Cambodia Off the Beaten Path 10 Days

Tour Overview

Discover the hidden gems of Cambodia on this 10-day off the beaten path journey, from the bustling capital of Phnom Penh to the stunning temples of Angkor, the charming riverside town of Battambang, the beautiful colonial town of Kampot, the peaceful seaside town of Kep, the pristine islands of Koh Rong, and the beautiful beaches of Sihanoukville. Experience the real Cambodia, away from the tourist crowds, with its stunning temples, beautiful countryside, charming towns, pristine islands, and warm and hospitable people.

Itinerary Highlights

Day 1: Arrival in Phnom Penh

Arrive at Phnom Penh International Airport (Phnom Penh, Cambodia). Transfer to your hotel. Explore Phnom Penh, the capital and largest city of Cambodia, a vibrant city on the banks of the Mekong River, with its stunning royal palace, its bustling markets, its beautiful colonial architecture, and its rich history. Visit the Royal Palace (the stunning royal residence of the King of Cambodia, with its beautiful Silver Pagoda, its stunning Throne Hall, and its beautiful gardens), the National Museum of Cambodia (with its excellent collection of Khmer art and artifacts), the Wat Phnom (the beautiful hilltop temple that gave the city its name), the bustling Central Market (Psar Thmei, a beautiful Art Deco market with its bustling atmosphere), and the Sisowath Quay (the beautiful riverside promenade with its restaurants, bars, and beautiful views of the Mekong River). Evening welcome dinner with Cambodian cuisine including amok (a traditional Cambodian dish of fish or chicken steamed in banana leaves with coconut milk and spices), lok lak (stir-fried beef with lime juice and black pepper), fresh seafood, and the famous Angkor beer. Overnight in Phnom Penh.

Day 2: Phnom Penh – Killing Fields & to Battambang

Morning visit the Choeung Ek Killing Fields (one of the most important historical sites in Cambodia, the site of the mass killings by the Khmer Rouge regime in the 1970s, with its beautiful memorial stupa filled with the skulls of the victims, and its peaceful and reflective atmosphere). Visit the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (the former S-21 prison where the Khmer Rouge tortured and killed thousands of people, now a museum documenting the atrocities of the Khmer Rouge regime). After the historical sites, take a bus or taxi from Phnom Penh to Battambang (approximately 3-4 hours), a charming riverside town in northwestern Cambodia, with its beautiful colonial architecture, its bustling markets, its beautiful countryside, and its famous bamboo train. Upon arrival, check into your hotel. Explore Battambang: visit the Psar Nat (the bustling central market), the beautiful colonial buildings along the river, the Wat Ek Phnom (a beautiful 11th-century Angkorian temple just outside the town), and the beautiful riverside promenade. Evening dinner with Cambodian cuisine. Overnight in Battambang.

Day 3: Battambang – Bamboo Train & Countryside

Morning ride the famous Battambang Bamboo Train (a unique and fun transportation system consisting of a bamboo platform on wheels that runs on a single railway track, powered by a small engine, carrying passengers and goods through the beautiful countryside. The bamboo train is a unique Cambodian experience and is one of the most popular attractions in Battambang). Ride the bamboo train through the beautiful countryside, enjoying the stunning views of the rice fields, the villages, and the mountains. Visit the nearby villages and interact with the local people. After the bamboo train, visit the Phnom Sampeou (a beautiful hilltop temple with stunning views of the surrounding countryside, and a cave with the remains of the Khmer Rouge victims). Visit the Wat Banan (a beautiful 11th-century Angkorian temple on a hill, with its five towers resembling a smaller version of Angkor Wat, and its beautiful views of the surrounding countryside). After lunch, explore the beautiful countryside around Battambang, visit the rice fields, the fruit orchards, and the traditional villages. Experience the rural Cambodian way of life. Evening dinner with Cambodian cuisine. Overnight in Battambang.

Day 4: Battambang to Siem Reap & Angkor

Morning take a bus or taxi from Battambang to Siem Reap (approximately 3-4 hours), the gateway to the stunning temples of Angkor. Upon arrival, check into your hotel. Explore Siem Reap, a vibrant tourist town with its beautiful temples, its bustling markets, its restaurants, bars, and its rich culture. Visit the Angkor National Museum (with its excellent collection of Khmer art and artifacts, and its exhibits on the history of the Angkorian empire). Visit the bustling Old Market and the famous Pub Street. After lunch, visit the nearby temples of Angkor: visit the Roluos Group (the earliest Angkorian temples, including Preah Ko, Bakong, and Lolei, built in the 9th century, with their beautiful architecture and their historical significance). Visit the beautiful countryside around Siem Reap. Evening dinner with Cambodian cuisine. Overnight in Siem Reap.

Day 5: Angkor Wat & Major Temples

Early morning visit Angkor Wat (the largest religious monument in the world, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the iconic temple of Cambodia, built in the 12th century by King Suryavarman II, with its stunning five towers, its beautiful bas-reliefs, and its breathtaking architecture. Watch the sunrise over Angkor Wat, one of the most iconic and beautiful sunrises in the world). After the sunrise, explore Angkor Wat, visit the various levels, the beautiful bas-reliefs, the galleries, and the central towers. After Angkor Wat, visit the Angkor Thom (the great walled city of the Angkorian empire, with its stunning South Gate with its giant stone faces, its beautiful Bayon Temple (the iconic temple with its 216 giant smiling stone faces), the Royal Palace, the Phimeanakas, the Elephant Terrace, and the Leper King Terrace). Visit the Bayon Temple (the iconic temple with its giant smiling stone faces, built by King Jayavarman VII in the 12th century, with its stunning architecture and its beautiful bas-reliefs). After lunch, visit the Ta Prohm Temple (the famous temple overgrown by giant tree roots, made famous by the movie Tomb Raider, with its stunning atmosphere and its beautiful fusion of nature and architecture). Visit the other nearby temples. Evening dinner with Cambodian cuisine. Overnight in Siem Reap.

