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Cambodia Adventure

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Cambodia Adventure

Was From $ 1,460 AUD
Now From $ 1,216 AUD
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Description

Take on a 12-day adventure full of Cambodian highlights, that takes you beyond the usual tourist route. Discover the laidback charm of riverside Kampot, call into the ancient temples at Angkor near Siem Reap, get a taste of Khmer hospitality with a village homestay in Chambok and reflect on Cambodia’s tragic history at the sobering sites of Phnom Penh. With an expert leader bringing the history to life and plenty of freedom to explore at your own pace – this adventure is much more than a transitional trip through one of Southeast Asia’s most captivating countries.

Trip Name
Cambodia Adventure
Last Updated
2024-04-17
Days
12
Capacity
16
Highlights
  • Temple-hop around the renowned Angkor complex – one of Southeast Asia's most stunning attractions. Enjoy a full day of exploring on a local Tuk-tuk with a driver from a company dedicated to women’s employment.
  • Kick back at a local homestay in Chambok that puts you right in the heart of everyday village life in Cambodia. Enjoy a delicious dinner cooked by the locals and be treated to a traditional dance performance.
  • Uncover another side of southern coastal Cambodia with two nights in the riverside hub of Kampot. You’ll have plenty of free time to get to know why this town is on the up-and-coming list.
  • Confront the sobering but important Khmer history in Phnom Penh, with included visits to the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S21) and the Killing Fields of Choeung Ek.
  • Top and tail your Cambodian adventure with time spent in two of Southeast Asia’s bustling hubs – Bangkok and Ho Chi Minh City. Haven’t been there before? Why not extend your stay?
  • By travelling on this trip, you’ll directly support our Intrepid Foundation partner, CRST. Donations help them break the cycle of poverty in Cambodia by inspiring and empowering children with education opportunities.

Itinerary

ITINERARY CHANGES Our itineraries are updated regularly throughout the year based on customer feedback and to reflect the current situation in each destination. The information included in this Essential Trip Information may therefore differ from when you first booked your trip. It's important that you review this information prior to travel so that you have the latest updates. Due to weather, local conditions, transport schedules, public holidays, political unrest or other factors, further changes may be necessary to your itinerary once in-country. Your group leader or local representative will keep you up to date with any such changes once your trip is underway. OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES A selection of optional activities that have been popular with past travellers are listed in the day-to-day itinerary. This isn't an exhaustive list and should be used as a guide only for some of what might be available. Prices are approximate, are for entrance fees only, and don’t include transport to and from the sites or local guides unless indicated. All activities are subject to availability, and maybe on a join-in basis. It may not be possible to do all the activities listed in the time available at each destination, so some pre-planning for what you are most interested in is advised. When it's recommended that travellers pre-book these activities, look for a note in the Special Information section of the day-to-day itinerary. For most, they can either be organised independently on the day, or let your group leader or local representative know you are interested at the Welcome Meeting and they can assist. Where activities are considered medium or high risk, we work with operators whose safety and credentials we have sighted and assessed. Although it is possible that you may find the same activity cheaper with another operator on the ground, we cannot vouch for the safety or quality of that operator. Medium and high-risk activities not listed above have not been assessed by us and as such our staff and group leader or local representative are unable to assist you with organising these activities. Activities that contravene our Responsible Travel policies are also not listed. Please remember that the decision to partake in any activity not listed is at your own discretion and risk.

