Transfer from Bangkok to Siem Reap by car or minivan

Bangkok - Begin the day with a 7 am hotel pickup by the driver, heading to the Cambodia border at Poipet. The drive takes approximately 4 to 5 hours, with the entire journey from Bangkok to Siem Reap lasting about 8 hours, including the border crossing. Expect longer times during weekends or public holidays.

Poipet - Arrive at Poipet, a bustling Cambodian border town adjacent to Aranyaprathet, Thailand. It is a key crossing for travelers and trade. Tourists, expats, and locals frequently use this checkpoint. Visas on arrival are available at Poipet (bring passport-sized photos and $35 cash). Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months and has blank pages. After clearing immigration with assistance, continue by private car through the countryside to Siem Reap (about 150 km). Upon arrival, check into your hotel and unwind. If desired, explore Pub Street or enjoy a traditional buffet dinner and dance show (optional).

Siem Reap - Upon reaching Siem Reap, check into your hotel and enjoy some leisure time. In the evening, a guide will meet you at the hotel for a welcome dinner featuring Khmer cuisine.

Siem Reap, located in northwestern Cambodia, is renowned as the gateway to the Angkor temples, including the iconic Angkor Wat. This vibrant city combines rich history with modern comforts, offering bustling markets, street food, and diverse dining and shopping options. Nearby attractions include Bayon Temple, Ta Prohm, and Angkor Thom, showcasing the grandeur of the ancient Khmer Empire. Siem Reap also offers cultural experiences like Apsara dance shows, traditional craft villages, and local cuisine, making it a lively destination for all travelers.

What’s Included today:

• Private car from Bangkok to Poipet border, NO guide
• Private car from Poipet border to Siem Reap, NO guide
• Welcome dinner in Siem Reap
• Round trip dinner transfer
• 1 Night at selected hotel

Explore the iconic Angkor Wat temple complex

Angkor Wat - Begin the day early at 04:50 AM to embark on a captivating journey to witness the breathtaking sunrise at Angkor Wat temple. Following this mesmerizing experience, delve further into the exploration of the Angkor Wat complex. Subsequently, return to the hotel for a hearty breakfast before continuing your excursion to explore the UNESCO World Heritage site of the ancient Angkor city.

Angkor Thom - After Angkor Wat, visit Angkor Thom, the capital city of the Khmer Empire, a remarkable testament to extraordinary genius. This city, a grand materialization of Buddhist cosmology, was built in the 12th century under the reign of the greatest Khmer King Jayavarman VII and is surrounded by a wall 3 kilometers on each side with five large gates.

Angkor Thom South Gate - Visit the South Gate of Angkor Thom, the main entrance to Angkor Thom City, built in the late 12th-century in Bayon style. It is the most famous and best-preserved of the major city gates into Angkor Thom from Angkor Wat Temple and is very popular with visitors for photo opportunities before entering the city.

Bayon Temple - Next, visit Bayon Temple, built about a century after Angkor Wat in the 12th century at the center of the ancient royal city. Originally believed to represent Mount Meru, it underwent multiple construction phases. Today, Bayon is best known for its 54 towers adorned with over 200 serene stone faces, thought to represent the bodhisattva Avalokitesvara and symbolizing the king’s omnipresence. These iconic faces with broad foreheads, downcast eyes, and faint smiles create a sense of mystery and grandeur, giving Bayon its unique and majestic character.

Baphuon Temple - Then visit Baphuon Temple, located in Angkor Thom, Siem Reap, a grand 11th-century monument originally dedicated to Shiva and later converted into a Buddhist temple. Built as a stepped pyramid, it was once known as a “bronze mountain” for its impressive scale. The temple features intricate carvings, steep stairways, and a large reclining Buddha. After decades of restoration, Baphuon now stands as a testament to the early architectural brilliance of the Khmer Empire.

Phimeanakas - Phimeanakas is a 10th-century Hindu temple within Angkor Thom in Siem Reap. Built as part of the royal palace complex, it features a three-tiered pyramid design symbolizing Mount Meru. Legend says the king met a serpent spirit here each night for the protection of the kingdom. Though weathered, it remains a site of myth, history, and striking architecture.

