Heart of Cambodia

This twelve-night escorted tour by Explore Worldwide begins in Siem Reap, the gateway to the vast complex of Angkor temples. Highlights include an early morning at Angkor Wat and its neighbours Angkor Thom and Ta Prohm, where tree roots creep through crumbling stone. The route then moves west to Battambang, passing through silk farms and concluding with a cycling adventure across rural villages that offer insight into day-to-day Cambodian life.

Phnom Penh follows, with visits to royal hills and pottery villages before a stretch in the Cardamom Mountains at Chi Phat where local eco-tourism projects show a different side of the country. The last portion is leisurely, with island time on Koh Rong Samloem and a gentle riverside town walk in Kampot. The itinerary ends in Phnom Penh with sobering visits to genocide sites balanced by a local monk blessing and an evening along the riverfront. The pace is steady, with time to wander at leisure and a few optional outings for those who want more.

The tour offers enough variety to glimpse Cambodia’s history and natural beauty without rushing. With local guides and a small group, it avoids the usual tourist traps while still ticking the main boxes anyone will want to see on a Cambodian circuit.