9-Days Explore Mekong River Dolphin - Ancient Empire Cities

9-Days Explore Mekong River Dolphin - Ancient Empire Cities - Cambodia Tours, itinerary a day visit Phnom Penh - dolphin - Kratie Sambor Prei kuk temple - Preah Vihear - Koh ker group - Bengmelea - Tone sap lake - 2 angkor temples - Kulen Waterfall, Please note that this itinerary involves a lot of driving, so it's important to consider the travel times and allocate your time accordingly. Additionally, some sites may have entrance fees, so be sure to factor that into your budget.

Itinerary (9-days)

Day1- Phnom Penh Airport plus City Tours.

Phnom Penh Airport Pickup: Upon arrival at Phnom Penh International Airport, arrange for a private transfer to your accommodation in the city. Take some time to rest and freshen up before starting your exploration.

Visit Wat Phnom: Start your day by visiting Wat Phnom, a historical Buddhist temple located atop a small hill. Explore the temple grounds, learn about its importance in Phnom Penh's history, and enjoy panoramic views of the city.

Sunset Cruise with Local People: Later in the afternoon, embark on a sunset cruise along the Mekong or Tonle Sap rivers. These cruises often include cultural performances and allow you to witness the local way of life along the riverbanks. Relax, enjoy the scenic views, and soak in the atmosphere as the sun sets.

Day2- Visit Phnom Penh city Attractions.

Visit to the Killing Fields: The next morning, visit the Killing Fields at Choeung Ek. This infamous site serves as a grim reminder of Cambodia's dark past. Take a guided tour to learn about the atrocities committed during the Khmer Rouge regime and pay tribute to the lives lost.

Genocide Museum S21 Prison: After visiting the Killing Fields, head to the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, also known as S21 Prison. This former high school turned prison will provide you with a deeper understanding of the Khmer Rouge era. Explore the museum's exhibitions, see the prison cells, and hear the stories of survivors.

Royal Palace: In the afternoon, visit the Royal Palace, a magnificent complex that serves as the official residence of the King of Cambodia. Marvel at the beautiful architecture, stroll through the Silver Pagoda, and explore the various buildings and gardens within the palace grounds.

Independence Monument: Before concluding your day, make a stop at Independence Monument, a prominent landmark in Phnom Penh. Take a walk around the monument and photos at about its historical significance as a symbol of Cambodia's independence from French colonial rule.

Day3- Phnom Penh to Kratie Trip.

Depart from Phnom Penh: Start your day early and head towards your first destination, Kratie. This journey will take approximately 4-5 hours, so make sure to plan accordingly, Dolphin Spotting in Kratie: Upon reaching Kratie, you can take a boat tour along the Mekong River to spot the endangered Irrawaddy dolphins. Enjoy the serene beauty of the river and try to catch a glimpse of these magnificent creatures, evening walk and explore city area.

Day4: Kratie to Kampong Thom.

Visit Sambor Prei Kuk Temple: Next, make your way to Sambor Prei Kuk Temple, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Explore the ancient ruins of this pre-Angkorian city, known for its stunning architecture and intricate carvings.

Stay over nigth at your hotel in Kampong Thom city.

Day5- Kampong Thom to Preah Vihear.

Visit Preah Vihear: From Sambor Prei Kuk, continue your journey towards Preah Vihear, known for its breathtaking mountaintop temple. Take in the panoramic views and explore the temple complex, which is a remarkable example of Khmer architecture.

We do recommend travelers to stay in Sra-aem town of Preah Vihear

Day6- Sra-aem Preah Vihear - Koh Ker Siem Reap.

Visit Koh Ker Group: Alternatively, you can visit the Koh Ker Group, which is a remote archaeological site famous for its ancient temples. Marvel at the towering Prasat Thom pyramid temple and explore other structures in the area. Next visit Beng Mealea: Head towards Beng Mealea, an atmospheric temple complex located deep in the jungle. This hidden gem is often referred to as the "Indiana Jones" temple, as it offers a sense of adventure and exploration.

Day7- Kulen Waterfall - Tonle Sap fishing Community. 

Explore the Kulen Waterfall of Kulen National Park, visit to the Kulen Waterfall, Enjoy the beauty of the cascading waterfall and cool off in its refreshing waters, Reclining Buddha and River of a Thousand of Linga.

Afternoon Tonle Sap Lake: Next, visit Tonle Sap Lake, the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia. Explore the floating villages and observe the local way of life on the lake. Take a boat ride to fully experience the unique ecosystem and cultural heritage of this stunning lake to Siem Reap hotels.

Day8: Grand Loop Tours plus Banteay Drei.

Depart from Siem Reap: Start your day early and depart from Siem Reap towards Banteay Srei. Banteay Srei is located approximately 35 kilometers northeast of the main Angkor Archaeological Park.

Banteay Srei: Visit the beautiful Banteay Srei temple, also known as the "Citadel of Women." Admire the intricate carvings and well-preserved pink sandstone structures that display exceptional craftsmanship. Next visit Preah Khan: Next, make your way to Preah Khan, a massive temple complex that was once a royal residence and a center for worship. Explore the labyrinthine corridors, hidden courtyards, and stunning sculptures that make this temple unique, After Preah Khan, proceed to Neak Pean, a small Buddhist temple built on an artificial island surrounded by a pond. Take a leisurely stroll around the pond and marvel at the serene atmosphere of this ancient site, Next Ta Som: From Neak Pean, continue your journey to Ta Som. This temple offers a more secluded and peaceful experience compared to the more popular sites. Explore the atmospheric ruins, covered in moss and trees, and enjoy the tranquility of the surroundings, Next visit East Mebon: Head towards East Mebon, an impressive temple-mountain dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva. Admire the massive elephant statues and intricate stone carvings that adorn the temple's architecture, the last visit Pre Rup: Lastly, visit Pre Rup, a temple known for its beautiful sunset views. Climb to the top of this pyramid-shaped temple and witness the stunning panorama as the sun sets over the Angkor Archaeological Park and transfer Siem Reap hotels.

Day9: Angkor Wat Park Tours.

Explore Angkor Temples, As the day comes to an end, travel towards Siem Reap, where you can explore the world-renowned Angkor Temples. We recommended to visit samll loop temples, such as Angkor Wat, the iconic symbol of Cambodia,  Angkor Thom city, and another jungle temple Ta Prohm to Siem Reap hotels or Siem Reap Airport SAI to Drop off the end of tours.