Day 1 - Bangkok
Sa-wat-dee! Welcome to Bangkok. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm, where you’ll meet your trip leader and fellow travellers. If you arrive early, you could take a riverboat to Chinatown and explore the crowded streets, uncover the magnificent Grand Palace and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, wander down the tourist mecca of Khao San Road, or indulge in a Thai massage. There is plenty to keep you occupied in this exciting city. After your briefing, why not head out with the group to try some of Bangkok’s famed street food – pad thai anyone?
Day 2 - Siem Reap
Prepare for a long day of travel as you cross Thailand and enter Cambodia today. Your leader will be on-hand to assist with the border procedures. When you arrive, enjoy a free evening to explore this small but bustling town. You may want to head to Pub Street to grab a bite to eat and sample the city’s nightlife. Or, maybe just rest up in preparation for tomorrow’s visit to Angkor Wat.
Day 3 - Siem Reap
Today you'll visit the incredible Angkor complex with your guide. If you’re keen, this place is best seen at sunrise, so you can get up super early and head to the complex on your own before your included tour. With your group, you’ll hop on the Remork-moto (Cambodian Tuk-tuk) with an all-female crew from Drivers Srey, whose mission is to support local women with sustainable income to support their families – this will be your transport at Angkor Wat today. With a knowledgeable local guide, you’ll be able to make the most of your visit to the world-famous Angkor complex, built between the 9th and 13th centuries when the Khmer Empire was the pre-eminent influence in Southeast Asia. The ruins are scattered over some 160 square km – the biggest religious monument in the world! Thankfully, the central cluster of temples is close to Siem Reap, so you'll have plenty of time to fully appreciate the main archaeological sites, including Angkor Wat – the astounding main temple, Bayon – a marvel of many sculpted decorations and Ta Prohm – a series of smaller temples covered in tree roots and jungle. Your guide will add to your experience by bringing ancient history to life with their extensive knowledge of the site.
Day 4 - Battambang
Today, enjoy a free morning in Siem Reap (if Angkor is calling you back, maybe get up early and catch the sunrise) before travelling to Battambang – Cambodia's second-largest city. Battambang (pronounced Battambong) is a riverside town of French elegance, Khmer people and beautifully preserved architecture. The city is famous for its many statues of animals and divinities that decorate the streets and buildings. The city lacks the traffic of Phnom Penh and the visitor numbers of Siem Reap, so it’s a great place to get a real, authentic slice of Cambodia. When you arrive, follow your leader on an orientation walk to familiarise yourself with the town. Then, enjoy some free time. Tonight, maybe walk along the riverfront where locals indulge in yoga and folk dancing, and watch the sunset.
Day 5 - Battambang
There are lots of optional activities you can choose from today – just ask your trip leader will for advice. If you’re feeling active, maybe hop on a bike or take a tuk-tuk tour to the countryside to learn about rural life. Maybe take part in a cooking class and try your hand at some Khmer cuisine. Or, you might like to visit the hilltop Wat Banan temple, offering 360-degree panoramic views over the Sang Ke River.
Day 6 - Chambok
Travel by private vehicle into rural Cambodia this morning, to the region of Kampong Speu and the village of Chambok. A member of the Chambok community will take you on a village walk when you arrive – chat about the community’s history, lifestyle and local ecotourism projects and meet the families you’ll be spending the night with. In the evening, head to the community centre to enjoy a local Khmer dinner prepared by some community members. You'll also be treated to a traditional dance performance.
Day 7 - Kampot
