World Heritage
In the footsteps of the three jewels of Khmer world heritage, from Angkor to the forgotten temples of Sambor Prei Kuk.
Duration
14 days
From
€1,320/pers.
Ideal seasons
Jan, Feb, Mar, Nov, Dec
Style
Guided tour
Comfort
classique
Travelers
Couple, Solo, senior, With friends
The spirit of travel
The pink sandstone towers of Banteay Srey emerge from the Cambodian jungle, while the chants of Phnom Kulen monks echo in the distance. This circuit reveals three UNESCO World Heritage sites: the pre-Angkorian temples of Sambor Prei Kuk lost in their lush forests, the majestic sanctuaries of Angkor with their endless galleries of bas-reliefs, and the ancient royal city of Preah Vihear standing on its sacred cliff.
The route winds from Phnom Penh to the shores of Tonlé Sap, revealing royal palaces with gilded roofs, spice markets and floating villages where Cham fishermen perpetuate their traditions. In Kampong Thom, the red brick sanctuaries of the 7th century bear witness to the early Khmer kingdoms, while Battambang unveils its colonial mansions and goldsmith workshops. The pepper plantations of Kampot perfume the sea air, before Kep offers its blue crabs with Indochinese flavors.
These remains trace a thousand years of Khmer empire, from the kingdom of Chenla to the splendor of Angkor, carried by a hydraulic civilization that mastered the Mekong floods. A journey to the heart of Cambodian soul, between Buddhist fervor and the memory of stones.
The stages of your journey
Highlights
Day-by-day itinerary
Welcome to Phnom Penh
Phnom Penh Airport → Phnom Penh
Welcome by our driver at 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 little early and our room is not yet ready, we can drop off our luggage at the reception before going for a walk in the city or resting by the pool.
Day without English-speaking guide
Phnom Penh, vibrant capital
Day tour by tuk-tuk
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 high school in Phnom Penh 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 of Cambodia's history.
Today converted into a museum, the former S21 Prison reminds each visitor of the atrocities committed in Cambodia 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 tell of the abuse they suffered. A 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 Cambodia locked itself during these years of terror.
Depending on the time remaining, we can visit the central market and/or the Russian market
Day with an English-speaking guide.
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.
On the way, let's be adventurous to fully enjoy 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 as a UNESCO World Heritage site since July 2017 and owes this status to its former role as a capital before the advent 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 of our era, as we will be able to discover.
We then set off on a scooter tour of the village (as passenger) for approximately 1 hour to discover the countryside of Kampong Thom and its magnificent rural landscapes and to meet the farmers, their animals and the smiles of the children. The track is lined with small wooden houses with thatched roofs or palm leaf roofs. These traditional houses in typical Khmer style are bordered by watercourses. Let us especially take advantage of the superb sunset over the rice fields.
Ride accompanied by a guide/motorcycle driver from the Sambor Prei Kuk community. Possibility to replace the motorcycle with a tuk-tuk, particularly for children.
Sambor Prei Kuk → Kampong Thom
We then head towards Steung Saen, capital of Kampong Thom province, where we spend the night.
Check-in at the hotel. The rest of the day is free.
Day with an English-speaking guide.
From Kampong Thom to Siem Reap, via the remote temples of Koh Ker and Beng Mealea
Road transfer to Siem Reap via a detour to visit two worthwhile sites. Discover Koh Ker, the capital of Cambodia for a short period in the 10th century. You will visit in particular Prasat Thom, a 30 m high temple-mountain.
Next, visit Beng Mealea temple devoured by strangler fig roots. It served as a backdrop for the film "Two Brothers" filmed in 2004 by Jean-Jacques Annaud.
Once you arrive at your destination, we will check you in at the hotel; the rest of the day is free for you to enjoy as you wish.
Day spent with an English-speaking guide.
The majestic temples of Angkor
Day trip by tuk-tuk to the magnificent temples of Angkor located around and inside the Angkor Thom enclosure. We will discover in particular Angkor Wat, symbol of the apex 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 a 40m reclining Buddha, 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 tentacular 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 packed schedule, we deliberately skip a few secondary temples on 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 simply need to indicate 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 long 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 discouraged to buy items or sweets from child vendors, this only encourages begging and truancy, prefer a donation to an association if it matters to you.
If you wish to photograph the monks (called Bonzes), you must obtain their permission first. Also, you must not touch them, they have the right to touch you but not the other way around.
Day with an English-speaking guide.
