Tour Overview – 12 Days Across Cambodia

This immersive journey takes you through Cambodia’s most significant places while inviting you to slow down and engage deeply with the country’s stories.

Highlights of the journey include:

• A reflective visit to S21 (Tuol Sleng) to understand Cambodia’s recent history

• Exploration of Phnom Penh, including the Royal Palace and key cultural sites

• A Buddhist retreat experience, offering insight into spirituality and daily monastic life

• An art and creative day in Battambang, connecting with local artists and cultural spaces

• A scenic boat journey from Battambang to Siem Reap, observing river life and rural communities

• Local family visits, sharing meals, stories, and everyday traditions

• In-depth exploration of Angkor temples, alongside other historical and cultural sites across Cambodia

Throughout the 12 days, experiences are balanced with rest, reflection, and meaningful conversation — allowing space to absorb what you see and feel.

Royal Palace visit

Circus Workshop with Phare Ponlue Selpak

Tentative Itinerary

Arrival day : Phnom Penh - Trip Orientation

n the arrival day, we will arrange a van to pick you up from Phnom Penh airport (KTI) in Phnom Penh and take you to the pre-arranged hotel. The rest of today is for you to settle in and rest before our tour officially begins the next day.

If there is something you would like to do, such as visiting a museum, or you want to find a coffee, getting a massage, we can recommend a few local favorites, please just ask us.

Day 1: Cambodia Introduction and Phnom Penh city

Today is our first day of tour trip, we will start with an orientation for Cambodian and trip introductions to help you gain a deeper understanding of the tour, learning about Cambodian culture, culture dos/don’ts and its people. After orientation, we’ll take a tuk-tuk to a local pagoda to receive a traditional blessing from a Buddhist monk. This peaceful ceremony is a common practice for Cambodians before traveling and is believed to bring good luck and protection.

In the afternoon we’ll take a tuk-tuk to the Olympic Stadium, Cambodia’s oldest stadium, built during the early years of independence. From there we’ll visit the Independence Monument Park, a symbol of Cambodia’s freedom.

Day 2 – Understanding Cambodia’s History

We will visit the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S-21), a former school turned into a prison during the Khmer Rouge era. While the history shared here is difficult, visiting this site is an essential part of our journey. It allows us to honor the resilience of the Cambodian people and appreciate how they have rebuilt their nation with courage, refusing to let the past define their future.

Later in the afternoon, we will take a tuk-tuk to the riverside for a scenic walk in front of the Royal Palace. We will end the day with a boat trip on the Mekong River—a peaceful opportunity to relax, reflect, and enjoy the beautiful evening views of the city skyline.

Day 3: Phnom Penh – Royal Heritage & Everyday Life

We will explore Phnom Penh’s royal and cultural heritage with a visit to the Royal Palace and its surrounding historical sites. After lunch, we’ll head back to the hotel for a free afternoon. You can use this time for your own personal discovery of the city or simply take a moment to relax and rest.

Day 4: Travel to Battambang – Slowing the Journey

Today, we travel to Battambang, Cambodia’s cultural and artistic heart. Our journey begins early at 5:30 AM to catch the local train, where the shifting scenery from the capital to the provinces becomes part of the experience. A packed breakfast and lunch will be provided for us on board.

Upon arrival, a tuk-tuk will take us to a local pagoda for our overnight stay. Here, we will settle in and spend time to learning about Buddhism and mindfulness.

Day 5: Buddhism & Reflection Retreat

We will spend a full day at the pagoda, where we will meet the head monk and participate in meditation sessions and Dharma talks. Our goal is to experience a deeper level of Buddhism and understand how these teachings have shaped Cambodia into a resilient, positive country following the darkness of war.

This retreat offers a unique opportunity to disconnect from daily distractions, practice mindfulness, and gain a profound appreciation for the role of Buddhism in Cambodian life.

Day 6 : Battambang – Local Families & Food Culture

This morning we focuses on family life and food traditions. Guests visit local families, learn about home cooking, preservation methods, and the stories passed down through generations. Food becomes a lens to understand resilience, culture, and connection.

