Whilst many people do not include Cambodia in their South East Asia itinerary, they are missing out. Cambodia is a beautiful country with much to offer, but be prepared it has a harrowing Khmer past that has left its mark still very much visible today. If you do visit, you need to respect and understand what happened in the country, so on this trip you will see the killing fields and S 21 prison camp. Once you have taken that in, you will find a new appreciation for the people of Cambodia. Then it is on to lighter and exciting locations, from one of the wonders of the world Angkor Wat, to French colonial cities like siem reap and Phnom Penh.

 

 

 

 

 

Cambodia Xplorer

 

Why visit Cambodia?

  • Visit one of the wonders of the world the Angkor Wat temple complex
  • Cambodia can be quite sobering, but extremely interesting and a great compliment to the partying in Thailand.
  • Discovering a new Cambodia emerging. Gorgeous beaches in the South exciting historical cities amazing temples
  • It’s extremely cheap to travel here. And extremely beautiful as well.
  • Why visit Cambodia? To discover more. Not as developed as Thailand, you will leave the country having learnt and discovered more about yourself as well as this exciting place. It is a real adventure.

Photos

Connection from Bangkok to Siem Reap

Depart at 7am from Bangkok with a public connection, head across the border to Siem Reap. You’ll arrive in Siem Reap in the early evening, so you can either chill out at your guesthouse or check out the action on nearby Pub Street.
Guesthouse with dorm beds or private rooms USD8-20

Siem Reap – Preah Vihear – Kompong Thom

Today we have an early start on our journey to the northern border region of Cambodia where we visit Preah Vihear, a sacred site and source of ongoing controversy for Thailand and Cambodia. On arrival at Preah Vihear Information Centre we pick up motorbikes for the drive to the top of the mountain, with amazing views over the Cambodia and Thailand. After lunch we continue to our overnight stopping point, the town of Kompong Thom.
Guesthouse in the center of town USD8-16

Kompong Thom to Phnom Pehn

This morning we visit a silk farm where we have breakfast and learn about the silk making process. From here we head for the bustling Cambodian capital of Phnom Penh. Along the way you will get the chance to sample a crunchy Cambodian favourite, fried spider! This local snack is found in the town of Skon where spiders are bred for human consumption. Once we settle into our guesthouse, you have free time to visit the Royal Palace & Silver Pagoda, Wat Phnom and the Russian Market or mix with the locals as the sunsets over the Mekong River.
Guesthouse near the main tourist area USD20

Non Travel Day: Phnom Penh

A free day today gives you the chance to explore this energizing capital city and visit the many markets selling silk, silver, gems and antiques.
Guesthouse near the main tourist area USD20

Phnom Penh to Koh Tunsay (Rabbit Island)

After a tour of the infamous Khmer Rouge S21 Prison and Killing Fields we head for the Cambodian coast, passing through the river town of Kampot. Kampot is famous for its pepper and salt farms and delicious seafood – your local guide will show you the best spot to taste some! From Kampot we head to the old French resort town of Kep where we board traditional Khmer wooden fishing boats for a 30 minute voyage to the island sanctuary of Koh Tunsay. Once on shore you can check out the island or just relax on the beach, and watch the sun go down.
Bungalows on the beach (sleep 4 people) USD25 per bungalow

Koh Tunsay (Rabbit Island) to Kampot

Tearing ourselves away from the beach, a short drive takes us back to the town of Kampot where you will have a free afternoon to visit the pepper and salt Farms, do some cycling or trekking in Bokor National Park or take a sunset cruise up the river.
Highly Recommended: Hop off here to head to Sihanoukville to enjoy the beach; local seafood and nightlife!

Guesthouse with dorm beds or private rooms USD6-15

Kampot to Battambang (homestay)

A full day today will take us to our village homestay near the provincial town of Battambang. En-route we will visit the 18th Century Khmer stronghold of Udong, where you can hike to the mountain top pagoda or relax in a hammock and enjoy a local Khmer BBQ! We pass through Kompong Chhnang (pronounced kom–pong–ch–nang) with its bustling local market and floating villages along the river and delta area. Our homestay tonight will give you a taste of local family and community life in the village with its seasonal farming, fishing, temple gatherings and festivals.
Homestay in local village including meals USD18

Battambang to Siem Reap

After breakfast with our homestay family we drive into Battambang where we will take a ride on the Bamboo Train before an early lunch and drive to Siem Reap – home of the incredible Angkor Temples.
Guesthouse with dorm beds or private rooms USD8-20

Non Travel Day: Siem Reap

Today is a free day for you to explore the magnificent Angkor Temples and take in some of Siem Reap’s vibrant markets and nightlife. Your guide will show you the best ones to head to first!
Guesthouse with dorm beds or private rooms USD8-20

Price

  • £480 per person

Included

  • All transport on private hop on hop off backpacker buses
  • Local transport connections to the hop on hop off route
  • Preah Vihear
  • Wat Nokor
  • S21 & Killing Fields
  • Udong
  • Bamboo train
  • Services in support of to backup driver guides
  • A group of fun like-minded adventure travellers to share the experiences with.
  •  Detailed predeparture documentationand support

Excluded

  • Flights
  • Travel insurance
  • Accommodation
  • Meals
  • Entrance to Angkor Wat

Dates

You can start this on any Monday from Bangkok (Thailand) or Seim Reap Cambodia.