Cambodia Adventure





Chambok, Kampot and the mighty temples of Angkor
Take on a 12-day adventure full of Cambodian highlights, that takes you beyond the usual tourist route. Discover the laidback charm of riverside Kampot, call into the ancient temples at Angkor near Siem Reap, get a taste of Khmer hospitality with a village homestay in Chambok and reflect on Cambodia's tragic history at the sobering sites of Phnom Penh. With an expert leader bringing the history to life and plenty of freedom to explore at your own pace – this adventure is much more than a transitional trip through one of Southeast Asia’s most captivating countries.
4.9
115 reviewsStart: Bangkok, Thailand
End: Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
- Duration
- 12 days
- Group size
- 1 to 16
- Minimum age
- 15 years old
- Style
Basix: Simple accommodation, local transport and lots of free time
Original: Tourist-class hotels, some meals included and a great mix of included activities and free time
Comfort: Comfortable accommodation, with a relaxed pace of travel and many included meals and activities
Premium: Our best accommodation, exclusive inclusions and our most experienced leaders
- Basix
- Theme
Our themes categorise trips based on a common interest or activity, while showcasing the highlights of a destination.
- Explorer
- Physical rating
Indicates how physically exerting a trip is, and how fit you will need to be to enjoy it. More info on physical ratings
Why you'll love this trip
- Temple-hop around the renowned Angkor complex – one of Southeast Asia's most stunning attractions. Enjoy a full day of exploring on a local Tuk-tuk with a driver from a company dedicated to women’s employment.
- Kick back at a local homestay in Chambok that puts you right in the heart of everyday village life in Cambodia. Enjoy a delicious dinner cooked by the locals and be treated to a traditional dance performance.
- Uncover another side of southern coastal Cambodia with two nights in the riverside hub of Kampot. You’ll have plenty of free time to get to know why this town is on the up-and-coming list.
- Confront the sobering but important Khmer history in Phnom Penh, with included visits to the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S21) and the Killing Fields of Choeung Ek.
- Top and tail your Cambodian adventure with time spent in two of Southeast Asia’s bustling hubs – Bangkok and Ho Chi Minh City. Haven’t been there before? Why not extend your stay?
View the itinerary for departures between 01 January 2026 - 31 December 2026
Itinerary
Sa-wat-dee! Welcome to Bangkok. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm, where you’ll meet your trip leader and fellow travellers. If you arrive early, you could take a riverboat to Chinatown and explore the crowded streets, uncover the magnificent Grand Palace and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, wander down the tourist mecca of Khao San Road, or indulge in a Thai massage. There is plenty to keep you occupied in this exciting city. After your briefing, why not head out with the group to try some of Bangkok’s famed street food – pad thai anyone?
- Hotel (1 night)
There are no meals included on this day.
- Bangkok - Grand Palace - THB500
- Bangkok - Wat Pho - THB300
- Bangkok - Thai Massage - THB300
- Bangkok - Jim Thompson's House - THB200
It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting as we will be collecting insurance details and next of kin information at this time. If you are going to be late, please let your travel agent or hotel reception know. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place.
Prepare for a long day of travel as you cross Thailand and enter Cambodia today. Your leader will be on-hand to assist with the border procedures. When you arrive, enjoy a free evening to explore this small but bustling town. You may want to head to Pub Street to grab a bite to eat and sample the city’s nightlife. Or, maybe just rest up in preparation for tomorrow’s visit to Angkor Wat.
- Guest House (1 night)
- Breakfast
Your travel time today will be approximately 10 hours, including the border crossing and breaks. Keep in mind, if you’re planning on getting your visa at the border, you’ll need cash in US dollars and a passport photo.
If you prefer to avoid traveling by bus, you’re welcome to book a flight between the two cities instead. This flight will be at your own expense, however, Intrepid can assist with Airport transfers where required.
