Cambodia Highlights

Cambodia Highlights

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8 Days From

$1130

$790

Cambodia Highlights

8 Days Starting in Phnom Penh and ending in Siem Reap

Visiting: Phnom Penh, Krong Siem Reap

Tour operator:

Explore!

Tour code:

KCH

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

4 - 18

Physical rating:

Moderate

Age range:

16-

Special diets catered:

Vegetarians, Vegans

Tour operated in:

English
From: $1130 $790 Operator discount: -$340 -30%

NB: Prices correct on 05-Nov-2024 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

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

  • 8-day Cambodia highlights trip to the vast temple cities of Angkor and capital Phnom Penh

  • Learn about Cambodia's dark history of the Khmer Rouge in its French influenced capital

  • Discover floating villages and stilt houses on a cruise of Tonle Sap Lake

Itinerary

Expand All

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

Videos

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

Eleanor  

Cambodia Highlights

Thank you very much, a great trip to an amazing lo

Thank you very much, a great trip to an amazing location. I had a great week.

Dale  

Cambodia Highlights

It was a great trip, managed to fit all the import

It was a great trip, managed to fit all the important things into a very short time. Well done.

Mayuko  

Cambodia Highlights

Our tour guide was the best ever!!!!! His stories

Our tour guide was the best ever!!!!! His stories were all super informative and interesting – He is one of the big reasons we fell in love with Cambodia. We want him as our tour guide for the entire world, everywhere we! Biggest thanks to him for making our trip comfortable, exciting and most special!

Alaister Brian Briggs  

Cambodia Highlights

The tour was great, the guide was very good, helpf

The tour was great, the guide was very good, helpful and eager to keep all participants happy, he helped with arrangements for booking optional trips. He provided information at every point along the trip. The pace was good however I think the last three days of just temple viewing would be better at just two days, we found 90%of the people on the tour bowed out of the last day to chill in Seam Reap or at the pool in the hotel before heading home. Angkor Wat was simply amazing. Would definitely recommend this tour.

Pauline  

Cambodia Highlights

Amazing, fab trip!

Amazing, fab trip!

Andrew  

Cambodia Highlights

Great trip and thank you Explore team for helping

Great trip and thank you Explore team for helping me when I missed my flight. Your response was superb.

Vanessa  

Cambodia Highlights

Will definitely be looking at booking another trip

Will definitely be looking at booking another trip with Explore. Had an amazing time in Cambodia, felt the trip was well organised & even when I went off on my own for 2nd week to the beach the Vidotour manager Mr Chantha gave me his card to call him if I had any problems getting back to the airport.

Gillian  

Cambodia Highlights

I would like you to pass my thanks to Lev for a gr

I would like you to pass my thanks to Lev for a great trip, he was and excellent guide

Janet  

Cambodia Highlights

Everyone in the group chose this particular trip f

Everyone in the group chose this particular trip for the right reasons ie accurately described, no-one was disappointed.

Dale  

Cambodia Highlights (18-Dec-2019)

It was a great trip, managed to fit all the import

It was a great trip, managed to fit all the important things into a very short time. Well done.

Read all 11 reviews

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Operator discount: -$140

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Book 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.

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