From the sacred mountain to the pink sandstone citadel
The rivers that flow through Angkor originate in the Phnom Kulen mountain. It is in this vast natural site that the Khmer kingdom was born in 802, proclaimed by King Jayavarman II who made his country independent from Javanese rule. We therefore invite you to visit the cradle of the Khmer Kingdom. In the morning, we drive up the road to the summit of Phnom Kulen or "Mount of Lychees", a pilgrimage site for Cambodians thanks to the presence of a large Reclining Buddha statue. A refreshing swim in the natural pool of a beautiful waterfall rewards your effort.
In the afternoon, 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. Your discovery continues with a visit to the Banteay Samre temple depending on time remaining.
Return to the city and free time for the rest of the day.
Day spent with an English-speaking guide.
The immensity of Tonlé Sap Lake and the Roluos group
Today we visit the floating village of Mechrey by private boat. Located 25 km from Siem Reap, it is one of the least touristy floating villages. Ideal for getting a glimpse of the local way of life on the water, you will be able to see all floating structures: Dwellings, schools, restaurants and even… a pagoda!
Duration of 1h30 to 2 hours
Possibility to extend the visit to Tonlé Sap Lake if the visit to the Roluos group is removed. Additional charge to be arranged.
In the afternoon, we return to the Angkor archaeological site, more specifically to the Roluos site, a small Khmer city that sheltered 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 in brick, laterite, or sandstone. Bakong, Lolei, and Preah Ko are the three main temples of the place. All dedicated to the worship of Hinduism, the latter two nevertheless protect Buddhist pagodas today. We reserve the visit of the Bakong temple for the end because we will be able to take advantage of the viewpoint to admire the sunset from the heights of this temple-mountain.
Possibility to expand the visit of Tonlé Sap Lake if you remove the visit of the Roluos group. Additional fees to be expected.
Day spent with an English-speaking guide.
Transfer to Battambang
In the morning, transfer to Battambang. Upon arrival, check-in at the hotel and then rest/free time for lunch.
In the afternoon, we visit one of the last houses featuring traditional Khmer architecture in Battambang. Built from three different types of wood, it houses numerous period utensils, trompe-l'œil paintings, and massive furniture. The rich history of this charming building, constructed in 1920, will be told to us by the great-grandson of its first owner. A passionate storyteller of historical tales.
South of Battambang, a visit to Banon temple erected at the top of a hill offers us, after climbing 358 steps, a lovely panorama of the Cambodian countryside. Passing through traditional villages lining the road, we can witness the family-made production of rice cakes and converse with locals about their daily life.
Let us finally discover the temple of Phnom Sampov, "the ship-hill". We stay there until sunset in order to observe the flight of bats and their incredible choreography in the sky
Day spent with an English-speaking guide.
Battambang, a city of post-colonial architecture
We start our day discovering Battambang with a journey on the famous bamboo train. Since it's early morning, this activity is ideal for starting the day. The fresh air will pleasantly tickle our faces as our eyes admire the rice fields painted across the landscape.
Next, we head to the ruins of Ek Phnom temple, destroyed by the Khmer Rouge and looted at liberation by the Vietnamese. We will also be able to visit a pagoda and a massive Buddha statue there.
The driver will then take us to discover first the rice cracker manufacturing workshop, the kind used for cooking spring rolls and egg rolls. Then just a few meters further we will see the makers of sticky rice, this dish, enclosed in a bamboo stick, which is very popular in Cambodge. We will then visit, opposite, the pagoda of Wat Samrong Knong which houses the killing fields, an area bearing witness to the atrocities of the Khmer Rouge regime.
The second to last stage of this tour will take place in a banana chips production workshop. Here we will help the cooks cut these fruits to assist them, in exchange for which we can taste this delicious snack.
We will finally head to a larger workshop this time, that of prahok production. This condiment, a fish brine sauce, is highly sought after in Cambodge despite its off-putting odor.
Day spent with an English-speaking guide.
Sweet Night on the Silk Island
In the morning, drive back to Phnom Penh. About ten kilometers from Kampong Chhnang, admire the craftsmanship of pottery artisans. The traditional village has been renowned for centuries for the quality of its clay pots sold throughout the country. While the tools have certainly modernized, the craftsmanship and techniques passed down from generation to generation remain.
Upon your arrival in Phnom Penh, you join the meeting point to take the ferry to the silk island Koh Dach. This island of 20,000 inhabitants in the middle of the Mekong is known for its silk weaving craftsmanship.
You discover this pleasant and authentic island on foot or by bike in the midst of nature, between fruit trees, fields and the banks of the Mekong with even a small beach set up for swimming.
Day with an English-speaking guide.
Kampot and its World-Famous Pepper
After breakfast, we head to Kampot.
