Cambodia Discovery
9 Days Starting in Ho Chi Minh City and ending in Siem Reap
Visiting: Ho Chi Minh City, Phnom Penh, Kampot, Chambok, Siem Reap
Tour operator:
Tour code:
TKRS
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 16
Age range:
15-99 years
Tour operated in:
EnglishInterests:
Tour Overview
Immerse yourself in ancient sites and breathtaking beauty on this nine-day Cambodian adventure. Start in the hustle of Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam and then wind your way through cities and countryside to Cambodia, where you’ll learn about the country’s sobering history, discover the laidback culture of the Khmer communities, stay with locals on an immersive homestay and try delicious local eats cooked by your hosts (and at the many markets). Take a river cruise at sunset and visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site – the Angkor complex – full of ancient temples, jungle-covered ruins and fascinating landmarks.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Ho Chi Minh City
Location: Ho Chi Minh City
Accommodation: hotel
Xin chao! Welcome to Vietnam. Your adventure begins with an important welcome meeting at 6 pm. If you arrive early, get out and discover the city's blend of old and new, East and West and sample a baguette or some of the excellent coffee on offer – both markers of the city's strong French influence. Equally essential are visits to the Reunification Palace (the site of South Vietnam's surrender in April 1975) and the War Remnants Museum. As there isn’t much time to explore Ho Chi Minh City on this tour, it’s highly recommended you spend a day or two extra to get a real taste of this busy city. After your meeting, why not get a taxi and head to the night markets at Ben Thanh – teeming with good food and local handicrafts, it’s a perfect start to your adventure.
Optional Activities:
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Day 2: Phnom Penh
Location: Phnom Penh
Accommodation: Hotel
Travel by local bus through rural Vietnam and Cambodia this morning, making your way to Phnom Penh. With two border crossings and a stop for lunch, this is a long travel day, so maybe have a good book or a road trip game handy. 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. You may want to take a cyclo tour of the city's sights when you arrive, which includes the central market, US Embassy, Wat Phnom, Mekong Riverfront, independence monument and Royal Palace. 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.
Optional Activities:
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Day 3: Phnom Penh
Location: Phnom Penh
Accommodation: Hotel
Take a day to explore the swirl and bustle of Phnom Penh. Visit the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S21) and the Killing Fields of Choeung Ek. These serve as sobering reminders of the violent rule of the Khmer Rouge. Here you can learn more about this confronting but important chapter in history – if you'd rather not visit these sites, simply let your leader know. Otherwise, the rest of the day is free for you to explore. You could visit Wat Phnom – a Buddhist temple shrouded in myth – or the National Museum and its excellent Khmer collection. In the evening, maybe head out with your group for a drink overlooking the Tonle Sap River.
Included Activities:
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Optional Activities:
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Day 4: Kampot
Location: Kampot
Accommodation: Guest House
Take a local train to Kampot this morning – one of Cambodia's most attractive old towns. Famous for its pepper, Kampot supplied most French restaurants with this vital spice for many years during colonial rule. Today, the region is more renowned for its plantations of durian – a spiky, pungent fruit that you’ll either love or hate – try it and see! Follow your leader for a stroll along the riverside and observe the French architecture, learn about the local heritage buildings and maybe have a cup of coffee on the veranda of one of the riverside restaurants to admire the view of the Bokor Mountain Range. A traditional massage is also highly recommended here from the local enterprise Seeing Hands – one of the most enjoyable ways of supporting a local charity, you’ll change into loose cotton pyjamas and then put yourself in the capable hands of one of the blind masseurs. In a country with no social security, the training and support provided by the centres allow blind Cambodians to support themselves. This afternoon, head to the dock at the Kampong Bay River and board a local boat for a serene cruise with a stunning view of the sun setting over Bokor Mountain.
Included Activities:
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Day 5: Kampot
Location: Kampot
Accommodation: Guest House
Enjoy a free day in the chilled-out town of Kampot today. For a unique photo opportunity, head to the centre of the town, where a giant durian statue sits smack in the middle of a roundabout. Maybe browse for some goodies to take home at the covered market. The nearby countryside is also a delight to explore – among fields of Kampot pepper and rice, there’s a salt field and limestone cave. Inside the cave sits the small 7th-century brick temple Phnom Chhnork.
