Tour type
Tour Level:
Tour Comfort:
Tour Period: 13 Days
tour highlights
- Explore the world renowned ruins of Angkor Wat
- Find yourself cheering at Phare, the Cambodian circus
- Discover the oft-overlooked delights of Battambang, Cambodia’s second largest city
- Learn more about Cambodia’s distant and recent history in the bustling capital of Phnom Penh with comprehensive city tours
- End the holiday on a relaxed note, soaking up the sun on the island paradise of Koh Chang in Thailand
tour details
Cambodia’s rich history and magnificent archaeological sites tantalise curious travellers while Thailand’s tropical beauty provides an exotic end to this leisurely 13-day journey. Discover Cambodia’s ancient temples, where past narratives meld perfectly with the lush jungle that surrounds before unearthing the country’s endless spirituality and awe-inspiring landscape. While a more provincial Battambang will rejuvenate, the lively capital of Phnom Penh, with its impressive monuments and world-class restaurants, will invigorate. After gaining a better sense of the country’s history and understanding of recent events that have indelibly shaped modern-day Cambodia, find solace in the country’s famous Cardamom Mountains and Thailand’s majestic beaches that offer the most perfect of sunsets.
Arrive at Siem Reap International Airport to meet the local tour guide and transfer to accommodations for a relaxing afternoon and evening (check-in time is at 14:00).
While lunch and dinner are not included, the hotel is close to several restaurants offering excellent local cuisine in addition to the colourful night markets nearby.
Accommodation at hotel
While lunch and dinner are not included, the hotel is close to several restaurants offering excellent local cuisine in addition to the colourful night markets nearby.
Accommodation at hotel
Enjoy a wholesome breakfast at the hotel before setting off to explore the famous Temples of Angkor Archaeological Park.
An electric car by Blue-mobility will serve as the day’s transportation first stopping at the South Gate, with its huge statues depicting the churning of the Ocean of Milk, the ancient capital of Angkor Thom, which houses the famous Terrace of the Elephants and recently-opened Baphuon temple, and the iconic Bayon, recognised for its 54 towers decorated with more than 200 large stone faces.
Stop for lunch then, in the afternoon, visit “Les Artisans d’Angkor - Chantiers Ecoles”, a centre founded in 1992 to provide jobs for young Khmer artisans who create unique, ornamental sculptures, lacquerware, silk weavings and silk paintings that are later brought to market. Learn about the company, which promotes fair, sustainable development and greatly benefits rural communities.
Next, visit the most famous of all the temples – Angkor Wat. Spanning 81 hectares, the vast temple complex is thought to be the largest religious building in the world and is comparable in size to Beijing’s Imperial Palace. Angkor Wat’s five towers symbolise the mythical Mount Meru’s five peaks, the enclosed wall represents the mountains at the edge of the world and the surrounding moat signifies the ocean beyond.
Delight in the sunset from this stunning temple before returning to the hotel after a fulfilling day of sightseeing.
Dinner is not included this evening but there are several popular restaurants within walking distance of the hotel.
Accommodation at Hotel
Meals included: Breakfast at hotel
An electric car by Blue-mobility will serve as the day’s transportation first stopping at the South Gate, with its huge statues depicting the churning of the Ocean of Milk, the ancient capital of Angkor Thom, which houses the famous Terrace of the Elephants and recently-opened Baphuon temple, and the iconic Bayon, recognised for its 54 towers decorated with more than 200 large stone faces.
Stop for lunch then, in the afternoon, visit “Les Artisans d’Angkor - Chantiers Ecoles”, a centre founded in 1992 to provide jobs for young Khmer artisans who create unique, ornamental sculptures, lacquerware, silk weavings and silk paintings that are later brought to market. Learn about the company, which promotes fair, sustainable development and greatly benefits rural communities.
Next, visit the most famous of all the temples – Angkor Wat. Spanning 81 hectares, the vast temple complex is thought to be the largest religious building in the world and is comparable in size to Beijing’s Imperial Palace. Angkor Wat’s five towers symbolise the mythical Mount Meru’s five peaks, the enclosed wall represents the mountains at the edge of the world and the surrounding moat signifies the ocean beyond.
