Thailand and Cambodia Escorted Tour Itinerary
DAY 1 – Depart for Bangkok, Thailand
DAY 2 – Arrive in Bangkok
Transfer to our hotel in Bangkok. Meet our local representative in the airport and transfer to our hotel in Bangkok.
DAY 3 – Half Day – Bangkok Highlights – Grand Palace – Guided Tour of Bangkok’s Highlights
Join us for an unforgettable day exploring the heart of Bangkok! Discover the vibrant essence of Bangkok on our half-day tour. Kickstart the day at Pak Klong Talad, Thailand’s largest and most colourful flower market. Next, visit the iconic Wat Pho, home to one of Bangkok’s oldest and largest Buddhist temple complexes. Stand in awe at the Giant Reclining Buddha, a stunning 46-meter-long statue with intricately carved feet.
Next, on to the Grand Palace, a former royal residence consecrated in 1782. This magnificent complex is one of Bangkok’s top attractions and a significant pilgrimage site for devout Buddhists. Explore the majestic palace, throne hall, and the revered Emerald Buddha.
DAY 4 – Fly from Bangkok to Siem Reap Cambodia
We say a fond farewell to Bangkok as we depart from our hotel with assistance to Bangkok airport, for our flight to Siem Reap, Cambodia.
We meet our new assistant at the airport and transfer to our hotel in Siem Reap. Let’s check in and relax after our flight and recharge our batteries for this evening’s dinner and show. Let’s experience more! We depart our hotel for an early dinner (included) before we enjoy the Phare Circus show. This modern cultural performance blends theatre, music, dance, and contemporary circus arts to tell unique Cambodian stories
DAY 5 – Full Day – Sunrise at Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom & Apopo
We kickstart our very early sunrise tour with a pre-dawn drive (approximately 5am) through the forests towards the iconic Angkor Wat. Let’s begin our walk in the dark, by torchlight to the East Gate to Angkor Wat itself, and fall in love with the beauty as the sun rises over the magnificent temple.
Discover more on a full guided visit to Angkor Wat, a must-see for any Cambodia trip. Marvel at the grandeur and intricate details of this iconic site.
We continue to Ta Prohm, the renowned jungle temple made famous by the movie Tomb Raider. This popular temple is perfect for capturing stunning Instagram shots. Join us to explore these unforgettable Cambodian treasures and moments!
NGO Apopo Centre & Angkor Thom Temple
Later this afternoon, we meet our guide for our next excursion to Angkor Thom. On the way, visit the Apopo NGO Landmine Clearance Visitor Centre. Uncover the unique techniques used in Cambodia and meet the stars the “Hero” specially trained African rats to locate landmines for deactivation. We enjoy a join in demonstration of the Apopo at the visitor centre before continuing to Angkor Thom.
DAY 6 -Elephant Conservation Visit at Kulen
This morning we leave Siem Reap and drive approximately 45 minutes to the Kulen conservation area, home to over 1,100 acres of protected forest and 14 elephants of Angkor. These elephants were once used for temple rides, and now roam in their natural habitat in retirement, reflecting a positive shift in tourism. We join in on a tour and spend time observing the retired elephants and learn more about Cambodia’s elephant conservation. Today a simple local lunch at the Elephant camp is included.
SATCHA Handcraft Centre – Afternoon Excursion
Later this afternoon we set out again and visit a new Cambodian handicraft visitor centre showcasing local talents and providing sustainable work and training. We explore six large workshops featuring wood and stone carvings, silk works, weaving, and more. For those that want to soak up the atmosphere there is a coffee and juice bar on site selling refreshments, wine and cocktails.
DAY 7 – Transfer to Battambang with Excursions
Enjoy a leisurely morning in Siem Reap with time to relax, explore, or shop, with an optional pre-bookable Khmer cooking class featuring a market visit and hands-on meal preparation. In the afternoon, drive about 3 hours to Battambang, stopping at “Chicken Street” and passing through scenic villages and rice paddies with photo opportunities along the way. Arrive at Phnom Sampov to walk to the pagoda, take in panoramic views, witness millions of bats emerging from the cave, then continue to Battambang for hotel check-in and dinner.
DAY 8 – Full Day – Battambang & Bamboo Train
Excursion to the Countryside – Full Day
This morning, we explore Battambang’s beautiful countryside by local Remork (Cambodian Tuk Tuk). We visit local families and find out about their way of life and produce they make, like rice paper, dried bananas, and bamboo sticky rice, made the same way for generations.
We also get to visit a traditional Khmer house, enjoy seasonal fruits and refreshing coconut water, and end the morning at a memorial site for Khmer Rouge victims. A simple lunch is included today at a Cambodian home.
After, we visit a Buddhist temple to learn about their religion that is central to Cambodian life. Next, we learn more about recent Cambodian history through French colonial architectural sites. Later we make our way back to our hotel to freshen up, before heading out again in the afternoon.
Experience the Bamboo Train
In the afternoon we drive out into a different direction to ride the original Bamboo train, and truly unique Cambodian experience. We sit on board the bamboo platform and depart on the tracks. Enjoy the breeze in our hair and admire the countryside on our journey.
DAY 9 – Depart Battambang to Phnom Penh & S21 Prison
Discover Toul Sleng (S21 Prision)
Witness Cambodia’s dark and tragic history with a visit to Toul Sleng Genocide Museum (S-21 prison), a former high school. In the Pol Pot era this school was transformed into a prison and interrogation centre. After the prisoners were transferred to the killing Fields of Cheung Ek to meet their demise. Many will remember the dramatic movie “The Killing Fields” portraying this tragic time in Cambodia.
After our sobering experience we make our way to the nearby Psah Tuol Tom Pong, a lively indoor and outdoor market selling anything from gold, gems, silk, t-shirts and food stalls. Next, we continue to the riverside and enjoy a refreshing drink (not included) at a local bar before making our way to a local restaurant for dinner (included).
DAY 10 – Half Day Phnom Penh Tour & Royal Palace
We begin our morning with an early visit to the Royal Palace, built in 1866 by King Norodom. Marvel at the Silver Pagoda (named for its 5,000 silver tiles), the solid gold Buddha encrusted in diamonds, and the emerald Buddha.
After basking in the glory of the Royal Palace we make our way to Wat Phnom “hill temple” the tallest and most important temple in Phnom Penh. The green garden offers a pleasant respite from the noise and chaos of the bustling streets of Phnom Penh.
Please note: To visit the Royal Palace, visitors are required to wear proper attire to enter. Please cover shoulders and knees. This is still considered a sacred site. No shorts, short skirts or short trousers are permitted. To avoid disappointment please dress respectfully to enter.
DAY 11 – At Leisure in Phnom Penh
Today is yours to relax or explore more of Phnom Penh, from riverside walks and the French Quarter’s historic buildings to traditional dancing and shopping at markets or malls, with your guide happy to suggest additional sights. For a deeper understanding of Cambodia’s history, an optional three-hour excursion to the Killing Fields at Choeung Ek offers a guided visit to the memorial stupa and grounds, reflecting on events from 1975–1979.
DAY 12 TO 14 – Beach Extension Koh Rong Sanloem Island
We depart early from our hotel and transfer on the new superhighway to the coastal city of Sihanoukville (3 hours’ drive). On arrival you will take the shared speedboat to the island of Koh Rong Sanloem approximately 50-60 minutes. Disembark the boat and meet your assistant from the hotel for your transfer.
DAY 15 – Transfer to Phnom Penh Airport | Fly Home
