14 Days - Cambodia Family Explorer

Welcome to Cambodia! Upon arrival at Siem Reap International Airport, follow the signs to Immigration and obtain your Cambodian visa on arrival if not arranged in advance. Once you've cleared Immigration and Customs, proceed to the arrivals hall where your private driver will be waiting to greet you. You’ll then be transferred by air-conditioned vehicle to your hotel in Siem Reap, where you can check in and settle into your surroundings. Depending on your arrival time, you may wish to relax by the pool, enjoy a refreshing drink, or take a gentle stroll nearby to get your first glimpse of this laid-back town. The rest of the day is yours to spend at leisure, allowing you to recover from your journey and prepare for the adventures ahead.

Today offers an exciting and enriching introduction to the Angkor Archaeological Park, one of the most significant and visually striking ancient sites in South East Asia. Spanning more than 400 square kilometres, including forested areas, the park features the remains of various capitals of the Khmer Empire that thrived from the 9th to the 15th century. Although it would take days to explore it in full, today has been designed to highlight its most captivating and important sites.

Begin with a visit to the impressive South Gate of Angkor Thom, where an optional one-kilometre walk along the city walls leads to a hidden temple rarely seen by most visitors. From here, continue on to explore Bayon with its mysterious stone faces, Baphuon, the Terrace of the Elephants, the Terrace of the Leper King, and the vast temple complex of Preah Khan. Each site offers a glimpse into the grandeur and spiritual depth of Khmer civilisation.

After lunch, enjoy a thrilling canopy adventure with the Angkor Zipline, set high in the treetops of the surrounding jungle. Designed by international experts, the course meets the highest safety standards and is led by professional Sky Rangers. You'll receive a safety briefing and personal fitting before setting off on a zipline journey through the forest. As you glide between platforms, your guides will share stories about the local environment, wildlife and history, making this a fun and educational experience.

Later in the afternoon, visit the iconic Angkor Wat, regarded as one of the greatest achievements in human history. Built in the early 12th century, this vast temple is admired for its exquisite carvings, harmonious design and symbolic layout. Abandoned centuries ago, it remains one of Cambodia’s most revered and awe-inspiring landmarks. Take time to explore the temple's galleries and towers at your own pace and appreciate the remarkable artistry of the Khmer builders.

Please note that respectful clothing is required for temple visits. Shoulders must be covered, and trousers or skirts should fall below the knees. The Angkor Zipline is suitable for children over 100cm in height and aged seven and above. The maximum weight limit is 125kg and participants should be generally fit and healthy.

This morning begins with a memorable and meaningful cycling adventure through Siem Reap and the surrounding countryside. After meeting your driver, you’ll be transferred to the bike shop where your tour begins at 8:30am. Pedal along a mix of quiet urban laneways and village backroads that offer an authentic view of daily life. Your first stop is a visit to the APOPO Visitor Centre, home of Cambodia’s highly trained landmine detection rats, affectionately known as “HeroRats.” These extraordinary rodents are trained to safely detect unexploded ordnance still buried in Cambodia’s countryside, helping to save lives and make land safe again for farming and habitation. It’s a chance to learn about the life-saving work being done and the science behind it.

Back on the bikes, ride to the Khmer Ceramics & Fine Arts Centre, a local initiative that preserves Cambodia’s centuries-old ceramic traditions. Here, you’ll take part in a hands-on pottery class and learn how to throw a bowl on the wheel, guided by expert artisans. This is a fun and creative experience, suitable for all ages and skill levels. After the workshop, return to town by bike, arriving around midday.

Enjoy a well-earned lunch at a local restaurant before setting out in the afternoon on a private excursion to Kampong Khleang, located about 45km from Siem Reap on the northern edge of Tonle Sap Lake. This large and rarely visited stilt village offers a fascinating look at rural life in Cambodia. Depending on the season, the homes either sit above floodplains or float above water, making it a dynamic and photogenic destination. Stroll through the village to meet local residents and observe their daily routines, then board a small private boat to explore the waterways and head out toward the lake itself. As you cruise past stilt houses, fishing boats, and submerged forests, enjoy snacks and refreshments while soaking up the calm and beauty of the lake.

