Cambodia Highlights
Cambodia Highlights
Cambodia Highlights
8 Days Starting in Phnom Penh and ending in Siem Reap
Visiting: Phnom Penh, Krong Siem Reap
Tour operator:
Tour code:
KCH
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
4 - 18
Age range:
16-
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians, Vegans
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Tour Overview
This short twin-centre adventure focusses on the iconic highlights of Cambodia. We spend three full days exploring the vast complex of the Temples of Angkor and discover the charming river-side capital of Phnom Penh.
Phnom Penh - Learn about Cambodia's dark history of the Khmer Rouge in its French colonial capital
Siem Reap - The gateway to exploring the incredible UNESCO-listed Angkor temples
Tonle Sap Lake - See stilt houses when cruising amongst the floating villages of Tonle Sap
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Join Tour In Phnom Penh
Location: Phnom Penh
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: HM Grand Central Hotel
Arrive in Cambodia's lively capital of Phnom Penh. Rooted in history and myth dating back to the 14th century with the divine discovery by 'Grandmother Penh', the city is a treasure trove of historical architecture. From grand monuments to glittering temples and French Colonial buildings, each construction reflects the city's rich history and character.
For those arriving on time our Leader plans to meet you in the hotel reception at 7pm for the welcome meeting and for those that wish, there is the chance to go out for dinner. There are no other activities planned today, so you are free to arrive in Phnom Penh at any time. If you would like to receive an airport transfer today, you'll need to arrive into Phnom Penh International Airport (PNH), which is 45 minutes from the hotel. Should you miss the welcome meeting, your Leader will inform you of any essential information by note left at the front desk.
If your flight arrives earlier in the day, perhaps you might choose to visit the Central Market, which runs all day every day, in an Art Deco building built in 1935. Here you will find a vast array of items for sale from food stalls to souvenirs, and everyday home items. This dark-yellow building is located in the heart of the city and within a 15 minute walking distance from the hotel.
Day 2: Discover The Sights Of Phnom Penh
Location: Phnom Penh
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: HM Grand Central Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Phnom Penh took over from Angkor as Cambodia's capital city in the 1440s. It is now a lively city with many French colonial buildings and plenty to see. Accompanied by a local guide we visit the National Museum, a treasure trove of beautifully preserved carvings and lintels rescued from Angkor; the Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda as well as the temple of Wat Phnom.
This afternoon we visit the emotive Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, formerly a high school that became the Khmer Rouge's main torture and interrogation centre; and the Killing Fields of Choeung Ek - the memorial stupa is a glass tower filled with human skulls - a gruesome reminder of the scale of Pol Pot's atrocities before returning back in the city.
Day 3: Free Day In Phnom Penh; Optional Visit To Silk Island
Location: Phnom Penh
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: HM Grand Central Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today is free allowing you the opportunity to explore the city or its surrounds further. Optional excursions close to the city include a trip to Silk Island, Chiso Mountain or the abandoned Royal City of Oudong. Each of these excursions are half a day in duration and may be combined, your tour leader will discuss in more detail. Silk Island or Koh Dach is reached by a short ferry journey along the Mekong where the majority of villagers on the island earn a living through producing handicrafts. It is a great opportunity to learn more about traditional ways of life and interact with locals as you learn about the island's iconic silk weaving. Chiso Mountain (380m), located in Sia village about 62 km south of Phnom Penh, is topped by the ruins of an 11th century Khmer Brahmanic Temple with fine views of the surrounding paddy fields. Oudong is about an hour north of the capital and offers the opportunity to explore attractive historic temples and stupas.
Day 4: Drive To Siem Reap; Cruise On Tonle Sap Lake
Location: Krong Siem Reap
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: HARI Residence & Spa
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning we make an early start for our drive to Siem Reap, stopping somewhere for lunch on the way. Later in the day we journey to nearby Tonle Sap Lake where we board our charter boat for a leisurely cruise through the fascinating floating village of Chong Kneas, where we see stilt houses, floating markets and an array of boats.
Day 5: From Siem Reap, Explore Angkor Temples With Sunset
Location: Krong Siem Reap
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: HARI Residence & Spa
Meals Included: Breakfast
Our exact programme over the next three days may change slightly at our local guide's discretion (to avoid crowds, coincide with sunsets, etc.). Angkor was actually a series of cities, built between the 9th and the 13th centuries by the Khmer kings, with a population of 750,000 in its heyday. The Angkor complex is spread out over some 155 square kilometres, scattered with magnificent carved stone temples, elegant sculptures and incredible bas reliefs. We visit the Rolous group, which are some of the earliest temples. In the afternoon we visit the temples of Banteay Srei, a small but beautiful temples with exquisite carvings. We end the day at East Mebon, with a visit to Pre Rup temple for sunset.
