Day 1
Phnom Penh to Kong Rong Sanloem, travel to Sihanoukville and take the ferry to Kong Rong Samloen
Upon arrival on flight, you will be met by your guide at the airport and transfer to your car going to Sihanoukville. From Sihanoukville port you will take the ferry going to Koh Rong Sanloem Island, it will take around 45 minutes to reach to the island and proceed to your hotel for check in.
The rest of the day is at your leisure to relax, enjoy your hotel’s facilities, and explore the city.
Day 2
Koh Rong Sanloem, Koh Rong Light House, Island Boat tour, Bioluminescent Plankton
After breakfast, meet your guide at the hotel lobby for short briefing. Proceed to your destination, Koh Rong Lighthouse.
The Lighthouse was built by the French to signal the ships when Koh Rong Sanloem island served as a prominent port. It is a popular hiking spot among the tourists visiting Koh Rong Sanloem for its viewpoints offering beautiful bird views of the coast of the Gulf of Thailand. It is a long but easy hike with clear trails to reach the Lighthouse, and it is worth visiting the place.
Explore the island in an island boat tour.
Visit Bioluminescent Plankton, sparkling like a starry sky all around you, Koh Rong’s bioluminescent plankton are a wonderful sight to behold at night times. Although this phenomenon is abundant on the islands, the glowing plankton can only be seen in places with very little light pollution.
Day 3
Koh Rong Sanloem Departure, Phnom Penh, Toul Sleng, Royal Palace, Independence Monument
After breakfast, get ready for check out and meet your guide at the hotel lobby, proceed to ferry terminal to Sihanoukville port and meet the driver and car to bring you to Phnom Penh City.
Once arrive in Phnom Penh, straight to hotel for check in. Take a short freshen up and meet your guide at the hotel lobby for a short briefing and proceed to the 1st destination in Phnom Penh.
Toul Sleng Genocide Museum meaning “Hill of the Poisonous Tree” is a museum describes the Cambodian Genocide. This site is a former secondary school which was used as Security Prison 21 (S-21) by the Khmer rouge regime from 1975 until its fall in 1979. Estimated 20,000 people were imprisoned at Toul Sleng, the buildings were enclosed in electrified barbed wire, the classroom converted into tiny prison and torture chambers and all windows were covered with iron bars and barbed wire to prevent escapes and suicides. At any one time, the prison held between 1, 000 and 1,500 prisoners. They were repeatedly tortured and coerced into naming family members and close associates, who were in turn arrested, tortured and killed.
Today, the buildings at Toul Sleng are preserve, with some rooms still appearing just as they were when the Khmer Rouge were driven out in 1979. The regime kept extensive records, including thousands of photographs.
Royal Palace was constructed between 1866 and 1870, after King Norodom relocated the royal capital from Oudong to Phnom Penh. The complex is divided by walls into four main compounds, the Silver Pagoda, the Khemarin Palace, the Throne Hall and the Inner court.
Independence Monument, was built in 1958 to memorialize Cambodia’s independence from France in 1953. It stands on a roundabout in the intersection of Norodom Boulevard and Sihanouk Boulevard in the center of the city. It is in the form of a lotus-shaped stupa, of the style seen at the temple at Banteay Srei and other Khmer historical sites. The Independence Monument was designed by the Cambodian architect Vann Molyvann, who was “personally selected and instructed” by Prince Norodom Sihanouk on how it should look like, combining “the religious and the secular. It stands 37 meters tall.
During national celebrations, the Independence Monument is the center of activity. A ceremonial flame on the interior pedestal is often lit by a royal or high official on these occasions, and floral tributes line the stairs. Every year, the Independence Monument is visited by foreign tourists and locals alike.
Day 4
Phnom Penh, Phnom Chisor, Ta Prohm of Tonle Bati, Choeung EK, Russian Market
After breakfast, meet your guide at the hotel lobby for a short tour briefing. Proceed to the 1st destination of the day, Phnom Chisor.
Phnom Chisor is a 133 meters high mountain in Dok Por Vilage, Takeo Province. The temple located at the top of the hill built in the 11th century made of laterite and bricks with carved sandstones lintels by the Khmer Empire who practice Brahmanism. The original name of the temple was Sri Suryaparvata “the mountain of the sun”. On the east edge of the mountain, at the back of the temple, there is a prime spot for view and pictures where you can see a vast plain of surrounding rice fields and countryside. From there, looking down to the east can see an avenue that forms a straight line connecting three main features including two outer gates (temples) Sen Nimol temple, Sen Roveang temple, now used as a Buddhist sanctuary and Tonle Om, the ancient baray of Phnom Chisor.
Next, Ta Phrom of Tonle Bati, 35 minutes from Phnom Chisor, an Angkorian temple close to the lake. It is a smaller version of Ta Prohm in Siem Reap and built in the same period. A smaller version of a jungle temple. Ta Prohm of Tonle Bati was a sanctuary for Hindu deities. The site had been a Hindu place of worship already since the 6th century, in the pre-Angkorian Phnom-DA period. The temple structure is mainly constructed of brick and laterite. the wall was decorated with bas-reliefs illustrating Hindu myths, some of them are on the ground in front of the temple. There are five rooms inside the temple proper. Each room contains a Lingam indicating Shiva worship. In the main sanctuary an original 13th century Buddha statue faces east. A sandstone carving depicting a reclining Buddha in situ above the main door of the sanctum.
