The Essentials of Cambodia
Dive into authentic Cambodge, from the forgotten temples of Sambor Prei Kuk to the majestic monuments of Angkor. An 8-day odyssey between thousand-year-old traditions and touching human encounters.
Duration
8 days
Ideal seasons
Jan, Feb, Mar, Nov, Dec
Style
Guided tour
Comfort
classique
Travelers
Couple, Family, Solo, With friends, senior
The spirit of travel
Let yourself be captivated by the mysteries of Cambodge during this 8-day journey that reveals the deep soul of the Khmer kingdom. From Phnom Penh, the vibrant capital with its colorful markets, to the lost temples of Sambor Prei Kuk where the jungle reclaims its rights, each step unveils a unique facet of this land of contrasts.
Your journey takes you from the floating villages of Kampong Pluk, where time seems suspended to the rhythm of pirogues, to the sublime temples of Angkor that emerge from the morning mist. Explore the pink sandstone citadel of Banteay Srey, admire the thousand-year-old sculptures of Kbal Spean and discover the incredible work of APOPO's mine-detecting rats.
Between scooter rides in the Cambodian countryside, navigation through lush mangroves and contemplation of the bas-reliefs of Angkor, this circuit awakens all your senses. The scents of incense from the pagodas, the golden reflections on the sacred basins and the warm smiles of Cambodians compose a symphony of emotions that will mark your memory.
The stages of your journey
Highlights
Day-by-day itinerary
Welcome to Phnom Penh
Welcome by our driver upon your arrival at Phnom Penh International Airport (KTI).
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 yet ready, we can drop off our luggage at the reception before going for a walk around the city or resting by the pool.
Phnom Penh, vibrant capital
Let's discover the famous Wat Phnom which gave its name to the capital. The "pagoda 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 for 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 to us a very painful chapter in Cambodia's history.
Today converted into a museum, the former S21 Prison reminds every visitor of the atrocities committed in Cambodia during the terrible years of communist dictatorship. No fewer than 17,000 people were prisoners of Tuol Sleng prison, and only 7 survived and can today recount the abuses they suffered. The visit to S21 can be a disturbing and poignant experience that some may not be able to endure. However, it is one of the keys to understanding the hell and madness in which Cambodia locked itself during these years of terror.
We then have the choice of visiting one or more local markets depending on the time remaining and the purchases we plan to make (ask your guide for advice): the Central Market, the Russian Market and the Orussey Market are the city's main markets.
Markets begin to close around 4pm-4:30pm depending on the stalls
Sambor Prei Kuk, the temples of the lush forest
Early in the morning, transfer by road to Kampong Thom halfway between Siem Reap and Phnom Penh.
Along the way, let's be bold and take full advantage of a brief "gastronomic" stop in the city of Skun, famous for its spiders and grilled insects.
At the edge of Kampong Thom, discover the magnificent pre-Angkorian temples of Sambor Prei Kuk. This archaeological site has been inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List since July 2017 and owes this status to its past as an ancient capital before the rise of the Khmer empire, which would settle in Angkor a few centuries later. At the crossroads of Buddhist, Hindu, and even Persian and Greek cultures from the 7th century onwards, as we will be able to discover.
We then set off on a scooter tour of the village (as a passenger) lasting approximately 1 hour to discover the countryside of Kampong Thom and its magnificent rural landscapes, while meeting farmers, their animals and experiencing the smiles of children. The path is lined with small wooden houses with roofs made of straw or palm leaves. These traditional houses in typically Khmer style are bordered by waterways. Be sure to enjoy the spectacular sunset over the rice fields.
Ride accompanied by a guide/motorbike driver from the Sambor Prei Kuk community. Option to replace the motorbike with a tuk-tuk, particularly for children.
Sambor Prei Kuk → Kampong Thom
We then head to Steung Saen, capital of Kampong Thom province, where we spend the night.
Check-in at the hotel. The rest of the day is free.
The floating village of Kampong Pluk & arrival in Siem Reap
In the morning, we head towards Siem Reap, the city-province that houses among other things the magnificent Angkor temples. An essential destination par excellence, the city also borders the equally famous Tonlé Sap lake and its floating villages.
A short distance from Siem Reap, we take a detour to Kampong Pluk village located on Tonlé Sap lake. We board a private boat to discover and visit the floating village.
Hotel check-in in the afternoon and free time for us to rest.
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 will discover in particular Angkor Wat, symbol of the pinnacle 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 40-meter reclining Buddha statue, 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 enormous 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 (note: 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 intentionally skip a few secondary temples of 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.
