Flavors of Cambodia Tour: Food, Culture & Ruins (08 Days Tour)

Introduction to Flavor

Welcome to Phnom Penh, the capital of Cambodia and the Pearl of Asia. The city maintains its connection to the country’s history through its display of ancient and contemporary artifacts, and its endless supply of captivating restaurants. The Tonle Sap and Mekong Rivers sweep past the cityscape. The French architecture spans the riverbanks. The Sisowath Quay is lively and stunning, adding a fabulous walking culture to the banks of the rivers’ junction. Your private transfer meets you at the airport and takes you to your hotel.

After you check-in the day is filled with spectacular images of the city. In the afternoon you can sit in Romdeng, a restaurant that provides the underprivileged youth of the city a chance to learn the restaurant industry. The restaurant is situated in a classic French Colonial building but the woodcarvings, tables, and chairs were all built in Cambodia. Your first taste of traditional Cambodian cuisine gives you an introduction to the flavors and ingredients unique to the country. These young master chefs create a delicious crispy duck spring roll that is flakey and rich, and accompanied by a persimmon sauce. If you feel adventurous you could even try the distinctive crispy tarantula with black pepper and lime sauce.

After lunch you will visit the National Museum where images of Angkor are displayed in the structural design as much as within the museum itself. The complex was inaugurated in 1920 and preserves traditional Cambodian arts and crafts. A vast collection of artifacts takes you on a journey through the country’s dense history, including those made from bronze, wood, ceramic, and stone. A 13th century Bayon style stone statue is on display. The statue’s face is accentuated with a light smile, representing compassion, knowledge, and peacefulness.

What’s Included: transfer, dinner, accommodation

A Touch of French

The fast paced city of Phnom Penh fades behind the horizon as you make your way northbound to Battambang. The city boats the best-preserved French Colonial architecture in Cambodia. The buildings line the riverside and add immense charm to the already relaxed city. It feels more like a beachside town than the second largest city in the country. On your way to Battambang you notice the vast trees give way to paddy fields. The large plains create an emphatic space. Villagers ride their bikes alongside the road. The wheels quietly whir against the small breeze. Cows and mules pull carts filled with sacks of rice. Once in the city you have the remainder of the day at your leisure. You can sit in a café that looks out over the river. Sip a strong, rich coffee or delight on the twist of traditional flavors at Jaan Bai Restaurant.

What’s Included: breakfast, dinner, transfer, tour, accommodation

The Largest Ancient City

In the morning you see the trees continuously overtake the horizon and you imagine their roots spreading over the remaining temple ruins of Batneay Chhmar. You arrive in Siem Reap and find the city known as the gateway to Angkor. The French Quarter is quaint and decorative. The familiarity of the arching windows and wood shutters are charming. The scent of fresh baguettes is delicious. Outside of the French Quarter you see the traditional streets and buildings of the city. Motorbikes drive alongside stationary carts. The Siem Reap River flows slowly and quietly. In the afternoon you head to the gates of Angkor Thom, once the world’s largest city.

The citadel covers an area of over three square miles and, in the 12th century, sustained an average of 100,000 people. The Bayon style of architecture manifests itself in the faces that decorate the towers. They maintain their enigmatic smiles in the face of eternity. The city has five monumental gates that reach a height of 70 feet. A rail that consists of statues flanks the bridge. The miniature guards hold tightly onto the tail of a naga, a serpent deity. There is an endless amount of majesty in the ancient complex, from the Terrace of the Leper King to the Terrace of Elephants, each preserving their ancient elegance and distinct character. The flavor of Cambodia is not just in the food but in the unique display of their alluring history.

What’s Included: breakfast, transfer, tour, accommodation

A Taste of a Different Home

Today is filled with a unique taste of Cambodia. In the early morning you will venture to Tonle Sap Lake to traverse the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia. When you return to the city your private guide will meet you at your hotel. Your time traveling through the country has taught you that the flavors of Cambodia are truly unique. Although situated near Thailand and Vietnam, the spirit of the food is different. Your guide takes you to a rural village outside of Siem Reap to partake in a fabulous hands-on cooking class.

When you come to the village a local family will guide you through their garden. The scent of local herbs, such as coriander and galangal, are prominent. Your guide and chef teach you the proper techniques used in a Khmer kitchen, from the preparation of the fish to the proper execution of sticky rice. A nearby pavilion hovers over a local pond. The scenery is serene. The pond is tranquil. Savor the flavors of the prahet chien, minced fish on sugar cane, and enjoy the company over a dessert of homemade brandy snaps. The tastes of the day are truly unforgettable.

What’s Included: breakfast, lunch, tour, accommodation