Cambodia Journey with the Locals
Trip Overview
This 14-days journey takes you through Phnom Penh, Battambang, and Siem Reap, offering a deep and meaningful exploration of Cambodia. In Phnom Penh, discover royal landmarks, reflect on the country’s history, and enjoy a sunset boat ride. In Battambang, stay at a Buddhist monastery, connect with local artists, cycle through peaceful villages, and learn traditional crafts. Finally, in Siem Reap, explore ancient temples like Angkor Wat, visit Kulen Mountain, and engage in a special peace discussion. The trip ends with a home-cooked family dinner and an unforgettable performance by Phare Cambodian Circus in Siem Reap.
How our day started on tour
We will usually start at 8am after breakfast, though this may change depending on the expected activities.
During the trip, you will have the opportunity to meet many local people, including artists, community leaders, and head monks. We will hold an orientation session about local culture on the first morning so you feel comfortable interacting with them in a culturally appropriate way and throughout the tour we will practice some useful Khmer phrases you can use in conversations.
Your tour leader will also keep you informed of the daily schedule and what you need to prepare/bring with you each day.
Your tour leader will be with you throughout the day, guiding all activities and ensuring everything runs smoothly. He/she is responsible for executing the daily itinerary, prioritizing safety, and assisting with any needs. In addition to being a guide, your tour leader will act as a community facilitator and translator.
Food and transportation will be arranged by your tour leader. If anyone in your group has dietary requirements (coeliac, vegetarian etc) please let your tour leader know before the tour starts so they can accommodate these needs as much as possible and pre-arrange alternative options.
For long-distance travel, we will use a train, minibus and boat, while tuk-tuks will be used for shorter trips
Accommodation
14 days / 13 nights
Our package
Buddhist meditation session in Battambang
Guests of local Theravada Buddhist Temple
Introduction to Buddhist Ceremonies and Rituals as Practiced in Khmer Culture
Introduction to Buddhist Ceremonies and Rituals as Practiced in Khmer Culture
Daily Khmer Language Lessons
Khmer modern history session
Visit S21 museum
Visit Royal Palace of Cambodia
Dinner on boat on Mekong river in Phnom Penh
Exploring Local market
Visit Oldest Stadium of Phnom Penh
Local livelihood visit
Circus workshop and Traditional Dances dance at Phare art school
Countryside bike tour
Heritage walk tour in Battambang city
Stunning Circus show in Siem Reap
Sunrise at Angkor Wat, exploring ancient temple of Cambodia
Visit Ruin temple beautiful waterfall at Kulen mountain
Private Air-condition mini-bus
Remok (Cambodian Tuk Tuk)
Local Car
Transportations
All Local Guide Fees
All Site Entry Fees
Complimentary Refill Water bottle and Unlimited Drinking Water
Complimentary Juices, Hard Drinks and Beers on “Dinner & Drinks” nights
Welcome Package and Tote Bag
Airport Pick Up
Airport Drop Off
*Airport pick-up is provided for free if you arrive a day or two days before the tour and stay at our group’s hotel. Hotel room on arrival is included. If you will arrive at a much earlier date, please kindly arrange your own transport and hotel room. Thank you.
Extras
Tour Price
Price from $2800 per person
Tour Itinerary
Famous Khmer proverb
“Negotiate a river by following its bends, enter a country by following its customs.”
Day 1– Arrival Day
Welcome to Phnom Penh! On your arrival, you will be in Phnom Penh, the heart of the Cambodian capital. Phnom Penh, Cambodia’s capital, has a story of resilience. In the 1960s, it was known as the "Pearl of Asia," a thriving city with grand boulevards, elegant French colonial buildings, and a flourishing arts scene. It was the heart of Cambodia, a center of politics, culture, and trade. Our journeys begin here.
On your arrival day, we will arrange a van to pick you up from the airport 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 great restaurant, enjoying a coffee, or getting a massage, we can recommend a few local favorites, please just ask us.
Day 2 – Phnom Penh city
Breakfast is included with your hotel stay and is usually from 6:30am - 10am. Please plan to give yourself enough time to enjoy breakfast before the start of our tour each day so you don’t have to rush.