Your trip will begin with a Thai trip leader who will escort you to the Thai side of the border, where you’ll say farewell before going through immigration unaccompanied. Once exiting immigration, you’ll be met by one of our Cambodian trip leaders who will escort you on. All our trip leaders have been briefed to ensure this is a simple and smooth process.
Today you'll visit the incredible Angkor complex with your guide. If you’re keen, this place is best seen at sunrise, so you can get up super early and head to the complex on your own before your included tour. With your group, you’ll hop on the Remork-moto (Cambodian Tuk-tuk) with an all-female crew from Drivers Srey, whose mission is to support local women with sustainable income to support their families – this will be your transport at Angkor Wat today. With a knowledgeable local guide, you’ll be able to make the most of your visit to the world-famous Angkor complex, built between the 9th and 13th centuries when the Khmer Empire was the pre-eminent influence in Southeast Asia. The ruins are scattered over some 160 square km – the biggest religious monument in the world! Thankfully, the central cluster of temples is close to Siem Reap, so you'll have plenty of time to fully appreciate the main archaeological sites, including Angkor Wat – the astounding main temple, Bayon – a marvel of many sculpted decorations and Ta Prohm – a series of smaller temples covered in tree roots and jungle. Your guide will add to your experience by bringing ancient history to life with their extensive knowledge of the site.
- Guest House (1 night)
There are no meals included on this day.
- Siem Reap - One day Angkor Pass
- Siem Reap - Angkor Temples Guided Tour
A single-day Angkor Pass is included on this tour. If you'd like to return to Angkor outside of your included visit today, you can buy a longer pass. Just ask your leader in advance.
Today, enjoy a free morning in Siem Reap (if Angkor is calling you back, maybe get up early and catch the sunrise) before travelling to Battambang – Cambodia's second-largest city. Battambang (pronounced Battambong) is a riverside town of French elegance, Khmer people and beautifully preserved architecture. The city is famous for its many statues of animals and divinities that decorate the streets and buildings. The city lacks the traffic of Phnom Penh and the visitor numbers of Siem Reap, so it’s a great place to get a real, authentic slice of Cambodia. When you arrive, follow your leader on an orientation walk to familiarise yourself with the town. Then, enjoy some free time. Tonight, maybe walk along the riverfront where locals indulge in yoga and folk dancing, and watch the sunset.
- Hotel (1 night)
There are no meals included on this day.
- Battambang - Leader-led orientation walk
Your travel time today will be approximately 4 hours.
There are lots of optional activities you can choose from today – just ask your trip leader will for advice. If you’re feeling active, maybe hop on a bike or take a tuk-tuk tour to the countryside to learn about rural life. Maybe take part in a cooking class and try your hand at some Khmer cuisine. Or, you might like to visit the hilltop Wat Banan temple, offering 360-degree panoramic views over the Sang Ke River.
- Hotel (1 night)
There are no meals included on this day.
- Battambang - Countryside tour of local producers - USD29
- Battambang - Cooking class in a local home - USD12
- Battambang - Phnom Sampov bat caves - USD15
Travel by private vehicle into rural Cambodia this morning, to the region of Kampong Speu and the village of Chambok. A member of the Chambok community will take you on a village walk when you arrive – chat about the community’s history, lifestyle and local ecotourism projects and meet the families you’ll be spending the night with. In the evening, head to the community centre to enjoy a local Khmer dinner prepared by some community members. You'll also be treated to a traditional dance performance.
- Homestay (1 night)
- Dinner
- Chambok - Traditional dancing
- Chambok - Homestay and activities
- Chambok - Khmer Dinner
Your travel time today will be approximately 7 hours.
Your group will stay in one room in multi-share homestay accommodation. Depending on the group size, you may use two homes located close to each other. There will be a thin mattress on the floor, a pillow, a mosquito net and a towel for each traveller. Bathroom facilities will be shared and will often consist of a squat toilet and a cold water washing area.