Terrace of the Elephants - The Elephant Terrace in Angkor Thom, built in the late 12th century by King Jayavarman VII, was a royal platform used for ceremonies and public events. Stretching 350 meters, it’s famous for its intricate carvings of life-sized elephants, warriors, dancers, and mythical creatures like garudas and lions. Located in front of the Royal Palace, the terrace once served as a key stage for royal life and remains a popular highlight for visitors exploring the ancient Khmer capital.

Terrace of the Leper King - The Terrace of the Leper King, located in Angkor Thom near the Elephant Terrace, was built in the late 12th century under King Jayavarman VII. Named after a statue believed to depict a leprous king, though likely representing Yama, the Hindu god of death, the terrace is famous for its richly carved walls. Intricate bas-reliefs of deities, demons, and dancers adorn both the outer and a hidden inner wall, uncovered during restoration. The terrace may have served ceremonial or royal cremation purposes and remains a captivating symbol of Angkor’s spiritual and artistic heritage.

Ta Nei Temple - Ta Nei Temple, a small temple located deep in the Cambodian jungle, about 200 meters west of the East Baray, can be difficult to find and is not a popular tourist destination. Because of the temple’s obscurity, a visit to Ta Nei can be quite rewarding for the adventurous traveler. The handful of wanderers that visit Ta Nei are not hassled by peddlers or interrupted by the voices of excited travelers. The temple rewards them with the same charm that affected the early Angkor explorers. Ta Nei was built late in the 12th century. King Jayavarman VII is responsible for the design and construction of the temple. He dedicated the stone monument to the principles of Buddhism.

Ta Prohm Temple - Save the best for last with a visit to Ta Prohm. Ta Prohm near Siem Reap in Angkor National Park, was built in the late 12th century by King Jayavarman VII as a Buddhist monastery dedicated to his mother. Unlike other temples, Ta Prohm is famous for its overgrown trees and roots weaving through ancient ruins, creating a haunting yet beautiful scene. Left largely untouched, its crumbling walls and towering trees offer a mysterious, photogenic setting that made it famous in the movie Tomb Raider. It’s one of Angkor’s most atmospheric and unforgettable sites.

After the tour, return to Siem Reap and enjoy some free time relaxing at your hotel.

What’s included today:

• 1 night hotel stay with breakfast
• Experienced English-speaking guide
• Private air-conditioned car or minivan
• Angkor Wat admission ticket
• Cold bottled water

Continue sightseeing at Angkor Wat and surrounding temples

Siem Reap - Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before embarking on a captivating day of exploration. Your dedicated tour guide and chauffeur will be ready to pick you up for an exciting journey to discover more remarkable temples.

Pre Rup temple - Stop at Pre Rup, a Hindu temple built in the 10th century, showcasing bold architectural design and fine balance, scale, and proportion. The temple is almost identical in style to the East Mebon, although it was built several years later. It is the last real temple mountain. Pre Rup was called the ‘City of the East ‘ by Philippe Stern, a Frenchman who worked on the site, but the Cambodians have always regarded this temple as having funerary associations, though the reason is unknown. The name Pre Rup recalls one of the rituals of cremation in which the silhouette of the body of the deceased, outlined with its ashes, is successively represented according to different orientations. Some archaeologists believe that the large vat located at the base of the east stairway to the central area was used at cremations.

Preah Dak - Preah Dak Village is a traditional Cambodian village located inside the Angkor Archaeological Park in Siem Reap province. Known for its rich cultural heritage and traditional way of life, the village offers visitors a glimpse into the daily lives of locals who continue to practice age-old customs. Preah Dak is particularly famous for its local delicacies, especially Num Banh Chok, a traditional Khmer noodle dish often served with fish-based curry. The village is also known for producing palm sugar, rice paper, and other handmade products using techniques passed down through generations. Many visitors stop by Preah Dak on their way to Angkor temples, enjoying its peaceful atmosphere, authentic Cambodian hospitality, and opportunities to purchase locally made souvenirs. It’s an excellent spot to experience rural Cambodia while exploring the historical wonders of Angkor.