This evening, return to Siem Reap and transfer by Remork (Cambodian tuk tuk) to the big top tent of the renowned Phare Cambodian Circus. The performance begins at 8:00pm and lasts around one hour. Unlike any circus you’ve seen before, Phare blends theatre, acrobatics, music, and dance into compelling stories drawn from Cambodian folklore and modern life. Founded by survivors of the Khmer Rouge era who trained in art as a form of healing and education, Phare Ponleu Selpak is a non-profit organisation dedicated to arts education and social change. The performers are graduates of their school and have performed internationally, earning acclaim for their emotional power and creativity. The atmosphere is intimate, energetic, and inspiring, making it a fitting close to a day full of connection, creativity and culture.

This morning, meet your private driver for the overland transfer to Battambang, a charming riverside town known for its well-preserved colonial architecture and laid-back atmosphere. The drive takes approximately three hours and offers glimpses of rural life as you pass by rice fields, roadside markets, and local villages. Upon arrival, check in at your hotel and take a short break before heading out to explore the surrounding area.

In the afternoon, you’ll hop aboard a private Remork (Cambodian tuk tuk) with your local guide for a countryside adventure. Your first stop is the famous Bamboo Train, known locally as the norry - a simple yet ingenious wooden platform powered by a small engine, which glides along the old French-built railway tracks. It’s a fun and quirky experience, offering a unique perspective of the landscape as you zip through open fields and past curious onlookers.

Continue on to Ek Phnom, an ancient temple ruin located just outside town. This 11th-century structure is rarely visited, giving you the chance to explore quietly. Along the way, stop at small villages where locals produce traditional goods such as bamboo sticky rice (korlan), fish paste, rice paper, and banana-leaf packaging. These stops provide meaningful insight into daily life and time-honoured skills still practised in the Cambodian countryside.

Pause for a relaxed lunch at a scenic riverside restaurant before heading to Phnom Sampeou, a hilltop temple complex steeped in both natural beauty and sombre history. Visit the “Killing Caves,” a site used by the Khmer Rouge during their brutal reign, now home to a memorial and peaceful shrine. Climb to the summit for panoramic views across the plains, and if time permits, stay until sunset to witness a mesmerising spectacle as thousands of bats stream from the caves into the dusk sky. Local vendors have set up simple seating with cold drinks, making this a memorable and moving end to the day. Afterwards, return to your hotel in Battambang for the evening.

This morning, your driver will collect you from your hotel and transfer you to Battambang’s beautifully preserved colonial-era train station. From here, board the local train bound for Phnom Penh. This is a rare and authentic journey that offers insight into everyday Cambodian life. The train is simple, with open window shutters that allow fresh air and uninterrupted views of the countryside. Though not luxurious, the ride evokes a sense of old-world travel, with the rhythmic sound of the tracks and glimpses of village life passing slowly by.

The journey to Phnom Penh takes around seven hours, travelling through remote rural landscapes, rice fields and small towns where local life unfolds just beyond the tracks. It’s an opportunity to see a side of Cambodia that road travel often bypasses. You’ll be provided with a packed picnic lunch and a selection of local snacks to enjoy along the way.

Upon arrival at Phnom Penh station, your private driver will be waiting to take you to your hotel. Settle in and enjoy a quiet evening in the capital.

Begin your exploration of Phnom Penh with a guided city tour led by a knowledgeable local guide and a private Remok driver. Your first stop is the Royal Palace, a striking complex of buildings constructed in 1866 under King Norodom, which continues to serve as the royal residence today. With its golden spires and intricate Khmer architectural details, the palace is one of the capital’s most iconic landmarks. Within its grounds, you’ll also visit the Silver Pagoda, named for the over 5,000 silver tiles that line its floor. Though many of the original treasures were lost or destroyed during the Khmer Rouge era, what remains is impressive. Highlights include a life-sized gold Buddha adorned with diamonds and a collection of national relics that reflect the artistic and religious heritage of Cambodia.

Continue to Wat Phnom, a hilltop pagoda that dates back to the 14th century and is considered the symbolic birthplace of Phnom Penh. Topped by a stupa and surrounded by shaded gardens, it offers insight into the city’s origins and spiritual traditions. Wat Phnom is also the tallest religious structure in the city and is held in deep cultural regard by locals.