Morning after breakfast, trek to stunning Chambok waterfall, if the weather's right before jumping on a private bus this morning and drive to Kampot – one of Cambodia's most attractive old towns. Renowned for its pepper, Kampot supplied most French restaurants with this vital spice for many years during colonial rule. Today, the region is well-known for its plantations of durian – a spiky, pungent fruit that you either love or hate (try one and decide for yourself). In your free time this afternoon, maybe stroll along the riverside and observe the French architecture, or have a cup of coffee on the veranda of one of the riverside restaurants and admire the view of the Bokor Mountain Range.
- Guest House (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Kampot - Leader-led orientation walk
- Kampong - Chambok Watefall Trek
- Kampot - Sunset cruise (join-in) - USD5
Your travel time today will be approximately 3 hours.
Enjoy a free day in this chilled-out town. For a unique photo opportunity, head to the roundabout in the centre of the town, where a giant durian statue sits smack in the middle. Then, maybe browse for goodies at the covered market. The nearby countryside is also a delight to explore – among fields of Kampot pepper and rice there’s also a salt field and a limestone cave with a small seventh-century brick temple inside called Phnom Chhnork. Otherwise, why not have a relaxing day and enjoy one of the highly recommended traditional massages?
- Guest House (1 night)
There are no meals included on this day.
- Kampot - Phnom Chhnork - USD1
- Kampot - Kep National Park hike - USD1
- Kampot - Khmer massage - USD5
Leave Kampot in your dust this morning and travel by local bus to the capital city of Phnom Penh. Cambodia's capital is set on a major junction of the Mekong and Tonle Sap rivers and boasts some fine examples of French-inspired architecture. Perhaps spend your free afternoon visiting the Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda. Wat Phnom, shrouded in myth, is equally worth a visit, as is the National Museum with its excellent Khmer collection. Cyclo tours around the city are a great alternative to walking and generally include the art deco Psar Thmei (Central Market), US Embassy, Wat Phnom, Mekong riverfront, Independence Monument and Royal Palace.
- Hotel (1 night)
There are no meals included on this day.
Your travel time today will be approximately 4 hours.
Today you’ll have the opportunity to learn more about Cambodia's tragic past on a guided tour of Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S21) and the Killing Fields of Choeung Ek – two sites that tell the story of the tragic legacy of the Khmer Rouge. After this, the afternoon is free for you to explore further. If you're looking to relax, the Seeing Hands massage parlours are some of the best in the city, and all visits support the staff who all have visual impairments. Their years of expertise may be just what you need today after a busy couple of days!
- Hotel (1 night)
There are no meals included on this day.
- Phnom Penh - Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S21)
- Phnom Penh - Killing Fields of Choeung Ek
The stories shared at the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S21) and Killing Fields of Choeung Ek are confronting, and many travellers will find them upsetting. This is an important part of Cambodia's recent history that’s important to share, however, if you would prefer not to join in, your leader will be able to suggest alternatives.
Travel by local bus from Phnom Penh to Ho Chi Minh City. Your leader will again assist you with border crossing procedures and you’ll stop for lunch. When you arrive, get out and discover Ho Chi Minh City's blend of old and new, east and west, and be sure to sample a baguette or some of the excellent coffee on offer – both markers of the city's strong French influence. Tonight, maybe hit one of the hole-in-a-wall bars and explore the nightlife. Ask your leader for the best restaurants and bars in the area to toast to a trip well-travelled.
- Hotel (1 night)
There are no meals included on this day.
Your travel time today will be approximately 7 hours.
With no activities planned for today, your trip comes to an end. If you’d like to spend more time in Ho Chi Minh City, just speak to your booking agent.
There are no meals included on this day.
