Essential Cambodia

Sawasdee! Welcome to Thailand. Your adventure begins in Bangkok with an important welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight. Bangkok has so much going on, so if you've got time to explore this Southeast Asian hub, why not hit the canals for a riverboat trip to Chinatown? Maybe visit the Grand Palace and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha or indulge in a pre-adventure massage. Tonight, maybe opt to get together with your new fellow travellers and head out for a green curry or tom yum goong (spicy seafood soup) for dinner.

Rise 'n' shine early this morning to leave Thailand and head into Cambodia! Your first destination on your Cambodian journey is Banteay Chhmar, which translates as Citadel of the Cat. This charming little village is far off the tourist trail and dotted with several temples. Take the chance to stretch your legs as you leader takes you on a walk to explore the village. Tonight, you'll experience traditional hospitality from a local family in a Khmer house set on wooden stilts – this homestay experience is the perfect way to get to know the locals and immerse yourself in their culture. As the day comes to an end, sit down to a delicious Khmer dinner by torchlight in the grounds of the temple or at a local community centre (depending on the weather).

After a peaceful night, you’ll visit the temple in the middle of Banteay Chhmar this morning. Similar to many Khmer temples in Cambodia, this temple is surrounded by water, which often represents the ocean surrounding the Temple Mountain (an architectural representation of the Hindu god’s home Mount Meru). After, you’ll take a private vehicle to Siem Reap – a popular city where you’ll spend the next couple of days. When you arrive, maybe spend some time looking around the central markets and pick up some delicious food for dinner.

Early this morning, you’ll visit the mighty Angkor complex at sunrise – this is the largest religious structure in the world, and it’s pretty special to see the dawn rise over the temples. Get the camera ready because these 400 acres are full of picturesque settings. You’ll take a guided tour of the complex on a Tuk-tuk with a local social enterprise that focuses on providing employment opportunities for women in the community – and see the larger-than-life Angkor Wat, the grand Bayon and the jungle-covered Ta Prohm. Some buildings are over a thousand years old from the Khmer Empire – these beauties were known to represent the cosmic world and were set in perfect balance, symmetry and composition. If you like, try to catch the majesty of the temples at sunset, too – you can even head back to your accommodation after your guided tour for a nap and then re-enter the site in the late afternoon. Tonight, enjoy a traditional homemade dinner in a local family's home.

This morning, you can take up an awesome street food breakfast in Siem Reap’s local market. Then, today is free for you to experience the city however you want. If you're all templed out, you can opt for an Angkor zip-line course, which will have you soaring like an eagle over the rainforest. Your leader will know all the best things to do, so ask them if you’re stuck.

Time to head to Cambodia’s capital – Phnom Penh. Take a public bus through the Cambodian countryside until you reach the bustling city. Phnom Penh sits at the junction of the Mekong, Bassac and Tonle Sap rivers and used to be known as Krong Chaktomuk (the City of Four Faces) – this river junction forms an X crossing, representing four geographic ‘faces’ of the city and surrounding area. The main centre of the city sits on the Western bank of the Tonle Sap and Mekong rivers. In the evening, you’ll head out with your group for a sunset river cruise and enjoy an included drink as you sail along the water and see the city from a different perspective. Then, you might like to hit up a rooftop bar with some amazing views of the city – there are tonnes of options to choose from, so just ask your leader and they’ll point you in the right direction!

Today, you’ll have the chance to learn more about the country's sobering history and the Khmer Rouge atrocities at the Killing Fields of Choeung Ek and the infamous Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum. The rest of the day is free to explore the city. If you're in the mood for some shopping, maybe check out the Psar Thmei (Central Market), located in an old French colonial building. Maybe stop by the temple of Wat Phnom, the National Museum or the French Quarter. A popular activity here is to jump in a cyclo with a local – sunset is the best time to explore the busy streets, in search of some beautiful scenery and pretty incredible views.

Travel by public bus to Ho Chi Minh City this morning – this is a long drive but there will be stops for lunch and to stretch your legs. Your leader knows the drill, so they'll assist you with border crossing procedures. Arrive in Ho Chi Minh City and get your first taste of this fast-paced, fun city. Formerly known as Saigon, Ho Chi Minh City is quite the hub of markets, stalls and Vietnamese history, and much of city life happens on the streets. You'll see it's a combo of all kinds of flavours, old and new, East and West. Try a French baguette, get your pho fix and caffeine hit with some Vietnamese coffee, best shared with the locals.

As there are no activities planned for today, you can leave your accommodation at any time. If you're staying longer, you might want to go on one of the Urban Adventures offered in Ho Chi Minh city. Your leader can help you book the tour of your choice. If you would like to spend some more time in Ho Chi Minh City, just speak to your booking agent.