Essential Cambodia 15 days

Day 01: Siem Reap – Arrival

Upon your arrival in Siem Reap, you will be welcomed by your local English speaking guide and transferred to your hotel.

Siem Reap is a charming provincial town that attracts travel photographers by a cluster of villages, Chinese-style shop houses, and French-colonial architecture. As a gateway to the ancient temple ruins of Angkor, Siem Reap is a wonderful destination to explore and yet numerous photo opportunities. Enjoy your free time here.

Optional tour: Night time experience Phare Cambodian Circus

Tonight attend a performance from Phare, the Cambodian Circus. Starting at 8pm, professional artists of Phare Ponleu Selpak (PPS) will perform an inspiring show suitable for people of all ages. An hour-long Khmer cultural show, professional artists mix traditional and modern forms of theatre, music, dance, acrobatics, juggling and contortion to perform a story about Cambodian lives and society.

Overnight in Siem Reap.

Day 02: Siem Reap – Angkor Temples (B)

We start this day tour with Angkor Thom, an epic collection of striking structures encompassed in quadrangle area. The walkway leads us to  the Royal Enclosure where remains some  mysterious ruins, including the Royal Palace, Phimeanakas Temple, and  Royal Terraces. These structures built from perishable materials have long vanished. The memorable climax of our visit is Bayon Temple  built in the centre of Angkor Thom. This enigmatic complex contains  54 towers, each topped off with the four faces of  Compassion Buddha. 

Upon leaving Angkor Thom Area , we take a short drive to  the architectural masterpiece of Angkor Wat - one of the modern wonders of the world. Be amazed by the sheer size of the temple and learn how the Khmer Empire prospered between the 9th and 13th Century, around the time when the temple was built.

We round out day tour with a walk up the Pre Rup Temple to enjoy the spectacular sunset over these sandstone monuments.

Overnight in Siem Reap.

Day 03: Siem Reap – Angkor Temples (B)

Today, drive out to visit the Banteay Srei that translates to “the Citadel of the Women”. Originally constructed in the 10th Century and dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva, this red sand-stone temple is one of Angkor’s most significant structures as its walls are decorated with elaborate carvings which have been remarkably well preserved. 

Continue on your exploration of the famous jungle temple of Ta Prohm where several shots of the adventure movie “The Tomb Raider” were filmed. This beautiful Buddhist temple was not restored and looks just as it did when French explorers stumbled it in the 1860s. The magnificent tree roots have merged over the centuries with the temple’s huge stone blocks, emphasizing a ‘forgotten city’ feeling. 

Visit the Angkor Silk Farm 15 km west of Siem Reap, where you can witness the entire process of silk creation from the breeding process and life cycle of the silkworm to the spinning of the silk, the dying process and the creation of beautiful silk weavings on wooden hand looms.

Overnight in Siem Reap.

Day 04: Siem Reap – Angkor Temples (B)

Today, depart from downtown Siem Reap for an exciting 1.5-hour drive to explore another aspect of Angkor complex. Phnom Kulen Mountain is supposed to be the birthplace of the ancient Khmer Empire. Highlights include the Preah Ang Thom Pagoda with its giant reclining Buddha and hundreds of carved lingas in the “Valley of the Lingas” or “River of the Lingas”.   

On top of the mountain, you will visit the modern style pagoda Preah Ang Thom that offers stunning views over the Angkor area. Admire the eight-meter tall statue of a reclining Buddha and wash your hands at the Linga statue to purify your mind and body. Continue your journey to the magnificent river of the One Thousand Lingas etched with carvings of Hindu gods and symbols.   

Visit the sprawling jungle temple of Beng Mealea, a Hindu temple but with some carvings depicting Buddhist motifs. The temple is largely unrestored with trees and vegetation thriving through its towers and courtyards and many of its stones lying in great heaps, giving it an enchanting atmosphere.

Overnight in Siem Reap.

Day 05: Siem Reap – Free time (B)

Breakfast at the hotel.

Enjoy your day at leisure.

Overnight on Siem Reap.

