Discover Cambodia's Mekong Islands & Ancient Temples - 11 Days

Day 1: Arrive in Phnom Penh, Historic City Tour by Cyclo 

Welcome to Cambodia's vibrant capital, Phnom Penh, once known as the "Pearl of Asia" for its rich history as a major trade and cultural center. Meet your driver outside the airport and transfer to your hotel to check in and get ready for a cyclo (three-wheeled motorized bicycle) tour of the city. Drive past colonial-era buildings like the White Mansion, which is the former residence of the French ambassador, as you head to Post Office Square. Look out at landmarks like Raffles Hotel Le Royal, the former Banque de l'Indochine, and the Central Post Office, where you can buy souvenir stamps.

Continue to the National Library, housed in a French colonial building with elegant arched windows and a distinctive clock tower. Inside, you'll find rows of reading desks, stacks of neatly organized books, and a spiral staircase to the second floor. End your cyclo tour at Wat Phnom, a 14th-century temple perched atop a verdant hill. Ascend the steps flanked by lion statues and admire the richly adorned pagoda and its intricate carvings. Before returning to your hotel, check out the panoramic views of the surrounding gardens and cityscape below. 

Day 2: Full-Day Tour of Phnom Penh

Start your day at the Royal Palace, the official residence of the Khmer monarchy. Though access to the interior is limited, you can wander the grounds and explore highlights like the Silver Pagoda, named after the 5,000 silver tiles covering the floor. Step inside to see the collection of Buddhist relics and artifacts, including a priceless emerald Buddha. Continue to the National Museum of Cambodia, home to an extensive collection of Khmer art, including ancient sculptures, ceramics, and artifacts like the Leper King statue from Angkor Thom. 

Just steps away from the museum is Friends the Restaurant, where you can enjoy a set Khmer lunch and support the marginalized youth who are given the opportunity to train and work here. After lunch, transfer to the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, housed in a high school that was converted into a notorious prison and torture center during the Khmer Rouge regime. Learn about the atrocities that were committed here and in the Killing Fields as you head to the Choeung Ek Genocidal Center. Visit the iconic stupa filled with the remains of victims to pay your respects.

Day 3: Bicycle Tour of Koh Dach (Silk Island)

Leave the city behind for the day as you jump on a bike and cycle along the riverbanks of Tonlé Sap to get to the port. Bicycle in hand, board a ferry to Koh Dach (Silk Island), known for its centuries-old silk weaving techniques. Disembark and follow your guide down the hidden trails past small farming communities, schools, pagodas, and silk shops. As you approach the village, you'll see the locals weaving silk products with traditional looms. Watch them spin the silk thread, dye it, and weave it into beautiful patterns.

Browse the finished scarves, sarongs, and shawls, and consider purchasing one to commemorate your trip. Then, jump back on your bike and pedal to the Koh Dach Pagoda, a significant spiritual site for the local community featuring traditional Khmer architecture with its ornate carvings and vibrant colors. Return to the village to enjoy a delicious lunch before pedaling back to the ferry and transferring to your hotel for some free time. Make sure you wear comfortable shoes because, by the end of the day, you'll have cycled approximately 12-15 miles (20-25 km).

Day 4: Transfer to Koh Trong via Kampong Cham

Say goodbye to the capital this morning as you transfer 6-7 hours to the charming town of Kratie. Break up the long drive with a stop in Kampong Cham, Cambodia's third-largest city, known for its blend of colonial architecture, ancient temples, and serene views of the Mekong River. Enjoy lunch and a short city tour to see landmarks like the famous Bamboo Bridge renovated yearly and connects the mainland to Koh Paen during the dry season. After strolling across the bridge and enjoying panoramic views of the tranquil river, jump back in the car and complete the drive around mid-afternoon.

In Kratie, you'll board a boat to Koh Trong, a peaceful island dotted with lush green landscapes, traditional stilted houses, and friendly locals. Disembark and transfer to Soriyabori Resort, an eco-friendly resort that offers a blend of traditional Cambodian charm and modern comforts with beautifully crafted wooden bungalows surrounded by manicured gardens and scenic river views. Spend the rest of the day relaxing by the pool or rent a bicycle from the hotel to explore the island at your own pace. 

Day 5: Half-Day Dolphin Watching Kayak Tour

Return to Kratie this morning for a half-day kayak tour along the Mekong River in search of the rare Irrawaddy dolphins. Paddle toward the west bank first, then head downstream through sand islands and the flooded forest. As you paddle, keep your eyes peeled for the endangered freshwater dolphins known for their rounded heads and shy nature. You may also have a chance to spot giant Mekong catfish, turtles, and birds such as the Oriental darter or Sarus crane.

After the half-day tour, enjoy some free time. You could explore more of Kratie or return to Koh Trong to relax by the pool or partake in activities like tree planting, horse cart rides, or receiving a monk's blessing at the local pagoda. Those who want to cycle again can rent a bike from the hotel and pedal past orchards, traditional wooden houses, and floating villages. If you see any food stalls, stop to try a freshly picked pomelo or grolan (sticky rice filled with ground pork or beef, onions, and garlic).

