Classic Cambodia
Experience Overview
Combine the history of the Khmer Empire with the modern energy of Phnom Penh for a week-long introduction to Cambodia. Witness the grandeur of ancient Angkor Wat – the famed UNESCO World Heritage site, see the enigmatic faces of Bayon temple, confront the tragedy of the recent past with sobering visits to the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S21) and the Killing Fields of Choeung Ek and be blessed by a local monk. Visit local farms, homes and the floating village of Kampong Phluck to rub shoulders with the locals and tuck into some delicious local cuisine – this is the perfect snapshot of the many wonders inside Cambodia!
Highlights
- Discover a land of contrasts and uncover the turbulent history with visits to the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S21) and the Killing Fields of Choeung Ek – a sobering but essential experience.
- Explore the UNESCO World Heritage-listed archaeological complex of Angkor with an included day pass. Tour the complex with a local guide, take part in a monk blessing and if you’re keen, maybe even start the day early for sunrise over the temples.
- Have lunch at The Spoon Restaurant and Training School in Siem Reap – this school offers disadvantaged students the chance to learn a profession in hospitality. You’ll learn about the NGO’s efforts and tuck into a delicious meal of international and Khmer cuisine.
- Visit the lakeside village of Kampong Phluck and see the colourful stilt houses that are built to withstand flooding, surrounded by mangrove forests.
- Be welcomed into a local countryside village for a tour of their agricultural surroundings and enjoy sunset drinks with a local family in their stilt house.
Trip Details
Product Code: 2700
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Comfortable
Transport: Private minibus,Boat
Guide Language: English
Tour Operator:
Intrepid Travel
Supplier Code: TKKS
Starts: Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Finishes: Siem Reap, Cambodia
Duration: 6 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical Rating:
Light
Includes
Meals: Breakfasts (5), Lunch (2), Dinner (2)Accommodation: Hotel (5 nights)
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $1,178 ($196 /day)
Itinerary
Sua s'dei! Welcome to Cambodia. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6pm tonight. If you arrive early, maybe stroll the streets of Phnom Penh, taking in the French architecture. Dinner tonight will be at a riverside local restaurant and may include dishes like beef lok lak (tender meat coated in pepper sauce) or fish amok (curry). Get to know your fellow travellers over some delicious Cambodian specialties and toast to a new adventure as the sun goes down.
Included Activities:
- Complimentary Arrival Transfer
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Today you’ll head out on a city tour that introduces you to the sights of Phnom Penh – a city that lies near the confluence of the Mekong and Tonle Sap rivers. The private quarters of the Royal Palace are home to King Sihamoni and are closed to the public. You will, however, be able to visit the Silver Pagoda that lies in the palace complex, which is the most sacred temple in the country. Then, visit the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S21) and the Killing Fields of Choeung Ek, which tell the story of the tragic legacy of the Khmer Rouge. Tuol Sleng is a former school that served as a Khmer Rouge torture centre, and it’s estimated that more than 20,000 people were held and tortured here. The Killing Fields of Choeung Ek are home to a stupa made up of some 8000 human skulls. This was the execution ground for the torture victims of Tuol Sleng, and standing in this peaceful setting, it's almost unthinkable to imagine that nearly 9000 corpses have been exhumed from the area. After, maybe visit Wat Phnom – the temple that gave rise to the foundation of the city in the 15th century.
Included Activities:
- Phnom Penh - Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S21)
- Phnom Penh - The Killing Fields of Choeung Ek
- Phnom Penh - Royal Palace & Silver Pagoda
Optional Activities:
- Phnom Penh - Wat Phnom (2 USD)
- Phnom Penh - Mekong Sunset - Free
- Phnom Penh - National Museum (10 USD)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Begin the scenic drive to Siem Reap today, stopping at Skun Market along the way. You’ll also stop at Santuk Silkfarm for lunch – a social enterprise run by local women and one of the few places in Cambodia where you can see the entire silk production process. Enjoy a home-cooked meal with your group here, then carry on to Siem Reap – the gateway to Angkor Wat and the most popular destination in all of Cambodia. When you arrive, head out for an orientation walk with your leader and enjoy the atmosphere, maybe also visiting the old market to explore the stalls selling silks, cottons, sarongs, silver and statues. Tonight, maybe find some delicious street food. There's also a long tradition of shadow puppetry in the region, and if you're lucky, you might catch a show at one of the local restaurants in the evening.