Banteay Srei - Banteay Srei, a 10th-century Hindu temple in Cambodia dedicated to Shiva, was built during King Rajendravarman II’s reign and completed under Jayavarman V. Known as the “Citadel of Women,” it is famed for its intricate pink sandstone carvings, depicting scenes from Hindu epics like the Ramayana and Mahabharata. Situated outside the main Angkor complex, Banteay Srei is exceptionally well-preserved and widely admired for its artistic excellence.

Banteay Samre - After that, visit Banteay Samre, a 12th-century Hindu temple in Angkor, built during King Suryavarman II’s reign, dedicated to Vishnu. It features well-preserved architecture with a central sanctuary, galleries, and detailed carvings depicting Hindu mythology, similar in layout to Angkor Wat but on a smaller scale. The name “Banteay Samre” means “Citadel of the Samre,” likely referring to a local ethnic group. The temple remains less visited, offering a quieter experience compared to more famous Angkor temples, and has been well-preserved as a result.

Neak Pean - Neak Poan, a 12th-century temple in Siem Reap’s Angkor Archaeological Park, was built by King Jayavarman VII as part of the Preah Khan complex. Its name, meaning “Entwined Serpents,” refers to the naga sculptures around its central sanctuary. The temple features a central pond with four surrounding pools, symbolizing balance and believed to have healing properties. Situated on an artificial island in the former Jayatataka Baray reservoir, Neak Poan is admired for its serene ambiance, symbolic design, and intricate carvings, offering insight into ancient Khmer spiritual and medicinal practices.

Preah Khan - Next to Neak Poan is Preah Khan, a 12th-century temple in Siem Reap’s Angkor Archaeological Park, built by King Jayavarman VII as a Buddhist monastery and university dedicated to his father. Its name, meaning “Sacred Sword,” highlights its historical importance. The temple features a mix of Buddhist and Hindu elements, with intricate carvings, long corridors, and ceremonial halls. Surrounded by a moat and dense jungle, its beauty is enhanced by tree roots entwined with the ruins. Once an administrative and military center, Preah Khan is now a popular site showcasing Khmer architectural and spiritual heritage.

Phnom Bakheng - Today, enjoy a sunset view at Phnom Bakheng Hill, a 9th-century temple mountain dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva. Famous for its pyramid-like structure, it offers breathtaking sunset views over Angkor Wat and the surrounding temples. The climb to the top is short but steep, and while it can get crowded at sunset, it remains a peaceful spot during the day. With stunning panoramic views, it’s a favorite spot for both tourists and locals. After enjoying the sunset, return to town and drop off at your hotel in Siem Reap.

What’s included today:

• 1 night hotel stay with breakfast
• Experienced English-speaking guide
• Private air-conditioned car or minivan
• Angkor National Park admission ticket
• Cold bottled water

Visit Tonle Sap Lake, experiencing its unique floating villages

Bakong - Rolous Market in Bakong District
Breakfast at your hotel, then pick up by the guide and driver for a visit to the Kampong Village and Tonle Sap Lake, with a stop at Rolous Market on the way. Roluos Market, also known as Phsar Roluos, is a vibrant and bustling local market situated in a small village of Siem Reap. This market offers a genuine glimpse into the daily lives of the local Cambodian people in the countryside and provides visitors with an authentic experience away from the more tourist-centric areas of Siem Reap.

Kampong Phluk Floating Village - Continue to Kompong Phluk, a traditional fishing village on the edge of Tonle Sap Lake, known for its stilted houses that rise above seasonal floods. From February to August (dry season), reach the village by road; during the wet season (September to January), switch to a wooden boat that cruises through flooded forests. In the village, observe local life, children paddling to school, families fishing and farming above water, and visit the pagoda. Then, enjoy a boat ride onto the vast Tonle Sap Lake for sweeping views of floating communities and Cambodia’s unique lakeside culture.

