Experience Overview
This nine-day adventure shows you all the essential sites in Cambodia, and then some! Travel through the middle of this South-East Asian nation full of history, temples and cheap, tasty food. See Wat’s up in Angkor with a full day pass into the ancient temple complex, laugh with the locals in Banteay Chhmar during a unique homestay experience, explore the markets in Siem Reap with a street food breakfast and see where the Mekong, Bassac and Tonle Sap rivers collide in Phnom Penh on a cruise at sunset. With time before and after to hit up the hubs of Bangkok and Ho Chi Minh City, this epic adventure will make sure you see the hotspots of Cambodia without missing a beat.
Highlights
- See the sunrise over the incredible Angkor complex and take a guided Tuk-tuk tour of all the best sites (including Angkor Wat and jungle-covered Ta Prohm) with a company focused on employing local women in the community.
- Immerse yourself in local culture with a homestay experience in Banteay Chhmar (the Citadel of the Cat), putting you right in the heart of everyday village life in Cambodia, and enjoy a home-cooked dinner from your hosts.
- Learn more about Cambodia's confronting but important history with visits to the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S21) and the Killing Fields of Choeung Ek.
- Take a sunset cruise on the Mekong River of Phnom Penh and raise a glass (the drink is included) to one of the most serene settings in the country. Maybe keep the vibes going at a hip rooftop bar.
- Experience the bustling markets of thriving Siem Reap with a street food breakfast, then enjoy some free time to check out this gorgeous region at your own pace.
- 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.
Trip Details
Product Code: 2725
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Basic
Transport: Private minibus,Public bus,Remork (Tuk-tuk)
Guide Language: English
Tour Operator:
Intrepid Travel
Supplier Code: TKYA
Starts: Bangkok, Cambodia
Finishes: Ho Chi Minh City, Cambodia
Duration: 9 days
Departures: Not Guaranteed
Physical Rating:
Light
Includes
Meals: Breakfasts (2), Dinner (2)Accommodation: Hotel (3 nights),Hostel (4 nights),Homestay (1 night)
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) $624 ($69 /day)
Itinerary
Sawasdee! Welcome to Thailand. Your adventure begins in Bangkok with an important welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight. Bangkok has so much going on, so if you've got time to explore this Southeast Asian hub, why not hit the canals for a riverboat trip to Chinatown? Maybe visit the Grand Palace and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha or indulge in a pre-adventure massage. Tonight, maybe opt to get together with your new fellow travellers and head out for a green curry or tom yum goong (spicy seafood soup) for dinner.
Optional Activities:
- Bangkok - Grand Palace (500 THB)
- Bangkok - Wat Pho (300 THB)
- Bangkok - Tuk Tuk Experience Urban Adventure (2500 THB)
- Bangkok - Temple & River of Kings Urban Adventure (2900 THB)
- Bangkok - Chinatown Sights and Bites Urban Adventure (1960 THB)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Rise 'n' shine early this morning to leave Thailand and head into Cambodia! Your first destination on your Cambodian journey is Banteay Chhmar, which translates as Citadel of the Cat. This charming little village is far off the tourist trail and dotted with several temples. Take the chance to stretch your legs as you leader takes you on a walk to explore the village. Tonight, you'll experience traditional hospitality from a local family in a Khmer house set on wooden stilts – this homestay experience is the perfect way to get to know the locals and immerse yourself in their culture. As the day comes to an end, sit down to a delicious Khmer dinner by torchlight in the grounds of the temple or at a local community centre (depending on the weather).
Included Activities:
- Banteay Chmar - Village Walk
- Banteay Chhmar - Homestay
Accommodation:
- Homestay (Number of Nights: 1)
After a peaceful night, you’ll visit the temple in the middle of Banteay Chhmar this morning. Similar to many Khmer temples in Cambodia, this temple is surrounded by water, which often represents the ocean surrounding the Temple Mountain (an architectural representation of the Hindu god’s home Mount Meru). After, you’ll take a private vehicle to Siem Reap – a popular city where you’ll spend the next couple of days. When you arrive, maybe spend some time looking around the central markets and pick up some delicious food for dinner.
Included Activities:
- Banteay Chhmar - Banteay Chhmar Temple visit
Accommodation:
- Hostel (Number of Nights: 1)
Early this morning, you’ll visit the mighty Angkor complex at sunrise – this is the largest religious structure in the world, and it’s pretty special to see the dawn rise over the temples. Get the camera ready because these 400 acres are full of picturesque settings. You’ll take a guided tour of the complex on a Tuk-tuk with a local social enterprise that focuses on providing employment opportunities for women in the community – and see the larger-than-life Angkor Wat, the grand Bayon and the jungle-covered Ta Prohm. Some buildings are over a thousand years old from the Khmer Empire – these beauties were known to represent the cosmic world and were set in perfect balance, symmetry and composition. If you like, try to catch the majesty of the temples at sunset, too – you can even head back to your accommodation after your guided tour for a nap and then re-enter the site in the late afternoon. Tonight, enjoy a traditional homemade dinner in a local family's home.
