Essential Cambodia

9 Days | Go beyond the guidebook and experience the best of Cambodia

4.9 out of 5 based on 51 reviews submitted.
18 to 35s
From
EUR €473
View dates and book
This trip is for the 18 to 35 year olds

This nine-day adventure shows you all the essential sites in Cambodia, and then some! Travel through the middle of this South-East Asian nation full of history, temples and cheap, tasty food. See Wat’s up in Angkor with a full day pass into the ancient temple complex, laugh with the locals in Banteay Chhmar during a unique homestay experience, explore the markets in Siem Reap with a street food breakfast and see where the Mekong, Bassac and Tonle Sap rivers collide in Phnom Penh on a cruise at sunset. 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 35s
Destinations
Cambodia, Vietnam, Thailand
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 35
Group size
Min 1 - Max 16
Trip code
TKYA
This trip generates 25 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.

Why you'll love this trip
  • See the sunrise over the incredible Angkor complex and take a guided Tuk-tuk tour of all the best sites (including Angkor Wat and jungle-covered Ta Prohm) with a company focused on employing local women in the community.
  • Immerse yourself in local culture with a homestay experience in Banteay Chhmar (the Citadel of the Cat), putting you right in the heart of everyday village life in Cambodia, and enjoy a home-cooked dinner from your hosts.
  • 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.
  • Take a sunset cruise on the Mekong River of Phnom Penh and raise a glass (the drink is included) to one of the most serene settings in the country. Maybe keep the vibes going at a hip rooftop bar.
  • Experience the bustling markets of thriving Siem Reap with a street food breakfast, then enjoy some free time to check out this gorgeous region at your own pace.
  • By travelling on this trip, you’ll directly support our Intrepid Foundation partner, CRST. Donations help them break the cycle of poverty in Cambodia by inspiring and empowering children with education opportunities.

Is this trip right for you?
  • Lots of time allocated for optional activities means freedom and flexibility, but also a level of independence. Only a few meals are included but your leader will have plenty of suggestions for great eats at any budget. This is a great way to mingle with locals and discover unexpected delights!
  • 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 if it rains!).
  • 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 essential 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 your 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

Map of Essential Cambodia including Cambodia, Thailand and Vietnam

Inclusions

Meals

2 breakfasts, 2 dinners

Transport

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

Accommodation

Hotel (3 nights), Hostel (4 nights), Homestay (1 night)

Activities
  • Banteay Chmar - Village Walk
  • Banteay Chhmar - Homestay
  • Banteay Chhmar - Banteay Chhmar Temple visit
  • Siem Reap - One day Angkor Pass
  • Siem Reap - Home cooked dinner
  • Siem Reap - Angkor Wat Sunrise
  • Siem Reap - Angkor Temples Guided Tour by TukTuk
  • Siem Reap - Street food breakfast
  • Phnom Penh - Sunset River Cruise
  • Phnom Penh - Killing Fields of Choeung Ek
  • Phnom Penh - Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S21)
Add on activities
  • Bangkok - Grand Palace - THB500
  • Bangkok - Wat Pho - THB300
  • 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 - USD36
  • Ho Chi Minh City - Mekong Discovery Urban Adventure - USD73
  • Ho Chi Minh City - Cu Chi Tunnel Experience Urban Adventure - USD45
  • 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). 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

4.9 out of 5 based on 51 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.

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Agnese · Traveled February 2024
Cambodia, Feb 2024. Our trip was absolutely amazing, as well as the friendship we've built and Dyka, our amazing leader. Cambodia is a gorgeous country made up of amazing people, and the Intrepid trip, with a homestay and a dinner at a local family, gave us the chance to explore exactly this aspect. We would never have had the chance to do such things and I cannot explain how much it meant to me sharing that time with the local families. I strongly recommend taking part to this trip: the locals, the breathtaking visit at Angkor Wat, the fun, the amazing relationship we've built in our group and with our beloved guide Dyka.. I wish this trip did not come to an end!
Review submitted 20 Feb 2024

Jakob · Traveled February 2024
Review submitted 20 Feb 2024

Anya · Traveled January 2024
I absolutely fell in love with Cambodia thanks to an amazing guide, a wonderful itinerary and a fabulous group. I would recommend Intrepid to anyone.
Review submitted 25 Jan 2024

Bronte · Traveled December 2023
Fantastic trip! Great length and pace. Cambodia is colourful, fun, and interesting; full of tasty food and beautiful sights, with a rich history. The temples are unbelievable, the cities vibrant, and the people welcoming. The village homestay is a highlight. Highly recommend!
Review submitted 05 Jan 2024

Lewis · Traveled September 2023
Daro was amazing, His knowledge and passion for his country is second to none! Made the trip as good as it could be and more, any recommendations he had were spot on!
Review submitted 20 Sep 2023
Essential Cambodia
From
EUR €473