Delight in the sunset from this stunning temple before returning to the hotel after a fulfilling day of sightseeing.
Dinner is not included this evening but there are several popular restaurants within walking distance of the hotel.
Accommodation at Hotel
Meals included: Breakfast at hotel
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before driving to the breathtaking Kulen Mountains.
Upon arriving at the mountains, walk 45 minutes uphill through the lush forest and occasional narrow pathways to Kbal Spean, or "Thousand Linga River". Discover elaborate 10th-12th century sculptures of linga and Hindu deities chiseled into the rocky riverbed. We recommend wearing good walking shoes and carrying a small backpack with personal belongings, including cameras and water.
After the energising walk, visit the magnificent Banteay Srei Temple, which is regarded as the crown jewel in classical Khmer art. Crafted in the 10th century, the mesmerising red sandstone edifice is covered in meticulous carvings considered the most well-preserved in all of Angkor.
Refuel over lunch at a local restaurant.
The next stop is Preah Khan, an awe-inspiring and well-preserved 138-acre complex in the middle of the jungle, which was built by King Jayavarman VII. Surrounded by a protective moat, its walls are carved with elaborate eagle-like beings called garudas. Spend the remainder of the afternoon at Ta Prohm, an otherworldly temple that has been largely untouched since its discovery. As such, it is at one with nature as massive vines cling to its intricate stones.
Enjoy an evening performance by Phare, the Cambodian Circus, either before or after dinner. Through theatre, music, dance and modern circus arts, young and talented graduates of Phare Ponleu Selpak’s vocational training centre in Battambung – one of our next destinations – tell uniquely Cambodian stories with both energy and emotion.
Accommodation at hotel
Meals included:
Breakfast at hotel
Lunch at local restaurant
Upon arriving at the mountains, walk 45 minutes uphill through the lush forest and occasional narrow pathways to Kbal Spean, or "Thousand Linga River". Discover elaborate 10th-12th century sculptures of linga and Hindu deities chiseled into the rocky riverbed. We recommend wearing good walking shoes and carrying a small backpack with personal belongings, including cameras and water.
After the energising walk, visit the magnificent Banteay Srei Temple, which is regarded as the crown jewel in classical Khmer art. Crafted in the 10th century, the mesmerising red sandstone edifice is covered in meticulous carvings considered the most well-preserved in all of Angkor.
Refuel over lunch at a local restaurant.
The next stop is Preah Khan, an awe-inspiring and well-preserved 138-acre complex in the middle of the jungle, which was built by King Jayavarman VII. Surrounded by a protective moat, its walls are carved with elaborate eagle-like beings called garudas. Spend the remainder of the afternoon at Ta Prohm, an otherworldly temple that has been largely untouched since its discovery. As such, it is at one with nature as massive vines cling to its intricate stones.
Enjoy an evening performance by Phare, the Cambodian Circus, either before or after dinner. Through theatre, music, dance and modern circus arts, young and talented graduates of Phare Ponleu Selpak’s vocational training centre in Battambung – one of our next destinations – tell uniquely Cambodian stories with both energy and emotion.
Accommodation at hotel
Meals included:
Breakfast at hotel
Lunch at local restaurant
In the morning, enjoy breakfast at the hotel then drive to Tonlé Sap, a vast freshwater lake that provides sustenance to over a million residents. Once at the “Great Lake of Cambodia”, hop on a paddle boat to visit Prek Tuol, a picturesque floating village, and beautiful Cheur Khmao Pagoda, or “Black Wood Pagoda”, in the floating village of Bak Prier.
Next, travel along the Sangkae River, taking in the unspoiled landscapes and scenes of daily life as they slowly pass by and enjoying lunch on the boat before arriving in Battambang, Cambodia’s second biggest city.
Upon arrival in Battambung, transfer to check in at the hotel and then take a ride on a local norry, or bamboo train, through the city’s picturesque countryside.
Dinner is not included but Battambung offers a wide range of food options.
