DISCOVER
CAMBODIA
Where ancient and contemporary culture intersect, and impressive landscapes take your breath away at every turn.
DURATION
Days
TRIP TYPE
XXPLORED
AVENTURE LEVEL
GROUP SIZE
5 - 8 Guests
Highlights
- Visit the majestic temples of Angkor Wat.
- Be entertained at a circus show featuring many talented acts.
- Watch bats soar out of caves as the sun sets at Phnom Sampeou
- Stroll around Battambang’s colonial quarter.
- Off-road through the Cardamom mountains.
- Glamp in luxury tent at a high-end eco-resort.
- Spend a day immersed in nature on a secluded jungle island.
- Kayak, swim and enjoy a sunset cruise in the 4 Rivers region
- Explore the nightlife of Phnom Penh.
- Explore –on and off the road– a country that will captivate you
DAY 1-2 Siem Reap
Welcome to Cambodia! Siem Reap offers something for just about every traveller: historical temple ruins, rich and fascinating history, delicious street food, electric nightlife, quirky restaurants and bars, beautiful boutique hotels and memorable cultural experiences. A stone's throw away from the magnificent region of Angkor, the city is best known as being the home of the largest temple complex in the world.
DAY 3 Battambang
Battambang is a classically quaint provincial capital – old-world architecture and even older pagodas set picturesquely along a river, and even though the city is one of the country’s largest, it is still lightly touristed. In town, charming colonial-era buildings line narrow lanes, including the ‘walking district’ near the market where contemporary art galleries, local and foreign cafes, shops and bars inhabit the old shophouses. Battambang is a place to explore the architecture and budding art scene, check out the local cuisine
DAY 4 Pursat
Pursat is located right in the middle between the Tonle Sap and the Cardamom Mountains on the riverbanks of the Stung Pursat. There isn't that much to do, but it serves as our base to enter the Cardamom Mountains.
DAY 5-6 Koh Kong
If you are after pure unspoiled nature, Tatai is the place to go. Lying closely to the South Cardamom protected area, it is the ideal location to explore Cambodia’s untouched countryside, either by kayak or walking through the lush rain-forest. We have 2 nights to unwind here.
DAY 7 Phnom Penh
Coming out of the pandemic, the Phnom Penh reemerges as a rapidly rising metropolis with glittery skyscrapers, world-class restaurants and one of the fastest-growing major airports in the world. From gender-bending dancers to backyard brewers and aspiring artists, innovation is happening here, as the city sheds the cloak of the past and looks towards the future with optimism.
DAY 1
Siem Reap
HOTEL Rambutan Hotel or similar
If time permits, wander around the temples till the evening (we can help you to arrange a sightseeing tour). In the evening our group of XXploras will meet at a local restaurant for a welcome dinner and safety briefing.
TRANSPORT
No driving today
DAY 2
Siem Reap
HOTEL Rambutan Hotel or similar
We get an early start and watch the sun rise over Angkor Wat. We enjoy breakfast here, before touring the area’s incredible temples, including Ta Phrom and Bayon. Our super guide Mr Kong accompanies us, showing us the best spots and sharing local insights along the way.
In the evening, if you wish, we can attend Phare, a circus that was founded by nine young men who returned home from a refugee camp after the Khmer Rouge regime. Committed to making free education available, this group opened several schools; first an art school and a public school, then a music school and theatre school, and finally, a circus school.
Today, the students use theater, music, dance and modern circus arts to tell uniquely Cambodian stories—historical, folk and modern. The young circus artists will astonish you with their energy, emotion, enthusiasm and talent
TRANSPORT
No driving today
DAY 3
SIEM REAP TO BATTAMBANG
HOTEL Maison Wat Kor or similar
After our breakfast we make our first stop at the fishermen’s village Kampong Khleang.
A traditional stilted village community found living high above the lake’s waters and the village provides homes for some 20,000 residents – it is the largest single community on the fringes of the Tonle Sap Lake.
Then we depart for Battambang. With a rich architectural heritage, a thriving art scene, and stunning surrounding countryside, Battambang is a tranquil respite from the hustle and bustle of Phnom Penh and Siem Reap.
The first part of our drive is on a busy road, but then we turn away on a beautiful country road and soon on some sandy tracks through villages and paddy fields.
Before we check-in into our hotel we will make a stop at the bat cave.
As dusk falls every day at around 5 or 6 pm, thousands upon thousands of these nocturnal creatures leave their nests and pour out of the cave, reminiscent of a smoke column billowing up to the sky.
Afterwards we drive to our small boutique hotel, the Maisons Wat Kor.
TRANSPORT
We drive for 170km, for around 5 hours for today on beautiful country roads.
DAY 4
Battambang to Pursat
HOTEL KM Hotel
Today we explore the charming city of Battambang, where history, art, and cuisine come together to create a delightful experience.