Day 6: Transfer to Kampong Thom, Rent a Bicycle & Explore at Leisure

Wake up early to enjoy your final hours at the resort before returning to the mainland around 11:00 am. Grab an early lunch in Kratie, then start the four-hour drive to Kampong Thom, a charming town strategically located between Phnom Penh and Siem Reap. When you arrive, the evening is free for you to spend as you wish, so you can go on a leisurely walk or bicycle ride past traditional wooden houses and vibrant local markets to get to the serene countryside. Cycle past green rice fields and watch the sun slowly set around you, casting the landscape in a golden glow, before returning to town for dinner.

Day 7: Transfer to Siem Reap via Sambor Prei Kuk

After a restful night in Kampong Thom, hit the road again with a 30-minute transfer to Sambor Prei Kuk, a UNESCO World Heritage Site dating back to the seventh century, meaning it predates Angkor Wat. The archaeological site is renowned for its well-preserved ruins of intricate brick temples, shrines, and ancient reservoirs surrounded and overgrown by lush jungle. Don't miss highlights like Prasat Luhear, a temple featuring well-preserved brickwork and carvings reflecting the style of the Chenla period.

Return to the entrance for lunch provided by the local community before jumping back in the car for a three-hour transfer to Siem Reap, Cambodia's second-largest city and home to the largest religious complex in the world, which you'll see tomorrow. Check into your hotel and stay in to relax, or head to Pub Street to experience the city's nightlife. Stroll down the pedestrian-only avenue lined with bars, restaurants, and nightclubs. You'll also find plenty of street vendors selling local delights like fresh spring rolls, grilled skewers of meat, and even fried bugs if you're feeling adventurous. 

Day 8: Full-Day Tour of the Angkor Archaeological Park

Spend your day exploring the Angkor Archaeological Park, starting with a remork (Cambodian tuk-tuk) ride to Angkor Thom, the last capital of the Khmer Empire. Your driver will take you down Victory Way, a street flanked by stone statues depicting gods and demons engaged in a cosmic battle, to get to the iconic South Gate. Enter the ancient city and explore the well-preserved ruins of temples, terraces, and the royal palace. Then, head to the nearby Preah Pithu, a group of five lesser-known temples built in the 10th and 11th centuries. 

Admire the ornate carvings, enigmatic bas-reliefs, and serene courtyards within each temple before heading to a local restaurant for lunch overlooking Srah Srang, the former royal bathing pool. After lunch, transfer to your final stop, Preah Khan, originally built by King Jayavarman VII as a Buddhist monastery and educational institution. The temple is renowned for its vast size, intricate carvings, and labyrinthine layout, which includes grand courtyards, detailed bas-reliefs, and a series of interconnected galleries. Around late afternoon, return to the hotel and enjoy a free evening.

Day 9: Sunrise at Angkor Wat, Visit Banteay Srei & Ta Phrom

Today's 5:00 am start will be well worth it as you head to Angkor Wat to watch the sunrise over its spires. Wait in front of the pond and watch as the first light of dawn breaks, casting the temple in a soft glow. After enjoying the natural spectacle, explore the complex for a close-up look at the detailed carvings depicting epic Hindu stories and celestial scenes. Then, return to the hotel for a late breakfast and some free time to relax before heading out again on a one-hour transfer to Banteay Srei, known as the "Citadel of Women." 

The temple got its name from its delicate carvings, pink sandstone structures, and artistic elegance, which led locals to believe it was crafted by women. Return to Siem Reap for your last stop of the day, Ta Prohm, known for its overgrown appearance. This 12th-century temple has been intentionally left in a partially ruined state as the massive street roots entwining around its crumbling walls and stone pillars create a mesmerizing atmosphere. You may recognize it already if you're a fan of Angelina Jolie, as the temple was featured in the movie, "Lara Croft: Tomb Raider."

Day 10: Boat Tour of Kompong Khleang, Apopo Visitor Centre, Phare Circus

Your penultimate day in Cambodia starts with a boat cruise to Kompong Khleang, one of Cambodia's floating villages on Tonlé Sap. Board a traditional wooden boat and cruise past stilted houses, markets, and restaurants. Stop at one of the stilted houses for lunch on the balcony, where you can watch locals go about their day-to-day lives. Keep a close eye on the passing boats, as some serve as grocery stores and butchers. If you're visiting during the dry season, the water levels may be too low for a boat tour here, but you'll still get a chance to explore another floating village.

After the cruise, continue to the Apopo Visitor Centre to learn about the African giant pouched rats that have been trained to detect landmines left over from three decades of war. They can also detect tuberculosis, which you can watch with a live demonstration in a controlled environment. End your day at Phare Circus, which started in a refugee camp as a way to encourage young people to express themselves through art. Sit back and watch the captivating performance that combines acrobatics, theater, live music, and local folklore.

Day 11: Depart Siem Reap

Now that you've explored some of Cambodia's most iconic islands and temples, it's time to head home. If you have a later flight, you can explore Siem Reap a bit more on your own. Head to the Psar Chas (Old Market) to shop for souvenirs or visit the Angkor National Museum for another lesson on the Angkor ruins. You could also sit back and enjoy one last Cambodian meal, such as the national dish, fish amok (fish steamed in a fragrant coconut milk curry). When it's time, return to the hotel to meet your driver and transfer to the airport for your flight home. Safe travels!