Hidden Cambodia Explorer 15 days

Welcome to Cambodia! Upon arrival in Phnom Penh, your guide will meet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel. The rest of the day is free to relax or explore the riverside area at your own pace. Enjoy the vibrant local atmosphere and prepare for your adventure across Cambodia.
Overnight in Phnom Penh.

Today, discover the capital’s historical and cultural treasures. Begin at the Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda, famous for their intricate Khmer architecture and glittering treasures. Continue to the National Museum, home to a priceless collection of Angkorian artifacts. In the afternoon, visit the sobering Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S-21) and the Killing Fields of Choeung Ek, a moving reminder of Cambodia’s tragic past.
Overnight in Phnom Penh.

After breakfast, journey west to Battambang through scenic countryside, rice paddies, and villages. Along the way, you can stop at local markets or pagodas for photo opportunities and snacks. Arrive in Battambang in the afternoon and relax at your hotel or stroll along the charming riverside town.
Overnight in Battambang. (Approx. 6 hrs drive)

Explore the cultural richness of Battambang, starting with a ride on the unique bamboo train, a fun and quirky experience on a local rail track. Visit Phnom Sampeau, a hilltop temple with tragic caves linked to the Khmer Rouge era. Continue to Wat Banan, an ancient Angkorian temple offering hilltop views. Visit local villages known for traditional rice paper, prahok (fermented fish), and other crafts.
Overnight in Battambang.

Depart for Siem Reap, home to the majestic Angkor temples. On arrival, check in to your hotel and enjoy time to relax. If time permits, visit a local market or café to soak in the town's laid-back charm.
Overnight in Siem Reap. (Approx. 3 hrs drive)

Explore the highlights of Angkor, beginning with the iconic Angkor Wat, the world’s largest religious monument and a masterpiece of Khmer architecture. Enter the ancient city of Angkor Thom, home to the enigmatic Bayon Temple, famous for its giant stone faces. Visit the Terrace of the Elephants and Terrace of the Leper King. In the afternoon, uncover the jungle-covered Ta Prohm, where massive roots entwine with temple ruins. End the day with a beautiful sunset at Phnom Bakheng.
Overnight in Siem Reap.

Venture to the floating village of Kampong Khleang on the edge of Tonlé Sap Lake. Take a boat ride through stilt houses and canals, witnessing traditional fishing life. Visit a local home and learn about daily routines and seasonal changes of the lake. Return to Siem Reap in the late afternoon for free time or optional activities.
Overnight in Siem Reap. (Approx. 2 hrs drive each way)

Depart Siem Reap in the morning for a leisurely drive through the Cambodian countryside toward Kampong Thom, a quiet provincial capital nestled along the Stung Sen River. This region is dotted with rice fields, sugar palm trees, and rural villages, offering a glimpse into everyday Khmer life.

Upon arrival, visit Sambor Prei Kuk, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Cambodia’s most significant pre-Angkorian temple complexes. Dating back to the Chenla period in the 7th century, its forest-shrouded brick temples create an atmospheric and peaceful setting far from the crowds. Take your time exploring the ancient sanctuaries, stone carvings, and tree-covered ruins.

In the late afternoon, stroll through the town or along the riverbank as the locals wind down their day. Kampong Thom offers a quiet charm and relaxed pace, ideal for an authentic overnight stop in central Cambodia.

(Approx. 3 hrs drive)

After breakfast, begin your overland journey toward Kratie, a sleepy riverside town set along the mighty Mekong River. The drive takes you through scenic countryside dotted with rice paddies, palm trees, and traditional stilt houses, offering an authentic look at Cambodia’s rural charm.
Arrive in Kratie by early afternoon and take time to explore the town's colonial-era architecture and relaxed riverside ambiance. Stroll through the local market where vendors sell tropical fruits, dried fish, and handmade goods. Later in the day, head to the riverbank for sunset views over the Mekong — a serene spectacle as the golden light bathes the waterfront and the silhouette of nearby Koh Trong Island appears across the river.

Kratie is an ideal place to unwind, connect with local culture, and prepare for your highland adventure ahead.
(Approx. 4 hrs drive)

Leave Kratie behind this morning and drive east into the highlands of Mondulkiri, Cambodia’s most sparsely populated and naturally stunning province. The road winds through quiet villages, rubber plantations, and lush forests, gradually climbing into the cool, pine-covered hills of the northeast.
Along the journey, make a short stop at Chhup Rubber Plantation, one of Cambodia’s oldest, for a glimpse into the country’s colonial agricultural history. You may also pass scenic viewpoints and ethnic villages where Bunong communities live, offering cultural insight into this diverse region.
Arrive in Sen Monorom, the capital of Mondulkiri, by early afternoon. After check-in, take a relaxed walk to Doh Kromom Hill, a sacred local site offering panoramic views over the surrounding valleys and hills. The rest of the evening is free for you to enjoy the cool mountain air and peaceful setting of this remote corner of Cambodia.
(Approx. 5 hrs drive)

Today is one of the most memorable highlights of your journey: an ethical and immersive encounter with elephants. Join a full-day experience with the Elephant Valley Project or similar responsible organization. Learn about elephant conservation and the lives of indigenous Bunong people who care for the elephants.

Hike through the forest to observe these gentle giants in their natural habitat—bathing, roaming, and socializing without human interference. No riding is allowed, ensuring their well-being. A local-style lunch is provided in a forest base camp, where you can relax and learn more about the ecosystem and the center’s ongoing conservation work.

Return to Sen Monorom in the late afternoon, with time to unwind or explore the small town.

Venture deeper into the highlands today with a full-day tour exploring the natural and cultural beauty of Mondulkiri. Begin with a visit to the Bousra Waterfall, the province’s most famous cascade, surrounded by lush forest and frequented by local families. Continue to visit Bunong villages, where you’ll learn about the traditions, animist beliefs, and daily life of one of Cambodia’s most prominent indigenous communities.

In the afternoon, take a scenic hike or optional jeep ride through the rolling red-dirt trails to discover more remote viewpoints and jungle-covered valleys. Stop at a coffee plantation or pepper farm to sample locally grown produce and understand the region’s emerging role in sustainable agriculture.

Return to town in the evening for your final night in Mondulkiri.

Depart Mondulkiri this morning and descend from the highlands toward the lowlands of Kampong Cham, a peaceful riverside town along the Mekong. Upon arrival, visit the iconic French colonial buildings, Wat Nokor Bachey, an 11th-century temple blending ancient sandstone with a functioning modern pagoda, and Phnom Hanchey, a scenic hilltop temple offering sweeping views over the Mekong River.

Stroll along the riverfront promenade in the late afternoon, mingle with locals, and enjoy the laid-back charm of this lesser-known Cambodian gem.

After breakfast, begin the return journey from Mondulkiri to Phnom Penh, traveling through scenic countryside, small towns, and rubber plantations. Along the way, you’ll have opportunities to stop at local markets or rest points for refreshments. Upon arrival in the capital, enjoy the remainder of the day at your leisure. You may wish to explore the riverside promenade, visit the Central Market for souvenirs, or relax at your hotel before your final day in Cambodia.
(Approx. 6–7 hrs drive)

Enjoy a relaxed morning in Phnom Penh. Depending on your flight schedule, take time to stroll the streets, enjoy a final Cambodian meal, or visit any sights you may have missed. A private transfer will take you to Phnom Penh International Airport for your onward flight, marking the end of your memorable Cambodian journey.