Optional 1 : Khmer Food tasting by tuk tuk

This evening, be picked up at the hotel at 18:00 for a Cambodian Street Food Discovery. Transfer by local tuk-tuk to the local night market to enjoy the tantalizing sights smells and flavors of local specialties. Stroll through the alleys and side streets around Psar Chas area (Old Market) area to savor real Cambodian snacks, carefully selected for cleanliness and standards as the local people do, including pancakes, fruit shakes grasshoppers, spiders, cockroaches, or crickets. Followed by a local beer if you so wish to wash all the tasty morsels down. Then, head to a local restaurant to sample some traditional Cambodia dishes that are created based on your allergy restriction.

Day 06: Siem Reap – Battambang by boat (B)

After an early breakfast, embark on a boat trip and be taken on a fascinating journey across Tonlé Sap Lake to Battambang on a private boat. Pass floating villages and flooded forests, portraying life on this body of water that forms Cambodia’s heart. Packed lunch will be served on board.   (Note: This boat trip is only possible in the high water period from July to December as water levels are too low during the dry season and transfer times can be extremely long. From January to June take the alternative transfer by road.)

The afternoon is spent at leisure to enjoy the hotel or explore a little of the old town in Battambang independently.

Overnight in Battambang.

Day 07: Battambang – City discovery(B)

This morning, we depart for a guided tour of the city. Transfer to tuk tuk to the ‘Bamboo Train Station’, where we will board a bamboo ‘train’ for the 8-km journey, passing local houses, rice paddies and admire the beautiful landscape along the ride. Disembarking, we continue with an Ox-cart ride to visit an ancient house and agricultural village, growing rice and a variety of naturally-grown tropical fruits.

Continue to the local NGO (non governmental organization) “La Maison de Coco” , specializing in silk and rattan weaving, before returning to our hotel. The remainder of the day is free at leisure.

Note: “La Maison de Coco” is closed on Sundays.

Overnight in Battambang.

Day 08: Battambang – Phnom Penh (B)

Depart early for the transfer from Battambang to Phnom Penh. Your first stop is Kampong Chhnang, known for its traditional pottery, with many kilns at work in this province. Stop in a village near Kampong Chhnang town to see the different aspects of pottery making and also experience the production of traditional rice wine.

Continue to Oudong, the former royal capital of Cambodia after the fall of Angkor. The drive passes through many rural villages and pagodas until you see the temple mountain with its dozens of stupas from afar. Upon arrival at Oudong, enjoy a traditional Khmer lunch at a picnic hammock huts at the foot of the hill.

Then, climb the stairs to the top of Oudong Mountain and enjoy magnificent views over the plains below. 

On the way to Phnom Penh, visit Koh Chen, an island in the Tonlé Sap River that you can reach via a new bridge. Koh Chen is known as the ‘Silver Village’ for its production of silver crafts and jewelry. Stroll through the village to see the many silver workshops in the local families’ houses.

Arrive to Phnom Penh, check in to your hotel and free time.

Overnight in Phnom penh.

Day 09: Phnom Penh – City discovery (B)

Start your day with the visit to the Royal Palace, originally built in 1866s by the grandfather of the current Cambodian King. It includes the official residence of the royal family with parts of the massive palace compound, partially opened to the public. 

Wind your way to the nearby Silver Pagoda that houses many national treasures including many golden and jeweled Buddha statues. Perched within the Royal Palace compound, this is the most sacred temple in the country. 

Visit the National Museum, which is designed in Khmer style by a French archaeologist and painter in 1917, dedicated exclusively to Khmer art and sculpture. Gain insight into Cambodian history from Cambodia's "Golden Age" of Angkor, with an excellent collection of Khmer art and sculpture from archaeological sites across Cambodia. 

Take your time to learn about the turbulent Khmer Rouge years with the visit to Tuol Sleng, a high school turned interrogation prison known as S-21 during the Khmer Rouge era and now a genocide museum dedicated to showcasing the sad story of the thousands of innocent Cambodian people who were tortured on its grounds. 

Overnight in Phnom penh.

Day 10: Phnom Penh - Koh Dach island (B)

After breakfast, depart to Koh Dach or Silk island which sits in the middle of the Mekong River. After a 30-minute drive, you board a local ferry for the short journey across the water to the Silk weaving village. You can watch women at work on their looms and learn more about the process, from the plumping up of the silk worms with mulberry leaves, spinning the yarn and dyeing techniques to seeing the final product.

After lunch (at your own expense), enjoy your ride around the village, passes sleepy villages and pagodas, paddies and farms.

Return to Phnom penh in the mid afternoon and enjoy your free time.