At 8:30am we will have an orientation session. This 1 hour session will help you gain a deeper understanding of the tour, Cambodian history and culture, and its people.
At 9:30am, 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. Afterward, your tour leader will demonstrate how to pray and the meaning behind this custom.
Following the monk blessing and pagoda visit, we’ll go for lunch and then return to the hotel for some siesta time to avoid the midday heat. We expect to be back at the hotel about 2pm.
At 4:30 PM, 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. We'll take a short walk through the park learning about Phnom Penh’s colourful history. You’ll also see how locals spend their evenings—exercising, relaxing, and socializing.
At 6:00 PM, we’ll head to a local restaurant for a welcome dinner, where you’ll enjoy delicious Khmer dishes, followed by a taste of local desserts. To finish off the day, we’ll visit a lively bar where you can experience a bit of Phnom Penh’s vibrant nightlife. We will then get a tuk-tuk to return to the hotel.
Day 3 – Understanding Cambodia’s History
After breakfast (at about 8:00 am) we will have a 1 hour history session to learn about the Khmer Rouge and the war. This is a very important part of the tour and we advise that it may be very confronting at times as we learn about the atrocities of this historic period.
We will then visit the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S-21), a former school that was turned into a prison by the Khmer Rouge. Visiting S21 museum is an emotional experience and if you feel overwhelmed at any time, please let your tour leader know.
Although you will hear some painful stories and see some confronting things, it is very important you experience this as part of the tour so you can appreciate how Cambodia continues to rebuild itself, what truly courageous people they are and how they do not let this history define their future.
Before lunch, we will visit Tuol Tom Pong Market, commonly known as the Russian Market. Everyone will have free time to explore and shop. Afterward, we’ll head to lunch together.
Following lunch, we will return to the hotel to rest until 4:30 PM. Later in the afternoon, we’ll take a tuk-tuk to the riverside for a walking tour along the front of the Royal Palace — a peaceful and scenic way to experience Phnom Penh’s charm.
To end the day, we’ll enjoy dinner on a boat on the Mekong River, where you can relax, reflect on the day, and take in the beautiful evening views of the city.
Day 4 – Exploring Phnom Penh
After breakfast (8am), we will visit the Royal Palace—the residence of Cambodia’s current king and a stunning example of Khmer architecture.
Cambodia is a constitutional monarchy and the Royal Palace in Phnom Penh stands as a symbol of royal legacy, national heritage and cultural pride. The palace, home to King Norodom Sihamoni, serves as a venue for royal ceremonies, official meetings, and cultural preservation.
We will spend about 1 hour exploring the palace complex, visiting the Silver Pagoda (which houses sacred treasures such as a life-sized Buddha adorned with diamonds), museums and art exhibitions.
Following our visit to the Royal Palace we will stop for lunch.
In the evening at 5pm, we will head to Eleven One Kitchen for a relaxing dinner and a documentary screening that will offer a deeper perspective on Cambodia’s past and present.
Day 5 – Journey to Battambang
We will depart from Phnom Penh at about 9am to travel to Battambang by minibus, a journey of approximately six hours. Conscious of the long travel time, we will make several stops along the way. One of the stops will be a coffee break and photo opportunity at a picturesque rice field.
Lunch will be at a Cozy restaurant in Pursat province.
Upon arrival in Battambang, we will head straight to a local pagoda for one special night at a Buddhist retreat. After settling in, the head monk will welcome us and introduce the pagoda and how the monks carry out their day-to-day lives here. This retreat experience offers a unique opportunity to disconnect from daily distractions, practice mindfulness and gain a deeper understanding of Cambodian Buddhism.
We will then have dinner followed by a Dharma talk—a discussion with the head monk—who will share insights into Buddhist teachings and mindfulness.
Please note
All meals including accommodation will be provided during our stay at the pagoda, allowing us to fully experience the peaceful and reflective environment of the pagoda.
Accommodation will be basic and the same as other visitors that stay at the pagoda with a small mattress, mosquito net and a fan in each room.
Bathroom facilities will be shared.