Tonle Sap Lake - The boat takes you onto Tonle Sap Lake, Southeast Asia’s largest freshwater lake and a vital part of Cambodia’s ecosystem. Its size changes dramatically with the seasons, expanding from 2,700 km² in the dry season to over 16,000 km² during the wet season. A UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, the lake is rich in biodiversity, home to hundreds of fish species, rare birds, and other wildlife. Its flooded forests support vital breeding grounds for many animals. After the visit, return to the hotel for a relaxing afternoon.

Morokot Angkor - This evening, enjoy a buffet dinner in Siem Reap while watching the captivating Apsara dance, a classical Cambodian art form inspired by ancient Angkorian carvings. Savor Khmer and international dishes, including amok, grilled meats, and fresh spring rolls, as dancers in elegant costumes perform graceful movements that depict Cambodian mythology. Held at various cultural venues, this experience blends authentic cuisine with traditional entertainment, offering a glimpse into Cambodia’s rich heritage.

What’s included today:

• 1 night hotel stay with breakfast
• Experienced English-speaking guide
• Air-conditioned car or minivan
• Boat trip at Tonle Sap Lake
• Entrance ticket to Tonle Sap Lake
• Buffet dinner and ticket to Apsara Traditional Show
• Cold bottled water

Travel from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh by car or minivan

Siem Reap - Start your day with breakfast at your hotel, then meet your driver for a private transfer to your hotel in Phnom Penh, with scenic sightseeing stops along the way.

Spean Praptos - Stop at Kampong Kdei Bridge, also known as the Dragon Bridge or Spean Praptos, located in Siem Reap province and has a life expectancy of over 1000 years. It is said to be the oldest laterite bridge in Southeast Asia and the oldest bridge in Cambodia, worth a visit during your trip in Cambodia.

Phnom Penh - Arrive in Phnom Penh, check into your hotel, and enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure.

Phnom Penh, Cambodia’s vibrant capital, lies where the Mekong, Tonle Sap, and Bassac rivers meet. It is the country’s political, economic, and cultural hub, blending rich history with modern growth. Known as the “Pearl of Asia,” the city features French colonial architecture, busy markets, and lively riverfronts. Key landmarks include the Royal Palace, Silver Pagoda, and National Museum, highlighting Cambodia’s heritage. Phnom Penh also holds somber reminders of its past at the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and Killing Fields. Today, Phnom Penh is a dynamic city where Khmer tradition meets modern life, offering a wide range of dining, shopping, and entertainment for visitors.

What’s included today:

• 1 night hotel stay with breakfast
• Air-conditioned car or minivan from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh, NO guide
• Bottled water

Discover Phnom Penh’s cultural and historical landmarks

Phnom Penh - After breakfast, your professional tour guide and driver will pick you up at 8:00 AM to begin your day exploring Cambodia’s capital city.

Royal Palace - Your first stop is the Royal Palace, one of Phnom Penh’s most iconic landmarks, built starting in 1886 after King Norodom moved the capital to the city. It remains the residence of the King of Cambodia. While some areas, like the golden-roofed sections, are off-limits, the Throne Hall and Chan Chaya Pavilion are open to visitors. The Throne Hall, with its 59m-high tower, hosts royal ceremonies, and the Dancing Pavilion once showcased classical Khmer dance. Visitors can also explore the peaceful gardens of the nearby Silver Pagoda, offering a tranquil escape from the city.

Silver Pagoda - Visit The Silver Pagoda, located next to the Royal Palace in Phnom Penh, offering a peaceful escape with its beautiful garden. Inside, the floor is covered with handcrafted silver tiles, and the temple is home to the Emerald Buddha made of baccarat crystal. Another highlight is the golden, life-sized Buddha Maitreya, adorned with over 2,000 diamonds, including a 25-carat diamond in its crown. Visitors can also admire a bronze statue of King Norodom on horseback, as well as several stupas honoring deceased royal family members.