Next, make your way to Central Market, or Psar Thmei, a landmark in its own right with its striking yellow art deco dome and spacious layout. Built by the French in 1937, it is one of the largest markets in Southeast Asia. Stroll through the bustling aisles where vendors sell everything from gold jewellery and antique coins to household goods, flowers and street food. It’s a great place to experience the everyday rhythm of Phnom Penh life and sample some Cambodian snacks. You might try Mi Char (fried noodles), Lort Char (short rice noodles), Sachkor ang (grilled beef skewers with green papaya salad), or the sweet and savoury flavours of Nom Krok, small coconut rice cakes cooked in clay pots. For a refreshing treat, sip on a traditional Bay Kor Dek.

The tour offers a comprehensive introduction to Phnom Penh, combining cultural insight, culinary discovery and architectural highlights, and gives you a well-rounded sense of the capital’s layered history and vibrant present.

Spend the day outside the city on an unforgettable behind-the-scenes experience at the world’s largest sanctuary for Sun bears and Moon bears. You will be picked up by your driver for a scenic journey south along National Road Nº 2 to Phnom Tamao Wildlife Rescue Centre, about 40km from Phnom Penh. Spanning more than 6,000 acres of regenerated forest, this protected site is a safe haven for hundreds of rescued animals. It is also home to the Bear Care Tour, an engaging and educational experience run by the organisation Free the Bears.

On arrival, meet the team and learn about the inspiring work being done to protect and rehabilitate over 130 bears rescued from the illegal wildlife trade. Get exclusive access to areas not open to the general public, where you’ll see how the bears are cared for, fed, and given opportunities for enrichment in their forest enclosures. You’ll help prepare food and assist in making enrichment toys that encourage natural behaviour and mental stimulation. Along the way, discover more about Free the Bears' education and conservation efforts, as well as how they’re working to ensure a safer future for these animals in the wild.

A traditional Khmer lunch will be served on site, offering time to relax and take in the peaceful surroundings. In the afternoon, explore more of Phnom Tamao Wildlife Rescue Centre, which shelters a range of species including elephants, gibbons, leopards and crocodiles. As the final activity of the day, you’ll return to the bear forest enclosures to help the keepers hide food and treats that you’ve helped prepare. Watch the bears eagerly search and forage in their large natural habitats, a rewarding end to a meaningful day.

Return to Phnom Penh in the late afternoon with a deeper understanding of Cambodia’s wildlife challenges and the committed people working to address them. This is an experience that leaves both an emotional and educational impact, especially well suited to families and animal lovers.

This morning, your guide and private driver will collect you from your hotel in Phnom Penh for the journey southwest toward the Cardamom Mountains, one of Southeast Asia’s most important conservation areas. After approximately four hours on the road, arrive at the small riverside village of Trapaing Rung. Here you’ll have time to refresh and enjoy a light snack at the lodge lounge before boarding a traditional boat for the scenic one-hour journey along the Preak Tachan River.

As you travel deeper into the lush forest by water, the bustle of the city fades and the sights and sounds of untouched nature begin to surround you. Arrive at Cardamom Tented Camp, an eco-lodge committed to conservation, where your comfortable safari-style tent will be your base for the next two nights. Each tent is solar-powered and thoughtfully designed to blend into its surroundings, offering the perfect mix of comfort and wilderness immersion.

Later this afternoon, set out on an exploratory hike through the surrounding lowland rainforest, guided by one of the camp’s expert naturalists. Learn about the unique flora and fauna that thrive in this protected zone, and discover how the camp partners with Wildlife Alliance to support anti-poaching patrols, reforestation efforts, and local community initiatives.

Return to camp for a hearty dinner made with locally sourced ingredients, served in the open-air restaurant overlooking the river. As night falls, soak in the sounds of the jungle from your tent’s private deck and fall asleep beneath a canopy of stars.

Begin your day with an early breakfast at camp, surrounded by the sounds of waking jungle. This morning offers a rare opportunity to step behind the scenes of Cambodia’s conservation efforts with Wildlife Alliance. You’ll be joined by one of their rangers and an English-speaking guide for a guided forest patrol through the Cardamom Mountains. This area, once heavily targeted by poachers and illegal loggers, is now a protected haven thanks to the ongoing efforts of conservationists.

Your guided hike takes you along a network of abandoned trails deep in the forest, where you’ll learn about the ecosystems of the region and the challenges involved in protecting them. Keep an eye out for wildlife such as langurs, macaques, civets, and an array of birdlife. Along the way, stop at a forest ranger station where confiscated snares, traps, and homemade hunting rifles are on display - evidence of the threats still faced by Cambodia’s biodiversity and the importance of continued vigilance.

