Siem Reap to Phnom Penh: Cambodia 5-Day Private Tour

Ancient temples, floating communities, and breathtaking landscapes await: explore the wonders of Cambodia on this 5-day private excursion from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh.

5-Day Journey from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh

Day 1: Siem Reap – Battambang

Our adventure begins at 7:30 am, when we will collect you from your accommodation in Siem Reap and embark on a journey westward. After a captivating 3-hour drive, we will arrive at the historic Wat Ek Phnom. Here, you’ll uncover the fascinating stories behind this 11th-century Angkorian Hindu sanctuary, which was later adapted to Buddhism, while admiring its impressive Buddha statue.

Located a mere 20 minutes from the renowned city of Battambang, we will next explore this charming town on a panoramic tour, absorbing its legendary tales as we admire the picturesque pagodas, charming French colonial architecture, and the notable Ta Dumbong statue. After our guided exploration, we will check into the hotel in Battambang and enjoy a leisurely meal of traditional Cambodian cuisine at a local restaurant.

Post-lunch, gear up for an extraordinary experience: a half-hour journey on the iconic Battambang bamboo train, known locally as norry! Following this, we’ll visit Phnom Sampov mountain, exploring the intriguing bat caves that give the region its fame. In the evening, we'll return to our hotel in Battambang for dinner and relaxation, preparing for the adventures that lie ahead.

Day 2: Battambang – Pursat

Refreshed after a hearty breakfast, we will depart Battambang for the ruins of Wat Bakan. This shrine was a significant site of devotion in Cambodian Buddhism for over 800 years until disrupted by the Khmer Rouge in the 20th century. While there, we’ll delve into the unsettling history of this area before continuing our expedition to nearby Pursat.

Upon arriving in Pursat, lunch awaits us at the Central Market, where you will explore local culinary delights offered at its food stalls. Following this, we’ll visit the enchanting floating village of Kompong Luong for a leisurely cruise through its “river avenues” on a traditional boat. We will conclude the day by returning to Pursat for an overnight stay.

Day 3: Pursat – Udong – Phnom Penh

After breakfast, we will embark on our next leg to Udong. Our first stop will be at a local restaurant in the city center for lunch, followed by a tour of Phnom Udong, or "Temple Hill", where the Buddhist temple of Arthaross is located. After uncovering the mysteries of this archaeological site with a guided visit, we will proceed to the bustling capital, Phnom Penh, and check into our hotel in the old town.

Day 4: Phnom Penh

On the fourth day, we will explore the highlights of Phnom Penh: after breakfast, we’ll visit the Royal Palace, where you can admire the Throne Room, the Silver Pagoda, and Khemarin Palace showcasing exquisite Khmer architecture. Our journey will continue to the National Museum of Cambodia, where we’ll view various exhibitions featuring archaeological treasures, art pieces, and historical artifacts. Finally, we will enjoy a delicious Cambodian lunch at a central restaurant.

In the afternoon, we’ll escape the city's hustle by taking a boat ride to Koh Dach, or Silk Island, where you’ll learn about the silk weaving process and the role of mulberry tree worms in fabric production. After the visit, we will return by boat to Phnom Penh followed by a minibus transfer back to the hotel.

Day 5: Phnom Penh

Following our final breakfast together, we will visit the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, a poignant stop essential to understanding the Khmer Rouge's impact in Cambodia. Here, you will explore the country’s turbulent history as we pay respects at the Choeung Ek Memorial, dedicated to the victims of this tragic era.

A local restaurant will provide our lunch, after which we will continue our tour, uncovering more of Phnom Penh’s captivating landmarks. Experience tranquility at Wat Ounalom Monastery and marvel at the towering Wat Phnom, the highest sanctuary in the city. Our final destination will be the vibrant Phsar Toul Tum Poung, also known as the Russian Market, where you can shop for souvenirs.

Ultimately, we will return to the hotel to collect your belongings, concluding our unforgettable 5-day exploration of Cambodia. Should you wish to extend your stay in Phnom Penh or arrange for an airport transfer, additional costs will apply.

Accommodation for the Tour

This comprehensive 5-day itinerary includes 4 nights of accommodation with breakfast at select 4-star hotels, with the pricing based on double occupancy:

• Battambang (1st night): Classy Hotel or similar
• Pursat (2nd night): Pursat Riverside Hotel & Spa or similar
• Phnom Penh (3rd and 4th nights): Harmony Phnom Penh Hotel or similar

Exclusions for Entry Fees

Please note that the entrance fees to various monuments and temples included in this itinerary are not part of the tour cost. The approximate total for these tickets is around 45 USD per person.