1. Home
  2. Asia
  3. Cambodia
  4. Cambodia Express
Map of Cambodia Express including Cambodia and Thailand

Travel to Cambodia’s highlights and follow the trails to Angkor.

Set out on an insightful journey through the temple-strewn landscapes, traditional cultures and enthralling cities of Cambodia on this incredible nine-day express adventure. From the bustle of Thailand's heady capital of Bangkok, dive straight into the stately grandeur of Angkor, the rural charms of a village homestay and the cosmopolitan flavours of Phnom Penh. This highlights adventure through the heart of Cambodia is sure to leave you with some unforgettable memories of a fascinating part of Asia.

Lock it in for €99

Don't wait - plan your next people and planet-friendly adventure with just € 99* this March. Offer ends March 31.

Terms & Conditions
Start
Bangkok, Thailand
Finish
Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Destinations
Cambodia, Thailand
Style
Original
Theme
Explorer
Code
TKSD
Physical rating
Ages
Min 15
Group size
Min 1, Max 16

Why you'll love this trip

  • The trip may be quick, but it is packed full of experiences that will give you great insight into Cambodia in a short amount of time

  • Begin your adventure in bustling Bangkok, full of interesting sights and delectable cuisine. With the option of adding an extra couple of days before your trip begins, you’ll fit into the lifestyle of South East Asia straight away

  • Watch the sun rising over Angkor Wat as it did over 800 years ago with your leader. Wander through the amazing ancient temples on a guided tour and with a three-day Angkor pass to cover your whole time in Siem Reap, you can explore this incredible temple complex as much and as often as you like

  • Discover the temple ruins at Sambor Prei Kuk and enjoy a local village homestay to experience everyday life in rural Cambodia.

  • Learn the confronting yet important history of Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S21) and the Killing Fields of Choeung Ek in Phnom Penh

Is this trip right for you?

  • You will visit a number of temples on this trip, and this requires a level of modesty. Be sure to bring clothes that cover the arms and pants or skirts that go past the knees. A light scarf is also a good idea for covering shoulders and arms when it’s hot.You will visit a number of temples on this trip, and this requires a level of modesty. Be sure to bring clothes that cover the arms and pants or skirts that go past the knees. A light scarf is also a good idea for covering shoulders and arms when it’s hot.shared at the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S21) and the 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 we feel is important for travellers to know. If you would prefer not to join these activities your leader can recommend some optional alternatives

  • There are some long travel days by both private and public transport (up to 10 hours on the road), including the day that we cross from Thailand to Cambodia. Your leader and local guides will assist with the border crossings, but plenty of patience is advised

  • 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

  • If you would prefer a similar trip but with only hotel accommodation, you might like to consider booking the Cambodian Traveller trip – search trip code TKSE on the Intrepid website for more information

  • You may also want to check out our Best of Cambodia and Vietnam if you have longer time to explore in region. https://www.intrepidtravel.com/vietnam/best-cambodia-vietnam-127028

Angkor Thom Siem Reap Cambodia Intrepid Travel
Tuk tuk Cambodia Phnom Penh Intrepid Travel
Thailand Bangkok
Cambodia Angkor Wat
Cambodia homestay
Cambodia Phnom Penh
Street food Phnom Penh Cambodia Intrepid Travel

Itinerary
Expand All Collapse All

Sa-wat dee! Welcome to Thailand. Your adventure begins with an important welcome meeting at 6 pm. Bangkok has so much to offer those with time to explore, so perhaps arrive a day or two early and take a riverboat to Chinatown to wander the crowded streets, uncover the magnificent Grand Palace and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, pay a visit to Wat Pho (home to the country's largest reclining Buddha), wander down the tourist mecca of Khao San Road, or indulge in some Thai massage. After the meeting tonight perhaps gather your fellow travellers together and tuck into some world-renowned street food.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Optional Activities
  • Bangkok - Wat Pho - THB200
  • Bangkok - Grand Palace - THB500
  • Bangkok - Bangkok Temple & River of Kings Urban Adventure - THB2900
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.
Special Information
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.

