Family Fun in Cambodia

On arrival into Siem Reap, guests will be welcomed by a local English-speaking guide and transferred to their hotel for check in. Siem Reap is the base for exploring the fabled temples of Angkor, the ancient capital of the Khmer empire.

This morning guests will discover some of the other main Angkor sites with a tour by local ‘remok’ (tuk tuk). First, head to the ancient city of Angkor Thom - the last capital of the Great Khmer Empire under the reign of Jayavarman VII. This city is surrounded by an eight-meter-high wall drawn in a perfect square. Guests will enter the city from the ancient South Gate, an impressive stone gate carved with elephants and four giant faces. 

From here, continue to Bayon Temple in the exact center of the city. This 12th Century masterpiece is a study in grandeur and is well known for its 54 towers with enigmatic faces representing the 54 provinces of the Great Khmer Empire. The ‘Terrace of the Elephants’ and ‘Terrace of the Leper King’ are also must-visits as they are both known for their intricate bas-reliefs. Stroll through the grounds of the former Royal Palace to discover some small hidden temples that are rarely visited.

Afterwards, visit Ta Prohm temple – a site children will probably enjoy the most; the ‘Tomb Raider’ movie was filmed here. 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. This makes Ta Prohm one of the most picturesque and memorable of the Angkor temples.

Return to Siem Reap for lunch at HAVEN, a training restaurant for young adults (orphans, half-orphans and abandoned children)

This afternoon guests will be picked up from their hotel by remok, taken off the main tourist track and into the seldom-visited surrounding countryside. This will allow guests to practice the basics of the Khmer language under the helpful guidance of a native Khmer teacher/guide.

The first stop will be at a local market where guests will see the daily life of the local tradesmen and have the opportunity to practice some basic Khmer words and greetings.

From here, the journey continues to Phnom Bok Mountain, 25km from Siem Reap. Arriving at the foot of the mountain guests will prepare to ascend the 635 steps to the top, making sure to have plenty of water for the 30-minute climb!

At the top of the mountain guests will have a short rest and enjoy the views before having an introductory Khmer language lesson with the native Khmer teacher/guide.

After the lesson guests will explore the ruined temple at the top of the mountain, a Buddhist pagoda and enjoy the expansive views across the province before descending back down, where they will enjoy a fresh coconut and practice some more basic words and phrases.

Leaving the mountain. Guests will be driven back through the scenic countryside, past little villages and rice fields to see the daily life of the Cambodian countryside and learn about the rice harvests.  On arrival back near to town, guests will make a final stop at an evening street market and fairground where locals go to relax and have fun.

Today guests will experience an incredible tour to learn about life in a typical Cambodian village, be warmly welcomed by the locals, meet local communities and find out about village customs and cultures.

Guests will be picked up from their hotel by a local guide and driven to Kompheim Village, 25 minutes out of town. On arrival, they will take an ox cart ride through the village and even learn how to drive it, before meeting the host family. . The day is then spent undertaking whatever seasonal activity is happening at that time, including rice planting, weaving thatched roofs, planting or harvesting vegetable crops etc. Each tour will be different and the activity will depend on the time of the year, the family and the needs of the local village. Guests will also help plant a fruit tree for the local family.

They will then meet another family to participate in preparing a delicious Khmer lunch from fresh ingredients, which guests will then sit down and eat with the family.

After lunch, guests can take a walk through the rest of the village and community, getting the opportunity to interact with the locals (and trying out some of the Khmer they have learned!), before transferring back to Siem Reap in the early afternoon, where the remainder of the day is at leisure.

Full day at leisure

After an early breakfast, board a private boat  for a fascinating journey across Tonlé Sap Lake to Battambang. En route, guests will pass floating villages and flooded forests, seeing life on this body of water that forms Cambodia’s heart. A packed lunch will be served onboard.  (Note: This boat trip is only possible in the high water period from July to December as water levels are too low during the dry season and transfer times can be extremely long. From January to June alternative transfer by road and lunch will not be included.)

On arrival in Battambang the remainder of the day is at leisure.

This morning guests will depart Battambang for Phnom Penh. Starting early, the first stop of the day is at Kampong Chhnang, which is known for its traditional pottery and features many working kilns. In a village near Kampong Chhnang, guests will see the different aspects of pottery making and experience the production of traditional rice wine.

Continue to Oudong, the former royal capital of Cambodia. The drive passes through many rural villages and pagodas, and past Temple Mountain with its dozens of stupas which can be seen from afar. Upon arrival at Oudong enjoy a traditional Khmer lunch at a picnic hut at the foot of the hill. Then climb the stairs to the top of Oudong Mountain and enjoy magnificent views over the plains below. The guide will explain the history of the area and its buildings, as well as the religious culture of the Cambodian people. Here, guests can take their time to soak up the magnificent views over the plains below.

After a picnic lunch, drive the short distance to the Tonlé Sap River. Spend a relaxing afternoon cruising to Phnom Penh, passing many floating villages and fishing stations. After about three hours guests will arrive back in the Cambodian capital and transfer to their hotel.

Phnom Penh was once considered one of the most beautiful cities in the Orient, and despite its recent turbulent history.