Wat Phnom Daun Penh - Quick stop at Wat Phnom, situated atop a 27-meter-high, tree-covered hill, is the only hill in Phnom Penh. Legend has it that the first pagoda was built here in 1373 to house four Buddha statues found by a woman named Penh, deposited by the Mekong River. The main entrance features a grand eastern staircase, flanked by lion and naga (snake) balustrades.

Statue of King Father Norodom Sihanouk - The Norodom Sihanouk Memorial, also called the Statue of King Father Norodom Sihanouk, is a monument commemorating former King Norodom Sihanouk located in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. The bronze statue is 4.5 meters tall and is housed under a 27-meter-high stupa in the park east of the Independence Monument.

Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum - Toul Sleng, once a high school, became S-21, an infamous interrogation prison during the Khmer Rouge era, and is now a genocide museum. It tells the tragic story of the thousands of innocent Cambodians who were tortured there, with an estimated 20,000 people imprisoned between 1976 and 1979. Walking through its narrow corridors and former classrooms evokes a sense of Cambodia’s painful history. Victim stories are documented, and some torture devices are displayed to show the suffering endured. Hundreds of haunting black-and-white photographs of prisoners are exhibited in the museum. While the experience is somber, it’s an important visit to understand the brutal tactics the Khmer Rouge used to control the nation.

Choeung Ek Genocidal Center - Cheung Ek, located 17 km from Phnom Penh, may appear as a peaceful stretch of green fields, but its history is filled with unimaginable horrors. Made famous by the movie “The Killing Fields,” Cheung Ek is now home to a large memorial dedicated to the 17,000 victims who perished there under Khmer Rouge leader Pol Pot. The memorial’s remnants and the mass graves scattered across the site serve as poignant reminders of the suffering endured. Visiting Cheung Ek offers insight into the brutality of the Khmer Rouge regime and highlights the resilience and courage of the Cambodian people as they rebuilt their nation.

Central Market - The Central Market in Phnom Penh, built in 1937, is a striking Art Deco landmark designed by Jean Desbois and constructed under the supervision of French architect Louis Chauchon. Its dome-shaped structure, with four arms branching into vast hallways, houses numerous stalls offering a wide range of goods. Once considered the largest market in Asia, it remains a bustling hub today. The market underwent a US$4.2 million renovation from 2009 to 2011, funded by the French Development Agency. Before its construction, the site was a lake prone to flooding, a challenge that persists today. The market entrance is lined with souvenir stalls, and inside, you’ll find jewelry, electronics, secondhand clothes, flowers, and more. Although damaged during the Franco-Thai war, the market was rebuilt after World War II and continues to be a vital part of Phnom Penh’s commercial life.

Phnom Penh - Today, take a 1-hour Phnom Penh Sunset Cruise offering a relaxing journey along the Tonle Sap and Mekong Rivers, showcasing stunning city views as the sun sets. Lasting 1 hour, the cruise passes iconic landmarks like the Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda, as well as small villages and fishing communities. Guests can enjoy the golden sunset reflecting on the water, making this experience a perfect blend of relaxation, culture, and scenic beauty.

What’s included today:

• 1 night hotel stay with breakfast
• Experienced English-speaking guide
• Air-conditioned car or minivan
• 1 hour sunset cruise
• All admission tickets for today’s visit
• Cold bottled water

Journey from Phnom Penh to Ho Chi Minh City by public bus

Phnom Penh - Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before pickup and transfer (no guide) to the bus station to catch a shared bus to Ho Chi Minh City. The approximately 7-hour journey will take you across the Baveth-Moc Bai International Border, where the bus company’s staff will assist with the border crossing.

Ho Chi Minh City - Upon arrival, a guide and driver will meet you at the bus station and transfer you to your hotel for check-in. The rest of the day is free for your leisure.