Optional tour 1: Cambodian Living Arts performance (evening)

This evening get inspired by Cambodian arts as you watch a traditional dance performance by Cambodian Living Arts (CLA). Between October and March there is a rotating program of 3 unique performances: Classical and Folk Dance (Children of Bassac), Yike (Operetta) and Sabeak Thom (Lareg Shadow Puppets). All the shows last one hour and are held in the atmospheric gardens of the National Museum. After many years of gaining recognition for preserving many Cambodian art forms, the CLA are today striving towards providing the artists the tools required to make their skills sustainable and also so they can make a competitive income from their work (Please note: Shows are on daily except Sunday).

Overnight in Phnom Penh.

Day 11: Phnom Penh – Kep (B)

This morning, depart Phnom Penh for a pleasant drive to the charming provincial capital of Kampot is characterized by the peach and faded-yellow French-colonial boutique shops as well as the orderly tree-lined boulevards.

On arrival, take a stroll along the riverfront to admire the French colonial architecture while your guide will share with you the stories of this town. Meander through the local market and see the artisan workshops for the sort of souvenirs you won’t find anywhere else in town. 

Stop at leisure at one of the coffee shops or riverside restaurants for a perfect lunch with local specialties (lunch is at your own account) before heading back to your hotel.

Overnight in Kampot.

Day 12: Kep - City discovery (B)

Early this morning, embark on a short boat trip (25 mins) to scenic Koh Tonsai, also called Rabbit Island. Spend the morning at leisure exploring the island and relaxing on the island’s tropical beach. You will have pack lunch on the island. Mid-afternoon, return to Kep and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.

Overnight in Kep. 

Day 13: Kep - Free time at leisure (B)

Breakfast at the hotel and 

Free day at leisure 

Overnight in Kep.

Day 14: Kep - Free time at leisure (B)

Breakfast at the hotel and 

Free day at leisure 

Overnight in Kep.

Day 15: Kep – Phnom Penh - Departure (B)

Breakfast at the hotel.

Enjoy some time at leisure until your transfer back to the mainland pier and then onto Phnom Penh with driver only (5-6 hrs).

Spend the last moment in Phnom Penh. Then, return to the hotel to check out and then transfer to the airport for your departure flight.

1. Climate in Vietnam 

The climate of Vietnam is very different and characteristic from one end of the country to the other because of its latitude differences. The geographical peculiarities of the country make it possible to have a nice trip to Vietnam every season. Indeed, when a region is humid or suffocating, another one presents a sunny and very temperate climate.

+ December to February:

The north and central regions of the country are in the winter.  The average temperature varies between 15°C and 23°C. It is quite cool and humid with irregular rainfall, especially in the mountains where the temperature often drops below 10°C. This period is characterized by a frequent drizzle that the Vietnamese call "rain dust". There is very little sunshine.

The south of the country is considered an ideal period because it is the dry season with 1 to 2 days of rain in a month. It is also the time when the temperature is pleasant, varying between 22°C and 33°C. The vegetation is very green offering you great opportunities to take beautiful pictures.

+ March to May:

This period is known as the most beautiful season of the year for an ideal stay in Vietnam. During this period, the climate is very pleasant. It is the dry season in all the 3 regions of the country but also the period where vegetation is lush, green rice fields offering you great opportunities to take beautiful pictures.

The North is in the spring when the weather is mild. This region benefits from the cool wind with an average temperature of 15°C to 25°C. During this period, this region has a lot of sunshine but rarely rains.

It is also the best time in the center for visits. The climate is rather favorable and tropical. The weather becomes sunnier with a nice rise in temperature between 25°C and 32°C.

The South is considered a good period. The climate is dry and very sunny. However, the heat can be unpleasant, as the average temperature is between 28°C and 34°C and can rise to 41°C. However, frequent short rains bring some coolness.

+ From June to September:

This is the 3rd season of tourism in the country. On the whole, the climate is pleasant from the North to the South to travel in Vietnam.

The north of the country is in summer. The climate carries a hot characteristic with an average temperature of 25°C to 33°C. The rains in this season have a strong characteristic (earlier showers) but are short in the duration of about 30 minutes to 1 hour. For the mountainous region, it is also hot, the rains are frequent but also strong and fast. The sky is blue and sunny and the weather is the clearest of the year while the rice terraces are green. It is ideal for short hikes to ethnic villages.

