Cambodia Real Food Adventure

Day 1: Welcome to Phnom Penh

The adventure begins in Cambodia’s capital, Phnom Penh. Arriving at the meeting point of the Mekong and Tonle Sap rivers, you will have a welcome meeting at 6 pm. After meeting the group, enjoy a traditional Cambodian dinner at a local restaurant, where you’ll be introduced to the country’s unique cuisine. The evening is free to explore the lively Sisowath Quay, known for its street food and riverbank entertainment.

Day 2: Phnom Penh’s History and Travel to Kampot

This day is dedicated to exploring Cambodia’s tragic history. A guided tour of the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S-21) and the Killing Fields of Choeung Ek offers insight into the Khmer Rouge regime’s dark past. Following this somber experience, you’ll head south to the charming riverside town of Kampot, known for its pepper and durian. In the evening, consider taking a sunset river cruise to witness the colorful skies and fireflies.

Day 3: Kampot – Pepper Plantations and Kep Beach

Begin the day with breakfast at Epic Café, a social enterprise supporting people with disabilities. Then, visit Kampot’s salt fields and the Phnom Chhngok Hindu cave temple, which dates back to the 7th century. You’ll then tour a local pepper plantation where you’ll sample some pepper ice cream. Afterward, head to Kep Beach for a fresh crab lunch and explore the remnants of Kep’s grand mansions, which were destroyed during the Khmer Rouge era.

Day 4: Return to Phnom Penh – Cooking Class

On this morning, you have the option to see the fishing boats at the Kep port before returning to Phnom Penh. Once back in the capital, meet a local chef for a guided tour of the vibrant markets, where you’ll learn about the key ingredients of Khmer cuisine. Following the market tour, enjoy a hands-on cooking class where you’ll prepare and enjoy traditional dishes like samlor machou yuon (sour fish soup) and bok svay (green mango salad).

Day 5: Battambang – French Colonial Charm

Travel to Battambang, Cambodia’s second-largest city, by private bus. Known for its French colonial architecture and laid-back atmosphere, Battambang is a great place to relax. Upon arrival, the afternoon is free to explore the town or participate in a local foodie experience with a family, where you can enjoy a traditional home-cooked meal featuring dishes like amok and Khmer curry.

Day 6: Battambang to Siem Reap – Rural Food and Street Delights

Start the day with a relaxing bicycle ride through Battambang’s countryside. Along the way, stop to visit local homes where families produce rice paper, dried fruits, fish paste, and rice wine. A highlight is sampling the region’s famous Kralan (sticky rice in bamboo). In the afternoon, travel to Siem Reap and kick off the evening with a street food tour. Try local specialties like grilled fish and spicy chicken, and later, learn how to make three popular cocktails using local ingredients during a fun cocktail-making class.

Day 7: Angkor Wat and Traditional Village Breakfast

Rise early for a traditional breakfast in Preah Dak village, where you’ll enjoy a meal of homemade num banh chok (Khmer noodles). After breakfast, explore the Angkor complex, including the famous Bayon Temple and the jungle-covered Ta Prohm. In the evening, enjoy a final farewell dinner at a plant-based restaurant, where fresh produce from the garden is used to prepare contemporary Cambodian dishes.

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.