Cambodia tour of Culture, Nature & Wildlife

Welcome to Siem Reap, the gateway to the wonders of Angkor!

Upon arrival, you will be greeted and transferred to your hotel for check-in (from 14:00). The rest of the day is at your leisure to relax or explore this charming town at your own pace. Overnight at the hotel in Siem Reap.

Summary of inclusions

Private airport transfer

Hotel in siam reap

This morning, we will explore Angkor Thom, the last and most enduring capital of the Khmer Empire. Highlights include the South Gate of Angkor Thom, the Bayon Temple with its 54 towers adorned with countless serene and mysterious smiling Buddha faces, the Royal Enclosure, Phimeanakas, the Terrace of the Elephants, and the Terrace of the Leper King.

Next, we will visit the jungle - covered Ta Prohm Temple, famously featured in the movie "Tomb Raider" starring Angelina Jolie. Enormous fig trees and massive creepers intertwine with the temple’s stone foundations, creating the impression of man-made structures being reclaimed by nature - making it one of the most picturesque and memorable temples in Angkor.

In the afternoon, we will discover Angkor Wat, the largest religious monument in the world and a symbol of the great Khmer Empire. Its five towers represent the five sacred peaks of Mount Meru, the home of the Hindu gods. The temple is renowned for over 2,000 Apsara carvings decorating its walls. Construction is believed to have taken around thirty years of intensive labor. Today, Angkor Wat appears on Cambodia’s national flag, symbolizing the soul of the Khmer people.

At sunset, Angkor Wat is less crowded, offering a magical moment to see the Apsaras bathed in the most beautiful light. The evening is at your leisure.

Summary of inclusions

Private vehicle

Sightseeing angkor

Breakfast

Hotel in siam reap

Breakfast is served at the hotel. This morning, we will explore the Preah Khan temple complex, built by King Jayavarman VII to honor his father at the site of his victory over invaders. The temple’s name means ‘Holy Sword,’ derived from the original meaning, ‘the Holy City of Victory". This vast complex once served as a Buddhist monastery and school, hosting over 1,000 monks.

Next, we will visit Neak Pean, a small island temple located in the center of the ancient Baray, representing Anavatapta - a mythical lake in the Himalayas whose waters were believed to cure all illnesses.

In the afternoon, we will explore the Roluos Group, the site of Hariharalaya, the first capital of the Khmer Empire dating back to the mid - 9th century. The temples here were constructed from bricks, laterite, and sandstone. Highlights include Bakong, a stepped pyramid temple mountain adorned with intricate carvings on the false doors and lintels; Lolei, once an island temple with exquisite carvings and inscriptions representing Mount Meru surrounded by the world ocean in Hindu mythology; and Preah Ko, the Sacred Bull temple built to honor the king’s ancestors.

Return to the hotel, and the remainder of the day is at your leisure.

Summary of inclusions

Private vehicle

Sightseeing angkor

Breakfast

Hotel in siam reap

Leave the hotel early and take a half-hour transfer to Mechrey Port, where we will embark on a traditional wooden boat for a cruise to the Prek Toal Biosphere Reserve, traveling through the flooded forest and the vast lake. Along the way, your guide will explain the unique hydrological system, ecosystem, and the diverse flora and fauna of the lake.

A picnic breakfast will be served on the boat.

Discover the natural beauty of the region and the centuries - old lifestyle of the lake inhabitants. Enjoy bird watching at the Bird Sanctuary, the largest ornithological reserve in Southeast Asia, under the guidance of a local ranger. The Prek Toal Biosphere spans 31,282 hectares and is home to a remarkable variety of water birds, including endangered species such as Greater and Lesser Adjutants, Black-headed Ibis, Painted Stork, Milky Stork, Spot-billed Pelican, Grey - headed Fish Eagle, and many more. Your guide’s expertise will provide the best opportunity to observe and understand this complex ecosystem.

Later, climb a treetop platform to view bird colonies through telescopes and binoculars. (Please note that during the low water season, from February to the end of March, the treetop platform is inaccessible. Instead, more time will be spent enjoying bird feeding along the main stream inside the sanctuary.)

Return to the village for a local lunch. In the afternoon, visit an environmental education class and a water hyacinth handicraft workshop. Then, take a small rowing boat to explore how the local community has adapted to their floating and ever-changing environment. Visit a family living in a floating house to observe local customs and hear about the challenges of life on the water, as well as floating farms, schools, and gardens - a unique insight into this extraordinary way of life.