It is possible to do the visits in reverse order to avoid crowds. You just need to mention this to your guide at the beginning of the day.
The 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 the sculptures or sit on temple elements.
In Cambodian culture, it is offensive to be rowdy inside a sacred place; calm and respect are the watchwords.
It is not recommended to buy items or sweets from child vendors, 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 River of 1000 Lingams and the Pink Sandstone Citadel
After approximately 45 minutes of driving, we begin 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, rare birds and mammals. Children and animal lovers will be delighted by this visit of discovery and awareness.
We then begin the short hiking trail needed to reach the Kbal Spean site nicknamed "the temple under the water", 49 km north of Angkor. Temple ruins 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 fields 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 ethnologist Jean Boulbet, and following in his footsteps you can wander along the lush banks. A small waterfall near the sacred protected site will allow us to refresh ourselves 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 at 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 by visiting Banteay Samre temple or return directly to the hotel.
The Roluos Group
By visiting Satcha we will immerse ourselves in the world of traditional Khmer craftsmanship. This Cambodian handicraft center is an incubator for local artisans, blending traditional skills and contemporary design to showcase Cambodian talents to local and international visitors and to pass on these skills over time while having a sustainable social, economic and environmental impact. As we move from workshop to workshop, we will be able to admire the craftsmanship in stone or wood sculpture, lacquer work, as well as silk work.
We then visit the APOPO organization and its famous mine-detecting rats whose powerful sense of smell allows them to detect anti-personnel mines more efficiently and with less risk than a metal detector. We will learn more about this association's mission and the development of their activities for medical purposes.
In the afternoon, we return to the Angkor archaeological site, more specifically to the site of Roluos, a small Khmer city housing the beginnings of the Angkorian period. Seat of the first capital of the Hariharalaya empire, Roluos marks the beginning of classical Khmer civilization.
The buildings are mostly constructed of brick, laterite, or sandstone. Bakong, Lolei, and Preah Ko are the three main temples of the site. All dedicated to the worship of Hinduism, the latter two however now protect Buddhist pagodas.
We reserve the visit to Bakong temple for the end as we will be able to take advantage of the viewpoint to admire the sunset from the heights of this temple-mountain.
Good to have you back and see you soon
Free programme before our transfer to Siem Reap international airport (included; the transfer will be organised according to your flight schedule).
Note: we will need to leave our room before noon. If the flight is in the evening, we can leave our luggage at the hotel reception to 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 Transport
- Passport & Visa Fees
- Repatriation insurance
- Travel Insurance
- Extra drinks / alcohols
- Meals not mentioned
- Phone calls
- Any excursion not mentioned in the program
Included
- Transfers to and from the airport
- City Transports (tuk tuk or car)
- Ground transfers indicated in the itinerary
- Accommodations indicated
- Hotel breakfasts
- English-speaking guide for activities when indicated
- Entrance fees for activities
- Pass Angkor
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.
Registration Terms and Conditions
Any registration request must be made by email to the Local Agency or directly online through the Client Area accessible from the Local Agency's website or from our group's website www.nomadays.fr.
To access the Client Area, simply enter the username and password determined during your first login.
Registration is considered final once the online booking form has been completed and payment of the deposit and/or balance has been received, depending on the registration date.
Depending on the services chosen and the country's regulations, the Local Agency may request a photocopy of your passport. If the passport photocopy is not sent within the timeframe specified by the Local Agency, it cannot guarantee the proper execution of the reserved services.
Once payment has been made, a confirmation email is sent to the Client. It includes confirmation of payment as well as a downloadable electronic invoice.
An acknowledgment of receipt is sent to the Client electronically. In the event that the Client does not receive the acknowledgment of receipt, the reservation shall nevertheless be final upon its receipt by the Local Agency.
Payment Terms and Conditions
Registration made more than 30 days before the departure date
The Client must pay a 30% deposit of the total amount of reserved services. The balance of the stay must be paid no later than 30 days before the start date of the stay.
Registration made less than 30 days before the departure date
The Client must pay the entire amount of the trip in a single payment.
Payment Methods
Upon confirmation of your reservation, your local agent will prepare your electronic invoice, issued in the name of the Nomadays local agencies group, a travel agency duly registered in France. Payments are made either:
by credit card online and free of charge, using the payment links available on the electronic invoice.
by bank transfer to the Nomadays travel agency account, based in France and duly registered.
The electronic invoice is updated each time a payment is received and remains accessible at any time from the Client Area. It is notably downloadable and printable.
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.
— Alexandre
