Successor to the powerful Khmer empire, modern-day Cambodia is a magical, mysterious land blessed with great cultural antiquity, a tranquil capital city and spectacular rural landscapes.
Starting in Siem Reap, three full days are spent exploring the exceptional remains of Angkor Wat and Angkor Thom as well as the less visited temples of Banteay Srei and Ta Prohm. From here travel to the off-the-beaten track yet impressive temples of Koh Ker, Preah Vihear and Banteay Chhmar before continuing to colonial Battambang. Spend time in the capital Phnom Penh before ending your time in Cambodia relaxing by the beach in the laid-back coastal town of Kep.
Siem Reap – Preah Vihear – Banteay Chhmar – Battambang – Phnom Penh – Kep
Trip Highlights
- Discover the incredible temples of Angkor, a collection of the world finest monuments
- Spend time in Battambang with its French colonial buildings and art deco architecture
- Vibrant Phnom Penh is an assault on the senses with the Royal Palace a highlight
- Explore the extraordinary, highly decoratively carved temples of Preah Vihear
- Visit timeless floating villages on Tonle Sap Lake, Southeast Asia’s largest lake
- Experience authentic rural Cambodian life, staying overnight in a local Khmer homestay
Itinerary
Day 1
Depart the UK
Today depart the UK on the Singapore Airlines flight to Singapore.
Day 2
Singapore to Siem Reap – by air
Arrive into Singapore and connect onto a flight to Siem Reap where you will stay for the next four nights. Siem Reap is the gateway to the temples of Angkor – some of the most spectacular religious monuments ever built. Capital of the ancient Khmer Empire, Angkor was abandoned in 1431 and reclaimed by the thick Cambodian jungle only to be rediscovered 400 years later by French naturalist Henri Mouhot.
FCC Angkor by Avani
Sala Lodges
Shinta Mani Angkor
Raffles Grand d’Angkor
Zannier Phum Baitang
Day 3
Siem Reap
After breakfast depart for a few hours of gentle cycling around some of the highlights of Angkor. Visit Angkor Thom, the spacious walled capital of Jayavarman where highlights include the temple ruins of Bayon, Baphoun and Phimeanakas, the Elephant Terrace and the 12th century Terrace of the Leper Kind. In the afternoon, continue by tuk tuk to the illustrious Ta Prohm. Built in the mid-12th to early 13th centuries, Ta Prohm is unique in that it is overgrown by jungle trees and vines, with many parts of the temple crumbling to the ground. You may also visit a local enterprise, Satcha, where craftsmen and women find a safe and clean space to work as well as receive training to further hone their talent and grow themselves into artistic entrepreneurs. Walk through the serene, natural gardens and watch the artists carve stone, wood, weave baskets, paint and more while your guide explains some specific traits about each field of work and how the enterprise supports the Cambodian artists.
- Breakfast
FCC Angkor by Avani
Sala Lodges
Shinta Mani Angkor
Raffles Grand d’Angkor
Zannier Phum Baitang
Day 4
Siem Reap
Early this morning visit the awe-inspiring Angkor Wat at sunrise, a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Watch this iconic landmark come into light as the sun rises and after discover its extraordinary architecture and beautiful sculptures which adorn this ancient monument. Later visit Tonle Sap Lake, Southeast Asia’s largest lake. Board a wooden boat and take a cruise to see the colourful floating villages – the houses will either have immediate access to the water or stand perched on stilts high above the ground, a phenomenon caused by the annual rising and receding waters of Tonle Sap.
- Breakfast
FCC Angkor by Avani
Sala Lodges
Shinta Mani Angkor
Raffles Grand d’Angkor
Zannier Phum Baitang
Day 5
Siem Reap
This morning head north through the Cambodian countryside to Kbal Spean. This is one of the country’s earliest Hindu sites where you will take a 3-km trek through the jungle. End the walk at the ‘River of 1,000 Lingas’, a riverbed featuring stone carvings of Hindu gods and animals. Continue to the Angkor Centre for Conservation of Biodiversity where you will learn about the threats to Cambodia’s wildlife and how the ACCB aims to protect the environment and promote conservation. After lunch at a local restaurant visit Banteay Srei, a 10th century temple which is much smaller than many of the neighbouring complexes. The site is dedicated to Hindu god of Brahma and contains some of the region's best-preserved decorations and statues. In the evening embark on Siem Reap’s ‘Dining for a Cause’ culinary tour where you can enjoy excellent nibbles, cocktails and dinner at four social enterprise restaurants throughout city.