The center is in a good period to visit this region which is not affected by the summer monsoon. The weather is good with often a heat haze, the temperature can climb to 40°C. The frequency of rains in this region is however less important than in the north. However, if you are located in the seaside resorts of the center, the beach will be your greatest ally to refresh you.

The south has a tropical climate with an average temperature of 25°C to 33°C. It is the rainy season, but the rains are often in the form of heavy showers very fast (about 15 to 30 minutes), after the rain, there is immediately a generous sun under clear weather, and the vegetation is also very green.

+ October to November:

Overall, the month of October to November is considered a very nice season to travel in Vietnam.

The North is in autumn with a very pleasant climate, it is cool and dry with an average temperature of 15°C to 23°C.

The center has a pleasant temperature between 20°C and 28°C. This is the period that also corresponds to the stormy season with heavy rainfall that would lead to flooding more or less important on the coastal strip. This region also knows the heavy rains, despite being present, do not last long.

The south has a tropical climate, with average temperatures ranging from 24°C to 32°C. The sun and heat are always present. During this period, heavy rains (in the form of short but almost daily torrential downpours) come to refresh the atmosphere. Be aware, however, that the heavy rains usually come at the end of the day and should leave you free to explore the area.

Our last advice on the weather 

• Vietnam is located in the path of typhoons and tropical storms and is particularly affected between mid-July and mid-November. With the modernization of infrastructure and weather warnings, there is no major danger.
• The rainy season is not synonymous with all-day rainfall, hence the monsoon season seems to be a more appropriate term, and contrary to popular belief, these rains are nourishing and synonymous with life in Vietnam, a land of water!

2. Accommodation  

The hotels proposed by Horizon Vietnam Travel are classified from 02 to 05 comfortable stars with all the required services.   It is according to your budget and your wishes that we will submit you concrete proposals. It should be noted that a 5-star hotel can cost ten times more than a 2-star hotel. Furthermore, two hotels of the same category may not have the same price, because the quality varies.

The hotels proposed in our offers have been checked by ourselves. Cleanliness, quality of welcome, location, charm and tranquility are our selection criteria. When we have the choice, we prefer hotels of human size and work less with international chains.

Apart from hotels, we have developed fair tourism, through contact with the local population, the possibility of sleeping in the homes of local people, and sharing their daily life. The conditions of these accommodations that we offer are well insured and with the best possible conditions.

Good to know: Please note that during the high season (October to April), hotels can quickly become full. Do not hesitate to book well in advance to avoid any worries about availability.

3. Visa

To travel to Vietnam you must have a valid passport valid for at least 6 months after your return date.

The Government of Vietnam issues the Resolution on Visa Exemption for Entry to Vietnam for citizens of five European countries which are the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Spain, and Italy. This exemption is applied for a maximum duration of 15 days regardless of passport category and purpose of entry into Vietnam and is valid until June 30, 2021.

For any stay longer than 15 days, or for multiple entries stay in a period of fewer than 15 days, a visa is required. A period of 30 days is required after the last exit from Vietnam to benefit from the visa waiver measure again for a stay not exceeding 15 days.

4. Vaccine

First of all, according to the General Administration of Tourism of Vietnam, vaccination is not mandatory for a trip to Vietnam. We confirm that our country has a tropical climate and therefore there are mosquitoes. However, the case malaria exists only in remote and isolated areas in high mountains. According to our experience, the vaccine will be necessary for trekking trips in isolated areas of high mountains, in forests, lasting from 1 to 3 weeks. While this type of cultural tour will take you through areas where conditions are safe enough.

Usually, our travelers only use anti-mosquito products which are very effective and practical. So it is enough and there is no need to worry about it. However, we will advise you to buy some from home because, in Vietnam, it is difficult to find good quality products. Apart from these anti-mosquito products, it is better to prepare a long jean that can cover your legs completely while walking through rice fields.

Nowadays, all hotels apply very effective treatments against mosquitoes while mosquito nets are well prepared when staying at a local's house.

Note: If you are fragile and sensitive in contagious diseases, we strongly advise you to consult your doctor.

5. International flight

Our offer does not include international flights between your country and Vietnam for two reasons:

International flights from your country are more expensive if purchased in Vietnam. It is, therefore, more advantageous for you to buy them from a ticketing agency in your country.