If you have any concerns about this arrangement, please contact us early to discuss.
Day 6 – Buddhism Retreat
We will have breakfast together before heading to the meditation hall, where we will meet the head monk and practice meditation throughout the morning, starting with a question and answer discussion followed by a Dharma, a meditation lesson and meditation practice that will last until lunchtime.
During the lunch break and once everyone has eaten, we will return to our huts to continue meditating or resting.
There will be another 1 hour session in the afternoon where we will return to the meditation center for a final discussion where you can share your experiences or ask any remaining questions. After this reflective session, we will say our goodbyes and continue our journey to our hotel in Battambang city.
After checking in, there will be time for you to relax at the hotel until 5pm, when we will head off on a walking tour to explore Battambang and slowly make our way to our dinner at Jaan Bai restaurant.
Day 7 - Local Livelihood: Understanding Local Life
Today is our countryside tour day, where we will spend the entire day exploring Battambang's countryside while learning about local life and traditional products. After breakfast at 8pm, we will start our morning with a tuk-tuk ride to a local village, where we will visit families in their homes to learn about their daily routines. During this tour, we’ll witness the process of making rice paper, dried bananas, rice wine, and bamboo sticky rice. After our village tour, we will head back to town for a delicious lunch and then rest at the hotel during the hottest time of the day.
At 3pm, 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. Along the way, we will stop at Geco Restaurant for a refreshing coconut drink break, to enjoy the scenery, and the sunset view. After the cycling adventure, we will return to town for dinner.
Please note
The cycling tour will cover approximately 18 km.
We will travel on mountain bikes.
We will travel as a group and will have guides the whole way.
The terrain is flat and mostly sealed or gravel roads.
We will set a leisurely pace so you only need a low to moderate level of fitness.
If the cycling becomes too much, we will have a tuk-tuk for you to travel in.
Please discuss any concerns you may have with us early so we can accommodate your needs.
Day 8 - Full-Day Phare Workshop Experience
Phare is an incredible organization dedicated to promoting art and education in Cambodia. In 2020, Phare set a Guinness World Record for the longest circus performance which lasted for over 24 hours, non-stop. This was an important event that brought global recognition to Battambang as a hub for creativity. Founded in 1994 by Cambodian refugees returning from Thai camps, Phare’s mission is to use the power of the arts to transform lives by providing free education and professional training in visual arts, music, theater, and circus.
Today, we will explore the art school and learn about art during and after the war. Immersing ourselves in Phare Ponleu Selpak, we will have a guided campus tour to understand how they continue to support children and young artists in Battambang today. We will then join two interactive workshops: a dance workshop, where we will learn both traditional and contemporary Cambodian dance, before lunch and a circus workshop, where we will experience the excitement and skill of circus arts, after lunch.
We will finish at 3pm and return to the hotel for a short rest before returning to Phare for dinner at 6pm and a live circus show (starting at 7pm) of spectacular performances blending acrobatics, theater, and storytelling—a perfect and unforgettable way to end the day.
Day 9 - Art and Architecture Day
Today, we will explore the artistic side of the city. Our day starts with a tuk-tuk pickup at 8am to transport us to the meeting point for our art walk that will take us through Peace Nagar Park and the Nat Market, the central market of Battambang. The total tour is expected to take around 3 hours and is 3 km in total.
We will then visit art galleries that feature internationally exhibited local artists before heading to Bondol’s house for lunch. Bondol is one of the founders of Phare, who spent time in a refugee camp in Thailand, and his home also serves as his art gallery. Here, you can view and appreciate his personal collection of artwork. After lunch we will have free time as per the other days.
Battambang is renowned for its Khmer cuisine so, at 4pm, we will take part in a Khmer cooking class so you can learn first hand how to make some of our famous dishes.
While temples represent Cambodia’s spiritual history, food is a living legacy that connects people and preserves our unique cultural traditions. Guided by a local chef, we will learn about the ingredients, techniques, and cultural significance behind each dish before being able to enjoy the meal we have prepared together.
