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Map of Cambodia Adventure including Cambodia, Thailand and Vietnam

Chambok, Kampot and the mighty temples of Angkor

Let us take you on a 12-day highlights experience of Cambodia, beyond the usual tourist bus 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 South East Asia’s most captivating countries.

Start
Bangkok, Thailand
Finish
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Destinations
Cambodia, Thailand, Vietnam
Style
Basix
Theme
Explorer
Code
TKRR
Physical rating
Ages
Min 15
Group size
Min 1, Max 16

Why you'll love this trip

  • Let a local expert bring Cambodia’s ancient history to life as you temple-hop at the Angkor complex with your small group – one of South East Asia's most stunning attractions.

  • A homestay in Chambok 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 to southern coastal Cambodia with two nights spent in the riverside hub of Kampot. You’ll have plenty of free time to get to know why this town is on our 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 South East Asia’s bustling hubs – Bangkok and Ho Chi Minh City. Haven’t been there before? Why not extend your stay in one, or both!

Is this trip right for you?

  • 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.

  • Accommodation is basic – a combination of simple hotels, guesthouses and a homestay.

  • 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 we feel is important to share, however if you would prefer not to join in these options 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.

  • You may also want to check out our Cambodia & Vietnam Experience if you have longer time to explore in the region. https://www.intrepidtravel.com/vietnam/cambodia-vietnam-experience-126711

Cambodia
Cambodia
Ankgor Thom in Cambodia
Cambodia
Vietnam
Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam

Itinerary
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Sa-wat-dee! Welcome to Bangkok. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm where you will meet your group 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?
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Optional Activities
  • Bangkok - Grand Palace - THB500
  • Bangkok - Wat Pho - THB200
  • Bangkok - Thai Massage - THB250
  • Bangkok - Jim Thompson's House - THB200
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.

Prepare for a long day of travel as you cross Thailand and enter Cambodia. You’ll want to load up on snacks and reading material for the 10-hour private minibus ride to Siem Reap. This travel time includes time spent at the border crossings and a stop for lunch, and don’t worry, your leader is on-hand to assist with the border procedures. Keep in mind, if you are planning on getting your visa at the border, you will need cash in US dollars and a passport photo. On arrival, 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, otherwise, rest up in preparation for tomorrow’s visit to Angkor Wat.
Accommodation
  • Guesthouse (1 night)
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
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.

Today you'll visit the incredible Angkor complex with your guide. The ruins are scattered over an area of some 160 square kilometres – the biggest religious monument in the world. Thankfully, the main cluster of temples is close to Siem Reap, so you'll have plenty of time to fully appreciate the great archaeological sites like 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. As visually stunning as these sites are, your guide will add to your experience by bringing the ancient history to life with their extensive knowledge of the site.
Accommodation
  • Guesthouse (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Siem Reap - One day Angkor Pass
  • Siem Reap - Angkor Temples Guided Tour
Optional Activities
  • Siem Reap - Three day Angkor Pass - USD62
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.
Special Information
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.

Enjoy a free day to explore Siem Reap and its surrounds. If you feel like some adventure, you can take the optional Angkor zip-line course, which gives you a thrill-seeking, bird’s-eye view of the rainforest. Other options here include a visit to the sobering Landmine Museum – it's located a little further afield but is well worth the journey. If you decided to purchase a longer Angkor Pass, then you might opt to head back to visit more of the incredible temples within the complex, or get up early and experience an unforgettable sunrise at Angkor Wat.
Accommodation
  • Guesthouse (1 night)
Optional Activities
  • Siem Reap - Angkor Zipline Silver Tour - USD129
  • Siem Reap - Landmine Museum - USD5
  • Siem Reap - Full day remork transport to Angkor complex - USD20
  • Siem Reap - Angkor Zipline Gold Tour - USD99
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.

