Angkor Temples and Southern Islands
From the temples of Angkor to the white sand of Koh Rong, a journey between Khmer wonders and beach escape.
Duration
10 days
From
€1,090/pers.
Ideal seasons
Jan, Feb, Mar, Nov, Dec
Style
Guided tour
Comfort
classique
Travelers
Couple, Solo, With friends, Honeymoon
The spirit of travel
The pink sandstone of Banteay Srey glimmers in the first rays of sunlight while the tentacular roots of Ta Prohm still embrace thousand-year-old stones. On Tonlé Sap Lake, the floating villages of Kampong Khleang navigate with the rhythm of the seasons, their stilt houses bearing witness to a centuries-old amphibious way of life. At Kbal Spean, the river of a thousand lingas murmurs the blessings carved into its rocky bed, a sacred source that once irrigated the Angkor empire.
Angkor Wat raises its lotus towers toward the sky, symbol of Khmer artistic achievement, while Bayon reveals its enigmatic faces within the walls of Angkor Thom. Further south, Koh Rong stretches its immaculate sandy beaches in the turquoise waters of the Gulf of Thailand, a tropical refuge far from the bustling energy of Phnom Penh. The vibrant capital, a crossroads of the Mekong, holds in its memory the splendors of the Royal Palace and the painful mark of its recent history.
This Cambodgian land carries within it the soul of the Khmer people, heirs to the builders of Angkor and guardians of Theravada Buddhist traditions. Between archaeological grandeur and island serenity, this circuit reveals a country where time seems suspended between sacred contemplation and seaside escape.
The stages of your journey
Highlights
Day-by-day itinerary
Welcome to Siem Reap
Welcome by our driver upon arrival at the airport. Transfer and check-in at the hotel. The rest of the day is free.
Rooms available from 2:00 PM. If we arrive a bit early and our room is not ready yet, we can leave our luggage at the reception desk.
The Majestic Temples of Angkor
Full day visit by tuk-tuk of the wonderful temples of Angkor located around and inside the Angkor Thom enclosure. We discover in particular Angkor Wat, symbol of the peak of the Khmer Empire during the Angkorian era.
Within the Angkor Thom enclosure, discover Bayon and its numerous towers with gigantic faces, Baphuon and its gigantic statue of the reclining Buddha measuring 40m, Phimeanakas, the Terrace of Elephants and its great diversity of sculptures as well as the Terrace of the Leper King.
Let's conclude with Ta Prohm famous for its immense trees with sprawling aerial roots. We can end this day with a sunset either at Srah Srang, or from the heights of Pre Rup or Phnom Bakheng if you are ready to brave the crowds (warning: Phnom Bakheng is off-limits to children under 12 years old and authorities limit access to 300 people at sunset, creating a queue)
Due to an already busy schedule, we have deliberately skipped a few secondary temples from the small circuit such as Banteay Kdei, Thommanon, Chau Say Tevoda or Ta Keo. If you wish to visit these sites, do not hesitate to inform your guide at the beginning of the day so he can best arrange the schedule.
Possibility to visit the temples in reverse order to avoid crowds. You just need to let your guide know at the beginning of the day.
Temples are sacred places, avoid short clothing, you must cover your shoulders and wear long pants or a skirt.
In order to preserve these fragile monuments, it is forbidden to touch sculptures or sit on temple elements.
In Cambodian culture, it is offensive to misbehave inside a sacred place, calm and respect are paramount.
It is inadvisable to buy items or sweets from child vendors, as this only encourages begging and truancy, prefer a donation to an association if it is close to your heart.
If you wish to photograph the monks (called Bonzes), you must obtain their permission beforehand. Furthermore, you must not touch them, they have the right to touch you but not the other way around.
The Immensity of Tonlé Sap
In the morning, transfer to the village of Kampong Kleang located on Tonlé Sap Lake approximately 1.5 hours by car from Siem Reap. You board a private boat to discover and visit floating villages.
We finally visit the Lotus Farm by Samatoa, a unique production workshop in the world presenting the manufacturing method of the most ecological fabric made from lotus fiber. After a presentation of the sacred lotus flower and its significance in Asian cultures, we will observe each stage of the creation of this rare fabric prized by great fashion designers: the harvesting of stems; the spinning which consists of transforming the fibers into high-quality thread; the weaving to arrive at the finished product; and finally the recycling of unused parts of the plant for medicinal, nutritional and cosmetic purposes.
Let's continue our journey towards the Phnom Krom mountain located nearby. From there, we will have a beautiful view of all the rice fields in the surrounding area. We can also visit the temple and pagoda of Phnom Krom, at the top of the mountain, before enjoying the viewpoint at sunset.
The river of 1000 lingas and the pink sandstone citadel
After approximately 45 minutes of driving, we start the day with a visit to the Angkor Centre for Biodiversity Protection. We will be able to see the efforts made by local and international teams to protect threatened local species: turtles and other reptiles, birds and rare mammals. Children and animal lovers will be delighted by this discovery and awareness-raising visit.