Return to Siem Reap in the late afternoon, and the remainder of the day is at your leisure.

Summary of inclusions

Private vehicle

Boat cruise

prek toal nature reserve explore

floating village visit

Breakfast & lunch

Hotel in siam reap

After breakfast at the hotel, say goodbye to Siem Reap and begin our drive through fascinating countryside landscapes toward the Elephant Sanctuary in Anlong Veng district, Oddar Meanchey province.

The Elephant Sanctuary, also known as Sang Rukhavoan Wildlife Sanctuary, covers 30,254 hectares and was established to protect wildlife, ecosystems, biodiversity, and natural resources in the region. It provides a safe habitat for elephants, endangered monkeys, birds, and other animals. Spend time exploring the sanctuary, visiting and interacting with the animals, and learning about the work carried out here.

Continue to Anlong Veng, located near the border with Thailand. This town was the last stronghold of the Khmer Rouge in the 1990s. Here, we will learn about this dark chapter of Cambodia’s history, visiting ruined houses and remnants of structures associated with Pol Pot. While the visit may be emotionally heavy, it offers important insight into the past and underscores the value of peace.

Drive onward to Sra’aem, a region renowned for its stunning mountain landscapes, providing ample opportunities for photography and enjoying the exceptional scenery.

Check in at the hotel, with the remainder of the day free to relax or explore the town at your leisure.

Summary of inclusions

Private vehicle

wildlife sanctuary visit

anlong veng sightseeing

Breakfast

Hotel in sra'aem

Rise early for a drive along a spectacularly steep mountain road to reach Preah Vihear Temple at sunrise.

Perched atop Poy Tadi, a steep cliff in the Dangrek Mountain range, the natural border between Cambodia and Thailand - this temple offers one of the most breathtaking locations of any Khmer site. From approximately 550 meters above the Cambodian plain, you will be rewarded with panoramic views over the fertile plains of both Cambodia and Thailand. Dedicated primarily to the supreme god Shiva, the temple took over 300 years to complete under several renowned Khmer kings, from Yasovarman in the 10th century to Suryavarman II in the 12th century, reflecting a blend of architectural styles. Its dramatic setting and unique design led to Preah Vihear being recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Enjoy the unforgettable sunrise and spend time exploring this impressive temple before descending and returning to the hotel.

After check - out, continue south to the Tmatboey Bird Sanctuary, an eco - tourism project of the Wildlife Conservation Society of Cambodia. This sanctuary is home to one of only two known nesting sites of the giant ibis and also hosts other rare bird species, including the white-shouldered ibis and the sarus crane. Following a fascinating wildlife observation experience, check in to your accommodation, with the remainder of the day at your leisure.

Summary of inclusions

Private vehicle

phrea vihear sunrise

tmatboey bird sanctuary

Breakfast

Hotel in tmatboey

At the break of dawn, we set out for another excursion to the bird sanctuary for one more chance to observe rare bird species up close.

After breakfast, depart for Koh Ker, briefly the capital of the Khmer Empire from 928 to 944 AD, before being reclaimed by the jungle for nearly a millennium. Spanning roughly 35 square kilometers, Koh Ker comprises numerous structures of varying sizes, dominated by Prasat Thom, a 30-meter-tall temple mountain rising above the plains and surrounding forest. An adventurous climb rewards you with spectacular views.

Next, continue to Beng Mealea, a temple built by Jayavarman VII in the style of Angkor Wat. Covering over one square kilometer and surrounded by a moat, Beng Mealea is approached via four causeways and appears as a massive pile of sandstone ruins partially hidden among the trees. Its partially dilapidated state gives it a unique charm, making it one of the largest and most evocative temples of the Khmer Empire.

Drive for over an hour back to Siem Reap, check in at the hotel, and enjoy the evening at your leisure.

Summary of inclusions

bird watching

ancient relics explore

private vehicle

Breakfast

Hotel in siam reap

Breakfast at the hotel.

Spend your morning at leisure to relax or explore Siem Reap on your own before your private transfer to the airport for your flight home or onward destination.

Wishing you a safe journey and hoping to see you again!

Summary of inclusions

Private airport transfer

Breakfast