Cambodia, From Siem Reap to Phnom Penh

Cambodia: heritage and beaches in 3- and 4-star hotels

Welcome to Siem Reap!

Situated in the north-west of the country, Siem Reap is home to the Angkor Wat site, classified as the eighth wonder of the world. Alongside the famous temples and pagodas, Siem Reap will give you the opportunity to discover the Tonlé Sap and its authentic countryside.

As soon as you leave the airport, you will be met by our driver and transferred by private car to the town centre to check into your hotel (rooms available from 2 p.m.).

Rest of the day free. Meals not included. Night in Siem Reap.

The morning will be devoted to visiting the famous and grandiose site of Angkor.

Your first stop will be Angkor Thom, the 'great city', starting with the famous South Gate and the Bayon temple, which is dedicated to Buddhism and comprises 54 gigantic towers adorned with 216 faces of Avalokitesvara.

Next, you will discover the 11th-century Baphuon pyramid temple, which is dedicated to Brahmanism and represents Mount Meru. Next is the 350-metre-long Terrace of the Elephants, where royal audiences and public ceremonies were held in all their splendour. Then comes the Terrace of the Leper King, a 12th-century platform adorned with magnificent sculpted Apsara figures. Finally, we will visit the fabulous Ta Prohm, which is embraced by the roots of enormous trees and gigantic lianas.

In the afternoon, you will visit the marvellous and gigantic temple of Angkor Wat, classified as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, and which has remained an important religious centre since its creation in the 12th century.

Meals not included. Overnight in Siem Reap.

On this day, we will take an excursion to Kbal Spean, located north of Angkor. In the 11th century, hermits carved the riverbed with 'lingas', or phallic symbols representing fertility, into the sandstone that fed Angkor. You will reach the site after walking through the forest for 45 minutes.

You will continue your visit with Banteay Srei,the ‘citadel of women’, dedicated to Shiva, whose architecture and pink sandstone sculptures are a masterpiece of Khmer art.

Stop to observe the work in the rice fields and the methods used to harvest palm sugar. On the way back, you will visit Sras Srang, the “ablutions pond”, and the Buddhist temple of Banteay Kdei. The latter is particularly picturesque, as it has been abandoned and left to overgrow.

Meals not included.

Overnight in Siem Reap.

NB: This is a 1.5 km uphill trek through the forest to reach the Kbal Spean waterfall. We suggest you bring a small fan or mosquito spray. The best time to visit Kbal Spean is between July and December.

You will head for the Tonle Sap, the largest freshwater lake in South-East Asia and one of the most diverse and productive ecosystems in the world.

When you arrive in Kompong Kleang, you will board a boat operated by a local villager. As you cross the Tonlé Sap at a leisurely pace, you will have the opportunity to observe one of the most beautiful stilt villages on the lake. Once you reach the end of the canal, you will realise just how vast the lake is, with the horizon stretching as far as the eye can see. During the dry season, you can take a walk to meet the local people before the cruise departs.

Return to Siem Reap in the afternoon and free time at your hotel (no guide, meals or car are included).

Meals not included.

Overnight in Siem Reap.

NB: The best time to visit the Tonle Sap Lake is from August to January. Outside this period, the water level may be low.

After breakfast, you will be taken to the bus station to catch the collective bus to Phnom Penh. The journey (approximately 6 hours) takes you through the eastern provinces of the Tonle Sap, the largest freshwater reserve in South-East Asia.

On arrival in Phnom Penh, the driver will take you to your hotel.

Phnom Penh, the capital of Cambodia, lies at the meeting point of three rivers: the Bassac, the enormous Tonlé and the impressive Mekong. Phnom Penh stands out from other Asian capitals for its blend of modernity and provincial charm, with buildings from the French colonial era contrasting with Angkorian monuments.

Meals not included.

Overnight in Phnom Penh.

NB: Distance Siem Reap - Phnom Penh: 300km - approx. 6h or 6h30 drive.

You will take the express road to Sihanoukville (without a guide), from where you will take a non-privatised speedboat for a crossing of around 45 minutes - 1 hour from Sihanoukville to the island of Koh Rong.

Check-in at your hotel and end of the day at leisure.

Meals not included.

Night on Koh Rong.

Enjoy a completely free day (no driver/vehicle available) to discover the island at your leisure.

Koh Rong is a tropical island paradise. Popular activities include relaxing on white sandy beaches, snorkelling to discover the colourful seabed, hiking through the jungle for breathtaking views, as well as visiting local fishing villages for a cultural immersion. Enjoy spectacular sunsets and the peaceful atmosphere of this secluded and unspoilt destination.

Meals not included.

Overnight on Koh Rong.

You will have the day completely free (transfer service and driver unavailable) to relax on the beach or at the swimming pool.

Meals not included.

Overnight on Koh Rong.

Today, you will board a speedboat from the island of Koh Rong to Sihanoukville, where our driver (without guide) will meet you and transfer you to Kep (approximately 3h30, depending on traffic).

The charming coastal town of Kep is renowned for its fresh seafood and tranquil atmosphere. Visitors can explore the crab market, stroll along the waterfront and visit the secluded beaches of Koh Tonsay island. They can also take a trip to Kep National Park to enjoy the lush nature and peaceful sunsets over the Gulf of Thailand. With its relaxed atmosphere and beautiful sea views, Kep is the ideal place to unwind and enjoy some well-deserved rest.

Meals not included.

Overnight in Kep.

Free day at your own pace (vehicle and driver unavailable).

Meals are not included.

Overnight stay in Kep.

Free time and check-out (until 12 noon) until your transfer by private car (without guide) to Phnom Penh airport (156 km, approx. 3-hour journey).

NB: the international departure flight must be in the late afternoon (from 6 p.m.).

Please note that Phnom Penh International Airport (PNH) is currently entering a phase of gradual closure. The new Techo International Airport (KTI) will take over fully on 9 September. Depending on your date of travel, your return flight could be from either of these airports.

All trips to Cambodia require insurance to cover hospitalisation and repatriation costs, which cannot be covered by the embassy under any circumstances.

Passport & Visa

A passport valid for at least 6 months is also required .

A visa is also required for any trip to Cambodia.

Visas can be obtained in a number of ways (the price may vary by a few dollars depending on the method used; be sure to have change in USD as payment by credit card is not always available):

• before departure, by internet (e-visa): tourist visa type ‘T’;
• before departure, at the Cambodian embassy;
• on arrival, at Phnom Penh and Siem Reap international airports, at dedicated immigration counters, against payment of a US$ 30 fee for a 1-month tourist visa (‘T’ type).