Coastal Cambodia to Angkor Wat

Coastal Cambodia to Angkor Wat Overview

This epic journey kicks off amidst the lush splendour of Koh Kong virgin rainforest to the cultural capital of Phnom Penh and ending in Siem Reap with the spectacular temples of Angkor and Bayon.

Journey through coastal Cambodia to Angkor Wat

This epic journey kicks off amidst the lush splendour of Koh Kong virgin rainforest to the cultural capital of Phnom Penh and ending in Siem Reap with the spectacular temples of Angkor and Bayon.

Best time for this itinerary: November to March

Touring style: Private basis with professional English speaking guide and driver

Day 1: Koh Kong - Kampong Som (Sihanoukville)

Start the trip by vehicle from Koh Kong to Kampong Som. It is Cambodia’s premier beach town, sporting miles of white sand beaches, picturesque islands, and warm tropical water. Enjoy a visit to a local market, a fishing village and Ochheuteal Beach.

Overnight in Kampong Som.

Distance and journey time: 22- km, 4 hrs

Day 2: Kampong Som (Sihanoukville)

Excursion to the Ream National Park area. From Kampong Som, travel to Preak Tuk Sap, visiting a pepper and durian plantation, and a crocodile farm. Continue by boat down the river, past tropical forests and mangrove swamps. On the way, visit fishing villages, bird watching, and dolphin spotting. Continue by boat to the offshore island of Koh Sampouch before returning to Kampong Som.

Overnight in Kampong Som.

Day 3: Kampong Som (Sihanoukville) - Phnom Penh

Travel by vehicle from Kampong Som to Phnom Penh. Overnight in Phnom Penh.

Distance and journey time: 230 km, 4 hrs

Day 4: Phnom Penh

Explore Phnom Penh, a chaotic energetic and always fascinating city. Graceful tree-lined boulevards and riverfront promenades are reminders of bygone eras. Start the tour into Cambodia’s cultural heritage with a visit to the Royal Palace, and the adjacent Silver Pagoda. Continue to the elegant National Museum, which contains a comprehensive collection of Khmer Art.

In the afternoon, learn about a chapter from Cambodia’s more recent, tragic, past at the Tuol Sleng Museum (Museum of Genocide).

Finally, explore one of Phnom Penh’s two great markets. The Central Market, located in a distinctive domed Art Deco building or the sprawling Russian Market.

Overnight in Phnom Penh.

Day 5: Phnom Penh

After breakfast, start an excursion northeast from Phnom Penh to Oudong, the former capital of Cambodia between 1618 and 1866. The twin ridges of Phnom Oudong feature several stupas containing the ashes of former Khmer kings. On the larger hill are the remains of Vihear Preah Ath Roes. After exploring the temples, enjoy the panoramic views of the Cambodian countryside. En route, stop at an ethnic Cham village and Kampong Luong, a silversmith village.

Overnight in Phnom Penh.

Day 6: Phnom Penh - Siem Reap

Transfer to the airport for a flight to Siem Reap.

In the afternoon, tour the crowning jewel of Khmer architecture, Angkor Wat, the national symbol and the highlight of any visit to Cambodia. The largest, best preserved and most religiously significant of the Angkor temples, it impresses visitors both by its sheer scale and beautifully proportioned layout as well as the delicate artistry of its carvings. On the way, stop to enjoy the intricate stone carvings that adorn nearly every surface with some 1,700 Apsaras or celestial dancers, sculpted into the walls. Angkor Wat is stunning at any time of the day, but sunrise and sunset are especially beautiful times to watch the play of light on the stones.

Discover Angkor Thom: The fortified city of Angkor Thom covers an area of 10 km. Enclosed by a wall and wide moats the city includes many of Angkor’s most popular sights. Enter by the monumental South Gate over a causeway lined on either side by statues of demons and gods each carrying a giant naga. Continue to the Terrace of the Elephants and the Terrace of the Leper Kings, former spaces for public ceremonies both adorned with dramatic bas reliefs. Visit the ruined Baphuon, Royal Enclosure, and Phimeanakas before continuing to the mysterious Bayon Temple.

Overnight in Siem Reap.

Distance and journey times:

Phnom Penh city to airport: 11 km, 20 mins

Siem Reap Airport to Hotel: 8 km, 15 mins

Day 7: Siem Reap

Continue sightseeing in Angkor. Visit the Banteay Srei Temple. Seemingly miniature in comparison to the other Angkor temples, this is considered to be the jewel of classical Khmer art. The small size, fairy-like atmosphere and extraordinary examples of Khmer sculpture, this temple is often a favourite for visitors.

Discover Ta Prohm, one of the most popular attractions of Angkor as much of the jungle has not been cleared and it looks very much as most of the Angkor monuments would have appeared when European explorers first stumbled across them.

Finally visit Les Artisans d’Angkor, a craft shop which teaches local apprentices traditional woodcarving, stone carving, and lacquer ware painting. Take a tour of the workshops and learn about the craft processes before browsing in the stylish gift shop. Overnight in Siem Reap.

Overnight in Siem Reap.

Day 8: Siem Reap

Transfer to the airport for departure.

Distance and journey time: 8 km, 15 mins