Cambodia: A Real Food Safari

Day 1: Welcome to Phnom Penh

Arrive in Phnom Penh, Cambodia’s vibrant capital located at the confluence of the Mekong and Tonle Sap rivers. After checking into your hotel, enjoy some downtime before the welcome meeting at 6 PM. In the evening, savor your first taste of Cambodia with a traditional Khmer dinner at a local restaurant. Afterward, explore Sisowath Quay, known for its riverside promenade, street food stalls, and lively nightlife.

Day 2: Phnom Penh’s History and Transfer to Kep

After breakfast, delve into Cambodia’s tragic past with a guided tour of the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S-21) and the Killing Fields of Choeung Ek, which provide sobering insight into the Khmer Rouge era.

In the afternoon, depart by road for Kep, a quiet seaside retreat that once served as a French colonial getaway. Arrive in time for a walk along the coast or enjoy freshly grilled seafood at the crab market.

Day 3: Kep to Kampot – Caves, Pepper & Salt

Start your day with a visit to Kep Port, where fishing boats return with the morning catch. Then, travel a short distance inland to Kampot, a picturesque riverside town.

Visit:

• The Phnom Chhngok Cave Temple, home to a 7th-century brick temple within a limestone cave.
• The famous salt fields of Kampot.
• A renowned pepper plantation, where you can sample the world-famous Kampot pepper—and try pepper ice cream!

Later, return to Kep for a seafood lunch featuring freshly caught Kep crab, then return to Kampot for the night. Optional sunset river cruise on the Kampot River.

Day 4: Kampot to Phnom Penh – Khmer Cooking Experience

This morning, drive back to Phnom Penh.

In the afternoon, join a Khmer cooking class with a local chef. Start with a guided walk through a local market to learn about Cambodian herbs and ingredients, followed by a hands-on culinary experience. Prepare classic dishes like:

• Samlor machou yuon (sour fish soup)
• Bok svay (green mango salad)
• Enjoy the fruits of your labor over dinner.

Day 5: Phnom Penh to Battambang – French Colonial Charm

Depart Phnom Penh early and travel by private bus to Battambang, a charming city known for its French colonial architecture, art scene, and relaxed vibe.

After checking in, spend your afternoon at leisure or opt for a local home-hosted dinner. Share a meal with a Cambodian family and enjoy dishes like fish amok and Khmer curry, gaining deeper insight into rural life and traditions.

Day 6: Battambang to Siem Reap – Rural Delights & Street Eats

In the morning, take a bicycle tour through the surrounding countryside. Along the way, visit small family-run workshops making:

• Rice paper
• Dried banana & jackfruit
• Fish paste (prahok)
• Rice wine
• Don’t miss sampling Kralan—sticky rice roasted inside bamboo.

Later in the afternoon, head to Siem Reap, gateway to the Angkor temples. In the evening, dive into the city’s vibrant culinary scene with a street food tour, followed by a cocktail-making class using local herbs and ingredients.

Day 7: Angkor Temples & Farewell Dinner

Rise early and travel to Preah Dak village for a traditional Khmer breakfast of num banh chok (fermented rice noodles with fish gravy and herbs).

Then, spend the day exploring the majestic Angkor Archaeological Park:

• Angkor Wat – the iconic 12th-century temple
• Bayon Temple – known for its smiling stone faces
• Ta Prohm – the “Tomb Raider” temple embraced by jungle

In the evening, enjoy a farewell dinner at a plant-based Cambodian restaurant, featuring farm-to-table dishes in a peaceful garden setting.

Day 8: Departure from Siem Reap

The adventure concludes this morning in Siem Reap. There are no planned activities today, and you’re free to leave at any time. If you wish to continue exploring the Angkor complex, speak with your leader to extend your access pass.