Best of Thailand and Cambodia - 7 Days / 6 Nights

Detail Itinerary

Day 1 - Bangkok Arrival

Upon arrival in Bangkok, transfer to your hotel.

This afternoon, begin your sightseeing at the Grand Palace where you visit the main sites including the magnificent throne halls and the emerald Buddha. We then continue to Wat Po, with its reclining Buddha and Wat Trimitr on the edge of Chinatown, which houses the world's largest solid gold Buddha.

Overnight in Bangkok.

Day 2 - Bangkok - Chacherngsao (B,L)

This morning, take a short regional train ride to Chacherngsao - a lesser known historical town east of Bangkok. First stop at Wat Sothornwararam Worawiharn with its remarkable beauty of Italian marbled temple hall continue to Wat Leng Hok Yee - a Chinese shrine with papier-mâche sculptures, continue to Talaat Klong Suan, a 100-year old canal side market which impresses visitors with their everyday simple lifestyle, and be dazzled with its old shop houses and stalls selling a variety of items including food, quaint old utensils and ancient tin toys.

Overnight in Bang Pa Kong.

Day 3 - Chacherngsao - Chantaburi - Pailin (B)a at Ban Pakkard/Prum (Cambodian Visa on arrival available). Head to Pailin, only 20km fr

Return to the hotel for lunch before moving on to the border crossing to Cambodi

om the border, where you will stay overnight. Pailin used to be a "wild west" frontier town and a Khmer Rouge stronghold that remained under their control until as late as 1996. The town is known for its gemstones, notably rubies, sapphires, topaz, and opal, which were mined in the surrounding area but nowadays are rarely found. Today, it is a friendly and sleepy provincial capital and it is easy to get around on foot to discover the market.

Overnight in Pailin.

Day 4 - Pailin - Battambang (B)

After breakfast at your hotel you will be transferred to Battambang (3 hours). Upon arrival, you will be taken directly to your hotel for check in.

This afternoon will be at your leisure to relax by the hotel pool or stroll through the charming town centre. Even though Battambang is Cambodia's second largest city, it is a laid-back little town full of fine examples of French-colonial architecture.

Overnight in Battambang.

Day 5 - Battambang (B)

You will first head towards Phnom Sampeau, meaning "Ship Hill" in Khmer, due to its distinctive shape, and one of the few hills standing out in this otherwise pancake-flat plain. From the small temple on the top, you will have a fantastic view over the typical landscape of paddy fields and sugar palm trees. Phnom Sampeau is home to the notorious killing caves, which are cruel reminders of Cambodia's troubled past.

Continue to Wat Banan, situated between lush paddy fields and beautiful lotus ponds. Your guide will lead you through local villages and farms on the way. Wat Banan is an 11-century temple on a mountain top. The climb is a short but tough one, over steps that seem to have all sizes. On top of the mountain, enjoy the views over the beautiful countryside and wander around the ancient temple, which is also home to finely scented flowering trees.Take a ride on the famous Bamboo Train, an original means of transportation on the old train tracks. A true rollercoaster ride without loops!

This afternoon, you will be taken to some of the many cultural villages around Battambang, where you will learn how the locals produce rice paper, prahoc (typical Cambodian fish paste), grolan (sticky rice stuffed in bamboo), and other Cambodian treats. You will also visit a weaving and handicraft centre in another village.

Overnight in Battambang.

Day 6 - Battambang - Siem Reap (B)

Today, you will embark on one of the most stunning boat trips in Cambodia, as you will be taken from Battambang to Siem Reap by boat. (NOTE: This boat trip is only possible in the raining season.)

The largest freshwater lake in Asia, Tonlé Sap, is an exceptional water system that swells almost five times its size during the raining season. The water of its main drainage, Tonlé Sap River, is being pushed back from the Mekong, carrying an incredible amount of water from the rains, causing the river to reverse its direction and thus causing the lake to overflow, flooding nearby fields and forests and supporting an extraordinarily rich and diverse eco-system.

The Lake is also an important breeding ground for fish, providing more than half of the amount of fish consumed in Cambodia. You will see many villages on the way where people live on stilted or entirely floating houses.

Arrive in Siem Reap mid-afternoon, Enjoy some time at leisure to discover Siem Reap or to relax by your hotel's charming pool.

Overnight in Siem Reap.

Day 7 - Siem Reap (B)

This morning, depart on a sightseeing tour of the famous Angkor Wat by Tuk Tuk. Built during the reign of King Suryavarman II in the early 12th century, Angkor Wat is constructed following the model of the temple mountain symbolizing the Mount Meru, home of the gods. Enjoy the spectacular view of the Angkor Temples from above as you depart on a ride in a tethered helium balloon that takes you 120m up in the air!