As this trip spends very little time in Bangkok, we recommend you arrive a few extra days before your trip if you want to experience all the city has to offer. If you wish to spend more time in Bangkok, we'll be happy to book additional accommodation for you (subject to availability).

It's a long drive from Bangkok to Siem Reap by private minibus today (approximately 10 hours including border crossings and lunch). The small but expanding town of Siem Reap is the gateway to Angkor. This is the most popular destination for travellers in all of Cambodia, perhaps even in South East Asia. You'll probably notice a change of pace here, so take a walk and enjoy the atmosphere. Perhaps start by hitting the local markets to try some delicious street food.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.
Special Information
If you prefer not to travel by bus for the day, you are 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 Thailand/Cambodia border, where you will say farewell before going through immigration unaccompanied. Once exiting immigration you will be met by one of our Cambodian trip leaders who will escort you onwards. All of our trip leaders have been briefed to ensure this is a simple and smooth process.

A very rewarding morning to get to Angkor Wat in the early hours and witness the sun rising over the ancient temples as it did in the ancient times (weather permitting). Then spend a full day temple-hopping with your local guide to make the most of your visit to the world-famous Angkor complex, built between the ninth and 13th centuries when the Khmer empire was the pre-eminent influence in South East Asia. The ruins are scattered over an area of some 160 square kilometres, but the main cluster of temples is close to Siem Reap so you'll have plenty of time to fully appreciate the great archaeological sites. These include Angkor Wat, Bayon and Ta Prohm. 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 spectacular photographic opportunities at any time of day – watching a sunrise or sunset is a must.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Siem Reap - Three day Angkor Pass
  • Siem Reap - Angkor Temples Guided Tour
  • Siem Reap - Sunrise at Angkor Wat
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Continue your exploration of the Angkor Complex this morning on a half-day tour. The constructions you’ll see yesterday and today include the eponymous Angkor Wat, the largest and most complete structure, and the only one of Angkor's temples that has its entrance facing west – the others face east. Then there is Angkor Thom – the 'Great Royal City' – a temple that is famous for its series of colossal human faces carved in stone. Of all the temples visited, Bayon temple is the centrepiece, with over 200 smiling carved faces and more than 50 gothic towers. You’ll also visit Ta Prohm temple, where nature has taken over again and large trees are interwoven in the stone foundations of the structure. After the tour, you will then be free to do as you please in Siem Reap. There are a load of optional activities to choose from, or otherwise, go exploring the creative and cultural scene in the markets in town.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Siem Reap - Angkor Temples Guided Tour
Optional Activities
  • Siem Reap - Phare Circus Ticket - USD18
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Today is free for you to choose your own adventure in Siem Reap. If you’d like, you can head back into Angkor Wat, as your site pass covers you for another day of exploring. Instead, if you feel like some adventure, maybe do the Angkor zip-line course, which gives you a birds-eye view of the beautiful rainforest – and an adrenaline rush, of course. Depending on the season there may be a chance to visit Tonle Sap Lake and its floating villages. Your group leader has all the right people in the right places, so be sure to ask them for their recommendations and what’s possible to do today.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Optional Activities
  • Siem Reap - Landmine Museum - USD5
  • Siem Reap - Angkor Zipline Silver Tour - USD129
  • Siem Reap - Full day remork transport to Angkor complex - USD20
  • Siem Reap - Walking tour to Artisans d'Angkor - Free
  • Siem Reap - Banteay Srey Butterfly Center - USD5
  • Siem Reap - Angkor Zipline Gold Tour - USD99
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Travel by private minibus to Sambor Prei Kuk and your homestay (approximately 3.5 hours). You will embark on a tour of the village with your local guide. The guide will introduce you to the way of life of the local people, your homestay facilities and your hosts for tonight. Facilities are simple at your homestay, but this is a fantastic opportunity to experience everyday life in rural Cambodia. The temple ruins at Sambor Prei Kuk just nearby are some of the oldest in the country (dating back to the sixth century) and are well worth a visit, if you choose to do so. In the evening, relax and unwind as you enjoy a traditional Khmer dinner with your host family.
Accommodation
  • Homestay (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Homestay - Village Tour with local guide
  • Sambor Prei Kuk - Traditional Khmer Dinner
Optional Activities
  • Kampong Thom - Sambor Prei Kuk Temple - USD10
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner
Special Information
Travellers stay in the one room in multishare accommodation. Depending on the group size, you may use two homestays that are located close to each other. There will be a thin mattress on the floor, with pillow provided and mosquito net. The bathroom facilities will be shared and will often consist of a squat style toilet and a washing area. The washing area may be a shower, or it could be Asia style with a bucket shower. This is where there is a large bucket of water with a small scoop that you use to pour water over yourself. Towels will be provided for you to use for washing. For passengers wanting a little more comfort we recommend bringing your own towel and extra pillow.