The Kampot region is internationally recognized for its exceptional pepper. It is therefore impossible to pass through Kampot without visiting one of the many pepper plantations in the region!
We visit the family-run pepper production farm, La Ferme de Sothy with a plantation guide who will explain to us the origin and reasons for the fame of this spice. We will learn more about the cultivation methods and how to cook this famous pepper.
Once you arrive at your destination, we will check you in at the hotel; the rest of the day is yours to enjoy as you wish.
Day without English-speaking guide
Kep Archipelago
After breakfast, we head to the neighboring town of Kep where we board for a full-day eco-tour around the islands of Kep Bay.
Aboard a traditional Khmer fishing boat, we will navigate through the Kep archipelago, at the mercy of the waves and currents, away from any other tourist circuit.
Armed with snorkels and masks, let's discover the seabeds and reefs of the Kep archipelago where many species of colorful fish, sea urchins, starfish and corals thrive.
Let's relax in the warm and swimming-friendly waters of Snake Island Bay for a fish and seafood barbecue on the boat. We then visit a traditional fishing village where we can soak up the atmosphere and observe the preparation of nets, crab traps and bait while enjoying an iced coffee. Finally, we set off to explore a charming little lost and atypical islet.
We may have the rare chance to observe Irrawaddy dolphins in this corner… Keep your eyes open!
The boat tour is private and starts around 9am with a return around 4pm.
Vegetarian menu on request
Day without English-speaking guide
Return to Phnom Penh
In the morning or early afternoon, transfer by road to Phnom Penh. Once arrived at the destination, we will settle in at the hotel; the rest of the day is free.
Day without English-speaking guide
Welcome back and see you next time!
Phnom Penh → Phnom Penh Airport
Free program before your transfer to Phnom Penh international airport.(included; we will organize the transfer according to your flight schedule). Note: you will need to leave your room before noon. If your flight is in the evening, you can leave your luggage at the hotel reception to explore the city.
Day without English-speaking guide
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 flight
- Visa
- Meals not mentioned in the itinerary
- Beverages (except those mentioned as included)
- Tips
- Personal Expenses and Purchases
- Any other service not explicitly mentioned
Included
- Transfers to and from the airport
- Transports towards activities and program stages
- Double room accommodation with breakfast
- Some meals (according to the detailed daily program)
- English-speaking tour guide
- Entrance fees at tourist sites
- Detailed Activities in the Program
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 travelers who are nationals of the European Economic Area (EEA), Switzerland and Canada traveling to Cambodia for a tourist stay. As entry rules may change, we recommend that you verify this information with the official authorities before your departure.
Passport
To enter Cambodia, your passport must be valid for a minimum of six months after the date of entry into the country and contain at least two blank pages for immigration stamps.
The document must be in good condition (no damaged, torn or altered pages).
Tourist visa
Unlike some destinations, Cambodia does not grant visa exemptions to nationals of the European Economic Area, Switzerland and Canada for tourist stays. A visa is therefore mandatory before or upon entry into the country.
Several options are available to obtain it:
the electronic visa (e-Visa), to be requested online before departure on the official Cambodian government portal (evisa.gov.kh), at a cost of 36 USD (30 USD for the visa + 6 USD processing fee), valid for 30 days from the date of entry;
the visa on arrival (Visa on Arrival), available at the main entry points (international airports of Phnom Penh and Siem Reap, as well as certain land border crossings), at a cost of 30 USD to be paid in cash, also valid for 30 days;
the 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 from the Cambodian Immigration Department.
The authorities may also request:
an exit ticket from the country (return or onward flight),
proof of sufficient financial resources for the duration of your stay.
e-Arrival declaration (mandatory)
All travelers must complete the e-Arrival declaration before arriving in Cambodia: it is free, is done on the official website arrival.gov.kh and must be completed within 7 days before arrival. It replaces the paper forms distributed on flights. It does not replace the visa: these are two separate procedures. Some airlines refuse to check in travelers who do not have confirmation of their e-Arrival.
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 vaccines
No vaccination is 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 in rural areas),
update of routine vaccinations (diphtheria, tetanus, poliomyelitis, measles).
A preventive antimalarial treatment may be advised depending on the regions visited and the length of stay. It is recommended to consult a doctor or an international vaccination center before departure.
Travel with children
Minors must hold their own valid passport covering the duration of the stay, as well as an individual visa.
In some European countries, when a minor travels without one of their parents, an authorization to leave the country may be required according to the regulations of the country of residence.
Other nationalities
Entry conditions may vary depending on nationality. Travelers concerned should inquire at the Cambodian embassy or consulate in their 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.
— Alexandre
