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Essential Cambodia

9 Days | Go beyond the guidebook in surprising Cambodia.

5 out of 5 based on 61 reviews submitted.
18 to 29s
From
EUR 455 €
View dates and book
This trip is for the 18 to 29 year olds

What is essentially Cambodia? Well, this nine-day adventure will show you, taking you straight through the middle of this South East Asian nation full of history, temples and cheap, tasty food. See Wat’s up in Angkor, laugh with the locals in Banteay Chhmar, explore the markets in Siem Reap and see where the Mekong, Bassac and Tonle Sap rivers collide in Phnom Penh. With time before and after to hit up the hubs of Bangkok and Ho Chi Minh City, this epic adventure will make sure you see the hotspots of Cambodia, without missing a beat.

Trip overview

Map of Essential Cambodia including Cambodia, Thailand and Vietnam
Start
Bangkok, Thailand
Finish
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Theme
18 to 29s
Destinations
Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia
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
Style
Basix
Ages
Min 18 - Max 29
Group size
Min 1 - Max 16
Trip code
TKYA
This trip generates 25.3 kg of CO2-e per person per day.
We offset these emissions on your behalf. But we know that is not enough, so we also have a carbon reduction target.
Bucket list destinations

Tick off all the popular spots and enjoy unique local experiences

Great value

Affordable trips with the freedom to choose how you spend your time

Responsible travel

You book, we donate to help support local communities


Why you'll love this trip
  • Is Angkor the most incredible thing in South East Asia? Decide for yourself as you temple-hop with an expert local guide around the complex.
  • Appreciate the work of Friends International at their Futures Factory, a dining and creative space, dedicated to training vulnerable Cambodian youth to work in the hospitality industry.
  • Learn more about Cambodia's confronting but important history, with visits to the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S21) and the Killing Fields of Choeung Ek.
  • A homestay in Banteay Chhmar puts you right in the heart of everyday village life in Cambodia
  • There's loads of free time to make your own fun and embark on your own experiences – zip-lining over rainforest or a cyclo tour, anyone?

Is this trip right for you?
  • Lots of time allocated for optional activities means freedom and flexibility, but it does require a level of independence. Only a few meals are included, so mostly you'll find your own (with plenty of suggestions from your leader, of course). This is a great way to mingle with locals and discover unexpected delights!
  • 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!).
  • Temperatures and humidity can be high in Cambodia, especially when walking around sights like the Angkor complex where there may be little shade. Be prepared by taking plenty of drink breaks and wearing appropriate skin protection. Some travellers find an umbrella handy to keep the sun off (this will also come in handy should it rain!).
  • The stories shared at 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 to share, however if you would prefer not to join in these visits your leader will be able to suggest alternatives.
  • 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.

Itinerary

This itinerary is valid for departures from 01 January 2023 to 31 December 2023.

View the itinerary for departures between 01 January 2024 - 31 December 2024

Map of Essential Cambodia including Cambodia, Thailand and Vietnam

Inclusions

Meals

3 breakfasts, 2 dinners

Transport

Private minibus, Public bus, Remork (Tuk-tuk)

Accommodation

Hotel (2 nights), Homestay (1 night), Guesthouse (5 nights)

Activities
  • Banteay Chmar - Village Walk
  • Banteay Chhmar - Homestay
  • Banteay Chhmar - Banteay Chhmar Temple visit
  • Siem Reap - One day Angkor Pass
  • Siem Reap - Angkor Temples Guided Tour
  • Siem Reap - Home cooked dinner
  • Siem Reap - Street food breakfast
  • Phnom Penh - Rooftop Drinks and Snacks
  • Phnom Penh - Killing Fields of Choeung Ek
  • Phnom Penh - Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S21)
Add on activities
  • Bangkok - Grand Palace - THB500
  • Bangkok - Wat Pho - THB200
  • Bangkok - Tuk Tuk Experience Urban Adventure - THB2500
  • Bangkok - Temple & River of Kings Urban Adventure - THB2900
  • Bangkok - Chinatown Sights and Bites Urban Adventure - THB1960
  • Siem Reap - Phare Circus Ticket - USD18
  • Siem Reap - Three day Angkor Pass - USD62
  • Siem Reap - Angkor Zipline Silver Tour - USD54
  • Siem Reap - Landmine Museum - USD5
  • Siem Reap - Full day remork transport to Angkor complex - USD20
  • Siem Reap - Angkor Zipline Gold Tour - USD87
  • Phnom Penh - Wat Phnom - USD2
  • Phnom Penh - National Museum - USD10
  • Phnom Penh - Khmer massage - USD8
  • Phnom Penh - Cyclo Tour - USD4
  • Ho Chi Minh City - Saigon Street Food by Night Urban Adventure - USD32
  • Ho Chi Minh City - Mekong Discovery Urban Adventure - USD63
  • Ho Chi Minh City - Cu Chi Tunnel Experience Urban Adventure - USD39
  • Ho Chi Minh City - War Remnants Museum - VND40000
  • Ho Chi Minh City - Reunification Palace - VND40000

Dates and availability

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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 2 (Homestay) where you will be in shared accommodation and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
2.Please provide your full name exactly as per passport at the time of booking (including any middle names listed on your passport) for train and flight tickets. Fees may apply for amendments to details within 45 days of departure, and in some cases you will be required to cover the cost of issuing new tickets.

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.

Read Essential Trip Information

Reviews

5 out of 5 based on 61 reviews submitted.
Reviews are from travellers who have completed their trip and want to share their experience. We show all reviews, but may remove any that include profanity or inappropriate content, are unrelated to the trip or reveal personal details.

Filter by rating

Jasmine · Traveled September 2023
Amazing tour!!! I’d totally recommend as you see so much of the country in the week! It’s a beautiful country with interesting history. Our guide Daro was incredible with great enthusiasm and full of knowledge while making everyone laugh!!!
Review submitted 20 Sep 2023

Michael · Traveled September 2023
Perfect trip thanks to the people, activities, locals and last but not least our amazing tour guide Daro. He made it effortless for the group.
Review submitted 20 Sep 2023

Aaliyah · Traveled September 2023
Our tour leader Daro was brilliant! He took the time to get to know each of us, had great reccomendations from tasty food spots to popular historical sights. He was always enthusiastic and happy making sure the mood of the group was always on a high. The included activities were all great value for money with tour guides, opportunities to spend time exploring and also having free time to do what we wanted. The homestays provided a memorable experience to really learn about an authentic Cambodian lifestyle and the hospitality was amazing. I loved this trip and would reccomended anyone to try it out as I will definitely be travelling with Intrepid again. It was my first solo trip of this kind and first one with Intrepid but its been the best holiday I've ever been on
Review submitted 20 Sep 2023

Max · Traveled September 2023
Perfectly organised trip with Daro the tour leader he couldn’t have been better!
Review submitted 20 Sep 2023

Louise · Traveled September 2023
Cambodia amazed me in many ways! I really liked the several home stays/dinner. The friendliness, the nature, etc. Our guide Daro was the best! He really cared about us like his family! Thank you for everything!
Review submitted 20 Sep 2023
Essential Cambodia
From
EUR 455 €