In the afternoon, we will set off on a cycling tour through Battambang countryside. As we ride, we’ll pass through charming villages, vegetable farms, peaceful pagodas, and a Muslim community, offering a glimpse into the region’s rich and diverse culture.

Day 7 : Art workshop experience with Phare Ponlue Selpak Orgainzation

Phare is an incredible organization dedicated to promoting art and education in Cambodia. In 2020, they even set a Guinness World Record for the longest non-stop circus performance, lasting over 24 hours!

We will spend a full day with Phare participating in two interactive workshops. Before lunch, we’ll join a dance workshop to learn both traditional and contemporary Cambodian movements. After lunch, we’ll head into a circus workshop to experience the excitement and skill of the circus arts.

We will return in the evening for a group dinner and a world-class circus show.

Day 8: Battambang – Art, Creativity day

Guests will explore Battambang’s vibrant creative scene on a walking tour, spending time with local artists and visiting community-led art spaces. This day highlights how art serves as a powerful tool for storytelling, healing, and community identity in Cambodia. For lunch, we will visit a local artist's home to enjoy a meal and learn about his creative process.

After lunch, you will have some free time to rest and avoid the midday heat. We will meet again in the afternoon for a village tour, ending the day at the famous bat caves for a sunset experience before our group dinner.

Day 9: Boat Journey – Battambang to Siem Reap

Today is our last day in Battambang, and we’ll start early for our journey to Siem Reap by private boat. Along the way, we’ll make a few stops for bathroom breaks and to visit floating villages, offering a glimpse into life along the river. A packed breakfast and lunch will be provided on board, and the boat is equipped with toilet facilities.

Day 10 : Peacebuilding Day

Today is a 'slow day.' We will start at 10:00 AM, giving you extra time to sleep in and enjoy a leisurely breakfast or coffee.

We will visit another organisation, a place dedicated to peace, justice, and compassion. Founded to support marginalized communities, the center provides education and assistance to those affected by war and poverty. We are honored to have the special opportunity to meet a guest speaker there, who will share his personal experiences and insights on peacebuilding in Cambodia.

Following the visit, we will head out for lunch. The remainder of the afternoon is yours to enjoy; we include this free time to give you the flexibility to explore, relax, or go shopping at your own pace.

Day 11 : Temple day

We will travel to temple ticket area to get our ticket then we start our temple exploration visiting three important temples: Bayon, Palelai, and Ta Prohm temple. Each temple has its own unique story, reflecting the rich history and architectural artistry of the Khmer Empire.

Later in the afternoon, we will meet again and travel to the Khmer Ceramic Center in Siem Reap. This organization is working to revive and preserve the lost art of Khmer ceramics. Founded in 2006, the Khmer Ceramic Center works to restore the skills and knowledge required for this technically challenging and beautifully handcrafted art form. We will begin our tour with them with a free tour around the center, learning about their projects and observing their workshops before starting our pottery class.

Day 12 : Sunrise at Angkor

On our final official tour day, we’ll begin the morning early with a sunrise tour at Angkor Wat, witnessing the breathtaking view as the sun rises over one of Cambodia’s most sacred and iconic sites. We will leave the hotel at 5:00 am, and as dawn breaks over the ancient temple, we’ll begin our guided tour—exploring its remarkable history, intricate architecture, and the spiritual elements that continue to make Angkor Wat the heart of Cambodia’s cultural identity.

After Angkor Wat visit, we’ll return to town for breakfast. The rest of the morning and afternoon will be free time for you to explore Siem Reap at your own pace.

Departure Day

Today is departure day. As mentioned in our tour briefing, this tour includes both airport pickup and drop-off. Your tour leader will coordinate your departure schedule, ensuring a smooth transfer to the airport or your next destination.

As part of the booking process, you are required to complete a flight information form with your flight details or information about your next destination. The tour leader will handle all necessary arrangements to ensure a well-organized and hassle-free departure.