect the locals and other religious sites; pagodas, temples and holy places. Clothes must cover your shoulders and knees when you wish to visit the top part at Angkor Wat, Royal Palace in Phnom Penh and when you go to meet Buddhist monks.