After breakfast, leave the village and travel to Phnom Penh in a private minibus (approximately 4 hours). The journey is a great opportunity to see the real Cambodia, with several stops at points of interest along the way. It may be possible to see the cottage industry at Santuk Silk Farm and sample the local cuisine of deep-fried spiders at Skuon. Cambodia's capital is set on a major junction of the Mekong and Tonle Sap rivers and boasts some fine examples of French-influenced architecture. This afternoon, enjoy some free time for optional activities. Perhaps explore Wat Phnom – a peaceful temple situated on a local hill. A great way to see the city's key landmarks is a cyclo tour, which generally covers the Psar Thmei (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 Psar Thmei (Central Market), or travel out to Psar Tuol Tom Pong (Russian Market) for the best range of local souvenirs.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Optional Activities
  • Phnom Penh - Cyclo tour - USD4
  • Phnom Penh - Wat Phnom - USD2
  • Phnom Penh - National Museum - USD10
  • Phnom Penh - Royal Palace & Silver Pagoda - USD10
  • Phnom Penh - Khmer massage - USD8
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Phnom Penh remains a living relic of the country’s past struggles and successes. Your day includes visits to the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S21) and the Killing Fields of Choeung Ek, which tell the story of the tragic legacy of the Khmer Rouge. S21 is a former school that served as a Khmer Rouge torture centre, and it’s estimated that more than 20,000 people were held and tortured here. The Killing Fields of Choeung Ek are home to a stupa made up of some 8000 human skulls, marking the execution ground for the torture victims of Tuol Sleng. After visiting both sites, you’ll have free time for the rest of the day. Perhaps learn about a brighter period in Cambodian history with a visit to the Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda, while the National Museum, housed in a beautiful traditional building is a great place to see some excellent Khmer craftmanship. An ideal way to spend the late afternoon and evening is to stroll along the famous Sisowath Quay and enjoy a coffee or cocktail at one of the many riverside cafes.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Phnom Penh - Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S21)
  • Phnom Penh - The Killing Fields of Choeung Ek
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

There are no activities planned for the final day and you are able to depart the accommodation at any time. If you would like to spend some more time in Phnom Penh, we’ll be happy to book additional accommodation for you (subject to availability). You might enjoy one of the Urban Adventures offered: Mekong Sunset or Phnom Penh Street Food by Night. Your leader can assist you with booking the tour of your choice.
Optional Activities
  • Phnom Penh - Urban Adventure Phnom Penh Street Food by Night - USD47
  • Phnom Penh - Urban Adventure Mekong Sunset - USD65
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Want to tailor this itinerary?

Meals

7 breakfasts, 1 dinner

Transport

Private minibus, Public bus

Accommodation

Homestay (1 night), Hotel (7 nights)

Included activities

  • Siem Reap - Three day Angkor Pass
  • Siem Reap - Angkor Temples Guided Tour
  • Siem Reap - Sunrise at Angkor Wat
  • Homestay - Village Tour with local guide
  • Sambor Prei Kuk - Traditional Khmer Dinner
  • Phnom Penh - Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S21)
  • Phnom Penh - The Killing Fields of Choeung Ek

Dates & availability

Trip departures are unavailable.

There are currently no scheduled departures on our Cambodia Express trip. If you are interested in other trips in the region visit one of the links below.

Prices may go up, so secure your trip today!
Jump to a departure month

Important notes

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.

Essential trip 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.

View Essential Trip Information

Reviews

Go to dates