Immerse in Cambodia romantic honeymoon: 10 amazing days

Start your day with a full-energy breakfast and be ready for another full-day tour to immerse yourself in Khmer culture.

This morning, you will visit the ancient capital city of Angkor Thom. First on the agenda is Ta Prohm, a ruined and mysterious temple with its own story about giant tree roots and strange shapes. This mystery attracts both domestic tourists and overseas explorers to set foot in Cambodia. Continue to Banteay Kdei (the citadel of Chambers), the Victory Gate, the Terrace of the Leper King, the Royal Palace, Baphuon, and Bayon.

Bayon Temple is considered the heart of the Angkor Thom Complex. It is a massive temple, built in the 12th century, that played an important role in the Khmer people’s spiritual life. One of the most curious things at Bayon Temple is the almost 200 smiling faces carved into the walls. Some of the carving details on the temple have been damaged by time and climate. However, the soul of this ancient Khmer architecture remains.

The afternoon tour gives you time to explore Angkor Wat, one of the seven wonders of the world. The temple architecture is modeled after the great Meru Mountain of India. The highest central tower is 65 m, representing the legendary Mount Meru, and its five towers correspond to the peaks of Meru. The entire structure has been built from sandstone and honeycomb. The magic is that the giant blocks of stone are stacked on top of each other without any binders or reinforced concrete. Watch the sunset over the massive Angkor temple complex with a guided tour.

After touring, you get dropped off at your hotel.

Spend the night in Siem Reap.

Meals; Breakfast, Lunch.

Siem Reap terrace of elephants

This morning, go to the Roluos group, which is the location of Hariharalaya, an old Khmer civilization hub. It was the first settlement created by the Angkorian monarchs in the 8th and 9th centuries, and it is comprised of three major temples: Bakong, Lolei, and Preah Ko, two of which will be visited along the trip. The surrounding area is typical of Cambodia, with its paddy fields and sugar palm trees. Enjoy the natural beauty on an ox cart ride, a delightful way to connect with rural Cambodia and its friendly people. Arrive at Roluos Pagoda, where Buddhist monks will perform a private blessing ceremony to wish you health and safety on your journey.

Following that, travel to Tonle Sap Lake and learn about lake life with a visit to Kampong Khleang village. Drive through huge rice fields and small towns, where rice and fish are often drying by the roadside. Then, board a private wooden boat for a boat ride down a canal leading to Tonle Sap Lake.

Along the route, stop for lunch in a local family’s home to obtain a better understanding of the local way of life. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to learn about the local way of life while sitting inside a stilted house and watching the boats pass by outside. (Please keep in mind that the village visited will vary depending on the date and water levels on the lake and canals.)

Attend a performance of “Phare, the Cambodian Circus” this evening. Phare Ponleu Selpak (PPS) professional performers will present a show choreographed by themselves beginning at 8 p.m. Since the Khmer Rouge genocide, PPS has been an important part of promoting and growing Khmer culture. It was started in Battambang in 1994 by young Cambodians who had been in refugee camps and learned how to use art to deal with trauma. The hour-long performance incorporates traditional and modern theater, music, dance, acrobatics, juggling, and contortion into a story about Cambodian life and society.

Spend the night in Siem Reap.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch.

Siem Reap Kampong Khleang

Transfer to the airport (time to be confirmed the day before) for your flight to Sihanoukville, which has long been a place of relaxation for Cambodians. Upon arrival in Sihanoukville, we take the fast boat to Song Saa Private Island, also known as “Paradise Island.”

Spend the night at Song Saa Private Island Resort.

Meals: Breakfast.

Sihanoukville beaches

Enjoy two full days of sun or swim in the warm coastal waters. This is the moment when the dream of going on vacation to an exotic land becomes reality.

Overnight at Song Saa Private Island Resort.

Meals: Breakfast.

Sihanoukville boat

Enjoy two full days of sun or swim in the warm coastal waters. This is the moment when the dream of going on vacation to an exotic land becomes reality.

Overnight at Song Saa Private Island Resort.

Meals: Breakfast.

Sihanoukville boat

Eating breakfast at the hotel This morning, after breakfast, go by boat from the lovely resort. When you arrive at the mainland pier, meet your guide and go on a five-hour ride to Phnom Penh.

After you arrive, spend the afternoon at your leisure.

Spend the night in Phnom Penh.

Meals: Breakfast.

Phnom Penh city in the night

After breakfast, transfer three hours back to Phnom Penh by private vehicle. Arrive at the hotel around midday.

In the afternoon, head to Wat Phnom Temple, the founding place of the city on a small hilltop. Then continue along the riverfront to the Royal Palace. This palace dates back to 1866 and houses the Silver Pagoda, named for the over 5,000 heavy silver tiles that cover its floors. Its original name is Wat Prakeo, meaning the Temple of the Emerald Buddha. In this temple, you will see a collection of Buddhas in gold, silver, crystal, and bronze.

Your next stop is the National Museum, built in the traditional Khmer style. It houses the world’s foremost collection of ancient Khmer artistic, archaeological, and religious artifacts from the 4th to the 13th centuries. Over 5,000 pieces are on display, constituting the repository of the kingdom’s cultural wealth. In addition, the roof space is home to a large bat colony!

In the late afternoon, enjoy an atmospheric sunset river cruise and watch how Phnom Penh’s popular riverfront comes to life in the early evening, with a coconut juice degustation on board. End your day with a 60-minute body massage package.

Spend the night in Phnom Penh.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch.

Phnom Penh Wat Phnom

A tasty breakfast with a cup of coffee or tea is the perfect way to start a new day. Your private guide and driver will pick you up at the hotel lobby. Today, you will spend time at the Phnom Tamao Wildlife Rescue Center. The Phnom Tamao Wildlife Rescue Centre (PTWRC) is a wildlife center located around 25 miles (40 km) by road south of Phnom Penh, Cambodia. The center was established in 1995, and it is Cambodia’s largest zoo, including over 6,000 acres of protected, regenerated forest. Animal caretakers, veterinarians, and caretakers who work for Wildlife Alliance help feed and care for animals and run operations.

At the moment, PTWRC is home to more than 1,200 rescued animals from 102 species. Some of these animals are endangered, like Asian elephants, tigers, Pileated Gibbons, Siamese crocodiles, and Malayan sun bears.

Spend the night in Phnom Penh.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch.

Phnom Penh Tamao Wildlife Rescue Centre

Today is at your leisure. Breakfast is still included, and check-out is at midday. Depending on your departure time, a private driver will pick you up from the hotel (3 hours before your flight departure time) and transfer you back to the airport for your departure flight.

Meals: Breakfast.

Phnom Penh Independence Monument