Cambodia Finesse Small Group Tour 2025

Full Itinerary

Max Group Size:  12

Day 1: Depart the UK (Tuesday 7 October 2025)

Day 2:  Arrive in Phnom Penh where you will be met by your guide who will transfer you to your hotel  (Baitong Hotel, B & B Basis)
             Rest of the day at leisure

Day 3:  Phnom Penh Killing Fields, Genocide Museum and City Tour (Included) (Baitong Hotel B & B Basis)

This morning we visit the Killing Fields and the S21 Genocide Museum. Located on the banks of the Tonle Sap and Mekong River, Phnom Penh was once known as the “Pearl of Asia”, one of the loveliest French-built cities in Indochina.
After the Khmer Rouge regime, the city was sadly left a shadow of its former self. Now, due to a strong, young dynamism, the city is once again a vibrant, growing capital.
Spend a half day learning more about the turbulent Khmer Rouge years with visits to Tuol Sleng, a high school turned interrogation prison known as S-21 during the Khmer Rouge era and now a genocide museum; and Cheung Ek, a large memorial commemorating the 17,000 victims who died there under the reign of Khmer Rouge leader, Pol Pot, made famous by the movie “The Killing Fields”.
While sombre reminders of the cruelty of the Khmer Rouge regime, these visits will also provide an appreciation of the struggle that Cambodian people have faced and their tremendous courage to move on and rebuild their nation.

NOTE:
A respectful and humble demeanor is requested when visiting the Toul Sleng Genocide Museum and the Killing Fields.

This afternoon we have included a 3 hour city tour. Home to about 1.5 million people, Phnom Penh has been Cambodia’s capital since French colonization of the country.
Located on the banks of the Tonle Sap and Mekong River, Phnom Penh was once known as the “Pearl of Asia”, one of the loveliest French-built cities in Indochina.
Spend a half day exploring some key attractions in this charming city which boasts a rich blend of Khmer and colonial architecture.
Explore the hillside Wat Phnom with its big trees and mischievous monkeys and hear about the legend of Lady Penh, the founder of the city; the Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda, two of the most striking buildings in the capital and considered as some of the finest examples of Khmer architecture. At the Silver Pagoda, notice the small green crystal Buddha (the “Emerald Buddha”) and a life-sized solid-gold Buddha, which weighs 90kg (198lb) and is adorned with 2086 diamonds; and the National Museum, designed in Khmer style by a French archaeologist and painter in 1917. The museum’s collection includes over 14,000 items, making it one of the world’s largest collections of Khmer art, including sculptural, ceramics, bronzes, and ethnographic objects.

Day 4: Phnom Penh to Battambang (Oh Battambang Hotel, B & B Basis)

After breakfast, we transfer by road to Battambang. (Approx. 5 hours with a lunch stop en route)
Discover the charm of Battambang, Cambodia's second-largest city, nestled in the heart of the country's northwest.
Battambang offers a captivating blend of rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning natural beauty.
Wander through the well-preserved colonial architecture, explore the bustling markets brimming with local flavors, and delve into the region's artistic scene with visits to traditional Khmer performances and contemporary art galleries.
With its laid-back atmosphere and authentic Cambodian experience, Battambang is a hidden gem waiting to be explored. Rest of the day free.

Day 5: Battambang Full Day Excursion in rural Cambodia (Oh Battambang Hotel, B & B Basis)

We have included a full day excursion on a tuk tuk with a local driver/guide to Learn about the culture and history of Battambang on this guided tour.
Ride a tuk tuk as you explore the city, experience traveling on a bamboo train, and visit the Killing Cave and the Bat Cave.

Day 6: Battambang – Siem Reap (Memoire D’Angkor Hotel, B & B Basis)

Pick-up at the hotel for journey to the river for the ferry boat to Siem Reap.
Travel along the Sangker River then onto Tonle Sap Lake and see some of the floating villages.
A lunch stop (lunch not included) will be made but food choices are limited so advisable to take provisions.

Transfer to Hotel Memoire D’Angkor. Approx. arrival time 15h00 

Day 7: Well off the beaten track (Memoire D’Angkor Hotel, Lunch, B & B Basis)

Wake up early and transfer by private vehicle to the West Gate of Angkor Wat from where the sunrise can be best observed.
Enter the temple complex. Angkor Wat (early 12th century) is surrounded by 190-metrewide moat 1.5 kilometers by 1.3 kilometers and is claimed to be the largest religious building in the world. It is certainly one of the wonders of the ancient world.
You will be amazed by the sheer size of the temple, which took 30 years to construct & used the labors of up to 300,000 workers.
Angkor Wat was built as the earthly representation of the universe with its' central tower symbolizing Mt Meru which, Hindus believe, is at the center of the Universe.
Return to the West Gate and breakfast can be enjoyed just outside of the Angkor complex at a local restaurant (own cost).
Drive to visit Banteay Kdei built between the 12th and 13th centuries. The ruined condition of the temple in no way detracts from the grandeur of this walled temple.
Banteay means fortified monastery and refers to the double wall surrounding it.
Continue to Ta Prohm, this beautiful temple, built in 1186 as a Buddhist temple dedicated to the mother of Jayavarman VII, is one of Angkor’s jewels and is overgrown with fig trees, giving a haunting yet exotic atmosphere.
The magnificent roots of the trees have merged over the centuries with the temple’s huge stone blocks, creating a ‘forgotten city’ feeling. Pause at Ta Keo, which would have been the finest temples in Angkor had it been completed.
A short distance further are the twin temples of Chau Say Tevoda and Thommanon. Return to town for a rest and relaxation at the hotel in the midafternoon. Drive to Angkor Thom, not a temple, but an entire walled city of 9 sq km and served as the ancient royal Capital of the Khmer Empire from approx. 1181. With a probable population of 1 million, it was far bigger and grander than any city in Europe at the time. Your guide will take you to the Terrace of the Elephants and the Terrace of the Leper King.
The center piece of Jayavarman VII's Capital is the Bayon temple and, as you approach, you will notice the 216 giants, enigmatic, smiling faces looking into every direction.
Return to the South gate where you will board a small, private boat out to Prasat ChrungTemple to watch the amazing sunset.

Day 8: Siem Reap (Memoire D’Angkor Hotel, B & B Basis)

Take time to relax, shop and discover the street life in Cambodia's most pleasant tourist town by your own.

Optional: Farewell dinner with Apsara dance performance 7:00pm depart from your hotel for dinner.
Traditional Apsara dancing has a long history in Cambodia, dating back to the 7th century according to some stone temple carvings. In Hindu mythology, Apsaras were beautiful female creatures who descended from heaven to entertain gods and kings with their dancing. This traditional dance is meaningful in many ways as it constitutes a link between the different religions prominent in Cambodia, including Animism, Hinduism, and Buddhism. Also notice symbolic and elegant finger gestures and the ornate silk costumes inspired by the wall carvings of the Angkor temples. 

Day 9: Siem Reap departure Meet with your guide and transfer from your accommodation to the airport for your flight home

Day 10:  Arrive back in the UK (Thursday 16 October 2025)