Day 1: Arrival in Siem Reap – Christmas Eve Celebration
- Morning: Arrival at Siem Reap International Airport. Check in to your hotel. Relax and refresh.
- Afternoon:
- Visit the Angkor National Museum to gain insight into Khmer culture and history.
- Take a boat trip on Tonlé Sap Lake to see the floating villages.
- Evening:
- Enjoy a special Christmas Eve dinner at a top-rated restaurant or your hotel.
- Experience Phare, the Cambodian Circus, for a vibrant cultural performance.
Day 2: Siem Reap – Explore Angkor Wat (Christmas Day)
- Morning:
- Begin with a sunrise tour of Angkor Wat, the world’s largest religious monument.
- Explore Angkor Thom, Bayon Temple, and the iconic Ta Prohm (known for the jungle overgrowth).
- Afternoon:
- Relax with a lunch of traditional Khmer dishes.
- Visit smaller temples like Banteay Srei, known for its intricate carvings.
- Evening:
- Celebrate Christmas with a cultural Apsara dance show paired with dinner.
Day 3: Siem Reap to Battambang
- Morning:
- Drive to Battambang (about 3 hours).
- Check in to your hotel.
- Afternoon:
- Visit the unique Bamboo Train ride for a fun and scenic experience.
- Explore local art galleries and the historic French colonial architecture in Battambang.
- Evening:
- Stroll along the Sangker River and dine at a local eatery.
Day 4: Battambang to Phnom Penh
- Morning:
- Visit Phnom Sampeau to see caves and stunning views of the countryside.
- Depart for Phnom Penh by private car or flight (approx. 5-6 hours by car or 1 hour by flight).
- Evening:
- Check in to your hotel in Phnom Penh.
- Enjoy a riverside dinner near the Tonlé Sap and Mekong Rivers.
Day 5: Phnom Penh City Tour
- Morning:
- Visit the Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda.
- Explore the National Museum of Cambodia.
- Afternoon:
- Take a somber but important visit to the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and the Killing Fields of Choeung Ek to understand Cambodia’s recent history.
- Evening:
- Relax at a rooftop bar overlooking the city skyline.
Day 6: Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville – Beach Escape
- Morning:
- Drive or take a domestic flight to Sihanoukville (about 4 hours by road or 1-hour flight).
- Afternoon:
- Take a ferry to Koh Rong or Koh Rong Samloem for a tranquil beach experience.
- Evening:
- Enjoy fresh seafood under the stars and participate in beachside festivities.
Day 7: Koh Rong or Koh Rong Samloem – New Year’s Eve
- Morning:
- Relax on the pristine beaches or snorkel in the clear waters.
- Optional: Jungle trekking or boat excursions around the islands.
- Afternoon:
- Return to Sihanoukville if your New Year’s Eve celebration is planned there.
- Evening:
- Celebrate New Year’s Eve with a lively beach party, complete with fireworks and music, or a private candlelit dinner for a quieter option.
Day 8: Departure
- Morning:
- Return to Phnom Penh for your onward flight or depart from Sihanoukville.
- Afternoon:
- Optional last-minute shopping for souvenirs or relax at your hotel before departure.