This morning, travel by public bus to Kampong Cham (approximately 5 hours). This peaceful town was once an important trading hub and is now a great example of small-town Cambodia. Once arrived, you’ve got the afternoon at leisure, perhaps to visit the serene 11th-century Wat Nokor. You can also hire a bicycle to explore the rural island of Koh Paen, which is linked to Kampong Cham by an elaborate bamboo bridge – accessible only in the dry season, with ferry transfers when it’s wet. The locals here make their living fishing and growing tobacco and sesame, so it's also a good place to go for a closer look at some of Cambodia's cottage industries. Further out of town are the twin mountain temples of Phnom Pros and Phnom Srei too. So many choices!
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Optional Activities
  • Kampong Cham – Wat Nokor, Phnom Pros and Phnom Srei - USD10
  • Kampong Cham – Bicycle hire - USD3
  • Kampong Cham - Phnom Pros and Phnom Srei - USD10
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.

Travel by private vehicle (approximately 5 hours) into rural Cambodia to the region of Kampong Speu and the village of Chambok. A member of the Chambok community will take you on a village walk and be happy to chat about their community’s history, lifestyle and local ecotourism projects. Meet the families your group will spend the night with and settle into your homestay accommodation. You may like to trek to a stunning waterfall this afternoon, it’s a 60–90-minute hike and dependent on the weather, but it’s definitely worth it. In the evening, head to the community centre to enjoy a local Khmer dinner prepared by people from the community. You'll also be treated to a traditional dance performance.
Accommodation
  • Homestay (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Chambok - Traditional dancing
  • Chambok - Waterfall hike
  • Chambok - Homestay and activities
  • Chambok - Khmer Dinner
Meals Included
  • Dinner
Special Information
We stay in one room in multi-share homestay accommodation. Depending on the group size, we may use two homes that are located close to each other. There will be a thin mattress on the floor, pillow, mosquito net and towel for each traveller. Bathroom facilities will be shared and will often consist of a squat toilet and a cold water washing area.

Jump on a private bus bound for Kampot (approximately 3 hours) – 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 has its lovers, and haters! In your free time this afternoon, you might choose to stroll along the riverside and observe the French colonial architecture, or have a cup of coffee on the veranda of one of the riverside restaurants and admire the view of Bokor Mountain Range.
Accommodation
  • Guesthouse (1 night)
Optional Activities
  • Kampot - Sunset cruise - USD30
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

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 and perhaps 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.
Accommodation
  • Guesthouse (1 night)
Optional Activities
  • Kampot - Phnom Chhnork - USD1
  • Kampot - Khmer massage - USD5
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.

Leave Kampot in your dust and travel by private vehicle to the capital city of Phnom Penh (approximately 4 hours). 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.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Optional Activities
  • Phnom Penh - Wat Phnom - USD2
  • Phnom Penh - National Museum - USD10
  • Phnom Penh - Cyclo tour - USD4
  • Phnom Penh - Futures Factory cocktail class - USD20
  • Phnom Penh - Khmer massage - USD8
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.

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 have visual impairments. Their years of expertise may be just what you need today after a busy couple of days.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Phnom Penh - Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S21)
  • Phnom Penh - Killing Fields of Choeung Ek
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.

Travel by local bus from Phnom Penh to Ho Chi Minh City (approximately 10 hours including border crossings and lunch). Your leader will again assist you with border crossing procedures. Get out and discover Ho Chi Minh City's blend of old and new, east and west, when you arrive. Be sure to sample a baguette or some of the excellent coffee on offer – both markers of the city's strong French influence.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.

With no activities planned for today, you are free to leave the accommodation at any time, provided you comply with any internal check-out procedures. That doesn’t mean your South East Asian adventure has to come to an end! If you would like to spend more time braving the traffic in chaotic Ho Chi Minh City, we’ll be happy to organise additional accommodation (subject to availability).
Optional Activities
  • 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 - USD63
  • Ho Chi Minh City - Saigon Street Food by Night Urban Adventure - USD32
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.
Want to tailor this itinerary?

Meals

2 breakfasts, 1 dinner

Transport

Private minibus, Public bus

Accommodation

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

Included activities

  • Siem Reap - One day Angkor Pass
  • Siem Reap - Angkor Temples Guided Tour
  • Chambok - Traditional dancing
  • Chambok - Waterfall hike
  • Chambok - Homestay and activities
  • Chambok - Khmer Dinner
  • Phnom Penh - Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S21)
  • Phnom Penh - Killing Fields of Choeung Ek

Dates & availability

Trip departures are unavailable.

There are currently no scheduled departures on our Cambodia Adventure 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.
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.

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