Cambodian Traveller
Touchdown in Vietnam amid the chaotic streets of Ho Chi Minh City, travel through Cambodia and arrive in Thailand's vivacious capital, Bangkok. Visit the ancient temples of Angkor Wat in Siem Reap, learn the secrets behind Khmer cuisine in Battambang and reflect on Cambodia's tragic history at the sobering sites of Phnom Penh. Journey through three of South East Asia’s most contrasting countries on an adventure that draws you away from the crowds and into the heart and soul of this captivating region, and its equally enchanting people.
9 days.
From £604pp
Your tour to Cambodia includes:
- This short but sweet adventure is packed full of experiences that will give you great insight into Cambodia and the contrasts between three of the region's most fascinating countries.
- Watch the sun rising over Angkor Wat as it did over 800 years ago with your leader. Wander through the amazing ancient temples on a guided tour and with a three-day Angkor pass to cover your whole time in Siem Reap, you can explore this incredible temple complex as much and as often as you like.
- Discover the countryside around Battambang on a bike ride around rural farms to meet with local producers, through an Intrepid partner and social enterprise that supports the local communities and provides training opportunities.
- Experience life on water on a boat tour visiting the floating villages on Tonle Sap Lake and understand the deep bond between the lake and the local communities.
- Join in a confronting yet important tour in Phnom Penh to The Killing Fields of Choeung Ek and Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and reflect on its devastating impact on the modern Cambodia.
- 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.
- Breakfasts Included: 8
- Hotel (8 nights)
- Private minibus,Public bus,Bicycle,Boat
- Age: min 15
- Group Size: 1 - 16
- Phnom Penh - The Killing Fields of Choeung Ek
- Phnom Penh - Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S21)
- Kampong Chhnang - Pottery village visit
- Battambang - countryside cycling tour and local snack tasting
- Siem Reap - Three day Angkor Pass
- Siem Reap - Angkor Temples Guided Tour
- Siem Reap - Sunrise at Angkor Wat
- Chong Kneas - Tonle Sap floating village visit
Your Itinerary:
Day 1 Ho Chi Minh City
Xin chao! Welcome to Vietnam. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm in Ho Chi Minh City. If you have free time before the meeting, get out and discover the city's blend of old and new, East and West at your own pace. The Reunification Palace and the War Remnants Museum are great sites to learn more about Vietnam's history. If you arrive a day or two early, the Cu Chi Tunnels and Mekong Delta make for excellent and insightful day trips from the city. After your meeting tonight, why not grab your group and head out for dinner.
Day 2 Phnom Penh
Travel by public bus across the border, through rural Vietnam and Cambodia and onto Phnom Penh. Cambodia's capital city is set on a major junction of the Mekong and Tonle Sap rivers and boasts some fine examples of French-inspired architecture. If you're looking for a tasty beverage when you arrive, head for a mojito on the rooftop or if you're in the mood for shopping, stop in at the art-deco Psar Thmei (Central Market) or travel out to Psar Tuol Tom Pong (the Russian Market) for the best range of local souvenirs.
Day 3 Phnom Penh
Today, confront Cambodia's tragic past on a guided tour of the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S21), a former school which served as a Khmer Rouge torture centre. It's estimated that more than 20,000 people were held and tortured here. You’ll also head out to the Killing Fields of Choeung Ek, where a stupa made up of some 8000 human skulls marks the execution ground for the torture victims of Tuol Sleng. Afterwards, you may wish to learn about a brighter period in Cambodian history from an optional visit to 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 Central Market, US Embassy, Wat Phnom, Mekong riverfront, the Independence Monument and Royal Palace.
Day 4 Battambang
Travel by private minibus to Battambang today. Break up an otherwise long trip with a visit to the pottery visit in Kampong Chhnang,and learn about the craft of pottery making at local workshops. Then continue to Cambodia's second-largest city. A pretty riverside town of French elegance, friendly Khmer people and beautifully preserved colonial architecture, this is a great place to explore on your own. Why not take part in an optional cooking class to learn the secrets of local dishes such as amok, Khmer curry and fried spicy chicken.
Day 5 Siem Reap
Spend a bit of time riding around the countryside by bike, travelling out to the rural villages around Battambang. This is a great opportunity to get a closer look at what rural life means in Cambodia. Visit local families who have been producing agricultural products the traditional way passed down through generations, like rice paper, dried bananas, and bamboo sticky rice and stop by a Khmer house and relax and enjoy some coconut water while chatting about their life. The Intrepid partner for this activity is a local social enterprise that support training of local youth for their future career. In the afternoon continue by private minibus to Siem Reap, arriving in the evening, and relax as you prepare for your much-anticipated visit to Angkor tomorrow. Perhaps hit the markets for some delicious street food for dinner.
Day 6 Siem Reap / Angkor Wat
A very rewarding morning to get to Angkor Wat in the early hours to watch the sun rising over it as it did in the ancient times (weather permitting). Then Temple-hop with your local guide and make the most of your visit to the world-famous Angkor complex. The temples, dating back as far as the ninth century, were believed to represent the cosmic world and were set in perfect balance, symmetry and composition. The intricately carved bas-reliefs and architectural designs are mind-blowing and there are spectacular photo opportunities at any time of day. Watching a sunrise or sunset is a must. The ruins are scattered over an area of some 160 square km, but the main cluster of temples is close to Siem Reap, so there will be plenty of time to fully appreciate the great archaeological sites of Angkor Wat, Bayon and the jungle-covered Ta Prohm.
Day 7 Siem Reap / Angkor Wat
Continue your explorations of the Angkor complex this morning. In the afternoon, embark on a private local boat discover the floating villages and local daily lives at Chhong Kneas, a trading port of agricultural products on the edge of Tonle Sap Lake, also known as the Great Lake of Cambodia.
Day 8 Bangkok
It's a long drive by private minibus from Siem Reap to Bangkok today. Arrive in Thailand's bustling capital and take in this exciting world of tuk tuks, khlong boats, and street vendors serving up delicious Thai food. Perhaps head out to sample some local specialties as a final farewell with your fellow travellers.
Day 9 Bangkok
Your trip comes to an end this morning, with no further activities planned. However, if you have more time, Bangkok is full of things to do, including the Grand Palace, Temple of the Emerald Buddha, and the fascinating Jim Thompson museum. Just speak to your booking agent if you'd like to extend your stay.
Conditions
- The following product terms and conditions apply in addition to our Booking Terms and Conditions (available on our website) and terms and conditions of the relevant travel service provider.
- Prices quoted valid for sale until 21 April 2024 for travel during the period specified (if applicable) unless otherwise stated or sold out prior.
- All prices are per person (unless otherwise stated), subject to availability and may be withdrawn or varied without notice. Accommodation (if included) is based on twin share unless otherwise stated.
- Advertised price includes bonus nights and/or stated saving (if applicable).
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- Airfare (including internal flights) is not included unless otherwise stated and, if included, is economy class unless otherwise stated.
- Components of the total price including local payments, "resort fees", "national park fees", "trip kitties" and food funds (if applicable) may be payable direct to the supplier on arrival or to your travel consultant prior to your departure. Where applicable, these payments are included in the total price quoted.
- Gratuities are not included unless otherwise stated.
- Prices shown are fully inclusive of taxes, levies and government charges current at the time of publication.
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Please quote deal number 2188169 when you call.
