Inspiration for your own tailor-made trip

An Introduction to Cambodia Mythical Temples and Idyllic Islands

Cambodia – Siem Reap – Koh Rong – Phnom Penh

Starting from between £2950 to £3900 per person for 11 days depending on the season of travel, advance booking time and the accommodation and activities chosen

Itinerary Highlights

  • Discover Cambodia on this 11-day introductory trip, from its ancient sites to its beautiful beaches
  • Explore the Angkor archaeological site with a knowledgeable guide and expert photographer
  • Relax on the white-sand beaches of Koh Rong
  • Zip around the Mekong islands on a scooter, meeting friendly locals along the way
  • Benefit from our Original Services: expert guides, local Concierges, 100% carbon absorption and more
Keen to tick Cambodia off the travel bucket list but not quite sure where to start? We’ve got you covered. On this 11-day introduction to the country, delve deep into its history, culture and landscape, from the storied streets of Siem Reap to the island paradise of Koh Rong.

Begin in Siem Reap, the gateway to the iconic Angkor archaeological site. Spanning over 150 square miles, this legendary site requires not one, but two days of exploring, so discover Angkor Wat and Angkor Thom with a knowledgeable guide before heading to a few of its lesser-known corners with an expert photographer.

After sampling some spectacular street food, continue to Koh Rong, where powdery beaches, crystal-clear waters and sun-soaked skies make for two days of total rest and relaxation.

Finally, round off your travels with a flying visit to Phnom Penh. Here, hop on a scooter and zip around the Mekong islands, meeting friendly locals and discovering traditional arts and culture. Just be warned: you might have ticked Cambodia off your ‘must visit’ list, but this captivating country tends to call people back time and time again…
Cambodia © Olivier Romano
Cambodia © Olivier Romano
Cambodia © Olivier Romano
Cambodia © Olivier Romano
Phnom Penh - Cambodia © Droits réservés
Phnom Penh - Cambodia © Droits réservés
Cambodia © Samantha Faivre
Cambodia © Samantha Faivre
Cambodia © Olivier Romano
Cambodia © Olivier Romano
Phnom Penh - Cambodia © J-F Perigois / Fotolia
Phnom Penh - Cambodia © J-F Perigois / Fotolia
Siem Reap - Cambodia © John W. McDermott/Sokkhak Boutique Resort
Siem Reap - Cambodia © John W. McDermott/Sokkhak Boutique Resort
Cambodia © Olivier Romano
Cambodia © Olivier Romano
Cambodia © Frank Heuer/LAIF-REA
Cambodia © Frank Heuer/LAIF-REA
Angkor Wat - Siem Reap - Cambodia © Sanjay Kothari/Gallery Stock
Angkor Wat - Siem Reap - Cambodia © Sanjay Kothari/Gallery Stock

Itinerary

100% customisable for you

Passports at the ready: your Cambodian adventure begins today. This morning, head to the airport, speed through security and settle in for some breakfast in the lounge before boarding your overnight flight to Siem Reap. With a quick stopover in Bangkok, the journey takes around 14 hours, so pull on your eye mask and try to catch some shut-eye before the excitement begins.

When you land in Siem Reap the next morning, you’ll be met and privately transferred to your hotel, where you’ll be staying for the next three nights. Unpack, freshen up and spend the rest of the day settling into your new surroundings, whether you’d rather lounge poolside or head straight out to explore.

Come evening, it’s time for your first taste of Cambodian fare. If you’re tired after your long journey, simply enjoy a tasty dinner in the hotel restaurant; if not, we can arrange an exciting culinary tour of the city by traditional tuk-tuk.

There really is no time to waste. After a delicious breakfast, meet your local guide and hop in a tuk-tuk for a tour of the iconic Angkor archaeological site, the former capital of the Khmer Empire. To make things a little quicker, we’ve secured you an Angkor Pass, which provides?easy access not only to Angkor but to other historic sites too.

Begin at Angkor Wat, the largest religious monument in the world. Built in the 12th century during the reign of King Suryavarman II, this legendary temple was originally dedicated to the Hindu god Vishnu before being transformed into a Buddhist site in the 16th century.

Next, it’s onto the royal city of Angkor Thom. As you wander past impressive stone monuments, intricate bas-reliefs and sacred temples, your guide will fill you in on the history and legends that surround the city, from the five sets of gates to the Bayon temple’s smiling stone faces.

Ready to capture some prime holiday album material? This morning, head back to Angkor with an expert photographer, who’ll teach you how to snap postcard-perfect shots on a wander through the site. You’ll also have the chance to visit some of the site’s lesser-known temples – we didn’t arrange that Angkor Pass for nothing…

The afternoon is yours for the taking. Fancy taking your newfound photography skills somewhere else? Visit the scenic villages of Kampong Phluk or Preak Toal, set on the banks of the Tonle Sap Lake. A UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Tonle Sap is home to a variety of beautiful birdlife, so keep your eyes peeled and cameras poised for spot-billed pelicans and Bengal bustards.

Later, venture out in search of dinner at Siem Reap’s Old Market. After soaking in the colourful stalls and aromatic smells, stop for a sumptuous street food feast – lok lak (pepper beef), anyone?