- Breakfast,
- Lunch,
- Dinner
FCC Angkor by Avani
Sala Lodges
Shinta Mani Angkor
Raffles Grand d’Angkor
Zannier Phum Baitang
Day 6
Siem Reap to Preah Vihear via Koh Ker – 218kms
Departing Siem Reap, head north towards the Thai border and stop at the remote Koh Ker temple complex. The capital city of a breakaway kingdom during a period of upheaval in the Angkor Empire, Koh Ker is best known for its grandiose sculptures and structures which were the result of a large sandstone quarry located nearby. Here you will see various temples from the 10th century, including the massive Prasat Thom, the tallest pyramid built in the Angkor era, and Prasat Damrei, the elephant temple. After lunch visit the incredible Preah Vihear temple where the ruins stretch nearly 500 metres in length. Enjoy the remarkably preserved temples, Hindu carvings and lintels that sit atop the hilltop with beautiful views over the Cambodian and Thai countryside.
- Breakfast,
- Lunch
Local homestay
Day 7
Preah Vihear to Banteay Chhmar – 207kms
Accommodation tonight will be at a traditional, local homestay. A memorable and intimate encounter, this will be the perfect means of experiencing daily life and learning the local customs of a typical Khmer village. On arrival enjoy lunch at a community centre which is the heart of one of Cambodia’s most successful community-based tourism initiatives. In the afternoon explore the UNESCO-listed Banteay Chhmar, and exceptional and very little-visited temple. Witness the exquisite bas reliefs on the inner sanctuary walls and the Bayon-style towers and walls that are cloaked in vegetation. This evening enjoy a special torch-lit dinner under the stars amongst the ancient temples accompanied by a traditional Khmer music performance.
- Breakfast,
- Lunch,
- Dinner
Local homestay
Day 8
Banteay Chhmar to Battambang – 128kms
This morning visit a silk weaving initiative and the satellite temple of Banteay Torp. After lunch continue to Battambang, Cambodia's second city, that is home to Cambodia's finest collection of French colonial architecture as well as some interesting Angkorian sites. Spend the afternoon at leisure where you may wish to independently explore the art galleries and shops that are housed in the colonial buildings.
- Breakfast
Maisons Wat Kor
Day 9
Battambang
Today you will have a full day to explore Battambang. Take a ride on the eccentric 'Bamboo Train' – a simple wooden platform on wheels that follows a railway track through beautiful Cambodian countryside stopping to drop off locals, cargo and animals to rural villages along the way. Explore one of these remote villages before returning to Battambang for a walking tour of the town's historic centre. Highlights of the tour include the grand French Governor's residence, the ancient Wat Ek temple and the hilltop Wat Ban Non, the latter offering excellent views at sunset. Delight your taste buds this evening with dinner at Jaan Bai, a social enterprise restaurant which provides training and employment for local youths, with all profits going to the overall sustainability of the Cambodian Children’s Trust.
- Breakfast,
- Lunch
Maisons Wat Kor
Day 10
Battambang
This morning take a gentle cycle around the local villages that surround Battambang with a social enterprise set up to provide scenic and informative bike rides through the local countryside. In the afternoon head to Phnom Sampeau which means ‘Ship Hill’. From the small temple on top you will have fantastic views over the paddy field and sugar palm tree landscapes. Your visit wil last until dusk when millions of bats emerge from a cave and fly across the sky in tandem – a spectacular show of nature!
- Breakfast
Maisons Wat Kor
Day 11
Battambang to Phnom Penh – 300kms
After breakfast leave Battambang and drive to the Cambodian capital Phnom Penh stopping en-route to visit the floating village of Kampong Leung and the lively port of Kompong Chhnang with its sleepy colonial centre and bustling dockside. Before reaching Phnom Penh stop at Oudong, Cambodia's royal capital between 1618 and 1866. Little remains but the views from the stupas are spectacular. Continue onto Phnom Penh where you will stay for two nights.
- Breakfast
Palace Gate Hotel & Resort
Raffles Hotel Le Royal
Rosewood Phnom Penh
Day 12
Phnom Penh
Today explore this riverside city and its surrounds with your guide. In order to understand the country’s harrowing history, travel out of the city to the Choeung Ek killing fields and Toul Sleng Museum which recounts the horrors of the notorious Khmer Rouge regime. Once back in the city visit the National Museum which is home to a fantastic collection of ancient Khmer archaeological, religious, and artistic artefacts, the French-built Royal Palace complex, the Silver Pagoda and the city's oldest shrine, the mystical Wat Phnom.
