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

Ancient temples, floating villages, and vibrant natural scenery: experience the unique allure of Cambodia on this 5-day private journey from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh.

5-Day Tour from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh

Day 1: Siem Reap – Battambang

Our adventure begins promptly at 7:30 am with a pickup from your hotel in Siem Reap. We will journey westward, with a drive lasting around three hours to the historic site of Wat Ek Phnom. Here, we will delve into the history of this 11th-century Hindu sanctuary, which transitioned to Buddhism, all while admiring its impressive Buddha statue.

Wat Ek Phnom is a mere 20-minute drive from the well-known city of Battambang, our next destination. We will embark on a scenic tour of this historic locale, exploring its past as we observe its pagodas, colonial-era French architecture, and the iconic Ta Dumbong statue. Following our exploration, we will check in at our hotel in Battambang, then savor a delightful lunch featuring traditional Cambodian dishes at a local eatery.

Later in the afternoon, prepare for a memorable experience: a half-hour ride on the famed norry, also known as the Battambang bamboo train! We will then visit Phnom Sampov mountain, home to the well-known bat caves. As day transitions to night, we’ll return to our hotel in Battambang for dinner and relaxation, setting the stage for the adventures that lie ahead.

Day 2: Battambang – Pursat

After enjoying a hearty breakfast at the hotel, we will depart Battambang and head towards the ruins of Wat Bakan. This sacred site was revered in Cambodian Buddhism for over 800 years—its tranquility disrupted by the Khmer Rouge in the 20th century. Here, we will learn about the significant historical events that took place before continuing our journey to Pursat.

Upon our arrival in Pursat, a hearty lunch at the Central Market awaits us, where we'll sample the best local treats available at its food stalls. Next, we will venture to the floating village of Kompong Luong, where a serene boat ride will take us through the “river avenues.” Our day concludes as we return to Pursat for the night.

Day 3: Pursat – Udong – Phnom Penh

After breakfast in Pursat, our next stop will be the city of Udong. We’ll enjoy lunch at a local establishment in the city before exploring Phnom Udong, known as "Temple Hill," and home to the Buddhist temple of Arthaross. After an enlightening guided tour revealing the site’s many secrets, we will set off for the Cambodian capital, where we’ll check into our hotel in Phnom Penh's historic district.

Day 4: Phnom Penh

Day four features a guided exploration of Phnom Penh. After breakfast, we’ll visit the Royal Palace, which includes the Throne Room, the Silver Pagoda, and the Khemarin Palace, showcasing exquisite Khmer architecture. Following this, we will head to the National Museum of Cambodia to investigate the various exhibits within its collection, showcasing a wealth of archaeological artifacts and historical art. Our day will conclude with a delightful Cambodian lunch at a city-centre restaurant.

In the afternoon, we will escape the city’s busyness and travel by boat to Koh Dach, known as Silk Island. Here, we’ll uncover the origin of its name as we learn about the silk-weaving process using mulberry tree worms. Following our visit, we will return to Phnom Penh by boat, then take a minibus back to our hotel.

Day 5: Phnom Penh

On our final day together, we will visit the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, a somber yet crucial part of understanding the Khmer Rouge era in Cambodia. Our exploration continues as we visit the Choeung Ek Memorial, commemorating the victims of this brutal regime.

After lunch at a local restaurant, we will spend the afternoon discovering more of the captivating monuments in Phnom Penh. Experience a sense of calm at Wat Ounalom Monastery and admire the towering Wat Phnom, the city's highest Buddhist sanctuary. The day wraps up at the renowned Phsar Toul Tum Poung (commonly referred to as the Russian Market), where you’ll have a chance to purchase souvenirs.

Finally, we’ll return to the hotel to collect your luggage, bringing our 5-day journey through Cambodia to a close. If you wish to extend your stay in Phnom Penh or need an airport transfer, these arrangements will be at your own expense.

Accommodation Details

This immersive 5-day exploration of Cambodia includes 4 nights of accommodations with breakfast at select 4-star hotels. The price is 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

Entry Fees

Please note that the entrance fees for the various monuments and temples included in this itinerary are not incorporated in the tour price. The estimated total for these tickets is approximately 45 USD per person.