11-Day Cambodia Tour: visit Phnom Penh, Siem Reap & Beyond

The 11-Day Cambodia Tour: Visit Phnom Penh, Siem Reap & Beyond offers a well-rounded glimpse into this captivating country, combining cultural sites, scenic landscapes, and off-the-beaten-path gems. For $3,168 per group (up to four travelers), you get a thoughtfully crafted itinerary that covers major highlights like Angkor Wat, Preah Vihear Temple, and vibrant city scenes, all led by a senior English-speaking guide. We love how this tour balances sightseeing with the chance for genuine culture—imagine walking through ancient temples or cruising along lively streets with expert narration.

Two standout aspects are the inclusion of all entrance fees and tickets, which means no surprises or extra costs, and the comfort of air-conditioned transportation, making long drives more enjoyable. Plus, the variety of hotels across Cambodia’s key towns ensures a comfortable stay in each location. One consideration might be the pace—the trip involves quite a few stops and transitions, so it’s best suited for travelers who enjoy a mix of exploration and flexibility.

This tour is ideal for travelers who want to see the highlights of Cambodia without the hassle of planning each detail themselves. It’s perfect if you’re eager to learn about Cambodia’s history and culture, appreciate scenic drives, and prefer traveling with a knowledgeable guide. It’s less suited for those seeking a leisurely, slow-paced vacation or travelers with health limitations, given the physical demands of temple exploration and travel days.

Key Points

• Comprehensive itinerary covering Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, Preah Vihear, and beyond.
• All entrance fees and tickets included, removing unexpected costs.
• Comfortable air-conditioned transportation suited for various group sizes.
• Expert senior English-speaking guide providing insightful commentary.
• Balanced mix of cultural sites, natural beauty, and hidden gems.
• Hotels vary by location, ensuring a comfortable stay but requiring pre-planning.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Exploring Cambodia: A Deep Dive into the 11-Day Tour

An Overview of the Experience

This 11-day journey offers a well-paced, in-depth exploration of Cambodia’s core attractions and lesser-known treasures. With a price tag of $3,168 for a group of up to four, the tour seems to strike a good balance between affordability and value—especially considering that all entrance fees, tickets, mineral waters, napkins, and some fresh fruits are included.

What makes this experience stand out? First, the expert guidance of a senior English-speaking guide, such as Hok, ensures you won’t miss vital stories and context behind the sights. Second, the careful itinerary allows you to experience Cambodia’s diverse landscapes—scenic temples, bustling cities, and tranquil countryside—all in one trip.

One thing to keep in mind is the pace: with multiple hotels, several long drives in air-conditioned vans or small buses, and numerous site visits, it’s best suited for travelers who enjoy an active, engaged holiday. If you’re looking for total relaxation, this might feel a bit busy. But if you want to tick off Cambodia’s top sights with a knowledgeable guide, this tour offers excellent value.

An In-Depth Breakdown of the Itinerary

Days 1-4: Siem Reap and Angkor Wat

Starting in Siem Reap, you’ll spend three nights in a comfortable hotel. The city itself is lively and full of charm, serving as your base for exploring the iconic Angkor Wat and surrounding temples. While the tour doesn’t specify which temples, it’s safe to assume they include some of the most famous—like Bayon, Ta Prohm, and Angkor Thom—each with its own story and atmosphere.

We loved the way the tour balances guided visits with free time, allowing you to soak in the sights or explore on your own. As one traveler said, “We loved the way the guide explained the history while leaving space for personal reflection.” The inclusion of all entrance fees means you won’t have to scramble for tickets or worry about missing out.

Day 4: Transition to Preah Vihear

Leaving Siem Reap, the trip takes you northward to Preah Vihear Province—a less visited but stunning part of Cambodia. Here, you’ll stay one night near the Preah Vihear Temple, perched atop a mountain with sweeping views. The temple’s dramatic setting, with its ancient stone structures overlooking lush valleys, is a highlight.

The journey itself offers scenic vistas and a chance to see more rural Cambodia. The hotel here provides a different flavor of Cambodian hospitality, and the experience of visiting a UNESCO-listed site with fewer travelers can be quite special.

Day 5: To Kampong Thom

Next, the tour moves south to Kampong Thom, known for its archaeological sites and relaxed atmosphere. The overnight stay here allows for a more intimate encounter with Cambodia’s countryside. The familiar comfort of hotel accommodations makes it a restful stop before heading further south.

Days 6-8: Phnom Penh

A two-night stay in Cambodia’s capital introduces you to a bustling city rich in history and culture. Key sites likely include the Royal Palace, Silver Pagoda, and the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum—places that provide a sobering but essential perspective on Cambodia’s past.

Our favorite aspect at this stage is the guided narration that contextualizes Cambodia’s recent history, helping us better understand the resilience of its people. The city’s lively markets and riverfront area offer vibrant contrasts to the temples and countryside.