Choeung Ek known as the Killing fields is the site of a former orchard and mass graves of victim of the Khmer rouge, killed between 1975 and 1979 about 17 kilometers south of Phnom Penh city. This grave containing 8, 895 bodies were discovered after the fall of the Khmer Rouge. Today, Choeung Ek is a memorial marked by a Buddhist stupa, this stupa has acrylic glass sides and is filled with over 5,000 human skulls.
The Russian Market is the hippest market in town and one of the largest in Phnom Penh. Stalls selling wooden handicrafts, antiquities, miniature Buddhas, fruits and veggies, jewelry, etc, occupy this market. You’ll see plenty of knock-off products with various brand tags. The market is also famous for Khmer iced coffee, elephant pants, grilled bananas, and bargaining.
Day 5
Phnom Penh Departure, Bound to Hanoi
After breakfast meet your guide and car at the hotel lobby and get ready for the check out. Your guide will send you to the airport for your next country destination. Hanoi, Vietnam.
We suggest you take an early flight to Hanoi, for more chances to explore the place.
Your adventure begins upon touching down at Hanoi’s bustling airport, where a local representative will greet you with a warm Vietnamese welcome. Get ready for a half-day exploration of Hanoi’s rich history and vibrant culture!
First up, we’ll visit the iconic Ba Dinh Square, home to the revered Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum – a solemn monument dedicated to the leader of Vietnam’s revolution. Marvel at the stunning architecture and the serene atmosphere, especially before noon when the sun casts its golden glow. Don’t forget to peek at Ho Chi Minh’s former residence, an enchanting space that offers a glimpse into his humble lifestyle.
Next, we’ll make our way to the One Pillar Pagoda, a marvel of Vietnamese architecture that emerges gracefully from the middle of a tranquil square lake, symbolizing the lotus flower—a potent symbol of purity and enlightenment.
Our journey continues to The Temple of Literature, a serene sanctuary dedicated to Confucius. This is more than just a temple; it’s the keeper of knowledge, housing Vietnam’s first national university. Stroll through its beautifully manicured gardens and intricate stone carvings, feeling the weight of centuries of learning.
In the afternoon, you’ll check into your Hanoi hotel (check-in at 14:00). After refreshing, immerse yourself in the charm of the Hanoi Old Quarter. Wander through its winding streets filled with local shops, vibrant markets, and tempting street food. Visit the bustling Dong Xuan Market where you’ll find everything from silk to spices, or take a peaceful stroll around Hoan Kiem Lake, famous for its emerald waters, the iconic The Huc Bridge, and the picturesque Ngoc Son Temple rising elegantly from the lake.
As twilight descends on the city, prepare for a unique cultural experience. You’ll attend the mesmerizing Vietnamese Traditional Art of Water Puppetry at the theater, where puppets dance on water, telling age-old stories that will leave you captivated.
Overnight: Hanoi
Day 6
Hanoi, Halong Bay Cruise (Overnight at the Cruise)
Rise and shine! After breakfast, we’ll embark on a scenic journey to Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its mystical limestone karsts that rise dramatically from the emerald waters.
Upon arrival, board a charming boutique junk and set sail into the magical landscape, where over 1,000 islets and islands create an otherworldly atmosphere. Indulge in a sumptuous seafood lunch served on board, amidst the breathtaking views.
As you cruise, explore enchanting caves and floating fishing villages, where time seems to stand still. Relax on deck, enjoy a film night, or try your hand at squid fishing under the stars.
Dinner and Overnight: Aboard the boat, serenaded by gentle waves and the sounds of the night.
Day 7
Halong to Hanoi, Free time to Shop at Hanoi Old Quarter and Weekend Night Market.
Awake to the gentle rock of the boat and the promise of a beautiful day. After a light breakfast of cakes, fruits, and tea, continue to soak in the stunning views, exploring Halong Bay’s hidden gems.
Before you know it, it’s time to check out. Savor a leisurely brunch on board as you navigate back to the harbor, reflecting on the unforgettable sights you’ve witnessed.
Arriving back at Halong pier, you’ll take a scenic drive back to Hanoi, where a free afternoon awaits you. Take this time to explore the vibrant Hanoi Old Quarter and the enchanting Weekend Night Market if your visit aligns.
Overnight: Hanoi
Day 8
Hanoi, Ninh Binh (Tam Coc Caves, Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex, Hoa Lu Ancient Citadel, Mua Cave)
After breakfast, set off for Ninh Binh, known as Vietnam’s “Inland Halong Bay.” This area is characterized by stunning limestone karsts that rise from green rice paddies, creating a picture-perfect landscape.
Your journey includes a delightful boat ride to the Tam Coc Caves—nicknamed “three caves”—where you can drift serenely along narrow streams flanked by lush greenery. Alternatively, choose to explore the Trang An Scenic Landscape, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with its mysterious caves and temples dedicated to ancient deities.
Next, we’ll head to visit the historic Hoa Lu Ancient Citadel, the capital of Vietnam in the 10th century. Here, the Dinh King and Le King Temples, with their intricate carvings and rich history, await your discovery.
To top off your day, prepare for an exhilaratin
After a day filled with adventure and beauty, return to Hanoi in the evening.
Overnight: Hanoi
Day 9
Hanoi Departure
Savor your final breakfast in Vietnam before checking out of your hotel and preparing for departure. Your journey may be coming to a close, but the memories of Hanoi’s vibrant streets, Halong Bay’s timeless beauty, and Ninh Binh’s serenity will last a lifetime.
Your local representative will accompany you to the airport, ensuring a smooth farewell as you take off into the horizon.