Day 10 - Journey to Siem Reap
Today is our last day in Battambang and you will have free time to enjoy and relax as you would like until we meet for lunch at 12pm. We are happy to give you recommendations or arrange activities, please just ask.
After lunch we will depart for Siem Reap, arriving at our hotel around 3pm.
In the evening, after you have settled in, we will take a stroll along the river and have dinner.
Day 11 - Temple Exploration
Today we will start a bit earlier and at 7am, we will begin our first day of temple exploration visiting three important temples: Bayon, Palelai, Ta Prohm temple. Each temple has its own unique story, reflecting the rich history and architectural artistry of the Khmer Empire. We will explore the history of the Khmer Empire, learn about the purpose of temple construction, and appreciate the intricate art and carvings that decorate these ancient structures. This tour will take approximately five hours. After the tour, we will return to town for lunch and our usual rest time in the afternoon.
At 3pm we will visit the Metta Karuna Reflection Center, 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. The organization donates special wheelchairs for people living with a disability. As part of our visit, your tour leader will arrange to provide a cash donation (feel free to donate more money on the day if you would like) and, if we have enough time, we will be able to put together a wheelchair package so you can see the process in action.
We also have the special opportunity to meet Nobel Peace Prize winner, Pu Reth, and sister Denie who will share their experiences and insights on peacebuilding in Cambodia.
We will then return to the hotel to freshen up before heading to Phare Café at 6pm for dinner. Following dinner, we will attend another circus show by Phare Circus Cambodia in Siem Reap.
Day 12 - Visit the ruin temple and spiritual site of Siem Reap
We will continue our temple exploration with a visit to Kulen Mountain, one of Cambodia’s most important religious and historical sites. We will depart from Siem Reap at 7am by van, taking about two hours to reach our destination.
Kulen Mountain is a vast conservation area, home to ancient ruins, spiritual landmarks, stunning natural scenery, and a beautiful waterfall. It is considered the birthplace of the Khmer Empire and remains a sacred site for Cambodian’s today. During our visit, we will explore key attractions such as the Thousand Lingas (a series of sacred carvings in the riverbed), Preah Ang Thom (a reclining Buddha statue built during the reign of King Ang Chan in the 16th century), and the picturesque waterfall. Most locals and visitors come here to worship at Preah Ang Thom and purify themselves in the sacred waters.
After lunch at 12pm, we will travel back to town, stopping along the way to visit Banteay Srei Temple. Though small in size, this temple is famous for its intricate pink sandstone carvings, making it one of the most beautifully decorated temples in Cambodia.
After returning to the hotel for some rest in the afternoon, at 5pm we will head to Krobia Real village. Here, we will enjoy a home-cooked dinner with a local family, take in the peaceful countryside sunset, and then return to our hotel for the night.
Day 13 - Sunrise at Angkor
On our last official tour day, we will start our morning early with a sunrise tour at Angkor Wat, enjoying the view of sunrise at the most important and sacred sites in Cambodia. We will be leaving the hotel at 5am and, as the sun rises over the ancient temple, we will start our Angkor Wat tour, exploring the history, the incredible architecture, as well as discovering the importance of elements that still make Angkor the heart of Cambodia’s soul and spirit.
After our tour of Angkor Wat, we will explore Banteay Kdei, a temple closely linked to the Sihanouk Museum. We will discuss its history, the impact of past looting, and the ongoing excavation and restoration efforts to preserve its beauty. After Banteay Kdei, we will visit the Preah Sihanouk Museum, a small but significant museum established under a Japanese project. This museum houses artifacts accidentally discovered by Japanese students during an excavation of the Banteay Kdei temple’s ancient water system. Here, we will learn about the evolution of Khmer architecture and artistic styles over time. We will be back to town for lunch and after lunch, there will be free time for you to rest or explore on your own. We can also recommend or arrange activities for those interested.
In the evening, we will meet again for our farewell dinner, celebrating our journey, sharing experiences, and reflecting on our experience that we have had in Cambodia.
Day 14 : 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.
Thank you for sharing this tour with us, on behalf of the Cambodian people, we would like to wish you a safe journey home and we hope you come back and visit our beautiful country again
