All The Flavors Of Cambodia – 9 days

A culinary tour is a great way to get under the skin of a country as well as seeing the classic Cambodian highlights such as the Angkor temple complex and Phnom Penh. Let’s discover the truly exotic and ancient food culture of Cambodia with us.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Explore the fresh food markets of Siem Reap
• Pick local ingredients to prepare in a Khmer cooking class
• Experience the traditional meal with a local Khmer family in Phnom Penh
• Tasting the world famous Kampot pepper and learn to make Kampot Pepper Crab
• Discovering Phnom Penh’s old world charm by cyclo
• The fantastic temple complexes and UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Angkor Wat

ITINERARY

Day 1:  Siem Reap Arrival
Day 2:  Angkor Wat Tour
Day 3:  Siem Reap – Market and Cooking Class
Day 4:  Siem Reap – Phnom Penh
Day 5:  Phnom Penh Cyclo Tour – Family Dinner Experience
Day 6:  Phnom Penh – Kep
Day 7:  Kep – Market & Cooking Class
Day 8:  Kep
Day 9:  Kep – Phnom Penh Departure

DAY 1             SIEM REAP ARRIVAL (D)

Upon arrival in Siem Reap, you will be met by local guide transferred to your hotel. Siem Reap is the base for exploring the fabled temples of Angkor, the ancient capital of the Khmer empire. Over 100 temples are spread over a vast area and the site easily lives up to its status as one of the seven wonders of the forgotten world.

Enjoy the Welcome Dinner!

Overnight in Siem Reap.

DAY 2              ANGKOR WAT TOUR (B, L)

Visit South Gate of Angkor Thom and the marvelous of the eerie Bayon, Baphuon, Phimeanakas, Terrace of Elephant, Terrace of Leper King, Royal Enclosure. Also visit Ta Prohm Temple. Afternoon visit the famous of Angkor Wat, built for king Suryavarman II in the early 12th century as his state temple and capital city – first Hindo, then Buddhist-since its foundation, trip conclude by experience sunset view at Angkor Wat.

Overnight in Siem Reap.

DAY 3              SIEM REAP – MARKET & COOKING CLASS – TONLE SAP LAKE (B, L)

Spend the morning learning about some of the classic Khmer dishes AT Champey Cooking Scholl. The expert chefs before accompanying them to the local market to purchase the days ingredients and learn about the many variations of rice and seasoning products used in Khmer cuisine. Return to the kitchen where the chef will demonstrate a number of classic Khmer dishes before you’re let loose to try for yourself! Enjoy your efforts in the restaurant for lunch.
 
This afternoon we will enjoy a boat ride on the Tonle Sap Lake. This is the largest permanent fresh-water lake in South East Asia and flows into Tonle Sap River, joining the Mekong in Phnom Penh. We will see a fishermen’s “floating village” with floating schools, floating police station, etc. It is same as a big village floating on the lake, and the “village” move from place to place following water levels and current.
 
Overnight in Siem Reap.

DAY 4              SIEM REAP – PHNOM PENH – FAMILY DINNER EXPERIENCE (B, D)

After breakfast, transfer by road to Siem Reap Airport for a short flight to Phnom Penh. Upon arrival, you will be met by local guide transferred to your hotel. The city was once considered one of the most beautiful cities in the Orient and despite its recent turbulent history it still retains much Colonial charm.
 
In the late afternoon, enjoy 1 hour boat cruise along the Mekong. Afterwards we are invited into the house of a local family. We sit down at the dinner table, listen to their stories and learn more about their everyday routine, beliefs and traditions.

Overnight in Phnom Penh.

DAY 5             TUOL SLENG & CHEUNG EK TOUR, PHNOM PENH CYCLO TOUR (B, L)

The morning, gain insight into Cambodia’s recent dark history on a visit to the remarkable Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum of Genocidal Crimes and Cheung Ek, better known as the “Killing Fields”, housed in the former school that was taken over by the Khmer Rouge and used as its main detention and torture center named ‘S-21’.

In the afternoon, discover Phnom Penh on cyclo. We start at Wat Phnom, iconic symbol of Phnom Penh, before heading past the National Library and Hotel Le Royal. We pass the train station before winding down to Psar Thmei and the Independence Monument. We pass the glittering Royal Palace compound and the stunning National Museum before winding up at the lively riverfront. We also visit the bustling Central and Russian markets for some shopping and interesting snacks.

Overnight in Phnom Penh.

DAY 6             PHNOM PENH – KEP (B)

After breakfast, leave Phnom Penh for Kep, one of Cambodia’s up-and-coming south coast destinations. En-route stop at the Pepper Plantation & Vine Retreat; an ecologically conscientious organic farm nestled at the foot of a small range of jungle entrenched mountains named Phnom Vor. The Vine Retreat currently produces a wide variety of vegetables, herbs and fruits including the region’s proudest crop – the world renowned Kampot pepper. The picturesque onsite restaurant is a highly recommended spot for lunch, serving some excellent homegrown Khmer dishes, created predominantly from ingredients grown on site or purchased from local farmers.
After lunch continue on to Kep. Upon arrival Kep, check in hotel. The rest of the day is free at leisure.
 
Overnight in Kep.

DAY 7             KEP – MARKET & COOKING CLASS AT KNAI BANG CHATT (B, L)

Breakfast at hotel. This morning we will attend a cooking class at Knai Bang Chatt. The gardens of Knai Bang Chatt, overlooking the Gulf of Thailand, are the perfect setting for a cooking class. This is an opportunity to learn more about Khmer cuisine and explore traditional methods of food preparation, whilst discovering new herbs and spices.

With a visit to the Crab Market, they learn to identify local ingredients and understand the importance of seasonality in Khmer cooking. From local herbs, sprices and of course Kampot pepper, you will learn to prepare different traditional dishes from amok, banana flower green mango salad, chicken pickled lime soup to some traditional deserts like ‘Khmer delight’.

After lunch at Knai Bang Chatt, the rest of the day is free at leisure.

Overnight in Kep.

DAY 8             KEP (B)

Your day is free at leisure. Optional is boat trip to Rabbit Island.

Overnight in Kep.

DAY 9             KEP – PHNOM PENH DEPARTURE (B)

Your day is free at leisure until transfer to airport for your departure flight.

SERVICE INCLUDED

• Shared accommodation in twin/double room with daily breakfast
• Tours as per itinerar with local speaking guide
• All transfers and transportation with air-con vehicles
• All entrance fees as program
• Meals (B: Breakfast; L: Lunch; D: Dinner) as indicated in the program
• A bottle of mineral water per day tour

SERVICE EXCLUDED 

• Drinks
• Mineral water beyond that supplied
• Tips
• Personal expenses and tips
• Visa to Cambodia
• Airfares (international and domestic)
• Meals (other than mentioned in the program)
• Airport taxes  
• Early check in or late check out
• Insurances
• Optional excursions and activities
• Additional transfer required due to any emergency situation
• Items of a personal nature (Phone calls, laundry, beverages…)
• Peak season surcharges if any
• All not mentioned above