Optional Activities:
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Day 6: Chambok
Location: Chambok
Accommodation: Homestay
Meals Included: dinner
This morning, take a private vehicle into rural Cambodia to the village of Chambok in the Kampong Speu region. There's a lot of natural beauty to discover here and the Chambok community is renowned for its ecotourism. A member of the Chambok community will take you on a village walk when you arrive and will be happy to chat about their community’s history, lifestyle and local ecotourism projects. Meet the families you’ll spend the night with and settle into your homestay before walking around the village and exploring at your own pace. Maybe head to a nearby waterfall – if it's warm enough, you may even opt for a swim! Tonight, head to the community centre to enjoy a traditional Khmer dinner prepared by women from the community. You'll also be treated to a traditional dance performance – tonight is an unforgettable local experience!
Included Activities:
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Day 7: Siem Reap
Location: Siem Reap
Accommodation: Guest House
Meals Included: breaksfast
Today, take a private transfer to Siem Reap – this small but expanding town is the gateway to the famed Angkor archaeological site. This is the most popular destination for travellers in all of Cambodia (maybe even all of Southeast Asia!). When you arrive, maybe explore the markets – a great place to shop or try some cheap, delicious street food. Tonight, you’re free to fine the best spot for a local feed – your leader is always on hand with great recommendations.
Day 8: Siem Reap
Location: Siem Reap
Accommodation: Guest House
Today, you’ll visit the world-famous Angkor complex with your local guide. These temples were built between the 9th and 13th centuries when the Khmer Empire was the pre-eminent influence in Southeast Asia. The temples 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 some spectacular photo opportunities at any time of day! The ruins are scattered over some 160 square km, but the main cluster of temples are close to Siem Reap. You'll have plenty of time to fully appreciate the great archaeological sites of Angkor Wat, the Bayon and the jungle-covered Ta Prohm, among others.
Included Activities:
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Optional Activities:
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Day 9: Siem Reap
Location: Siem Reap
With no activities planned for today, you can depart the accommodation at any time. That doesn’t mean your adventure has to end! If you wish to spend some extra time in Siem Reap, just speak to your booking agent.
Optional Activities:
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What's Included
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Accommodation
Guesthouse (4 nights), Homestay (1 night), Hotel (3 nights) -
Phnom Penh - Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S21)
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Phnom Penh - The Killing Fields of Choeung Ek
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Kampot - Sunset cruise
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Kampot - Heritage walking tour
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Chambok - Traditional dancing
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Chambok - Waterfall hike
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Chambok - Homestay and activities
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Chambok - Khmer Dinner
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Siem Reap - One day Angkor Pass
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Siem Reap - Angkor Temples Guided Tour
What's Not Included
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Tipping and Gratuities
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International Travel
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Airport Transfers at Destination
Included Activities
- Phnom Penh - Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S21)
- Phnom Penh - The Killing Fields of Choeung Ek
- Chambok - Traditional dancing
- Chambok - Homestay and activities
- Chambok - Khmer Dinner
- Kampong Chhnang - Pottery Demonstration
- Siem Reap - Angkor Temples Guided Tour
- Siem Reap - One day Angkor Pass
Transport
- Public bus , Private minibus , Boat , Train
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.
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 6 (Homestay) where you will be in shared accommodation and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
Mode of Transport
- Public bus , Private minibus , Boat , Train
Check out our Q&As
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Is this trip right for you
This adventure is made for travellers who value their independence but also want the benefit of a local leader and a group of like-minded travellers. The itinerary has a mix of included activities and free time when your leader will offer suggestions. Please budget spending money for optional activities you want to take part in.
Accommodation is basic – a combination of simple hotels, guesthouses and a homestay. You'll be spending a night with a local family on this trip. While the homestay accommodation is shared, this is a great opportunity to connect with the local people (and enjoy delicious home-cooked meals!). Read more about the experience here: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/adventures/cambodia-homestay-experience
This trip involves a lot of public transport and some long days of driving so some patience will go a long way towards your enjoyment. Sit back, relax, watch the scenery go by and embrace travelling like a local. -
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
Reviews from travellers on this 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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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.
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