- Breakfast
Palace Gate Hotel & Resort
Raffles Hotel Le Royal
Rosewood Phnom Penh
Day 13
Phnom Penh to Kep – 175kms
This morning drive south to Kep where you will stay for three nights. Formerly known as Kep-sur-Mer, this pretty coastal town was once the favourite holiday spot for the Cambodian and French elite but today has a relaxed laid-back feel.
Alternatively, choose to travel to one of Cambodia's islands, either Koh Russey, Koh Rong or Koh Krabey.
- Breakfast
Samanea Beach Resort
JATI Koh Russey
The Royal Sands
Six Senses Krabey Island
Day 14-15
Kep
At leisure to relax and enjoy your hotel. On Day 14 experience a day as a traditional fisherman. Board a specially designed boat and cruise along the stunning coastline passing neighbouring islands before you stop to start an immersive fishing session. Set sail for Koh Po where you can dive into the crystal-clear waters and snorkel through the colourful coral reefs. Return to the boat and enjoy a seafood barbecue prepared by the chef.
- Breakfast
Samanea Beach Resort
JATI Koh Russey
The Royal Sands
Six Senses Krabey Island
Day 16
Kep to Phnom Penh – 175kms / Phnom Penh to the UK via Singapore – by air
After breakfast leave Kep and transfer to Phnom Penh Airport in time to catch the Singapore Airways flight to Singapore. Once in Singapore connect onto the non-stop flight to the UK.
- Breakfast
Extending your stay...
Kampot, a sleepy riverside town that is made up of peach and lemon French-colonial houses and cosy cafes, was one Cambodia’s main port. The region surrounding Kampot grows much of Cambodia’s fruit, however it is best known for its pepper production and Kampot pepper is often described amongst the finest in the world.
An alternative beach option to Kep is Koh Rong Sanloem, a tiny tropical island off the coast of Sihanoukville. Activities include diving, kayaking, hiking or even the chance to witness bioluminescent plankton in the sea at night.
Experience a classic Mekong river cruise between Phnom Penh and Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam. Encounter beautiful scenery, bustling river life and remote villages as you traverse one of the most famous and historic waterways of the world, all onboard an elegant boat.
Extend your holiday to include neighbouring Laos. One of the country’s charms is that it remains predominately rural and largely underdeveloped, and you can enjoy true and authentic cultural experiences here with regards to wildlife, history and ethnic tribes.
Guide to Price
16 days from £4200 - £4800 per person
What's Included
- International flights
- Private car and driver
- Sightseeing with accompanying English speaking guide
- Hotel accommodation and taxes
What's Not Included
- Visas
- Travel Insurance
- Expenses of a personal nature
- Meals unless specified
from £4200 - £4800
Travel Information
Getting There
There are no direct flights from the UK to Cambodia but a number of airlines offer single-stop options from Heathrow to Phnom Penh, while multiple-stop flights are available nationally. Thai Airways can take you from Heathrow via Bangkok to Phnom Penh. British Airways fly direct to Bangkok and from here and Bangkok Airways connect on to Phnom Penh or Siem Reap. Other airlines including Singapore Airlines, Vietnam Airlines, Malaysian and Qatar Airways travel to Cambodia via their regional hubs.
Flying Times From UK
Flying from the UK to Cambodia will involve one or two stops and will take around 14 to 16 hours.
Time Zone
Cambodia is +7 hours ahead of GMT.
Visa Requirements
UK citizens can obtain a visa upon arrival and will need to present a valid passport, one passport sized photograph and the current visa fee in cash per person. However, we recommend purchasing an e-visa online at www.evisa.gov.kh before you travel. The tourist visa is valid for 30 days from the date you actually enter Cambodia. It is important that you keep your departure form and that you have your passport stamped on arrival.
Do’s & Don’ts
It is illegal to import, transport, use, store or sell vapes or e-cigarettes in Cambodia. This ban applies to both visitors and locals. If found in possession of a vape or e-cigarette the device will be confiscated and a fine, or more significant penalty, enforced. We strongly advise not to bring or use any vape or e-cigarette during your stay in Cambodia.
A respectful way to greet others is to press your hands together at chest level and bow your head. This is known as ‘sampeah’. Public displays of affection should be kept to a minimum as they tend to be frowned upon.
It is polite to ask permission of any local people or monks before taking any photographs.
If you are going to a place of worship such as a pagoda or temple it is customary to remove your shoes, ensure your upper arms and legs are covered and remove your hat. You should not sit higher than a seated monk or touch a Buddha statue. Visitors to Angkor Wat should not wear skirts or shorts above the knee or tops that reveal bare shoulders. Those not following the dress code are liable to be refused admission.