We then begin a short hike necessary to reach the site of Kbal Spean, nicknamed "the temple underwater", 49 km north of Angkor. Ruins of temples dating from the 9th century border a river whose bed is scattered with sculpted lingas. A nourishing source for Angkor, the waters of Kbal Spean once irrigated the rice paddies of the ancient city. In its bed, the Khmer carved Shivas and stone squares meant to bless the waters before they reached the Royal City. The site was discovered in 1968 by Ariège ethnologist Jean Boulbet, and following in his footsteps you can wander along the lush banks. A small waterfall near the protected sacred site will allow us to cool off or even swim there (bring a small towel).
A very accessible hike of approximately 1.5 km (or 3 km round trip) with a slight elevation gain over the last 700 meters.
Bring hiking shoes or sneakers as the trail is quite rocky.
After lunch, let's continue with a visit to Banteay Srey, a temple on a human scale compared to the gigantic Angkor Wat or Bayon. This pink sandstone temple, nicknamed "The Citadel of Women," is known for the refinement of the bas-reliefs and sculptures that adorn its walls and columns.
If we still have energy, we can end the day with a visit to Banteay Samre temple or return to the hotel directly.
In flight toward coastal sweetness
Your driver drops you off at Siem Reap airport for your flight to Sihanoukville
(domestic flight not included; expect around one hundred euros per person)
After landing and collecting your luggage, a driver awaits you at the airport to take you to Sihanoukville pier, a beach town in the south with beautiful sandy beaches and gateway to the paradisiacal islands of Koh Rong and Koh Rong Samloem in particular.
Boat transfer to Koh Rong from Sihanoukville pier. Our team on the ground will wait for you at the pier to give you your boat tickets.
Once you arrive at your destination, we check into the hotel; the rest of the day is free.
Day without English-speaking guide
Arrival in Phnom Penh
After breakfast and checking out of our room, we return by boat to Sihanoukville.
The boat departure is scheduled for 9:30 AM.
Sihanoukville → Phnom Penh Airport
Upon our arrival in Sihanoukville, a driver will be waiting for us at the dock for a final transfer to Phnom Penh via the country's only highway.
Once you arrive at your destination, we will settle you into the hotel; the rest of the day is free for you to do as you please.
Phnom Penh, vibrant capital
Day tour by tuk tuk
Let's discover the famous Wat Phnom which gave its name to the capital. The "temple of the hill" is the highest point in Phnom Penh.
We then visit the Royal Palace and the Silver Pagoda, true jewels of Khmer architecture built in the mid-19th century.
The dress code at the Royal Palace is quite strict: shoulders and knees must be covered.
We then visit the National Museum and discover one of the most important collections of Khmer art: 14,000 sculptures and ethnographic objects, mostly from the temples of Angkor. This jewel of Khmer architecture was built between 1917 and 1920, and features a magnificent interior courtyard, a truly lush garden surrounded by the museum's unique pieces.
Visit to the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S-21), a former Phnom Penh high school that the Khmer Rouge transformed into an interrogation, torture and death center. It is the largest detention and torture center under the Pol Pot regime that will reveal a very painful chapter in Cambodge's history.
Today converted into a museum, the former S21 Prison reminds each visitor of the atrocities committed in Cambodge during the terrible years of communist dictatorship. No fewer than 17,000 people were inmates of Tuol Sleng prison, and only 7 survived and can today recount the abuse they suffered. The visit to S21 can be a disturbing and poignant experience that some may not be able to bear. However, it is one of the keys to understanding the hell and madness in which Cambodge locked itself during these years of terror.
Safe travels and see you next time!
Phnom Penh → Phnom Penh Airport
Free program before our transfer to Phnom Penh International Airport.
We will need to check out of our room before noon. If our flight is in the evening, we can leave our luggage at the hotel reception for a last stroll around the city.
Price per person
This trip can be tailored to your preferences
This itinerary provides an excellent foundation for discovery, but it can be fully customized. Our local advisors build each trip tailored to your budget, dates and preferences.
Not included
- International Transportation
- Passport & Visa Fees
- Repatriation Insurance
- Travel Insurance
- Extra drinks / alcohols
- Meals not mentioned
- Phone calls
- Any excursion not mentioned in the itinerary
Included
- Transfers to and from the airport
- City transport (tuk tuk or car)
- Hotels 4*
- Breakfasts at the hotel
- Meals mentioned
- English-speaking guide for activities
- Entrance fees for activities
- Domestic Flight SAI-KOS
Practical Information
Registration is considered firm and final after payment of a deposit of 30% of the total price and acceptance of the specific terms of sale.
The balance must be paid no later than 45 days before the departure date.
See our specific terms of sale for full details.
In the event of cancellation by the traveller, the following fees apply:
- More than 60 days before departure: 40% of the total price (deposit retained)
- Between 60 and 30 days before departure: 50% of the total price
- Less than 30 days before departure: 100% of the total price
We strongly recommend taking out cancellation insurance. See our specific terms of sale for full details.