Accommodation at hotel
Meals included:
Breakfast at hotel
Lunch on boat
Next, travel along the Sangkae River, taking in the unspoiled landscapes and scenes of daily life as they slowly pass by and enjoying lunch on the boat before arriving in Battambang, Cambodia’s second biggest city.
Upon arrival in Battambung, transfer to check in at the hotel and then take a ride on a local norry, or bamboo train, through the city’s picturesque countryside.
Dinner is not included but Battambung offers a wide range of food options.
Accommodation at hotel
Meals included:
Breakfast at hotel
Lunch on boat
After breakfast at the hotel, drive along the Sangkae River to a number of intriguing sites: Wat Slaket pagoda, the residence of the provincial Buddhist patriarch; the well-preserved Khmer Ancient House, built in the French colonial area; a working rice paper factory; Wat Ek Phnom, a Hindu temple built in the 11th century; and Prahoc, the market that produces the famous Cambodian fish paste. Before lunch, return to Battambung for an architectural tour of the city.
Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.
The afternoon will include stops at several places of interest in the beautiful countryside. Visit the hilltop temple Phnom Banon, with its magnificent view and five sandstone towers, and Phnom Samphov, which is home to the Khmer Rouge’s “Killing Caves” and several caves adorned with Buddhist statues. Before sunset, bear witness to the daily 40-minute mass exodus of tens of thousands of bats flying out of the Battambang Bat Cave.
Dinner is not included but can be enjoyed at a number of local restaurants.
Accommodation at Hotel.
Meals included:
Breakfast at hotel
Lunch at local restaurant
Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.
The afternoon will include stops at several places of interest in the beautiful countryside. Visit the hilltop temple Phnom Banon, with its magnificent view and five sandstone towers, and Phnom Samphov, which is home to the Khmer Rouge’s “Killing Caves” and several caves adorned with Buddhist statues. Before sunset, bear witness to the daily 40-minute mass exodus of tens of thousands of bats flying out of the Battambang Bat Cave.
Dinner is not included but can be enjoyed at a number of local restaurants.
Accommodation at Hotel.
Meals included:
Breakfast at hotel
Lunch at local restaurant
Before leaving for Cambodia’s capital city, enjoy breakfast at the hotel. The drive from Battambung to Phnom Phen takes approximately 4-5 hours. En route, enjoy Pursat province’s famous stone carvings, which are made of the country’s highest quality marble, as well as Cambodia’s former capital city, Udong.
Upon arriving in Udong, visit the colourful Vipassana Dhura Buddhist Meditation Centre to learn about Vipassana or Insight Meditation. Afterwards, walk up its steps to its three large stupas where three former kings’ ashes are preserved and bask in the stunning views of the plains below.
A picnic lunch will be served before taking part in a sacred Buddhist ritual in which monks perform a ceremony for spiritual cleansing. Beginning with harmonious chanting to bestow good luck, safe travels and long lives, monks finally lightly sprinkle water and adorn special red ties on participants’ wrists to complete the ceremony.
Afterward, continue to Phnom Penh, check in to the hotel and discover local cuisine at nearby restaurants.
Accommodation at hotel.
Meals included:
Breakfast at hotel
Picnic lunch
Upon arriving in Udong, visit the colourful Vipassana Dhura Buddhist Meditation Centre to learn about Vipassana or Insight Meditation. Afterwards, walk up its steps to its three large stupas where three former kings’ ashes are preserved and bask in the stunning views of the plains below.
A picnic lunch will be served before taking part in a sacred Buddhist ritual in which monks perform a ceremony for spiritual cleansing. Beginning with harmonious chanting to bestow good luck, safe travels and long lives, monks finally lightly sprinkle water and adorn special red ties on participants’ wrists to complete the ceremony.
Afterward, continue to Phnom Penh, check in to the hotel and discover local cuisine at nearby restaurants.
Accommodation at hotel.
Meals included:
Breakfast at hotel
Picnic lunch
Enjoy a hearty breakfast before exploring Phnom Penh’s most important sites.
The National Museum, or Musee des Beaux-Arts, is the first stop on the city tour. The world-renowned museum, which contains a large collection of Khmer art, was built in 1917 and designed in the Khmer style by renowned French archaeologist and painter, Georges Groslier.