Included Activities:
- Siem Reap - Leader-led orientation walk
- Kampong Thom - Santuk Silkfarm visit
- Kampong Thom - Lunch prepared by women weavers at the silkfarm
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Spend a full day visiting the amazing temples of Angkor today – this UNESCO World Heritage site is one of the most important historic complexes in all South East Asia and is an absolute must-do experience in Cambodia! If you’re keen to see Angkor Wat at sunrise – the largest and most complete structure and the only temple with a west-facing entrance – your leader can organize an early visit for you before dawn (optional). Later in the morning, your group will tour the complex together. Of all the temples visited, Bayon is the centrepiece, with over 200 smiling carved faces and more than 50 gothic towers. You’ll also visit an ancient monastery, where you’ll meet a Buddhist monk to take part in a ritual that has survived for thousands of years. Sit on the floor as the monk chants and sprinkles holy water over you before tying a sacred thread around your wrist, ensuring protection and good luck for the rest of your journey. For lunch today, you'll visit the Spoons Restaurant and School where disadvantaged local youth learn skills that enable them to find gainful employment in the hospitality industry (this restaurant opens daily but it will be closed on public holidays, so on those days we will go to another restaurant). After, head to Ta Prohm – a temple where nature has taken over, as large trees dominate the stone foundations. If you’re keen to see Angkor Wat in all its glory, you can also opt to end the day with a sunset view of the temples – just organize with your leader.
Included Activities:
- Siem Reap - Lunch at The Spoon Restaurant
- Siem Reap - Angkor Temples Guided Tour
- Siem Reap - Monk Blessing
- Siem Reap - One day Angkor Pass
Optional Activities:
- Siem Reap - Phare Circus Ticket (18 USD)
- Siem Reap - Sunrise at Angkor Wat temple - Free
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Today enjoy breakfast. Then visit the Kampong Phluck lakeside village – the houses here are built on wooden stilts and you can travel by riverboat to explore the village that’s adapted to withstand flooding. See the mangrove forests (season depending) and get an insight into the fascinating ways of the local people. Later this afternoon, learn about the daily life of Cambodians on a village tour in the countryside. See the rice fields and family allotments that surround the traditional stilt houses and be welcomed into a local’s home as you join them for sunset drinks and snacks. This evening, you’ll have a final farewell dinner with your fellow travellers at a local restaurant offering authentic Cambodian cuisine.
Included Activities:
- Kampong Phluck - Visit to kampong Phluck lakeside village
- Siem Reap - Countryside village walk & sunset drink
- Siem Reap - Farewell Dinner
Optional Activities:
- Siem Reap - Khmer traditional massage (17 USD)
- Siem Reap - Landmine Museum (5 USD)
- Siem Reap - Angkor Zipline (from) (54 USD)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
After breakfast, there are no activities planned, and you’re free to leave at any time. If you would like to spend some more time in Siem Reap, just get in touch with your booking agent to organise additional accommodation.
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Tour Operator
Intrepid Travel
Intrepid Travel is a global adventure travel company, dedicated to providing sustainable, experience-rich travel opportunities. They’ve been the leader in ethical, small-group travel since 1989 - taking people around the world for more than 30 years. They’re the world’s largest travel B Corporation - dedicated to being the best travel company for the world. In 2002, they established The Intrepid Foundation so their travellers could make a lasting impact on the communities they had visited. Although Intrepid Travel absorbs all administrative costs of The Intrepid Foundation, they are separate legal entities, allowing The Intrepid Foundation to grow independently. Intrepid Travel is made up of a collection of tour operator brands and 28 destination management companies all united by one vision: To change the way we all see the world.