The payment and booking conditions of international flights are strict while it is difficult for us, a local agency to apply the same conditions (full payment before the trip). Since international financial transactions involve significant bank charges, you will be required to pay unnecessary surcharges.

• Airlines that our travelers recommend :

Direct non-stop flights:

- Vietnam Airlines: https://www.vietnamairlines.com/vn/en/Home

- Air France: https://www.airfrance.fr/

Flights with stopovers :

Qatar Airways: https://www.qatarairways.com/fr-dz/homepage.html

Air Asia: https://www.airasia.com/en/gb

Cathay Pacific: https://www.cathaypacific.com/cx/fr_FR/travel-information/oneworld.html

Malaysia Airlines: https://www.malaysiaairlines.com/uk/en.html

Singapore Airlines: https://www.singaporeair.com/en_UK/vn/home#/book/bookflight

Thai Airways: https://www.thaiairways.com/

Turkish Airlines: https://www.turkishairlines.com/

Lufthansa: https://www.lufthansa.com/vn/fr/homepage

Please note that our tour offers are always adaptable according to your arrival and return dates. So buy the tickets on the dates that suit you, and we will adapt the programming of your tour.

On our part, we are always at your disposal to do free research from a date or an airport if you wish. If you are interested in this proposal, we invite you to go directly to the airline's website to book the ticket, which will allow you to take advantage of the best flight rates.

List of our hotels:

The hotels offered by Horizon Vietnam Travel are classified from 02 to 05 stars at the international standard, and comfortable with all the required services.

+ Standard Category: 2 stars. The rooms are correct, clean, and equipped with a bathroom, satellite television, and air conditioning.

+ Superior category 3 stars. The rooms are generally spacious, and the services and facilities are more numerous.

+ First class category: 4 stars. The rooms are luxurious and spacious and have a wide choice of quality services.

+ Deluxe Category: 4-5 stars. Hotels are of excellent comfort and have a wide range of excellent services. (swimming pool, spa, jacuzzi…).

+ On the other hand, we have developed fair tourism, through contact with the local population, the possibility of sleeping with the locals and sharing their daily life. The conditions of these accommodations that we offer you are well insured and with the best possible conditions.

Our services include:

• Private transportation with air-conditioned vehicle
• Accommodation in the planned hotels or similar in the program with daily breakfast as mentioned 
• Meals are provided in local restaurants of typical Vietnamese cuisine (B=breakfast, L=lunch, D=dinner included)
• The English-speaking guide for each city.
• All entry fees to tourist sites
• All the permission to enter the tourist areas
• Boat tours as described in the program
• 02 bottles of mineral water of 0,5 (l)/person/day
• Other services as mentioned in the program (bicycle, boat trip, etc...)
• All fees for all other services as clearly described in the program above.

Our services exclude:

• Airfare on all domestic and international flights (quote separately)
• Drinks and surcharge for special requests on foods and meals
• Entrance fees, guide service during free time & other personal expenses
• Surcharge for public holidays (if any)
• Surcharge for other language-speaking tour guides (upon request)
• Travel insurance 
• Vietnam visa stamping fees 
• All other services are not stated in the program.

More information:

Horizon Vietnam Travel gives you an estimated price per person on our website for the group of six people in low season with standard 2 and 3-star hotels.

The price of this trip varies according to the services chosen (category of accommodation, activities during the trip,...), the tourist seasonality of the year (Christmas and end of year holiday, Lunar New Year holiday in Vietnam), the booking delays and especially the number of participants of your group you wish to travel with.

Please note that Horizon Vietnam Travel only organizes private "tailor-made" trips for groups from 2 persons. We generally propose an offer including all the services on the spot from your arrival until your departure.

Depending on your wishes and your budget, this tour can be adapted and modified in terms of duration, content and departure date.

HORIZON VIETNAM TRAVEL calculates its prices as closely as possible in order to guarantee you the best price/quality ratio.

Our advice: the earlier you book, the better your chances of getting good rates, especially for air services, think about it!

Note: The price of international flights is not included in this estimate.

Please note that this tour is only a first draft and you can also customize it according to your wishes. We remain at your disposal to build your trip perfectly to your expectations and your budget

To obtain a detailed and personalized estimate, please contact us to request an estimate.