We start by visiting an ancient house in the neighborhood, immersing ourselves in Cambodia’s rich and sometimes dark history. As we explore, we gain a deeper understanding of the country’s past and its impact on the present.
Next, we make our way to the heart of Battambang downtown, where the governor’s house awaits. This landmark allows us to witness the grandeur of Cambodian architecture and feel the elegance of the past.
But it’s time to indulge in one of Battambang’s most renowned features – its cuisine. Despite not boosting any Michelin-starred restaurants, this quiet provincial capital has been recognized by UNESCO as a gastronomical destination. We venture into the local market, with its vibrant colors and enticing aromas, to sample the flavors that make Battambang famous.
In the later afternoon it is time for our short drive to Pursat, a less chamrming town but a necessary stop for our long drive to Koh Kong the next day.
TRANSPORT
Self-driving in a SUV for approximately 100km, 2 hours;
mostly well-paved roads
DAY 5
Pursat to Koh Kong
HOTEL Canvas and Orchids Retreat
Today is all about adventure, as we drive the winding road through the Cardamom Mountains down to the South.
We begin our long drive on well-paved roads to the town of Thmorda, where a local family welcomes us and prepares a take-away meal for us. We’ll be venturing off the beaten path, following a breathtaking route that runs alongside the Thai border. This hidden gem is rarely explored by tourists, offering a unique and immersive experience. However, please note that road conditions can vary depending on the season, so be prepared for a potentially bumpy ride!
Our road eventually leads us to Tatai, where we safely park our cars and embark on a serene sailing journey to the Canvas and Orchids Retreat. Here, amidst the tranquil surroundings, we’ll indulge in an extraordinary glamping experience. This private sanctuary provides the perfect setting to unwind and connect with nature.
To conclude this eventful day, we’ll savor a delightful dinner at the hotel- owned restaurant.
TRANSPORT
Self-driving in a SUV for approximately 270km, 5 hours; well-paved roads
DAY 6
In Koh Kong
HOTEL Canvas and Orchids Retreat
We’re not ready to leave our island paradise yet. We spend the day here, relaxing after yesterday’s epic drive and unwinding in nature.
You’ve got options here: hike through the surrounding jungle, mountains and rainforests; kayak down the rushing Tatai River; or take a dip in the Tatai Waterfalls. Wrap it all up with a sunset cruise and a dinner back at our floating lodge. A place land experience like
no other, you may never want to book a boring hotel again.
TRANSPORT
No driving today
DAY 7
Koh Kong to Phnom Penh
HOTEL The Raffles, Phnom Penh
We leave quite early today. The first 3 hours on a nice country road road towards Sihanoukville.
After a longer coffee break we then drive another 2 hours on the new highway to Phnom Penh. We aim to arrive not later than 3pm. You can join us for a dinner in the evening if you decide to stay a night longer. We hope you have enjoyed the time with us On the Road and you will come back for another adventure. You are now officially a XXplora! Hurray!
TRANSPORT
Self-driving in a SUV for approximately 270km, 5 hours; well-paved roads
DAY 8
Koh Kong to Phnom Penh
HOTEL None. Departure day
Today is time to say good bye! Unless you want to stay on a bit longer. We thank you for choosing this journey with us and becoming part of our XXplora community.
Here is to you, and here’s to hoping you’ll jump back onthe road with us for another epic escapade.
Stay adventurous and remember: The road might end, but the memories never do!
TRANSPORT
Self-driving in a SUV for approximately 270km, 5 hours; well-paved roads
What is
included
What is
not included
-
- Luxury accommodations in twin rooms
- Your car, petrol & Rental insurance
- All paperwork required for your self-driving adventure
- A local guide
- A lead car driver
- An XXplora-in-Chief
- Local transport
- Private airport transfers
-
Small group guarantee
(no more than 12 guests) - All entrance fees according as noted in the Description
- All meals as indicated
-
You international driving license, visas, mandatory travel insurance, flights and transportation while not on the trip. It also does not include optional activities, extra accommodation, upgrades, contingency route expenses in case of emergency or natural disaster, drinks, tips and other personal expenses
Where you will sleep...
All hotels are well chosen ranging from 5 star to small boutique hotels. In some areas the choice is not as we would wish for then we find the best available in town!
Adventure
level
The adventure rating for this overland journey is a 3. Most of the roads are well-paved.
While there is an exciting day of off-roading, the area is clear, and it doesn’t require advanced driving skills.
Closer to the cities, however, the roads are more challenging due to dense traffic. The roads near Siem Reap, Sihanoukville, Kampot and Phonm Penh can be tricky, and the local way of driving can seem chaotic to tourists. So, if you’re not used to this sort of traffic, prepare to be extra alert and strap in for a level 3 adventure.
*Please note:This is a sample itinerary and unforeseen changes might happen.
Your journey awaits
It’s time to take your life out of park. Where in the world do you want to XXplore?