After enjoying the museum’s vast collection, head to the Royal Palace, built by King Norodom in 1866, as well as the Silver Pagoda. Located within the grounds of the Royal Palace, the Silver Pagoda is so named because of its floor, which is made up of 5,000 silver tiles. Additional treasures found within include a solid gold-encrusted Buddha weighing 90 kilogrammes, and a small 17th century emerald and baccarat crystal Buddha.
End the morning at Wat Phnom, the tallest religious building in the city that was built in 1373 to house Buddhist relics washed ashore by the river.
Lunch is not included but there are several delicious restaurants nearby.
After lunch, stop off at Independence Monument, which marks Cambodia’s independence from France in 1958, before continuing to the notorious Tuol Sleng Museum (S 21 prison). In 1975, Pol Pot’s security forces took over Tuol Svay Prey High School and turned it into a prison known as Security Prison 21 (S-21). It soon became the largest centre of detention and torture in the country. More than 17,000 people held at S-21 were taken to their death at the Choeung Ek extermination camp. Bear witness to the atrocities in the museum’s vast collection of photographs documenting the men, women and children who suffered the brutalities.
Before dinner, spend some time getting lost in the bustling Russian Market (Psah Tuol Thom Pong) then, with the majestic city as a backdrop, spend the evening on Golden Cruise Phnom Penh, indulging in a delicious dinner and relaxing after an action-packed day.
Accommodation at hotel
Meals included:
Breakfast at hotel
Dinner Cruise
The National Museum, or Musee des Beaux-Arts, is the first stop on the city tour. The world-renowned museum, which contains a large collection of Khmer art, was built in 1917 and designed in the Khmer style by renowned French archaeologist and painter, Georges Groslier.
After enjoying the museum’s vast collection, head to the Royal Palace, built by King Norodom in 1866, as well as the Silver Pagoda. Located within the grounds of the Royal Palace, the Silver Pagoda is so named because of its floor, which is made up of 5,000 silver tiles. Additional treasures found within include a solid gold-encrusted Buddha weighing 90 kilogrammes, and a small 17th century emerald and baccarat crystal Buddha.
End the morning at Wat Phnom, the tallest religious building in the city that was built in 1373 to house Buddhist relics washed ashore by the river.
Lunch is not included but there are several delicious restaurants nearby.
After lunch, stop off at Independence Monument, which marks Cambodia’s independence from France in 1958, before continuing to the notorious Tuol Sleng Museum (S 21 prison). In 1975, Pol Pot’s security forces took over Tuol Svay Prey High School and turned it into a prison known as Security Prison 21 (S-21). It soon became the largest centre of detention and torture in the country. More than 17,000 people held at S-21 were taken to their death at the Choeung Ek extermination camp. Bear witness to the atrocities in the museum’s vast collection of photographs documenting the men, women and children who suffered the brutalities.
Before dinner, spend some time getting lost in the bustling Russian Market (Psah Tuol Thom Pong) then, with the majestic city as a backdrop, spend the evening on Golden Cruise Phnom Penh, indulging in a delicious dinner and relaxing after an action-packed day.
Accommodation at hotel
Meals included:
Breakfast at hotel
Dinner Cruise
This morning, breakfast at the hotel precludes a scenic 290-kilometre journey from Phnom Penh to Tatai.
After a five-hour drive through the Cardamom Mountains, arrive at the Tatai Bridge and take a scenic 30-minute boat ride to the beautiful lodge to become acquainted with the night’s luxury tent accommodations each with a breathtaking view of Cardamom’s forest and the Tatai River.
After checking in, enjoy a languide afternoon and the rest of the day to do as you wish.
Accommodation at hotel (room rate quoted separately)
Meals included: Breakfast at hotel
After a five-hour drive through the Cardamom Mountains, arrive at the Tatai Bridge and take a scenic 30-minute boat ride to the beautiful lodge to become acquainted with the night’s luxury tent accommodations each with a breathtaking view of Cardamom’s forest and the Tatai River.