Days 8-10: Battambang

Moving to Battambang, you’ll spend two nights in a city known for its colonial architecture and unique rural charm. The tour allows for exploring local markets, perhaps a bamboo train ride, and enjoying authentic Khmer cuisine. We appreciated the chance to see a different side of Cambodia, far from tourist-heavy spots.

Day 10-11: Returning to Siem Reap

Back to Siem Reap for one final night, this leg offers a chance to revisit favorite spots or relax before your departure. The convenience of returning to a familiar hotel makes for a smooth end to your journey.

Transportation & Comfort

Air-conditioned transportation makes long days on the road more bearable, especially in Cambodia’s warm climate. The tour adapts to the group size: a van for smaller groups, a mini-bus for mid-sized parties, and a bus for larger groups, ensuring everyone stays comfortable.

Mineral waters and napkins provided throughout the day help keep you refreshed, especially during temple visits and long drives. The logistics seem well-organized, with hotels chosen for comfort and location.

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Authenticity and Cultural Immersion

One of the tour’s strengths is the balance between guided visits and opportunities for independent exploration. The experienced guide, Hok, is praised for his insightful commentary, making history come alive. Many reviews mention how the guide’s explanations enriched the experience, making complex history understandable and personal.

It’s also notable that the tour includes some hidden gems like Preah Vihear, which is less crowded and offers spectacular views, and Kampong Thom, where you can observe local life away from tourist centers.

What’s Not Included & Practical Tips

Remember that the cost does not cover meals or personal expenses. Entrance fees and tickets are included, which is a huge plus, but you may want to budget for meals, souvenirs, or optional activities. Also, since this tour involves temple walking and some uneven terrain, it’s best suited for travelers in good health.

The tour explicitly states that smoking, large luggage, alcohol, and drugs are not allowed, so pack light, keep your valuables secure, and adhere to these guidelines.

Who Is This Tour Best Suited For?

This Cambodia tour is ideal for history buffs, culture enthusiasts, and travelers eager to see the country’s highlights with expert guidance. It’s perfect if you want structured sightseeing with the convenience of included tickets and comfortable transportation.

However, it might be too fast-paced for those seeking a truly slow vacation or with mobility issues, considering the walking and site visits involved. It’s also best suited for travelers who appreciate detailed explanations and engaging stories about the places they visit.

The Sum Up

This 11-day Cambodia tour offers a comprehensive, well-organized way to see many of the country’s most famous and meaningful spots. From the awe-inspiring temples of Angkor to the mountain-top ruins of Preah Vihear, and from Phnom Penh’s poignant museums to Battambang’s laid-back charm, the itinerary covers a lot of ground without feeling rushed.

The inclusion of all entrance fees and high-quality transportation makes it a good value, especially considering the expertise of the guide and the variety of accommodations. It’s a trip that combines cultural insight, scenic beauty, and authentic experiences—perfect for travelers wanting a balanced, engaging introduction to Cambodia.

If you’re eager to learn about Cambodia’s past and present while enjoying comfortable travel and insightful guides, this tour checks many boxes. Just keep in mind the pace and physical demands, and you’re set for a memorable journey.

FAQs

What locations will I visit on this tour?
You’ll explore Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, Preah Vihear Province, Kampong Thom, and Battambang, experiencing temples, city sights, and rural landscapes.

Are entrance fees included?
Yes, all entrance fees and tickets for sites listed in the itinerary are included, so you won’t need to worry about extra costs at each attraction.

What transportation is provided?
The tour uses air-conditioned vans, mini-buses, or buses, depending on group size. Mineral waters and napkins are provided throughout the day.

How many nights will I stay in each location?
You’ll spend three nights in Siem Reap, one in Preah Vihear, one in Kampong Thom, two in Phnom Penh, two in Battambang, and one final night back in Siem Reap.

Are meals included in the tour?
No, meals are not included, but you might find plenty of dining options along the way. The tour does include some fresh fruits and drinks during the day.

Is this tour suitable for seniors or those with health issues?
While it’s generally suitable for most healthy travelers, those with back, heart, or mobility issues should consider the physical demands of temple exploration and long travel days.

What is the cost of the tour, and what does it cover?
The total price is $3,168 for a group of up to four, covering transportation, guide services, entrance fees, mineral waters, napkins, and some snacks.

Can I customize the hotel stays or extend the trip?
You can book your hotels independently or ask for assistance from the provider. Extending your trip is possible but not included in the standard package.

Is the tour flexible or fixed?
The itinerary is fairly fixed, but the guide offers insights and explanations that can make your experience more personal. Some free time is typically included for your own exploration.

This detailed review aims to help you decide if this Cambodia tour fits your travel style. It offers a solid, thoughtfully designed experience that highlights the country’s most compelling sights, balanced with comfort and expert guidance. Whether you’re a history lover, a cultural explorer, or just eager to see Cambodia’s iconic temples and vibrant cities, this tour provides a valuable and memorable way to discover this fascinating corner of Southeast Asia.

You can check availability for your dates here: