Cambodia Culture & Coast Expedition

ARRIVAL SIEM REAP

Your luxury journey in Cambodia begins in the enchanting city of Siem Reap. Upon arrival, a friendly local guide will meet you and escort you to your hotel. Take time to relax and settle in. If you feel energetic, head out for a gentle stroll through the city’s bustling markets, charming cafés, and colonial-style streets. Discover Siem Reap’s laid-back atmosphere and get your first glimpse of Khmer culture. Whether you choose to rest or explore, the day is yours to ease into the trip and prepare for the cultural highlights that lie ahead.

Meals Included: Dinner

Siem Reap

Start your day with a visit to Angkor Thom, the grand last capital of the Khmer Empire. Step through the impressive South Gate and admire the Bayon Temple, with its serene stone-carved faces. Explore the royal grounds, including the Terrace of the Elephants and Terrace of the Leper King, where bas-reliefs tell ancient stories and reflect Cambodia's rich history. After a traditional lunch, visit the Regional School of Fine Arts. Watch students practising dance, music, and painting under the guidance of expert teachers. This inspiring visit connects you to Cambodia’s living traditions and artistic spirit, allowing you to experience Cambodian culture through the arts, and offering a balance of historical depth and cultural vitality.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Siem Reap

This morning, visit Banteay Srei, often called the “jewel of Khmer art” for its delicate carvings in pink sandstone. Then continue to Banteay Samre, a peaceful site with beautiful architecture. Explore Ta Prohm, where nature and history blend—huge tree roots wrap around ancient temple walls, creating an unforgettable scene and offering an unparalleled view of the surrounding landscape. After lunch, drive to Tonle Sap Lake to explore Kampong Phluk. Here, you will have the chance to visit remote villages for an authentic experience. Depending on the season, glide through a flooded forest by boat or walk among wooden houses perched on tall stilts. This experience offers an intimate view of Cambodian life on water, surrounded by nature and warm village hospitality.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Siem Reap

Siem Reap

Today begins with a journey into the countryside to experience traditional Cambodian village life. Take part in daily farming activities, meet local families, and enjoy a ride on an ox-cart through green fields. For those seeking adventure, there is also the opportunity for trekking through rice fields or rural landscapes, offering a closer look at the region’s natural beauty. A freshly cooked meal served in a village home lets you savour local flavours. In the afternoon, visit the iconic Angkor Wat, the world's largest religious monument. Here, you will have the chance to explore ancient temples, discovering the remarkable history and architecture that define this site. As your guide explains its symbolic structure and incredible bas-reliefs, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of Khmer civilisation. Stay until sunset, when the golden light casts a magical glow over its towers. It’s a moving and unforgettable way to experience this world wonder.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Battambang

Leave Siem Reap this morning and head to Battambang, a city known for its charm, French colonial architecture, and creative energy. Along the way, stop at Preah Net Preah to meet stone-carving artisans and try Krolan, a sticky rice snack cooked inside bamboo. Once in Battambang, check in at your hotel and visit Phare Ponleu Selpak, an arts school that empowers youth through theatre, visual arts, and music. End the day with a ride on the Bamboo Train—one of the unique adventures of the trip—this fun and unusual experience glides along the old tracks, offering wide-open views of Cambodia’s lush rice fields and countryside.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Battambang

Begin your day visiting small family-run workshops producing rice paper, incense sticks, and bamboo sticky rice. Watch how these traditional items are still handmade today using age-old techniques passed through generations. After this hands-on experience, head to Wat Ek Phnom, a peaceful 11th-century temple with a beautiful sitting Buddha and quiet rural setting. After lunch, visit Phnom Sampov, a limestone hill with temples and caves. Embark on a trek up the hill for panoramic views of the countryside, taking in the sense of achievement and exploration as you navigate the varied terrain. As the sun sets, witness thousands of bats flying from the caves in a dramatic, wave-like stream—an extraordinary sight to end the day.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Battambang

FARMHOUSE SMILING GECKO

After breakfast, stroll through Battambang’s local market, one of the vibrant markets of Cambodia, full of colours, fresh produce, and lively chatter. Then drive to Farmhouse Smiling Gecko, an eco-luxury retreat in the Cambodian countryside. On the way, stop in Pursat, where expert carvers create beautiful sculptures from local stone. Arrive at the farmhouse and check in to your peaceful surroundings. Set within farmland and rice paddies, this retreat supports rural families through sustainable agriculture and community programmes. Spend the rest of the day unwinding with views of green fields and lotus ponds. Enjoy fresh farm-to-table cuisine in a relaxed and inspiring setting.