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam’s largest and most vibrant metropolis, is a lively mix of modern skyscrapers, colonial landmarks, and rich history. Renamed after reunification in 1976, it played a major role in the Vietnam War and is now the country’s economic and cultural hub. Top attractions include the Notre-Dame Cathedral, Central Post Office, War Remnants Museum, and the bustling Ben Thanh Market. Nearby, the Cu Chi Tunnels reveal the city’s wartime past. Known for its street food like pho and banh mi, the city also boasts energetic nightlife, especially along Bui Vien Street. With a tropical climate and efficient transport, Ho Chi Minh City offers a dynamic blend of tradition and modern life.

What’s included today:

• 1 night hotel stay with breakfast
• Pickup and drop-off at the bus station
• Bus ticket from Phnom Penh to Saigon

Check-out and end of services

Ho Chi Minh City - Breakfast included in the hotel, and your trip comes to an end this morning. You’ll have your hotel room until 12 noon, with no scheduled activities. However, if you have extra time, Ho Chi Minh City offers plenty to explore, including the War Museum, Ben Thanh Market, the Post Office, Cu Chi Tunnels, or a Mekong Delta day tour. Feel free to contact us if you’d like to extend your stay.

What’s included today:

• Breakfast at the hotel
• Check-out is at 12 noon

• Experienced English-speaking guide (Day 2, 3, 4 & 6)
• Transport by A/C vehicle, tuk tuk, boat & public bus
• Dinner
• Cold bottled water during tours
• Breakfast
• 7 nights at selected hotels in double or twin sharing room
• 3-day Angkor Pass & all sightseeing entry fees
• Hotel pick-up and drop-off

• Travel Insurances
• Other personal expense not mentioned in inclusions & itinerary
• Compulsory Gala Dinner on 24 Dec and 31 Dec (5-Stars Hotel Only)
• Early check-in and late check-out
• E-Visa to Cambodia (can be applied on online or on arrival)
• E-Visa to Vietnam (can be applied online)

This 8-day small-group or private tour from Bangkok to Ho Chi Minh City provides an enriching cultural experience through Cambodia, showcasing the ancient marvels of Angkor Wat, the floating communities of Tonle Sap Lake, and the historical significance of Phnom Penh. Throughout the journey, participants will discover iconic temples, experience local life on the water, and delve into the country’s intricate history before concluding the adventure in the lively Ho Chi Minh City. This tour is an ideal combination of history, culture, and breathtaking landscapes.

Begin the adventure in Bangkok and conclude in Ho Chi Minh City, with numerous opportunities to further explore these dynamic Southeast Asian cities. Consider extending the trip by a few days to indulge in more Thai massages and enjoy the rich taste of Vietnamese coffee.

• Short dresses are not allowed at temples, so dress covered your shoulders and knees
• Twin rooms will be arranged for friends and double rooms for couples during the tour. If you have a special request, feel free to email us. A single supplement fee applies for those who prefer a private room.
• CAMBODIA VISA: You can apply for an e-Visa in advance online at https://www.evisa.gov.kh, obtain a visa on arrival at the Poipet border, or apply through the nearest Cambodian embassy in your country. Passport holders from ASEAN countries are eligible for a free 30-day visa to Cambodia.
• VIETNAM VISA: A Vietnam entry visa is required which you can apply e-visa or at nearest Vietnam Embassy for all foreigners wishing to visit Vietnam except for citizens of countries having bilateral agreements on visa exemption with Vietnam. Only citizens of certain countries can visit Vietnam without an entry visa and those countries include: UK, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Belarus, Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Finland, South Korea, Japan and ASEAN countries. Other citizens are required to get Vietnam Visa OR can get Vietnam E-Visa by the below link: https://evisa.gov.vn List of the countries that allowed to apply & get the Vietnam E-Visa https://evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn/documents/20181/117155/Vietnam-Evisa-nation-list.pdf/21e0f88f-d8a0-48b8-bfdb-a0f82b0853e2 Normally, it will take some working days to issue the E-Visa but you should apply the E-Visa around 30 days before you fly to Vietnam.

If you cancel at least 6 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.
If you cancel between 2 and 6 day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a 50% refund.
If you cancel within 2 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.