Included Activities:
- Siem Reap - One day Angkor Pass
- Siem Reap - Home cooked dinner
- Siem Reap - Angkor Wat Sunrise
- Siem Reap - Angkor Temples Guided Tour by TukTuk
Accommodation:
- Hostel (Number of Nights: 1)
This morning, you can take up an awesome street food breakfast in Siem Reap’s local market. Then, today is free for you to experience the city however you want. If you're all templed out, you can opt for an Angkor zip-line course, which will have you soaring like an eagle over the rainforest. Your leader will know all the best things to do, so ask them if you’re stuck.
Included Activities:
- Siem Reap - Street food breakfast
Optional Activities:
- Siem Reap - Phare Circus Ticket (18 USD)
- Siem Reap - Three day Angkor Pass (62 USD)
- Siem Reap - Angkor Zipline Silver Tour (54 USD)
- Siem Reap - Landmine Museum (5 USD)
- Siem Reap - Full day remork transport to Angkor complex (20 USD)
- Siem Reap - Angkor Zipline Gold Tour (87 USD)
Accommodation:
- Hostel (Number of Nights: 1)
Time to head to Cambodia’s capital – Phnom Penh. Take a public bus through the Cambodian countryside until you reach the bustling city. Phnom Penh sits at the junction of the Mekong, Bassac and Tonle Sap rivers and used to be known as Krong Chaktomuk (the City of Four Faces) – this river junction forms an X crossing, representing four geographic ‘faces’ of the city and surrounding area. The main centre of the city sits on the Western bank of the Tonle Sap and Mekong rivers. In the evening, you’ll head out with your group for a sunset river cruise and enjoy an included drink as you sail along the water and see the city from a different perspective. Then, you might like to hit up a rooftop bar with some amazing views of the city – there are tonnes of options to choose from, so just ask your leader and they’ll point you in the right direction!
Included Activities:
- Phnom Penh - Sunset River Cruise
Optional Activities:
- Phnom Penh - Wat Phnom (2 USD)
- Phnom Penh - National Museum (10 USD)
- Phnom Penh - Khmer massage (8 USD)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Today, you’ll have the chance to learn more about the country's sobering history and the Khmer Rouge atrocities at the Killing Fields of Choeung Ek and the infamous Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum. The rest of the day is free to explore the city. If you're in the mood for some shopping, maybe check out the Psar Thmei (Central Market), located in an old French colonial building. Maybe stop by the temple of Wat Phnom, the National Museum or the French Quarter. A popular activity here is to jump in a cyclo with a local – sunset is the best time to explore the busy streets, in search of some beautiful scenery and pretty incredible views.
Included Activities:
- Phnom Penh - Killing Fields of Choeung Ek
- Phnom Penh - Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S21)
Optional Activities:
- Phnom Penh - Cyclo Tour (4 USD)
- Phnom Penh - Khmer massage (8 USD)
- Phnom Penh - National Museum (10 USD)
- Phnom Penh - Wat Phnom (2 USD)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Travel by public bus to Ho Chi Minh City this morning – this is a long drive but there will be stops for lunch and to stretch your legs. Your leader knows the drill, so they'll assist you with border crossing procedures. Arrive in Ho Chi Minh City and get your first taste of this fast-paced, fun city. Formerly known as Saigon, Ho Chi Minh City is quite the hub of markets, stalls and Vietnamese history, and much of city life happens on the streets. You'll see it's a combo of all kinds of flavours, old and new, East and West. Try a French baguette, get your pho fix and caffeine hit with some Vietnamese coffee, best shared with the locals.
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
As there are no activities planned for today, you can leave your accommodation at any time. If you're staying longer, you might want to go on one of the Urban Adventures offered in Ho Chi Minh city. Your leader can help you book the tour of your choice. If you would like to spend some more time in Ho Chi Minh City, just speak to your booking agent.