A traditional Khmer lunch will be served, prepared by camp staff using fresh local ingredients. After lunch, enjoy time to rest and soak up the tranquillity of the riverside setting. You may wish to cool off with a swim in the clear waters of the Preak Tachan River or relax in a hammock with a book.

Later in the afternoon, take to the water by kayak for a leisurely paddle along a particularly scenic stretch of the river. This gentle activity allows for quiet wildlife spotting - look for long-tailed macaques playing in the trees and various waterbirds along the banks. The peacefulness of the water, the low rustle of forest life, and the occasional splash of fish make for a memorable close to a day immersed in nature.

Return to camp in the early evening and enjoy dinner under the stars.

Begin your day with breakfast at leisure, surrounded by the stillness of the Cardamom jungle. For early risers, there is the option to explore one of the self-guided walking trails that wind through the forest around the camp. These peaceful paths offer a chance to take in the natural beauty of the area one last time - listen for birdsong, spot butterflies, or simply enjoy the quiet rhythm of this protected wilderness.

After breakfast and check-out, board the boat for your return journey along the Preak Tachan River to Trapeang Rung, where your private driver will be waiting. From here, begin the drive south toward the coast, watching the landscape shift as you move from forested hills to open lowlands. The journey to Sihanoukville takes approximately 2.5 hours.

Upon arrival at the port, you’ll join a shared speedboat that will carry you across the clear waters to the island of Koh Rong. Once you reach the island, check in to your beachside accommodation. The remainder of the day is yours - enjoy a swim, walk along the white sandy beaches, or simply relax and take in the coastal surroundings.

Wake to the gentle sound of waves and start your day with breakfast by the sea. Today is all about settling in and getting to know the laid-back rhythm of island life. Take a walk along the soft, white-sand beach or enjoy a swim in the warm, turquoise waters just outside your villa. Koh Rong’s natural beauty invites you to slow down, breathe deeply, and fully unwind.

If you're in the mood to explore, take a leisurely paddle on a kayak, or join a short boat trip to nearby reefs for a guided snorkelling session. Keep an eye out for colourful coral and tropical fish in the clear shallows. Back on land, enjoy a chilled drink at the beach bar or simply relax in a hammock with a book. As evening falls, dine under the stars with the sand beneath your feet, or indulge in a seafood barbecue prepared with local ingredients.

Today offers a chance to tailor your island experience to your interests. You might choose a quiet morning with yoga on the beach or a wellness treatment at the resort’s spa. For the more adventurous, longer snorkelling or diving excursions can be arranged, offering the chance to explore vibrant marine ecosystems or discover hidden bays by boat.

Hike into the island’s forested interior for coastal views and a different perspective on Koh Rong, or visit a nearby fishing village for a glimpse of local life and culture. Alternatively, spend the day lazing by the water, taking occasional dips in the sea, or catching the sun as it filters through the palms. Whatever you choose, these days on Koh Rong are yours to enjoy at your own pace - unhurried, unstructured, and deeply relaxing.

After a relaxed morning and breakfast by the sea, check out from your island accommodation and board the shared speedboat for the return journey across the Gulf of Thailand to Sihanoukville Port. Upon arrival at the mainland, your private guide and driver will be waiting to greet you. From here, begin the road transfer back to Phnom Penh, a journey of approximately 3.5 hours along the expressway that passes through rural landscapes and small towns.

Arriving back in the capital by mid-afternoon, settle into your hotel before heading out once more for a special evening experience. You will be collected from your hotel and driven to the city’s vibrant riverfront area to embark on a scenic sunset cruise along the Tonle Sap and Mekong Rivers.

From the comfort of your boat, watch the golden light fall over Phnom Penh’s skyline, with its mix of French colonial architecture, modern high-rises and gilded temple rooftops. Your guide will highlight notable landmarks and share insights into life along the riverbanks. As the sun dips below the horizon, enjoy light refreshments and sundowner drinks on board. It’s a relaxed and memorable way to end your Cambodian journey.

This morning, enjoy breakfast at your hotel and take in your final moments in Phnom Penh. When you're ready, your private driver will collect you for the transfer to Phnom Penh International Airport. The journey typically takes around 45 minutes depending on traffic.

Your guide will assist with departure arrangements if needed and ensure a smooth and timely arrival at the airport. As you leave Cambodia, take with you the memories of ancient temples, warm hospitality, quiet jungle mornings, and vibrant cultural encounters that have made this journey unforgettable.