Day 6: From Siem Reap, Explore Angkor Thom
Location: Krong Siem Reap
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: HARI Residence & Spa
Meals Included: Breakfast
We continue our exploration with a visit to the temples of King Jayavarman Vll, reputedly Angkor's greatest king. The fortified city of Angkor Thom, which he built at the end of the 12th century is enclosed by a square wall with five monumental gates decorated with stone elephant trunks. Originally, crocodiles inhabited the moat and huge statues of 54 different gods protected each gate. The city contains another of Angkor's true gems - The Bayon. Although not as impressive as Angkor Wat from a distance, The Bayon is nevertheless incredible for its maze of corridors, gothic style towers and magical central temples. We'll explore The Terrace of the Elephants and the Leper King, the Baphuon and Phimeanakas, and some of the surrounding temples such as Preah Khan.
Day 7: From Siem Reap, Explore Ta Prohm And Angkor Wat
Location: Krong Siem Reap
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: HARI Residence & Spa
Meals Included: Breakfast
On our final day we make a visit to the 2nd Angkor capital that includes the temples of Prasat Kravan, Banteay Kdei and Takeo. A highlight for many is a visit to the atmospheric temple of Ta Prohm, where the film Tomb Raider was filmed, lying half consumed by the jungle. We leave the best known and most breathtaking of all the sights, Angkor Wat, to the end - where we stay until the sun sets on the last night of our adventure.
Day 8: Tour Ends In Siem Reap
Location: Krong Siem Reap
Meals Included: Breakfast
The trip ends after breakfast at our hotel in Siem Reap.
There are no activities planned today, so you are free to depart from Siem Reap at any time. If your flight is departing later in the day luggage storage facilities are available at our hotel. If you would like to receive a airport transfer today, you need to depart from Siem Reap International Airport (SAI), which is approximately 60-80 minutes from the hotel.
If you have time you may choose to browse the old market for some last minute bargains, visit a fish spa or enjoy afternoon tea at The Foreign Correspondent's Club.
What's Included
-
Meals – Breakfast Only
Breakfast: 7
-
Accommodation
-
Fully Guided
-
All Domestic Transportation (including internal flights)
-
Airport Transfers at Destination
What's Not Included
-
Tipping and Gratuities
-
Country Entry Visas
-
1 bottle of Mineral Water per person per day
Why Book this Tour
This short adventure showcases Cambodia's twin centre highlights - the buzzing capital of Phnom Penh and Siem Reap, the gateway to the iconic Temples of Angkor. This trip is perfect for anyone short on time or as part of a longer expedition in the area. We have planned this tour to form the Cambodia extension of our Inside Vietnam (VN) and Vietnam Explorer (VE) tours, so you may meet travellers who have already spent time in the region and can share their experiences if you are travelling further on.
Meals
Breakfasts: 7
Check out our Q&As
-
Will there be an escort accompanying this tour?
Yes
-
Will I know the names and details of all the accommodation before I depart?
Yes
-
What is the maximum group size?
18
-
Are children permitted to take part in the tour?
No
-
Are airport transfers included in this tour?
Trasnfers are included on the first and the last day of the trip
-
Is there any free time to explore places during the tour?
Yes
-
Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?
Yes
-
What is the standard of the hotels on this tour?
7 nights comfortable hotel
-
Can you assist with pre or post tour accommodation?
Yes
-
What is the fitness level required to do this tour?
Moderate
-
I'm going on a walking/cycling trip-do I need to train?
It will depend on the grade and how fit you already are. Check the trip page for details of the walking or cycling grade and how far you’ll be walking/cycling each day. For moderate or challenging trips in particular we’d recommend doing some walks or cycles before you leave to build up your fitness and prepare you for the distances being covered.
-
Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
We have a wide range of ages nationalities on our small group trips and they come from all walks of life.
-
Should I get travel insurance?
Yes–it is a condition of booking that you are fully insured when travelling with us
-
How long has the tour company been trading?
At Explore, we're the experts in adventure travel. Our small group adventure holidays have been running since 1981. Today, Explore is one of the most trusted travel companies in the UK with over 500 trips to more than 120 countries.
-
Can I join the tour once it has departed?
Yes, but there are no concessions for doing so, and we must have a record in your booking advising as such before the trip departs.
-
Am I contributing to any charity by booking the tour?
