Map of Essential Cambodia including Cambodia, Thailand and Vietnam

Go beyond the guidebook in surprising Cambodia.

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.

This trip is for 18 to 29-year-olds

Some of our under-30 travellers prefer to get around with people their own age. If that’s you, you’re in the right place!

Over 29? We’ve got over 900 other great adventures to choose from for solo travellers, friends, families, food lovers, hiking enthusiasts, and more.


Start
Bangkok, Thailand
Finish
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Destinations
Cambodia, Thailand, Vietnam
Style
Basix
Theme
18 to 29s
Code
TKYA
Physical rating
Ages
Min 18, Max 29
Group size
Min 1, Max 16

Travel solo, together

You're never alone when travelling solo with Intrepid

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

Sawasdee! Welcome to Thailand. Your adventure begins with an important welcome meeting at 6 pm. Bangkok has so much going on if you've got time to explore, so we recommend you arrive a day or two early to explore the sights and sounds of this South East Asian hub. Why not hit the canals for a riverboat trip to Chinatown? Visit the Grand Palace and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha? Or indulge in some Thai massage? Whatever you do, be sure to sit down with a green curry or tom yum goong (spicy seafood soup) after your welcome meeting.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Optional Activities
  • Bangkok - Grand Palace - THB500
  • Bangkok - