CAMBODIA
Culture & Cuisine
Taste Travel Food Adventure Tours takes you on an 6-night culture & cuisine adventure from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap. Visit Cambodia’s bustling capital and taste your way around the city with amazing food tours and restaurants. Before we leave the city we learn about Cambodia's dark past with a visit to the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and the Killing Fields. After arriving in Siem Reap you will wonder in awe of the magical ancient temples of Angkor and meet the people who live on the vast Tonle Sap Lake. Siem Reap will tantalise and surprise your taste buds with delicious street food, authentic cooking classes, local food market tours and the best food and cultural experiences Cambodia has to offer.
Day 1 - Phnom Penh
Highlights
Phnom Penh is the bustling capital of Cambodia, situated on the magnificent Mekong River. There are no activities planned for the day, so you are free to explore this exciting city on your own. Check out the Independence Monument, Wat Phnom, or The Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda. At 5 pm there will be a group meeting in the hotel before we set out on our food adventure tour of Cambodia. Tonight for your included welcome dinner, we dine at a social enterprise restaurant that gives opportunities to underprivileged young adults, teaching them skills in the hospitality industry.
Phnom Penh is the bustling capital of Cambodia, situated on the magnificent Mekong River. There are no activities planned for the day, so you are free to explore this exciting city on your own. Check out the Independence Monument, Wat Phnom, or The Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda. At 5 pm there will be a group meeting in the hotel before we set out on our food adventure tour of Cambodia. Tonight for your included welcome dinner, we dine at a social enterprise restaurant that gives opportunities to underprivileged young adults, teaching them skills in the hospitality industry. Your welcome dinner may also be a farewell to some guests completing our Wild Cambodia tour. If you would like to see more this amazing country check out our Cambodia - Wildlife Culture & Cuisine tour for more information.
Accommodation
- Hotel
Included Activities
- Dinner
Meals Included
- Breakfast
- Dinner
Optional Activities
- Royal Palace (US$10) & Silver Pagoda (US$3)
- Central & Russian Markets (free)
- Wat Phnom (US$1)
Day 2 - Phnom Penh
Highlights
After breakfast this morning we learn about Cambodia's dark past with a visit to the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and the Killing Fields. In the 1970's Pot Pot and his Khmer Rouge committed atrocities against their own people. While these events were tragic, it is a huge part of Cambodia's history and the memorial at Choeung Ek Killing Fields pays tribute to those who died. Your afternoon is free to explore the city before a food tour for dinner, where you will eat where the locals dine at several different restaurants.
This morning we learn about Cambodia's dark past with a visit to the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, a former school that was used as a torture facility. In the 1970's Pot Pot and his Khmer Rouge committed atrocities against their own people, torturing and killing millions. Then we make our way to Choeung Ek Memorial, a site that served as one of the worst killing fields during that period. While these events were tragic it is a huge part of Cambodia's history and the memorial here pays tribute to those who died. The tour ends with a sample of Khmer snacks and an opportunity to ask our local guide any last questions you may have about Cambodia's dark past and the effects on the country today.
After a somber morning, the rest of the afternoon is yours to explore the city and take in some of the sights. Be sure to be ready at 5pm for our secret food tour of Phnom Penh. Tonight we will zip around the city in tuk tuks, stopping to sample more than 10 different local dishes and also try some Cambodian craft beer.
After a somber morning, the rest of the afternoon is yours to explore the city and take in some of the sights. Be sure to be ready at 5pm for our secret food tour of Phnom Penh. Tonight we will zip around the city in tuk tuks, stopping to sample more than 10 different local dishes and also try some Cambodian craft beer.
Accommodation
- Hotel
Included Activities
- Genocide Museum
- Killing Fields
- Secret Food Tour
Meals Included
- Breakfast
- Dinner
Optional Activities
Day 3 - Phnom Penh - Siem Reap
Highlights
Travel to Siem Reap, the jewel of Cambodia and home to ancient temples and the magnificent Angkor Wat. After checking into the hotel, grab some lunch and explore the area. For dinner tonight we head out on a street food tour of this bustling, yet laid-back city. After dinner you are free to check out the local nightlife in and around the famous Pub Street.