Being a responsible company is a large statement, something that has to be entwined within the very fibre of a company. Discover the charities and partnerships we support as part of this at https://www.explore.co.uk/about/sustainability/charities-and-partners
-
What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
We want to be as clear as and as honest as possible about what happens if you decide to that you no longer wish to travel on your trip. Our booking conditions have details of the costs you’ll incur when you cancel-these charges depend on how long it is before your planned departure.
-
What is the accommodation like?
We choose comfortable accommodation in the best locations possible. We opt for small, local and family-run accommodation where we can, as opposed to large chain hotels. We typically use hotels that are the equivalent of European 3-star, and you’ll usually have an en suite room. Occasionally, where we want to get off the beaten trail we may stay in more basic accommodation.
-
What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Sustainability is embedded within the fibre of Explore, it emanates from the inside out. But as we enter a new decade it is clearer than ever that our world needs help, and Explore has created a sustainability strategy based on the 2015 UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.
-
What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Our flexible booking and safety policies mean you're protected before and during your travels with us. Receive a full refund if your trip is cancelled, transfer your trip free of charge up to 10 days before departure minus any irrocoverable costs.
-
Do I need to be very fit to book with you?
All our trips require some level of active participation. This could be on a cultural trip, trek, safari, expedition or voyage. It is in the interests of all members of the group that everyone should be capable of fully participating in the activities of their chosen trip.
-
What documents will I receive before I travel?
Final documents will include a comprehensive trip itinerary, climate and country information, budgeting and packing advice visa and passport information and details on optional activities available.
-
Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Yes on most of our trips. Most trips are based on customers sharing twin-bedded rooms. If you book a group trip as an individual, you will share a room with someone of the same sex. However, on many trips we offer the opportunity to pay a supplement to pre-book a single room, known as our single room option. On some trips a single room will be provided every night, on others it will be provided o
-
Do we have to be vaccinated against Covid-19 to travel
It’s now a condition of booking a trip with us that customers should have one of the following before they travel - — Be vaccinated against COVID, having received the full recommended course, and allowing enough time for immunity to take effect. Full vaccination includes any booster required to keep the vaccine valid. — Have taken a negative test (rapid antigen or PCR) within 72hrs of departure.
-
Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Explore will only offer hotels that have specific COVID-19 protocols in place and comply with local government guidelines. We will ensure these measures include; enhanced room cleaning, ventilation, social distancing, regular cleaning and disinfection of high frequency touch points in public areas, food safety, staff re-training and minimising contact within the properties.
Reviews from travellers on this tour
1 Select your preferred date
Friday - Friday
Nov 08, 2024 - Nov 15, 2024Friday - Friday
Nov 15, 2024 - Nov 22, 2024Friday - Friday
Nov 22, 2024 - Nov 29, 2024Friday - Friday
Nov 29, 2024 - Dec 06, 2024Friday - Friday
Dec 06, 2024 - Dec 13, 2024Friday - Friday
Dec 27, 2024 - Jan 03, 2025Friday - Friday
Jan 17, 2025 - Jan 24, 2025Friday - Friday
Jan 24, 2025 - Jan 31, 2025Friday - Friday
Jan 31, 2025 - Feb 07, 2025Friday - Friday
Feb 07, 2025 - Feb 14, 2025Friday - Friday
Feb 14, 2025 - Feb 21, 2025Friday - Friday
Feb 21, 2025 - Feb 28, 2025Friday - Friday
Mar 07, 2025 - Mar 14, 2025Friday - Friday
Mar 14, 2025 - Mar 21, 2025Friday - Friday
Mar 21, 2025 - Mar 28, 2025Friday - Friday
Mar 28, 2025 - Apr 04, 2025Friday - Friday
Aug 08, 2025 - Aug 15, 2025Friday - Friday
Oct 17, 2025 - Oct 24, 2025Friday - Friday
Oct 24, 2025 - Oct 31, 2025Friday - Friday
Oct 31, 2025 - Nov 07, 2025Friday - Friday
Nov 07, 2025 - Nov 14, 2025Friday - Friday
Nov 14, 2025 - Nov 21, 2025Friday - Friday
Nov 21, 2025 - Nov 28, 2025Friday - Friday
Nov 28, 2025 - Dec 05, 2025Friday - Friday
Dec 05, 2025 - Dec 12, 2025Friday - Friday
Dec 26, 2025 - Jan 02, 2026Book with Confidence
-
Free Date Changes
Explore! allows you to make 1 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 70 days before the start of the tour.
-
Low Deposit
Explore! requires a minimum deposit of 10% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 70 days before departure.
-
Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of explore! charges.
Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 69 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.
At 41 days before tour starts: Forfeit 60% of booking price.
At 27 days before tour starts: Forfeit 90% of booking price.
At 13 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.