- Ho Chi Minh City - War Remnants Museum - VND40000
- Ho Chi Minh City - Cu Chi Tunnels - VND110000
- Ho Chi Minh City - Reunification Palace - VND40000
- Ho Chi Minh City - Cu Chi Tunnel Experience Urban Adventure - USD39
- Ho Chi Minh City - Mekong Discovery Urban Adventure - USD59
- Ho Chi Minh City - Saigon Street Food by Night Urban Adventure - USD29
Inclusions and activities
2 breakfasts, 1 dinner
Private minibus, Public bus, Tuk tuk
Guesthouse (4 nights), Homestay (1 night), Hotel (6 nights)
- Siem Reap - One day Angkor Pass
- Siem Reap - Angkor Temples Guided Tour
- Battambang - Leader-led orientation walk
- Chambok - Traditional dancing
- Chambok - Homestay and activities
- Chambok - Khmer Dinner
- Kampot - Leader-led orientation walk
- Kampong - Chambok Watefall Trek
- Phnom Penh - Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S21)
- Phnom Penh - Killing Fields of Choeung Ek
- Bangkok - Grand Palace - THB500
- Bangkok - Wat Pho - THB300
- Bangkok - Thai Massage - THB300
- Bangkok - Jim Thompson's House - THB200
- Battambang - Countryside tour of local producers - USD29
- Battambang - Cooking class in a local home - USD12
- Battambang - Phnom Sampov bat caves - USD15
- Kampot - Sunset cruise (join-in) - USD5
- Kampot - Phnom Chhnork - USD1
- Kampot - Kep National Park hike - USD1
- Kampot - Khmer massage - USD5
- Ho Chi Minh City - War Remnants Museum - VND40000
- Ho Chi Minh City - Cu Chi Tunnels - VND110000
- Ho Chi Minh City - Reunification Palace - VND40000
- Ho Chi Minh City - Cu Chi Tunnel Experience Urban Adventure - USD39
- Ho Chi Minh City - Mekong Discovery Urban Adventure - USD59
- Ho Chi Minh City - Saigon Street Food by Night Urban Adventure - USD29
This trip generates 30 kg of CO2-e per person per day
Learn more about our climate commitment.
When you travel with us, The Intrepid Foundation gives you more opportunities to support important causes in destinations you visit.
Before you book you should know
- 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.
- You'll be spending a night with a local family on this trip. While the accommodation is shared and basic, 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 here. Sit back, relax, watch the scenery go by, and embrace travelling like a local.
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.
New Siam Palace Ville Hotel
56 Trok Rong Mai, Chao Fah Rd, Chana Songkhram, Pranakorn
Bangkok
THAILAND
Phone: +66 22824142
Fax: +66 22824443
Instructions
Please make sure that you provide your flight details no later than 14 days before departure to book your arrival transfer with us.
For your confirmed arrival transfer, you’ll be met after exiting the Customs Hall. A transfer representative holding a sign with your name on will meet you at between Exit Door 3-4. If you cannot find your transfer representative, please go to the Information Counter at Exit Door 3. Ask them to call our transfer provider, Ms. Janet, on +66 64 649 0485. Please note that neither the driver nor any representative should ask you for additional payment.
For arrivals at Don Muang International Arrival, when you are at the arrival hall, our representative will be in front of you at Gate 5. Please find the Intrepid Logo and check your name on the signboard held by the representative on your lefthand side. If you have trouble locating our representative, please call our transfer provider Ms. Janet, at +66 64 649 0485. In case of flight cancellations, changes, if you experience severe delays at immigration, baggage collection or customs, or if you are not able to find the driver, please contact our local office on the number in the ‘Problems and emergency contact information’ section.
Metered taxis are available outside the airport entrance on the 1st floor. Exit the Customs Hall, go down to the 1st floor and leave the airport at Gate 3, 4, 7 or 8. You will find a table with a “metred taxis” sign. The taxi fare will be the metred fare plus a surcharge of THB50-THB75 (depending on the driver’s use of toll roads). The total fare will be approx. THB400. Pre-paid taxis are also available, where you will be given a docket to pay the driver a set price of THB700. Please avoid taxi touts who tell you that they have a metered taxi parked outside the airport.
Dates and prices
Important notes
IMPORTANT UPDATE
Due to the Thai–Cambodian land border closure, the following itinerary change will be in place for departures up until and including 31 December 2025:
Day 2 – Fly from Bangkok to Siem Reap.
The rest of the itinerary remains unchanged.
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.
Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.
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