Travel to Siem Reap, arriving at the hotel by mid-afternoon. Siem Reap is the gateway to the magical Angkor Archaeological Zone, home to an abundance of ancient temples and ruins. After checking into the hotel and freshening up we will be heading out for a street food tour. Our local guide will reveal delicious street food and local snacks for you to taste. And while you’re at it try some of the seasonal fruits available and also learn about the fragrant spices and deliciously different ingredients used in Khmer cooking.
Wander through local food stalls where you will see some very strange snacks such as deep-fried tarantulas and crickets – go on I dare you! Next stop is a local restaurant to taste some local delicacies, such as Cambodia’s national dish, Fish Amok, a fragrant coconut fish curry. After dinner, you have the option to return to the hotel or head on out to Pub Street, the tourist hub of Siem Reap, to explore the bars and nightlife. Alternatively, our local guide can point you in the direction of some less touristy spots for a great night out.
Wander through local food stalls where you will see some very strange snacks such as deep-fried tarantulas and crickets – go on I dare you! Next stop is a local restaurant to taste some local delicacies, such as Cambodia’s national dish, Fish Amok, a fragrant coconut fish curry. After dinner, you have the option to return to the hotel or head on out to Pub Street, the tourist hub of Siem Reap, to explore the bars and nightlife. Alternatively, our local guide can point you in the direction of some less touristy spots for a great night out.
Accommodation
- Hotel
Included Activities
- Street Food Tour
Meals Included
- Breakfast
- Dinner
Optional Activities
Day 4 - Siem Reap
Highlights
After breakfast, travel to the incredible Tonle Sap Lake and see how locals live in floating villages. On the way, visit a nearby village to see agricultural activities such as duck farming. Try some locally made Khmer snacks before boarding a boat for a fascinating trip on Tonle Sap. See how everyday life exists and learn about the water-based agriculture they use to make a living, most notably fishing. Return to Siem Reap where the rest of the afternoon is free to take a massage or do some shopping or sightseeing.
After breakfast this morning in the hotel, we travel to the incredible Tonle Sap Lake and see how locals live in floating villages. On the way, visit a nearby village to see some agricultural activities, such as duck farming, prahok (fish paste) making, and harvesting of crickets and locusts. You may like to crunch on some tasty deep fried crickets or try some other, less unfamiliar, locally made Khmer snacks. Afterwards, we board a boat for a fascinating trip on Tonle Sap. A UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, the lake is one of the most productive in the world and is home to many species of fish and waterbirds. See how everyday life exists here and how locals live in stilted and floating houses on top of this immense lake. Learn about the water-based agriculture locals use to make a living here, most notably fishing, and many earn as little as $1.50 a day.
After the tour of Tonle Sap, return to Siem Reap where the rest of the afternoon is free for you to explore, shop, rest or maybe take the zip lining tour in Angkor. An option for tonight is a cocktail making class, infusing Khmer herbs and spices into delicious drinks. This fun class takes place at the only traditional Khmer house remaining in the old market district. It is recommended to book ahead for some of the optional activities which can be organised by us prior to the tour commencing.
After the tour of Tonle Sap, return to Siem Reap where the rest of the afternoon is free for you to explore, shop, rest or maybe take the zip lining tour in Angkor. An option for tonight is a cocktail making class, infusing Khmer herbs and spices into delicious drinks. This fun class takes place at the only traditional Khmer house remaining in the old market district. It is recommended to book ahead for some of the optional activities which can be organised by us prior to the tour commencing.
Accommodation
- Hotel
Included Activities
- Street Food Tour
Meals Included
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Cocktail Making Class ($15US)
- Angkor Zipline ($65 - $99 US)
Day 5 - Siem Reap
Highlights
Take a light breakfast this morning before we head to the outskirts of town for a hands-on cooking class. After checking out the organic gardens you will learn to make delicious Khmer dishes such as Green Mango Salad, Sour Soup, and Beef Lak Loc. Feast on your creations for lunch before we head to Angkor to visit some amazing temples. At the end of the day relax and sit atop one of the temples, such as Pre Rup, and watch in wonder at the amazing sunset over Angkor Archaeological Park. Head back to the hotel where you are free to freshen up and spend the rest of the evening however you wish.
