Day 1
Phnom Penh: Where the Past Meets the Pulse
Welcome to Phnom Penh, Cambodia’s capital — a city full of contrasts. One moment, you’re walking through ancient palaces, the next you’re sharing a tuk-tuk ride past modern cafés and local markets.
- Royal Palace & Silver Pagoda
Start your morning exploring Cambodia’s royal legacy. Golden rooftops shimmer in the sun, while silver floor tiles and sacred statues tell centuries-old stories. It’s majestic, yet peaceful — a true Cambodian parado - National Museum of Cambodia
Just across the street, you’ll find one of Southeast Asia’s finest museum collections. Step inside to see the heart of Khmer artistry — ancient Buddhas, mythological carvings, and gentle garden corners where silence speaks louder than words. - Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum
This isn’t an easy visit, but it’s an important one. Tuol Sleng (S-21) is a place of remembrance. What was once a school became a prison during the Khmer Rouge regime. The photos and testimonies are deeply moving — and they remind you of how far Cambodia has come. - Sisowath Quay (Riverside Promenade)
As the sun sets, head to the riverside. The air cools, families gather, and food stalls come alive. Grab a grilled banana, sip on sugarcane juice, and let Phnom Penh show you her softer side.
Travel tip: From the airport to city center: ~$12 by Grab or taxi. Full day tuk-tuk rental: ~$25.
Day 2
Kampong Chhnang: Where Luxury Meets Purpose
It’s time to leave the city behind. As you drive north, the road opens to rice paddies, grazing cows, and the quiet pulse of rural Cambodia.
- Farmhouse Resort & Spa
This isn’t just a hotel. It’s a story. Designed as part of the Smiling Gecko social initiative, Farmhouse Resort offers eco-luxury while giving back to the very community around it. Sleep in wooden bungalows, take a dip in the saltwater pool, and breathe in the scent of lemongrass fields. - Smiling Gecko Campus Tour
Walk through organic farms, wood workshops, and a school where rural youth learn trades for a better future. This isn’t staged tourism — it’s real, honest, and inspiring. You’ll leave with more than just photos. - Sanctuary Spa
After a meaningful day, allow yourself to relax. Their Khmer massages use ancient techniques and herbal oils — a healing tradition passed down for generations. - Restaurant UN
Dinner here is more than delicious — it’s poetic. Locally sourced ingredients meet fine culinary techniques, and every plate supports vocational training for young Cambodian chefs. You’ll feel it in every bite.
Day 3
Battambang: Art, Life, and Slower Roads
Today, head west. The drive to Battambang is long but scenic. Along the way, you’ll pass palm trees, roadside fruit stalls, and the occasional water buffalo.
- Kampong Chhnang Floating Village
Board a local boat and glide through an entire world built on water. Families cook, kids play, and monks chant — all on wooden platforms that rise and fall with the tides. - Bamboo Train
Once in Battambang, hop on this quirky rail-cart ride. It’s a bumpy thrill through rice fields and farm lands — fun, unique, and very Cambodian. - Crocodile Farm
It’s an eye-opening visit. Crocodiles are part of Cambodia’s traditional economy, and this farm lets you see the balance between culture and commerce.
Drive time: Kampong Chhnang to Battambang ≈ 5 hrs. Private car ~$70–80.
Day 4
Banteay Chhmar to Siem Reap: The Sacred Unknown
This day is about taking the road less traveled — and being rewarded for it.
- Banteay Chhmar Temple
One of Cambodia’s most overlooked temples — and perhaps the most magical. Built in the 12th century, it’s now silent and overgrown, its towers carved with faces of kings and gods. Often, you’ll be the only visitor. That’s the beauty of going further. - Phnom Chanhchang Pagoda
Pause here for sweeping countryside views before rolling into Siem Reap. A peaceful hilltop pagoda, it offers a soft landing into your next adventure.
Drive time: Full day (Battambang → Banteay Chhmar → Siem Reap) ≈ $90–100 by private 4WD.
Day 5
Siem Reap: Wonder, Water, and Storytelling
If you only remember one day from this trip, it might be this one. And it starts with something unforgettable.
- Angkor Wat
Arrive before sunrise. As the sky glows behind ancient stone towers and the reflection dances across the moat, it’s impossible not to feel moved. This temple isn’t just Cambodia’s icon — it’s its heart. - Bayon Temple
Walk beneath the gaze of over 200 stone faces. Each one with a different smile. Mysterious, spiritual, calming — Bayon is like a meditation in stone. - Ta Prohm
Let the jungle guide you. Here, tree roots spill over ruined temples like nature claiming back time. It’s haunting and cinematic — and more powerful in person than any photo. - Phare, The Cambodian Circus
End your journey with a standing ovation. More than a circus, Phare is a social project that turns trauma into art. Acrobatics, music, and raw human emotion — all wrapped into one powerful performance.
Getting around: Tuk-tuk day rental ≈ $25. Angkor temple guide ≈ $40–60.