Day 6: Off the Beaten Path Temples – Beng Mealea & Koh Ker

Morning drive to Beng Mealea (approximately 1.5 hours from Siem Reap), a stunning and largely unrestored temple from the Angkorian period, built in the 12th century, with its beautiful architecture, its stunning atmosphere, and its beautiful fusion of nature and architecture. Beng Mealea is often called the wild Angkor, as it is largely unrestored and overgrown by the jungle, with its beautiful carvings, its mysterious atmosphere, and its stunning setting. Explore the temple, walk through the ruins, and enjoy the peaceful and atmospheric setting. After Beng Mealea, continue to Koh Ker (approximately 1.5 hours from Beng Mealea), a stunning and remote temple complex in the jungle, the capital of the Angkorian empire for a brief period in the 10th century, with its stunning temples including the famous Prasat Thom (a massive 30-meter tall pyramid temple, one of the most unique and impressive temples in Cambodia). Explore Koh Ker, visit the various temples, and enjoy the remote and peaceful setting. Evening return to Siem Reap. Dinner with Cambodian cuisine. Overnight in Siem Reap.

Day 7: Siem Reap to Phnom Penh & to Kampot

Morning take a flight or bus from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh (approximately 1 hour flight or 6-7 hours bus). Upon arrival in Phnom Penh, continue by bus or taxi to Kampot (approximately 2.5-3 hours), a beautiful colonial town in southern Cambodia, famous for its pepper (Kampot pepper is considered some of the best pepper in the world), its beautiful colonial architecture, its stunning countryside, its beautiful river, and its relaxed atmosphere. Upon arrival, check into your hotel. Explore Kampot: visit the beautiful colonial buildings along the river, the bustling market, the beautiful riverside promenade, and the nearby pepper plantations. Visit a local pepper plantation and learn about the pepper-growing process. Evening dinner with Kampot cuisine including fresh seafood, Kampot pepper dishes, and the famous local crab. Overnight in Kampot.

Day 8: Kampot – Bokor Mountain & to Kep

Morning visit Bokor Mountain (a beautiful mountain resort near Kampot, at an altitude of approximately 1,000 meters, with its stunning views of the coast, its beautiful abandoned French colonial buildings, its beautiful waterfall, and its cool climate. Bokor Mountain was a popular French colonial resort in the early 20th century, and it still retains its beautiful colonial architecture and its stunning setting). Visit the abandoned Bokor Palace Hotel and Casino, the beautiful Popokvil Waterfall, the stunning views of the coast, and the various other attractions on the mountain. After Bokor Mountain, drive to Kep (approximately 30 minutes), a beautiful seaside town in southern Cambodia, famous for its fresh seafood (especially crab), its beautiful beaches, its stunning views of the sea and the nearby Vietnamese island of Phu Quoc, and its relaxed atmosphere. Explore Kep: visit the famous Kep Crab Market (where you can buy fresh crab and have it cooked at the nearby restaurants), the beautiful beaches, the beautiful seaside promenade, and the nearby Kep National Park (with its beautiful hiking trails and its stunning views of the sea and the islands). Evening dinner with fresh Kep crab and seafood. Overnight in Kep.

Day 9: Kep to Sihanoukville & Koh Rong Island

Morning drive from Kep to Sihanoukville (approximately 1.5-2 hours), a beautiful coastal city in southern Cambodia, with its beautiful beaches, its stunning islands, and its vibrant atmosphere. Upon arrival in Sihanoukville, take a boat to Koh Rong (approximately 1-1.5 hours), a beautiful and pristine island off the coast of Sihanoukville, with its stunning white sand beaches, its crystal-clear turquoise water, its beautiful coral reefs, its lush jungle, and its peaceful and unspoiled atmosphere. Koh Rong is one of the most beautiful islands in Cambodia and is a paradise for beach lovers, snorkelers, and divers. Upon arrival, check into your beach bungalow or resort. Explore the island: visit the beautiful beaches (including the famous Long Beach, a stunning 7-kilometer long white sand beach), go snorkeling or diving at the beautiful coral reefs, hike through the lush jungle, and enjoy the peaceful and unspoiled atmosphere. Evening dinner with fresh seafood on the beach. Overnight in Koh Rong.

Day 10: Koh Rong to Sihanoukville & Departure

Morning enjoy a final beach day on Koh Rong, go for a final swim or snorkel, or just relax on the beautiful beach. After breakfast, take a boat back to Sihanoukville (approximately 1-1.5 hours). Upon arrival in Sihanoukville, transfer to Sihanoukville International Airport for your departure flight, or take a bus or taxi to Phnom Penh for your international departure. Concluding your 10-day Cambodia off the beaten path journey.

What’s Included

• Air-conditioned vehicle
• Driver
• Fuel Cost, Parking Fee, Toll Fee
• Accommodation in selected hotels
• Daily breakfast

What’s Not Included

• Entrance fees to attractions
• Tour Guide
• Meal (lunch and dinner)
• International flights
• Travel insurance
• Personal expenses