Optional Activities:
- Ho Chi Minh City - Saigon Street Food by Night Urban Adventure (36 USD)
- Ho Chi Minh City - Mekong Discovery Urban Adventure (73 USD)
- Ho Chi Minh City - Cu Chi Tunnel Experience Urban Adventure (45 USD)
- Ho Chi Minh City - War Remnants Museum (40000 VND)
- Ho Chi Minh City - Reunification Palace (40000 VND)
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
Stanley - Traveled, March 2024
Just copy the above if you wish!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/12/2024
Agnese - Traveled, February 2024
Cambodia, Feb 2024. Our trip was absolutely amazing, as well as the friendship we've built and Dyka, our amazing leader. Cambodia is a gorgeous country made up of amazing people, and the Intrepid trip, with a homestay and a dinner at a local family, gave us the chance to explore exactly this aspect. We would never have had the chance to do such things and I cannot explain how much it meant to me sharing that time with the local families. I strongly recommend taking part to this trip: the locals, the breathtaking visit at Angkor Wat, the fun, the amazing relationship we've built in our group and with our beloved guide Dyka.. I wish this trip did not come to an end!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/20/2024
Anya - Traveled, January 2024
I absolutely fell in love with Cambodia thanks to an amazing guide, a wonderful itinerary and a fabulous group. I would recommend Intrepid to anyone.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/25/2024
Bronte - Traveled, December 2023
Fantastic trip! Great length and pace. Cambodia is colourful, fun, and interesting; full of tasty food and beautiful sights, with a rich history. The temples are unbelievable, the cities vibrant, and the people welcoming. The village homestay is a highlight. Highly recommend!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/05/2024
Jasmine - Traveled, September 2023
Amazing tour!!! I’d totally recommend as you see so much of the country in the week! It’s a beautiful country with interesting history. Our guide Daro was incredible with great enthusiasm and full of knowledge while making everyone laugh!!!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/20/2023
Michael - Traveled, September 2023
Perfect trip thanks to the people, activities, locals and last but not least our amazing tour guide Daro. He made it effortless for the group.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/20/2023
Aaliyah - Traveled, September 2023
Our tour leader Daro was brilliant! He took the time to get to know each of us, had great reccomendations from tasty food spots to popular historical sights. He was always enthusiastic and happy making sure the mood of the group was always on a high. The included activities were all great value for money with tour guides, opportunities to spend time exploring and also having free time to do what we wanted. The homestays provided a memorable experience to really learn about an authentic Cambodian lifestyle and the hospitality was amazing. I loved this trip and would reccomended anyone to try it out as I will definitely be travelling with Intrepid again. It was my first solo trip of this kind and first one with Intrepid but its been the best holiday I've ever been on
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/20/2023
Lewis - Traveled, September 2023
Daro was amazing, His knowledge and passion for his country is second to none! Made the trip as good as it could be and more, any recommendations he had were spot on!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/20/2023
Max - Traveled, September 2023
Perfectly organised trip with Daro the tour leader he couldn’t have been better!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/20/2023
Michael - Traveled, September 2023
Perfect trip thanks to the people, activities, locals and last but not least our amazing tour guide Daro. He made it effortless for the group.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/20/2023
nina - Traveled, August 2023
The best trip of my life! Our leader Sophea was amazing. The trip was filled with amazing activities and there’s not a moment where you feel bored or homesick. You create your own little family. The people and the culture of Cambodia was amazing. I would do this trip and over again. Intrepid has created a special place in my heart. Without a doubt you should do it!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/09/2023
Alessandra - Traveled, July 2023
The trip was great. We got to see a lot of things and were never in a rush. The groupleaders know a lot about the places we went to and helped in any situation. It was overal a great experience and I‘d love to go once again.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/23/2023
Jana - Traveled, July 2023
I can't recommend this trip enough! Be prepared for lots of breathtaking temples, fun nights with cheap cocktails in pub street and meeting amazing people who are ready to look towards the future despite their country's horrific past. If you are lucky you will have Vanny as your guide.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/22/2023
Erin - Traveled, June 2023
This trip was incredible! We got to see many sites within a short amount of time and learn a lot about the places and people. I recommend it to anyone thinking about traveling to Asia.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/21/2023
Prince - Traveled, May 2023
Intrepid is well-worth the money & time! These guys are professionals.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/08/2023
Thomas - Traveled, May 2023
A fantastic trip. I highly recommend and our tour guide, Pheap, was brilliant. Cambodian people are incredibly welcoming and the country is a hidden gem.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/20/2023
Liz - Traveled, May 2023
Really enjoyed the Cambodia trip, it was a good mix of activities and free time, and we learnt a lot about the local culture. Phan Sotheavy was a great tour leader, very fun and super organised.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/14/2023
Liz - Traveled, May 2023
Really enjoyed the Cambodia trip, it was a good mix of activities and free time, and we learnt a lot about the local culture. Phan Sotheavy was a great tour leader, very fun and super organised.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/14/2023
Eric - Traveled, April 2023
Intrepid gave a well organised, insightful and exciting experience of Cambodia. After the trip, you will feel a steong connection to its people and culture. Tour guides were excellent. I would strongly recommend this tour over solo travel.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/13/2023
Chris - Traveled, April 2023
Highly recommend this tour if you looking to get an experience & cultural experience nothing can get this. If you get lucky & get pj as your guide that it! Hok home stay dinner omg! Great lad! Home stay at village was an experience money can’t buy!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/05/2023
Eleanor - Traveled, April 2023
Incredible! Improved my understanding of Cambodian history. Its a beautiful country, incredible people, and incredible experience
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/11/2023
Jack - Traveled, April 2023
Amazing tour with a lovely group and an excellent leader. I would thoroughly recommend it.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/09/2023
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