This morning, wave goodbye to Siem Reap as you’re privately transferred back to the airport for the one-hour flight south to Sihanoukville. From here, it’s another private transfer (lucky you) to the port, where you’ll embark on the 45-minute boat journey to Koh Rong.

When you arrive, check into your beachfront hotel and spend the rest of the day settling into this idyllic island. Stroll along the shore, take a dip in the pool or simply soak up the sun with a cocktail in hand – and, relax…

The next two days are entirely dedicated to good, old-fashioned R&R. Complete with lush jungle, powdery beaches and bluer-than-blue skies, Koh Rong is the perfect place to unwind after a few busy days in the city.

In between sunbathing stints, there’s plenty to keep you busy. The island’s calm waters are fantastic for watersports, so take your pick of one of the 20 beaches and try your hand at paddleboarding, sea kayaking or windsurfing. If you’re travelling with a diving enthusiast, you’re in luck: the pearl-white sand makes for fantastic visibility underwater, so spend your days spotting angelfish and butterflyfish and your nights searching for bioluminescent plankton.

If you’d prefer to stay above the surface, enjoy a scenic boat tour along the coast, stopping for lunch on the sand, or rent a scooter and discover the island’s quiet villages. Whatever you choose, just know that sundowners and seafood are waiting for you as the day comes to a close. Pure bliss.

After one last beachfront breakfast this morning, bundle your bags back on the boat to Sihanoukville, where you’ll be met and privately transferred three hours to the historic district of Phnom Penh.

When you arrive, check in for two nights at your hotel and spend the rest of the day settling in. If you’re keen to start exploring, we can also arrange an afternoon visit to a local rum distillery, where you’ll learn about the production process, try your hand at cocktail shaking and, most importantly, enjoy a tasting.

Since becoming Cambodia’s capital in 1865, Phnom Penh has had a tumultuous history, but it has now emerged as a bustling hub, complete with scooters zipping along narrow streets, street food vendors offering aromatic dishes and grand monuments milling with locals and tourists alike.

Today, leave the buzzing city streets behind and hop aboard a ferry to the Mekong islands. Accompanied by a private guide, explore the islands on a scooter, discovering a quieter way of life shaped by fishing, agriculture and religion. On Silk Island, you’ll have the opportunity to visit local markets, meet tofu producers and explore a Buddhist pagoda, before heading to a workshop to learn about the art of Cambodian silk weaving.

Back in Phnom Penh, bypass the back-and-forth and contact your local Concierge to discover the perfect restaurant for your first (and last) dinner in the city.

After a whirlwind visit to Phnom Penh, it’s sadly time for your Cambodian adventure to come to an end. After one last tasty breakfast, you’ll be privately transferred to the airport for your overnight flight home.

With a stop in an Asian hub city, your return journey will take around 20 hours, and you’ll land back in the UK the next day, armed with a newfound appreciation for this incredible country.

Suggestions

Everything in this itinerary is entirely customisable, down to the smallest details. Here are some more suggestions of what could be included

A CULINARY TUK-TUK TOUR OF SIEM REAP

We hope you’re hungry. After a busy day of exploring, hop aboard a private tuk-tuk and whizz along Siem Reap’s bustling streets to find some tasty local delicacies. Your guide will stop at three specially-selected spots along the way, where you can sample a starter, main course and dessert to truly get a feel of the country’s cuisine.

DISCOVER CAMBODIAN RUM AT A LOCAL DISTILLERY 

Cambodia might not be known for its rum, but Phnom Penh is breaking the mould. On this tour, head to an artisanal rum distillery, where Cambodia’s only rum is produced using a blend of Latin American production techniques and local sugar cane. An expert will fill you in on the manufacturing process, from harvesting the sugar cane to the ageing and distilling, before teaching you how to shake up your own signature cocktail. Cheers to that.

CAMBODIA WITH THE FAMILY

Keen to visit with the whole family? With its impressive ruins and life-size playgrounds, Cambodia is fantastic for multi-generational and family holidays. There is fun to be had for all the family: little ones can enjoy a thrilling treasure hunt across Angkor or a show at the Phare Ponleu Selpak circus (a Cambodian initiative to help disadvantaged children), while even the most cynical teen is sure to crack a smile at the Kulen Elephant Reserve. Cameras at the ready – this is prime holiday album material.

Why visit Cambodia with Original Travel ?

Each of our trips is entirely tailor-made with originality, quality and cultural immersion in mind. Our team of destination specialists will craft itineraries based on your tastes, using their first-hand knowledge and the help of our in-country team of Concierges and guides. All trips are accompanied by a wide range of additional services, including a 24-hour helpline, the Original Travel app, fast-track airport services and much more.

Enquire now

A few of the benefits of travelling with us to Cambodia

  • Our local Concierges
  • The Original Travel app
  • Wi-Fi router and e-Sim
  • Destination Dossier
  • 24-hour helpline
  • Expert guides
  • 100% carbon absorption

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Estimated Price

Dependent on the season of travel, advance booking time and the accommodation and activities chosen

The cost for this trip starts from £2,950 to £3,900 per person.

The final cost of the trip depends on the way we tailor it especially for you. The final cost varies according to several factors, which include the level of service, length of trip and advance booking time. The exact price will be provided on your personalised quote.

The average starting price for this trip is £3,400 per person.

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