Take a light breakfast this morning before we head to the outskirts of town for a hands-on cooking class. After checking out the organic gardens you will learn to make delicious Khmer dishes such as Green Mango Salad, Sour Soup, and Beef Lak Loc. Feast on your creations for lunch before we head to Angkor to visit some amazing temples. At the end of the day relax and sit atop one of the temples, such as Pre Rup, and watch in wonder at the amazing sunset over Angkor Archaeological Park.
After the sun has set we head back to the hotel where you are free to freshen up and spend the rest of the evening however you wish or try one of the following suggestions. Phare Cambodian Circus combines theater, story, dance, high-energy music and circus arts starting at 8 pm every night. They also have a cafe serving light meals if you wanted to eat there before the show. Or for something a little more cultural you could take in dinner and a show, watching traditional Khmer Aspara dancing. Think about booking ahead, especially for the circus as they often book out.
After the sun has set we head back to the hotel where you are free to freshen up and spend the rest of the evening however you wish or try one of the following suggestions. Phare Cambodian Circus combines theater, story, dance, high-energy music and circus arts starting at 8 pm every night. They also have a cafe serving light meals if you wanted to eat there before the show. Or for something a little more cultural you could take in dinner and a show, watching traditional Khmer Aspara dancing. Think about booking ahead, especially for the circus as they often book out.
Accommodation
- Hotel
Included Activities
- Cooking Class
- Temple Tour
- Sunset
Meals Included
- Breakfast
- Lunch
Optional Activities
- Phare Circus ($18 - $38 US)
- Aspara Dance Dinner Show (~$40 AU)
Day 6 - Siem Reap
Highlights
After a very early start (around 5am) we make our way to majestic Angkor Wat to see the sun rise behind the impressive structure. Breakfast will be taken in a local restaurant nearby before visiting some of Ankor's most popular and interesting temples. Enjoy a delicious picnic lunch overlooking Srah Srang Barray (reservoir) before visiting more temples in the afternoon. After the early start we finish today's activities around 4 pm so you have time to take a rest before our final farewell dinner.
After an early start (around 5am) we make our way to majestic Angkor Wat to see the sun rise behind this most impressive structure. This is also a perfect photo opportunity to get some great shots of the temple in the reflection of the ponds. Breakfast will be taken in a local restaurant nearby before visiting some of Angkor's most popular and interesting temples, including Angkor Wat in full daylight. See where the movie Tomb Raider was filmed at Ta Prohm Temple, where giant tree roots have entwined around the temple walls. Other notable temples include Bayon, Banteay Srei and Angkor Thom, just to name a few.
Enjoy a delicious picnic lunch overlooking Srah Srang Barray (reservoir) in the early afternoon before visiting some more amazing temples. After an early start we finish today's activities around 4pm to give you have time to take a rest before we head out for our farewell dinner. Tonight we dine in a restaurant that supports disadvantaged young adults, training them in all aspects of hospitality.
Enjoy a delicious picnic lunch overlooking Srah Srang Barray (reservoir) in the early afternoon before visiting some more amazing temples. After an early start we finish today's activities around 4pm to give you have time to take a rest before we head out for our farewell dinner. Tonight we dine in a restaurant that supports disadvantaged young adults, training them in all aspects of hospitality.
Accommodation
- Hotel
Included Activities
- Sunrise @ Angkor Wat
- Temple Tour
- Farewell Dinner
Meals Included
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Optional Activities
Day 7 - Siem Reap
Highlights
Your Cambodian adventure ends today after breakfast and you are free to depart at any time you wish as there are no activities planned for today. For those flying out of Siem Reap today, arrangements can be made for transport to the airport if you require. If you are spending some more time here, your 3 day Angkor pass is still valid for today if you wish to see more of the amazing temples.
Accommodation
Included Activities
Meals Included
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW
Inclusions
- Accommodation 6 nights (6 hotel)
- Meals (13, as stated in itinerary)
- Transportation on the ground (except airport transfers)
- Entry to all included activities & tours
- Cooking classes
Exclusions
- Airfares to and from Cambodia
- Airport Transfers (can be arranged for additional fee)
- Meals (other than those included)
- Beverages/Drinks (except those included in breakfast & Secret Food Tour)
- Tips, gratuities, and optional activities