Meals Included: Breakfast

FARMHOUSE SMILING GECKO

Start your day with a guided tour of the Smiling Gecko initiative. Set in the heart of the Cambodian country, you’ll experience the beauty of this small nation known for its rich history, natural resources, and welcoming culture. A local expert will introduce you to the community’s work in sustainable farming, carpentry, and education. Visit the organic vegetable gardens, wood workshops, and school classrooms to see how local families are building better futures through skill development and responsible tourism. After a nutritious lunch made from fresh produce grown on-site, spend the afternoon at your leisure. Walk through the fields, enjoy the quiet, or reflect on the project’s positive impact. This is a day to learn, unwind, and connect with Cambodia on a deeper level.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Phnom Penh

Travel to Phnom Penh, Cambodia’s bustling capital, and settle into your luxury hotel. After a delicious local lunch, set off on a cyclo tour through Phnom Penh's architectural and cultural highlights. With your guide, explore a blend of old and new—elegant French colonial villas, Chinese shophouses, and unique examples of New Khmer architecture from the 1950s and 60s. Glide through the city streets in your cyclo, a traditional pedal-powered rickshaw. Visit hidden alleyways near the Central Market and Old Post Office and learn how the city has transformed over the decades. End the day with a Khmer dinner in a stylish setting, sampling local street food.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Phnom Penh

Phnom Penh

Start the morning with a visit to the Royal Palace, the official residence of Cambodia’s monarch. Admire its sparkling golden roofs and step into the Silver Pagoda to view sacred treasures, including a solid gold Buddha. Next, explore the National Museum, home to one of the world’s best collections of Khmer art and ancient sculptures. After lunch, take a sobering but important journey through Cambodia's past at the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and the Killing Fields, where you will learn about the Khmer Rouge regime and its profound impact on the country. In the evening, relax with a private sunset cruise along the Mekong River, passing floating villages and enjoying peaceful views over the water.

Phnom Penh

Begin your day with a hands-on Khmer cooking class. Travel by tuk-tuk to a lively local market, where your chef will help you choose fresh herbs, vegetables, and spices. Back in the kitchen, learn traditional recipes and enjoy your home-cooked meal, or savor your creations in a local restaurant setting for an authentic dining experience. In the afternoon, explore Phnom Penh on a guided walking tour through contrasting neighbourhoods. Visit a community education centre where young Cambodians improve their English and learn valuable skills. Stop by a Khmer espadrille workshop supporting local women. Finish the day with a relaxing Khmer massage—an ideal way to unwind after this immersive and meaningful cultural day.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Phnom Penh

Kampot

This morning, leave the capital and drive south to Kampot, a charming town on the river, known for its laid-back feel and colonial history. Walk along the peaceful waterfront and admire the French-era buildings. The region's proximity to the Mekong Delta influences its culture and landscape, offering a unique blend of local traditions and aquatic scenery. Continue on to the seaside town of Kep, where you’ll stop for a seafood lunch at the bustling crab market. In the afternoon, visit La Plantation, one of the world’s leading organic pepper farms. Take a guided tour through the plantations, taste the different pepper varieties, and learn about Kampot’s role in Cambodia’s culinary heritage. Enjoy scenic views of Bokor Mountain and the nearby Secret Lake.

Meals Included: Breakfast

KOH RONG ISLAND

Travel to Sihanoukville and board a speedboat to Koh Rong Island, an unspoilt tropical escape with white sands and turquoise waters. Check in to your luxury beachfront resort and take the rest of the day to unwind at your own pace. Whether you prefer lounging under the shade of palm trees, swimming in the warm sea, or simply reading a book by the pool, today is all about slowing down. As the sun sets, enjoy a fresh seafood dinner by the ocean, with waves lapping nearby. Koh Rong offers a peaceful and luxurious retreat far from the bustle of the mainland.

Meals Included: Breakfast

KOH RONG ISLAND

Today is yours to enjoy however you like, with plenty of free time to explore or relax. Spend time on the beach or dive into optional activities like snorkelling among coral reefs, kayaking, or hiking through the tropical forest. For a cultural experience, visit a nearby fishing village to meet islanders and see how they live. You might take a boat trip to a hidden bay, or simply stay at the resort for a massage or yoga session. Sip a cocktail at the bar or enjoy a casual walk along the sand. With its natural beauty and calm atmosphere, Koh Rong is perfect for both rest and soft adventure.

Meals Included: Breakfast

KOH RONG ISLAND

Spend your final full day on the island uncovering more of Koh Rong's beauty. You could take a boat excursion to explore secret beaches only accessible by water, or hike into the jungle for panoramic views of the coastline. Go for a swim, relax with a beachside lunch, or return to the local village for a second visit. The pace is entirely up to you. Enjoy your final evening with a special sunset dinner by the beach, surrounded by candlelight and the soft sound of waves. This day offers the perfect close to your relaxing island stay in Cambodia.

Meals Included: Breakfast

PHNOM PENH DEPARTURE

After breakfast, take a speedboat back to the mainland, where your driver will be waiting at Sihanoukville pier. From here, enjoy a comfortable private transfer to Phnom Penh International Airport. Depending on your flight time, you may have a chance for a brief rest or lunch along the way. As your journey ends, reflect on the ancient temples, friendly villages, artistic encounters, and island landscapes that have made this tour so special. Depart with lasting memories and a deeper connection to Cambodia's rich culture, resilient spirit, and warm hospitality.

Meals Included: Breakfast