Essential Cambodia
9 Days Starting in Bangkok and ending in Ho Chi Minh City
Visiting: Bangkok, Banteay Chhmar, Siem Reap, Siem Reap – Angkor Wat Sunrise, Phnom Penh, Ho Chi Minh City
Tour operator:
Tour code:
TKYA
Specialist Group:
18-30 Somethings
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 16
Age range:
18-35 years
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour 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
Itinerary
Day 1: Bangkok
Location: Bangkok
Accommodation: Hotel
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:
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Day 2: Banteay Chhmar
Location: Banteay Chhmar
Accommodation: Homestay
Meals Included: dinner
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:
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Day 3: Siem Reap
Location: Siem Reap
Accommodation: Hostel
Meals Included: breaksfast
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:
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Day 4: Siem Reap – Angkor Wat Sunrise
Location: Siem Reap – Angkor Wat Sunrise
Accommodation: Hostel
Meals Included: dinner
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:
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Day 5: Siem Reap
Location: Siem Reap
Accommodation: Hostel
Meals Included: breaksfast
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:
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Optional Activities:
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Day 6: Phnom Penh
Location: Phnom Penh
Accommodation: Hotel
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:
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Optional Activities:
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Day 7: Phnom Penh
Location: Phnom Penh
Accommodation: Hotel
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:
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Optional Activities:
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Day 8: Ho Chi Minh City
Location: Ho Chi Minh City
Accommodation: Hotel
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.
Day 9: Ho Chi Minh City
Location: Ho Chi Minh City
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:
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What's Included
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Phnom Penh - Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S21)
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Banteay Chmar - Village Walk
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Banteay Chhmar - Homestay
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Banteay Chhmar - Banteay Chhmar Temple visit
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Siem Reap - One day Angkor Pass
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Siem Reap - Angkor Temples Guided Tour
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Siem Reap - Home cooked dinner
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Phnom Penh - Futures Factory cocktail class
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Siem Reap - Street food breakfast
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Phnom Penh - Killing Fields of Choeung Ek
What's Not Included
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Tipping and Gratuities
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International Travel
Transport
- Private minibus , Public bus , Remork (Tuk-tuk)
Accommodation
- The style of accommodation indicated in the day-to-day itinerary is a guideline only and may change. On some occasions, alternative arrangements may need to be made due to the lack of availability of rooms in our preferred accommodation. In these cases, we will use a similar standard of accommodation.
- Throughout the trip, we request that our properties prepare rooms in time for our arrival, especially if we're arriving prior to normal check-in time. However, this isn't always possible which means we won't be able to check-in immediately on arrival at some hotels. Instead, we can store our luggage and explore our new destination or on some trips, have use of shared day rooms until all rooms are available.
- HOTELS:
- Most of the accommodation on this trip is in hotels (mostly 2 to 3-star). Facilities are often basic, with some properties not having a continuous supply of hot water on occasion. All rooms are either fan cooled or with air conditioning and twin share with private facilities unless stated otherwise in the daily itinerary. Double beds are not widely available in South East Asia.
- WINDOWLESS ROOMS:
- Some hotels in South East Asia have windowless rooms, or windows that don't necessarily have a view. This is often due to high population density in large cities, however local building standards also do not require rooms to have windows. We do request rooms with windows, however they aren't always available.
Included Activities
- Banteay Chmar - Village Walk
- Banteay Chhmar - Homestay
- Banteay Chhmar - Banteay Chhmar Temple visit
- Siem Reap - One day Angkor Pass
- Siem Reap - Angkor Temples Guided Tour
- Siem Reap - Home cooked dinner
- Siem Reap - Street food breakfast
- Phnom Penh - Futures Factory cocktail class
- Phnom Penh - Killing Fields of Choeung Ek
- Phnom Penh - Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S21)
Important Information
- 1. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement excludes Day 2 (Homestay) where you will be in shared accommodation and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
- 2.Please provide your full name exactly as per passport at the time of booking (including any middle names listed on your passport). Fees may apply for amendments to details within 45 days of departure, and in some cases you will be required to cover the cost of issuing new tickets.
Check out our Q&As
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Are international flights included in this tour?
No
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Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?
Yes
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Is this trip right for you
Lots of time allocated for optional activities means freedom and flexibility, but also a level of independence. Only a few meals are included but your leader will have plenty of suggestions for great eats at any budget. This is a great way to mingle with locals and discover unexpected delights!
Temperatures and humidity can be high in Cambodia, especially when walking around sights like the Angkor complex, where there may be little shade. Be prepared by taking plenty of drink breaks and wearing appropriate skin protection. Some travellers find an umbrella handy to keep the sun off (this will also come in handy if it rains!).
The stories shared at Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S21) and the Killing Fields of Choeung Ek are confronting, and many travellers will find them upsetting. This is an essential part of Cambodia's recent history that we feel is important to share, however, if you would prefer not to join in these visits, your leader will be able to suggest alternatives.
You will visit a number of temples on this trip, and this requires a level of modesty. Be sure to bring clothes that cover your arms and pants or skirts that go past the knees. A light scarf is also a good idea for covering shoulders and arms when it’s hot. -
Are airport transfers included in this tour?
No
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Are all the relevant entry visa’s included in the price of the tour?
No
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Are children permitted to take part in the tour?
No, this trip is catered for those aged 18-29 years
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Intrepid Travel has been taking travellers around the world for over 30 years
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Since 2002, The Intrepid Foundation has supported over 130 organisations across the world. We’re creating positive impact through the joy of travel, community and connection.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Over 50% of traveller travel solo with Intrepid. You can choose to share a room with another solo travelle of the same sex for no additional charge, or choose to pay a single supplement if you’d like your own room. Please request this when booking, and we will secure you a single supplement wherever possible. Please note, if you are booking a last-minute trip, it may be harder for us to secure a single room
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Free Date Changes
Intrepid Travel allows you to make 10 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 56 days before the start of the tour.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Intrepid Travel allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform intrepid travel, 56 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Intrepid Travel requires a minimum deposit of 400 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 56 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of intrepid travel charges.
Up to 56 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 55 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 60% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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