If you are invited to a person’s home, then removing shoes is a sign of respect and you should bring a gift for the host. If you are staying for dinner it is customary not to start eating before the host begins or take your seat until the eldest person has sat down.
When eating, only the right hand should be used. Cambodian culture considers the left hand to be unclean.
Do not to point your feet towards someone, tuck them underneath you when you sit, and do not touch a Cambodian on the head.
Money
The currency used in Cambodia is the ‘riel’, however the US dollar is accepted almost everywhere. Make sure your dollar bills are free of tears as they may not be accepted. In the west of Cambodia, you may also find the Thai baht currency is used. Cards are not widely accepted but larger hotels in all of the main cities do accept card payments. You can use ATM machines, just remember to inform your bank before you travel.
Tipping
In Cambodia salaries are low so tips can top up wages, although tips are not an expectation. If you visit temples, or other places of interest, there are often contribution boxes available for your donations. A guideline for tipping drivers and guides will be advised prior to travel.
Food & Drink
Cambodian cuisine is known as Khmer and it borrows dishes from other South East Asian countries, but with a distinctive twist. Rice and noodles are a staple in Cambodia, along with curries, which are less spicy than those found in Thailand. Black pepper is preferred over chillies, but you may find them served on the side and stir fried vegetables and garlic are often prepared. One of the secret ingredients used in Cambodian food is a paste known as ‘prahok’ which is made from salty fermented fish. Some typical dishes include: Amok – a curry made from fish or other meat cooked in banana leaves and usually served with rice. Bai Chi – a type of fried rice with Chinese sausage and soy sauce Ka Tieu – a noodle soup made with pork broth Babur – a stodgy rice porridge with bite size chunks of chicken or pork and vegetables As for beverages, only drink bottled water. You can find iced coffee made with sweetened condensed milk and iced tea is also popular. Fresh coconuts are available everywhere and you can drink the milk straight from the fruit. Alcohol is widely sold in Cambodia and beer is very popular. Palm wine and rice wine are also available but just be wary of sanitation; you may want to avoid drinking some of the locally produced wines.
Accommodation
Due to its proximity to the temples of Angkor Wat, the town of Siem Reap has the widest range of accommodation available in Cambodia from small boutique properties to leading international luxury hotels. In capital Phnom Penh and Battambang, the Cambodia’s second city, there is also a good selection of places to stay. Cambodia’s coastline is largely undeveloped but Kep has a very good small boutique sea-facing resort. In rural areas, in particular the north and east, accommodation is limited and tends to be clean and comfortable but of a simple standard. There is also a unique floating lodge on the Tatai River which serves as an excellent base for exploring the Cardamom Mountains.
Shopping
Shopping in Cambodia is like walking into a treasure trove of silk, statues, silver work, art, carvings and textiles. From large scale shopping malls to boutiques and specialist shops and interesting markets to street vendors, there is a plethora of scintillating delights to cater for all your shopping needs. You can have tailor-made silk clothing created or look for other hand crafted items like baskets, rice paper prints, a kramer scarf, handbags, clothing and furnishings. The government and other aid organisations are encouraging local people to rediscover their talents as weavers and craftsmen and you should not leave Cambodia without visiting the market where you can find a large selection of souvenirs, curious items, antiques, carvings, Buddha statues and other novel items at excellent prices.
Suggested Reading
The Rough Guide and Footprint are excellent books with information about the basics that every visitor should know. Milton Osborne's ‘Phnom Penh’ gives an insider's view of the sometimes overwhelming capital of Cambodia, from an Australian diplomat who was first posted in the city in 1959.
Health
Your doctor is the best person to advise you on staying healthy whilst abroad but current recommended vaccinations are Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Tetanus and Diphtheria. Yellow Fever is compulsory, but only if you have visited an affected Yellow Fever area within 5 days prior to your arrival. In some instances anti-malarial tablets may also be needed. For current information on health advice you may wish to visit the National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC) website Travel Health Pro on https://travelhealthpro.org.uk/. The Medical Advisory Services for Travellers Abroad (MASTA) website (www.masta.org) is also a useful resource.
Travel Advice
For current information on Cambodia the best resource is the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice) which is a comprehensive resource and updated regularly. We would also recommend visiting the Safer Tourism Foundation website (safertourism.org.uk) before you travel and will be happy to address any questions or concerns you may have.
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Our Reviews
What our clients say
Thank you for another outstanding organized and beautiful tour
DD - Cambodia - February 2020
I would like to thank you for another outstanding organized and beautiful tour to Cambodia. We did not face any problems over the whole tour and the hotels were excellent choice with very warm, kind and thoughtful staff.
We look forward to travelling with you again in the near future.
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