In Business Since 1989
Reviews
Julia - Traveled, April 2024
It has been a fantastic trip! Really interesting country and the right mix of planned activity and spare time. Our guide Hip has been fantastic! He was always approachable and made sure everyone is happy. I would definitely recommend this trip!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/28/2024
Sarah - Traveled, April 2024
I was anxious about travelling on my won for the first time. This was the perfect introduction! Intrepid made everything stress free. Local guides went above and beyond. I felt safe and comfortable and fell in love with Kampuchea's people & culture. I will be back <3
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/23/2024
Tim - Traveled, April 2024
This was my first trip with Intrepid though several of my fellow travelers were repeat customers. I'll certainly be looking at Intrepids offerings for future travels.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/19/2024
Marcy - Traveled, April 2024
We had an excellent trip to Cambodia. Our local tour guide was excellent. The tour was very balance with fun & education. I left Cambodia with a deeper understanding of this beautiful country & it’s wonderful people.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/22/2024
Matt - Traveled, April 2024
Would definitely recommend, trip was awesome, great activities and knowledge
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/13/2024
Eleanor - Traveled, April 2024
This Cambodia trip is the trip of a lifetime and perfect whitslestop look at the highlights of Cambodia. A full on itinerary for a short stay but perfectly captures all the best aspects of the beautiful country. From the tourist sites to the life of local people. Excellent guide, total safety and comfort and lovely hotels. The best way to see Cambodia.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/13/2020
Colin - Traveled, April 2024
Our trip to Cambodia was a very joyous one, made even more special by our wonderful tour guide Hip, he is an absolute credit to your company!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/12/2024
THOMAS - Traveled, April 2024
The reality of the trip was better than the anticipation of what we would see and visit. Accommodations were excellent and our guide made the trip more enjoyable with his helpfulness, knowledge, and enthusiasm.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/18/2024
Dino - Traveled, March 2024
Outstanding experience in Cambodia led by our fantastic guide, Saopheak Sum. She always made us feel welcome and continued to provide us with her knowledge about Cambodian life and culture. Just what we were looking for.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/04/2024
Angela - Traveled, March 2024
Had a wonderful tour of Cambodia with our tour guide Rous. She had a wealth of knowledge, good sense of humour and always made sure we all knew what we were doing. She went above and beyond for those in our group. I travelled alone but was never alone, our group of 11, all different ages really jelled well together. The accommodation was really good at the Ohana where we stayed for 3 nights. Thank you for the great memories Rous and the group. ????
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/31/2024
Mary and Peter - Traveled, March 2024
This was the first time we used this company. We were not disappointed. Everything was very slick and efficient. Would definitely recommend Intrepid Travel
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/30/2024
Helen - Traveled, March 2024
Amazing trip, would highly recommend doing this tour. Our guide Daro was very informative and knowledgeable and funny. Rooms were also good. Lovely people ??
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/25/2024
Richard - Traveled, March 2024
An informative well paced & fun tour
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/25/2024
Tom - Traveled, March 2024
Our guide Hip was amazing and Knowledgeable! He was so thoughtful and attentive and always listened to our needs like when I changed my flight and he gave me all the information I needed. Our driver was so nice always had cold towels for us!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/14/2024
Geraldine - Traveled, March 2024
Highly recommend this tour. Well organised and a great mix of destinations, activities and places to eat. The guides are very knowledgeable and provide excellent information.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/16/2024
Bethany - Traveled, March 2024
Wonderful introduction to Cambodia’s major history and sites with centrally located comfortable hotels and a great range of activities. Learned a lot about Cambodia’s past and current cultures. Vanny is an excellent guide- very knowledgeable and approachable. Definitely want to return to Cambodia to explore more.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/16/2024
Jared - Traveled, March 2024
Intrepid and the local Cambodian team have created a great tour consisting of the major attractions around Cambodia. Guide Vannak really made the trip something special.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/11/2024
Raymond - Traveled, March 2024
Excellent trip. Varied and interesting itinerary, knowledgeable guides and punctual operation.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/08/2024
Gretta - Traveled, March 2024
Excellent trip, well organised and good variety.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/12/2024
Barbara - Traveled, February 2024
Súper way to see Cambodia and taste local food and culture .
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/29/2024
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