The information below concerns travellers entering Cambodia for a tourist stay. Entry requirements may change, and we recommend that you verify the information with the official authorities before your departure.
Passport
To enter Cambodia, your passport must be valid for a minimum of six months after your date of entry into the country and must contain at least two blank pages for immigration stamps.
The document must be in good condition (no damaged, torn or altered pages).
Tourist visa
Entry requirements for Cambodia depend on your nationality. A visa may be required. You should verify the specific conditions with the embassy or consulate of Cambodia in your country of residence, as well as with the authorities of your own country.
The following options are generally available for obtaining a visa:
an electronic visa (e-Visa), which can be requested online before departure through the official Cambodian government portal, valid for 30 days from your date of entry;
a visa on arrival, available at major entry points (international airports in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap, as well as certain land border crossings), also valid for 30 days;
a visa obtained from the Cambodian embassy or consulate in your country of residence before departure.
An extension of an additional 30 days can generally be requested on site with the Cambodian Immigration Department.
The authorities may also request:
an outbound travel ticket (return flight or onward journey),
proof of sufficient financial resources for the duration of your stay.
Arrival form
Travellers may be asked to complete an arrival form provided by the Cambodian authorities, either online before departure or upon arrival depending on the entry point. This form collects information such as:
passport details,
flight or transport details,
the address of your first accommodation in Cambodia.
It is advisable to keep a digital confirmation or printed copy of any document submitted online, which may be requested when passing through immigration.
Health and vaccinations
No vaccinations are officially required to enter Cambodia. However, certain vaccinations are recommended by health authorities:
hepatitis A and hepatitis B,
typhoid,
rabies (in case of prolonged stay or travel to rural areas),
update of routine vaccinations (diphtheria, tetanus, poliomyelitis, measles).
Antimalarial preventive treatment may be advised depending on the regions you plan to visit and the length of your stay. It is recommended that you consult a doctor or international vaccination centre before departure.
Travel with children
Minors must hold their own valid passport covering the duration of the stay, as well as an individual visa.
Depending on your country of residence, a parental authorization for exit from the territory may be required when a minor travels without one of their parents.
Other nationalities
Entry requirements may vary depending on your nationality. You should verify the specific conditions with the embassy or consulate of Cambodia in your country of residence.
To participate in our trips, it is strongly recommended that you have travel assistance and medical expense coverage abroad.
Your local agency encourages you to familiarize yourself with the specific policy developed with our partner CHAPKA ASSURANCES and AXA ASSISTANCE.
To purchase insurance, find out about coverage and rates, please follow the link below.
Choose the plan that best suits you:
Explorer'Multirisque
Explorer'Annulation
Explorer'Assistance
Explorer' Complémentaire Carte Bancaire
Specific to our trips, we strongly recommend subscribing to them.
If you choose to subscribe to one of these plans, the policy detailing all coverage and claim procedures is available on the insurer's website.
Your local agency will be aware of this, but only the participant is responsible for complying with the claim declaration procedures. The participant must therefore keep this policy with them throughout their trip.
Chapka — Cap Explorer
Our insurance partnerTravel with peace of mind with our partner Chapka. Cancellation, repatriation, medical expenses, baggage… All the coverage for a worry-free trip.
Travel with peace of mind — I'll handle the insuranceFrequently asked questions
A tourist visa is required. You can obtain it online (e-visa, approximately 36 USD) before departure or upon arrival at the airport (Visa on Arrival, approximately 30 USD). Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry. The conditions for length of stay and visa extension vary depending on your nationality: we recommend that you check with the consular authorities of your destination for the specific rules that apply to you before booking.
Go to the My Trips section to find all your projects.
You can send a message to your host directly from the Tea Lounge.
For a quality tailor-made trip, budget between 120 and 200 euros per day per person, including accommodation, meals, internal transportation and activities. International flights (700-1000 euros return) are additional. Cambodia offers excellent value for money, often combined with Vietnam or Thailand.
Your documents are accessible in the Documents tab of your trip.
Absolutely. We adapt each itinerary to match your travel profile. For families, we prioritize relaxed pacing, family-friendly accommodations, engaging and educational activities, and comfortable private transfers. Our English-speaking local guides know how to capture children's attention with age-appropriate anecdotes.
It's simple. You exchange with our local team to define your wishes, budget and dates. You receive a detailed itinerary proposal within 48 hours. You adjust every detail together until it's perfect. You confirm and travel with peace of mind. Your local agency remains available 7 days a week throughout your trip.
In case of emergency, contact your local agency immediately.
Payment is generally made in two installments.
Our agency is part of the Nomadays network, registered in France. You benefit from APST (Association Professionnelle de Solidarité du Tourisme) guarantee which covers 100% of your funds. Secure payment, repatriation insurance included, and English-speaking assistance 24/7 on the ground throughout your stay.
Let's talk about your adventure — Angkor Region
Travel Advisor and Cambodia Enthusiast, based in Phnom Penh
The most beautiful journeys are those that resemble the people living them. My role is simply to open the right doors of Cambodia for them.
— Cyrille