Morning after breakfast, trek to stunning Chambok waterfall, if the weather's right before jumping on a private bus this morning and drive to Kampot – one of Cambodia's most attractive old towns. Renowned for its pepper, Kampot supplied most French restaurants with this vital spice for many years during colonial rule. Today, the region is well-known for its plantations of durian – a spiky, pungent fruit that you either love or hate (try one and decide for yourself). In your free time this afternoon, maybe stroll along the riverside and observe the French architecture, or have a cup of coffee on the veranda of one of the riverside restaurants and admire the view of the Bokor Mountain Range.
Day 8 - Kampot
Enjoy a free day in this chilled-out town. For a unique photo opportunity, head to the roundabout in the centre of the town, where a giant durian statue sits smack in the middle. Then, maybe browse for goodies at the covered market. The nearby countryside is also a delight to explore – among fields of Kampot pepper and rice there’s also a salt field and a limestone cave with a small seventh-century brick temple inside called Phnom Chhnork. Otherwise, why not have a relaxing day and enjoy one of the highly recommended traditional massages?
Day 9 - Phnom Penh
Leave Kampot in your dust this morning and travel by local bus to the capital city of Phnom Penh. Cambodia's capital is set on a major junction of the Mekong and Tonle Sap rivers and boasts some fine examples of French-inspired architecture. Perhaps spend your free afternoon visiting the Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda. Wat Phnom, shrouded in myth, is equally worth a visit, as is the National Museum with its excellent Khmer collection. Cyclo tours around the city are a great alternative to walking and generally include the art deco Psar Thmei (Central Market), US Embassy, Wat Phnom, Mekong riverfront, Independence Monument and Royal Palace.
Day 10 - Phnom Penh
Today you’ll have the opportunity to learn more about Cambodia's tragic past on a guided tour of Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S21) and the Killing Fields of Choeung Ek – two sites that tell the story of the tragic legacy of the Khmer Rouge. After this, the afternoon is free for you to explore further. If you're looking to relax, the Seeing Hands massage parlours are some of the best in the city, and all visits support the staff who all have visual impairments. Their years of expertise may be just what you need today after a busy couple of days!
Day 11 - Ho Chi Minh City
Travel by local bus from Phnom Penh to Ho Chi Minh City. Your leader will again assist you with border crossing procedures and you’ll stop for lunch. When you arrive, get out and discover Ho Chi Minh City's blend of old and new, east and west, and be sure to sample a baguette or some of the excellent coffee on offer – both markers of the city's strong French influence. Tonight, maybe hit one of the hole-in-a-wall bars and explore the nightlife. Ask your leader for the best restaurants and bars in the area to toast to a trip well-travelled.
Day 12 - Ho Chi Minh City
With no activities planned for today, your trip comes to an end. If you’d like to spend more time in Ho Chi Minh City, just speak to your booking agent.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
03-06-202414-06-2024AUD $ 1,216-
05-07-202416-07-2024AUD $ 1,605-
15-07-202426-07-2024AUD $ 1,460-
05-08-202416-08-2024AUD $ 1,490-
02-09-202413-09-2024AUD $ 1,387-
07-10-202418-10-2024AUD $ 1,460-
28-10-202408-11-2024AUD $ 1,460-
11-11-202422-11-2024AUD $ 1,520-
18-11-202429-11-2024AUD $ 1,520-
25-11-202406-12-2024AUD $ 1,520-
02-12-202413-12-2024AUD $ 1,575-
09-12-202420-12-2024AUD $ 1,575-
16-12-202427-12-2024AUD $ 1,575-
23-12-202403-01-2025AUD $ 1,575-
06-01-202517-01-2025AUD $ 1,535-
27-01-202507-02-2025AUD $ 1,535-
10-02-202521-02-2025AUD $ 1,535-
24-02-202507-03-2025AUD $ 1,535-
17-03-202528-03-2025AUD $ 1,535-
14-04-202525-04-2025AUD $ 1,535-
28-04-202509-05-2025AUD $ 1,535-
12-05-202523-05-2025AUD $ 1,535-
23-06-202504-07-2025AUD $ 1,535-
14-07-202525-07-2025AUD $ 1,535-
28-07-202508-08-2025AUD $ 1,535-
25-08-202505-09-2025AUD $ 1,535-
15-09-202526-09-2025AUD $ 1,535-
13-10-202524-10-2025AUD $ 1,535-
27-10-202507-11-2025AUD $ 1,535-
10-11-202521-11-2025AUD $ 1,535-
24-11-202505-12-2025AUD $ 1,535-
08-12-202519-12-2025AUD $ 1,535-
15-12-202526-12-2025AUD $ 1,535-
22-12-202502-01-2026AUD $ 1,535-

Accommodation

Guesthouse (4 nights),Homestay (1 night),Hotel (6 nights)

Transport

Private minibus,Public bus,Tuk tuk

Map