After checking in, enjoy a languide afternoon and the rest of the day to do as you wish.
Accommodation at hotel (room rate quoted separately)
Meals included: Breakfast at hotel
Indulge in a relaxing breakfast before enjoying a day of leisure or participating in a full-range of optional tours that the hotel can arrange.
Dinner is not included though the lodge offers exceptional cuisine.
Accommodation at hotel (room rate quoted separately)
Meals included: Breakfast at hotel
Dinner is not included though the lodge offers exceptional cuisine.
Accommodation at hotel (room rate quoted separately)
Meals included: Breakfast at hotel
After breakfast at the lodge, transfer by boat to the Tatai Bridge then drive to the Thai border in Koh Kong. Once there, a local guide will help continue the journey in an air-conditioned van to Trat, Thailand and then on a public ferry to the beautiful Thai island of Koh Chang.
Check in at Kacha Resort & Spa, a deluxe hillside hotel within walking distance of the island’s world-renowned beaches.
Meals included: Breakfast at hotel
Check in at Kacha Resort & Spa, a deluxe hillside hotel within walking distance of the island’s world-renowned beaches.
Meals included: Breakfast at hotel
After breakfast at the hotel, enjoy the day at your leisure soaking up the tropical sunshine. Relax on one of many beaches, explore the island’s incredible natural beauty, and relish in fresh and abundant seafood.
Accommodation at resort
Meals included: Breakfast at hotel
Accommodation at resort
Meals included: Breakfast at hotel
After breakfast at the hotel, another day of relaxation or exploration awaits. Discover all the delights Koh Chang has to offer!
Accommodation at resort
Meals included: Breakfast at hotel
Accommodation at resort
Meals included: Breakfast at hotel
After an early breakfast, transfer from the hotel to Ao Sapparot pier for the 08:30 ferry back to the mainland. After the 45-minute ferry ride, transfer from Trat and then to Bangkok International airport in a private air-conditioned van for your onward journey.
Meals included: Breakfast at hotel
Meals included: Breakfast at hotel
includes
Cambodia portion from day 1 - day 10
- Accommodation in shared twin room with air-condition (AC) and private bathroom
- Meals as specified in the itinerary
- All entrance fees for the places as mentioned in the programme
- Transfers and tours with English-speaking locally-stationed guides (guides in other languages are on request and may be subject to supplements) in private air-conditioned vehicles
- Service charges, room tax and baggage handling
- Bottled water and cold towels available on the vehicles
Thai portion from day 10 - day 13
- All transfer services with private air conditioned car as detailed in our itinerary
- Accommodation with breakfast as specified (3-nights)
- Meals as specified in the itinerary (3-Breakfast at hotel)
- Public ferry fees from Trat Mainland to / from Koh Chang hotel
- Transfers with English-speaking guide
- Service charges, Government taxes and 7% VAT
excludes
Cambodia portion from day 1 - day 10
- International airfare to / from Cambodia (quoted separately, if requested)
- Optional tours
- Surcharges for other language guides
- Personal travel insurance
- Personal expenditure, such as drinks, souvenirs, laundry, camera fees, communications, postage, gratuities etc.
- Meals and services other than mentioned in the programme
- Drinks with meals
- Compulsory gala dinners during festive seasons and peak season surcharges which will be advised at the time of booking
- Visa fees
- Early check-in and late check-out at hotels, if not mentioned in the programme
Thai portion from day 10 - day 13
- Thailand visa fee
- International airfare to / from Thailand
- Surcharges for other language guides
- Compulsory X’mas and New Year Eve dinners
- High/Peak Season supplement charge
- Tour & optional tour
- Personal travel insurance
- Personal expenditure, such as meals, drinks, souvenirs, laundry, camera fees, communications, postage, gratuities etc.
- Meals and services other than mentioned in the programme
- Drinks with meals
- Early check-in and late check-out at hotels, if not mentioned in the programme.
notes
Cambodia portion from day 1 - day 10
- Toul Sleng Genocide Museum: Open every day from 8.00 am to 5.00 pm. Visitors are not admitted after 4.45 pm.
