Cambodia Temple Tours and Countryside

The first day, arrive in Siem Reap where you will receive a warm-hearted welcome from our local guide in the Airport and transfer straight to the city center (approximately 30 mins). After that, our guide will be happy to assist you to check-in at your hotel (normal check-in time is 14:00 but in some cases, you still able to have a room earlier).

In the afternoon, you will have free time to discover local life and sights of Siem Reap or relax in your hotel.

In the evening, you will enjoy a delightful buffet dinner whilst experiencing the Apsara Dance Show. This is a unique Khmer classical dance created by the Royal Ballet of Cambodia. Enjoy the rest of your evening and stay overnight at your hotel.

After having breakfast, our tour guide will pick you up from the hotel lobby at around 07:00 AM. We will drive to the rural outskirts about 35 kilometers away from the Angkor area to visit the 10th-century Cambodian Temple, Banteay Srei, also known as ‘The Citadel of Women’ or ‘The Citadel of Beauty’. Interestingly, the detailed architecture is miniature in scale when compared to other Angkorian Temple constructions. One of the unique and special things about this temple is its sandstone formation – the hard red sandstone structures were carved by women’s hand. You will see a series of spectacular carving arts, with striking pediments, lintels, and friezes. The next place we will visit is Chau Srei Vibol, which is a small splendid temple on the top of a natural hillock that can hardly be seen from outdoor vantage points. This place is not a common tourist site so it is good for curious explorers who like to take the path less traveled. 

Today, your lunch will be well prepared by the local families. There is a chance for you to interact with the former village chief, who survived the Khmer Rouge regime and learn more about the local history as well as their culture.

After lunch, we will continue to the ancient Khmer civilization site of Hariharalaya - the ancient city and former capital of Cambodia in the late 9th and earlier 10th centuries. These are the earliest temples in the Angkor area and are referred to as the Rolous Group. There are several ancient temples in the area and we will be visiting Bakhong Temple, the main temple, which has the shape of a stepped pyramid. The day tour will finish here and you will be transported back to your hotel to stay overnight.

Get ready for the third day trip by having breakfast at your hotel. You will be picked up by tour guide at 07:00 AM and we then transfer to Ta Prohm – an ancient temple that was built in the Bayon style in the late of 12th and early 13th centuries. Dissimilar to the most of Angkorian temples, Ta Prohm had nearly disappeared into the jungle and is now in the same condition in which it was found; a very oddly haunting and exotic scene. Visiting Ta Prohm, you will be impressed by the huge tree roots growing out of the ruin and the huge stone blocks surrounded by the jungle and foliage. Next, we will head to Angkor Wat – The World Heritage for visiting the most famous architecture of Siem Reap and Cambodia. You will be impressed by how the Khmer people could create huge works thousand years ago.

Lunch is not included in this day trip so you are free to choose your own cuisine. 

After lunch, it’s time for us to explore the extraordinary ancient capital city -Angkor Thom and Bayon. Built in the 12th century, Angkor Thom (the Great City) is an ideal destination for any traveler visiting Cambodia. The memory of the mysterious smiling stone faces in Bayon Temple may last for whole your life if you once visit these places. These statues portray the face of the Avalokitesvara, the bodhisattva of compassion. This will be a truly unforgettable experience from the moment you see those stones because of its enigmatic magnificence. Baphuon, Terrace of the Elephants, Terrace of the Leper King and Royal Place area will end our tour today.

Following this, the tour will end and you will be transported back to your hotel.

Starting our fourth-day tour after breakfast, you will have an interesting experience with a wooden motorboat trip (open air, no AC) along Tonle Sap Lake.  This is the largest natural lake in South East Asia – the source of life for many people in Cambodia. On the boat you will see along both sides of the lake that there are many beautiful landscapes with enormous wetlands and green trees. Prepare to be fascinated as you learn about the lifestyle of the local people and their pets such pigs, dogs in this incredible floating village. Lunch will be provided as a prepared packed lunch.

Early afternoon, upon your arrival in Battambang Province, we will head to Wat Ek Phnom Temple.  This temple is located about 11 kilometers away from Battambang and is one of the most visited attractions here. Interestingly, many Khmers visit this temple with picnics on weekends. There is a newly built temple in front of the ruined temple and it becomes the centerpiece for the religious locals. Additionally, you may also have the opportunity to learn about the process of making rice paper or ‘grolan’ (sticky rice stuffed in bamboo), which would be an unforgettable memory for you!

Tonight, your dinner will be provided for you at Jaan Bai Restaurant, whose menu was created by a Michelin Star chef who resides in Bangkok, Thailand. Also, a visit to the Lotus Bar and Gallery or Bric-a-Brac for a glass of wine or cocktails is highly recommended.  You will stay overnight at a hotel in Battambang.

Get ready for a new day by having breakfast before being astounded by the Killing Caves of Phnom Sampeau. This enormous karstic limestone outcrop is divided into many surrounding temples. This historic site serves as a reminder of Cambodia’s turbulent story. Continuing the tour, you will walk around the premises with your knowledgeable tour guide and visit the Ksach Puoy Village on the banks of the Sangker River. This is a delightful area which has a variety of natural tropical fruit farms as well as traditional Khmer wooden houses on stilts. This is a prime opportunity for you to taste all of the fresh and tasty fruits such as oranges, sweet pineapples or many other kinds of vegetables along the fertile riverbanks.

We will have lunch at a local restaurant. Then we will visit the first vineyard of Cambodia, which is not too far from Ksach Puoy. Here you will have an opportunity to learn about how wine is produced in the tropics, with wine tastings available if you are interested. For our next destination, we will discover the Prast Phnom Banon - The Angkor-era mountaintop temple in Banan district. There are five temple structures and, like most Angkor, the middle temple will be the largest one. At the top, you will see an outstanding panoramic view of the winding Sangker River with its palm trees, rice fields, and small villages. This temple is well worth experiencing simply for the sheer beauty of the view from the top. 

We will then transfer back to Siem Reap (approx. 3 hours drive) and stay overnight in your hotel.

Today is your last day of the Cambodia Temple Tours  and Countryside. Feel free to discover the city by yourself. According to your flight schedule, our driver will pick you up for your transfer to Airport. It was our pleasure to be your Vietnam tour travel agency for your trip to Cambodia. We hope you enjoyed this trip very much!