Continue to the ancient city of Angkor Thom in an eco-friendly electric vehicle. Angkor Thom was the last capital of the Great Khmer Empire under the reign of Jayavarman VII. Late afternoon, explore the temples of the Small Circuit. Start your tour with a visit to Ta Prohm temple, built in the mid-12th to early 13th centuries. Ta Prohm is unique in that it has been left largely as it was found: overgrown by jungle trees and vines, with many parts of the temple crumbling to the ground.

Overnight in Siem Reap.

Day 8 - Siem Reap (B,D)

After breakfast, head to the countryside around the Western Baray, for a glimpse into local life. Visit the Angkor Silk Farm 15 km west of Siem Reap, where you can witness the entire process of silk creation. Return to Siem Reap and visit the boutique of Les Artisans d'Angkor for the opportunity to view and purchase the end product of refined silk design as well as beautiful wood and stone carving items.

The afternoon will be at leisure your lesiure. Enjoy a very special dinner with a traditional Khmer dance performance at Apsara Theatre this evening.

Overnight in Siem Reap.

Day 9 - Siem Reap - Kampong Thom - Sambor Prei Kuk (B,L)

Depart early morning for Kampong Thom. Transfer will take around 2 ½ hours and will reward you with beautiful views of paddy fields and traditional local villages. Stop on the way to see the Angkorian Naga bridge near Kampong Kdei. Upon arrival in Kampong Thom, head straight to the magnificent jungle temples of Sambor Prei Kuk. These monuments were built in the Chenla period between the 6th and 7th century and pre-date Angkor Wat.

Enjoy a beautiful hike or ride through the jungle with breathtaking views. The seven villages around the temple complex still practice the ancient art of craft making, using materials such as bamboo and rattan. The community runs the Isanborei Craft Hut next to the temples and sells their products there. You will have the chance to visit and contribute to the sustainability of the people's livelihood as the local community will prepare a simple but very tasty lunch for you at the temples.

Overnight in Kampong Thom.

Day 10 - Kampong Thom - Phnom Penh (B)

After breakfast, transfer to Phnom Penh (2½ hours). Phnom Penh was once considered as one of the most beautiful cities in the Orient, and despite its recent turbulent history, it still retains a colonial charm, as much of its original architecture remains. Cambodia's capital is a bustling city, majestically located at the confluence of the mighty rivers of the Mekong and Tonlé Sap.

This afternoon, you will be greeted by a driver who will take you on a tour to the most remarkable sights of Phnom Penh in a Cyclo, an original Phnom Penh means of transportation and a very fun way to explore this lively city. Continue to the Royal Palace. This palace dates back to 1866 and was the last palace built during the French colonial period. The same complex houses the Silver Pagoda, named for the over 5000 heavy silver tiles that cover its floors.

Overnight in Phnom Penh.

Day 11 - Phnom Penh - Kirirom National Park (B)

The morning will be at leisure for you to explore Phnom Penh by yourself. Browse the colorful markets for souvenirs or visit the Toul Sleng Museum for an insight into the Khmer Rouge era. This afternoon, transfer to Kirirom National Park (3 ½ hours)on the edge of the Cardamom Mountains. Cambodia's first established National Park is particularly popular due to its lakes and beautiful waterfalls in the forest, and is a pleasant place to enjoy the beauty of nature.

Overnight in Kirirom.

Day 12 - Kirirom National Park (B)

Today, explore the spectacular scenery of Kirirom National Park. The name "Kirirom" means "Mountain of Joy" and the park is recognized for its unique high elevation pine forest and the many endangered animals that live in the park area, such as pleated gibbons, sun bears and tigers. Go on a short trek of 3 km to the beautiful, 40 meters high Chambok Waterfall at the Chambok Community-based Ecotourism Site, accompanied by a knowledgeable local guide.

This afternoon, he will take you to a bat cave and on a traditional ox-cart ride to experience the local way of life. If you feel the need to cool down, you can swim in the small and refreshing river that runs through the park.

Overnight in Kirirom.

Day 13 - Kirirom National Park - Koh Kong (B)

Early morning, you will leave for Koh Kong (transfer 3-4 hours). You will be transferred directly to tonight's accommodation, an ecolodge set on a stunning river setting - the perfect place for nature lovers. Spend this afternoon at your leisure exploring the river on a boat trip, swimming in its clear waters or trekking to Tatai Waterfall through the dense jungle. Wildlife is abundant here and you might spot colorful butterflies and bizarre-looking insects as well as rare birds like fish eagles or kingfisher.

Overnight in Koh Kong.

Day 14 - Koh Kong - Koh Chang, Thailand (B)

After breakfast, you will leave Cambodia as you cross the border to Thailand.

Guide and driver will meet you there, and then transfer you by minibus to the hotel in Koh Chang.

Overnight in Koh Chang.

Day 15 - 16: Koh Chang (B)

Breakfast at the hotel and all day is free at leisure.

Overnight in Koh Chang.

Day 17 - Koh Chang - Bangkok (B)

Breakfast at the hotel and meet the guide for transfer from hotel return back to mainland and continue to Bangkok.