- National Museum (Phnom Penh): Open every day from 8.00 am to 5.00 pm. Visitors are not admitted after 4.45 pm.
- Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda: Open every day from 8.00 am to 11.00 am (closed to new visitors at 10.45 am) and from 2.00 pm to 5.00 pm (closed to new visitors at 4.45 pm), except when His Royal Highness King Preah Borom Moneath Norodom Sihamoni conducts religious ceremonies at the Silver Pagoda or Royal rituals at the Royal Palace, then one of the two or both compounds will be closed. During the Water Festival, open only in the mornings on the first two days and closed for a full day on the third day.
- When visiting temples or pagodas, including those of the Angkor complex, shorts and T-shirts are at the moment still acceptable. A more formal dress code might be implemented in the future in the Angkor complex. Shoes (as well as hats) are generally removed at the entrance to pagodas. For visits to the Silver Pagoda, which is within the Royal Palace grounds, visitors are asked to dress more formally. Gentlemen are required to wear long trousers and ladies should wear long trousers or long skirts.
- Jewelry is generally not up to international standards for design and workmanship and buyers should use caution when purchasing gold and gems, many gems are fake and we recommend not to follow anybody’s recommendations.
- Certain parts of the tours on offer are provided by independent third parties, such as airlines, hotels, transport operators and other local suppliers. Diethelm Travel Cambodia is therefore not responsible for any loss, injury or damage caused thereby to the tourists, including those occurring outside of the normal touring programmes. Additional expenses incurred due to delay, accident, natural disaster, political actions and unrest shall be borne by the tourists.
- We advise that due to frequent flight changes, delays and cancellations by the domestic airlines we cannot fully guarantee that the proposed itinerary can be carried out as planned. Based on our experience, changes of departure times and/ or cancellations can occur at very short notice even after confirmation of a flight has been received. In case of schedule changes or flight cancellations we always try everything possible to arrange an alternate programme within the framework of the original quoted costs. However, we reserve the right to charge any cost exceeding the original budget to the tour operator/ travel agent or to the participant of a tour after consultation with the agent.
- Programmes, prices, services and conditions are based on those valid at the time of proposal submission and are subject to change thereafter without advance notice until all services have been paid in full.
- We strongly advise to leave valuable items (money, passport, credit cards, jewelleries, sensitive documents, laptop computer, etc.) in the hotel safe. During excursions and roundtrips, personal belongings, especially money and valuables should NEVER be left on vehicles, even during short breaks, and carried around at all times. Diethelm Travel Cambodia is not responsible for any loss or theft.
- Cambodia being a developing country is in full process of upgrading its infrastructure. Therefore, driving overland can be cumbersome due to ongoing road constructions.
Thai portion from day 10 - day 13
- Certain parts of the tours on offer are provided by independent third parties, such as airlines, hotels, transport operators and local tourist offices. Diethelm Travel is therefore not responsible for any loss, injury or damage caused thereby to the tourists, including those occurring outside of the normal touring programmers. Additional expenses incurred due to delay, accident, natural disaster, political actions and unrest shall be borne by the tourists.
- We advise that due to frequent flight changes, delays and cancellations by the various domestic airlines and trains we cannot fully guarantee that the proposed itinerary can be carried out as planned. Based on our experience, changes of departure times and/ or cancellations can occur at very short notice even after confirmation of a flight has been received. The same applies for train travel: Schedule changes occur frequently; often without prior notification. In case of schedule changes or flight cancellations we always try everything possible to arrange an alternate programme within the framework of the original quoted costs. However, we reserve the right to charge any cost exceeding the original budget to the tour operator/ travel agent or to the participant of a tour after consultation with the agent.
- Programmers, prices, services and conditions are based on those valid at the time of proposal submission and are subject to change thereafter without advance notice until all services have been paid in full.
- We strongly advise to leave valuable items (money, passport, credit cards, jewellers, sensitive documents, laptop computer, etc.) in the hotel safe. During excursions and roundtrips, personal belongings, especially money and valuables should NEVER be left on vehicles, even during short breaks, and carried around at all times. Diethelm Travel is not responsible for any loss or theft.
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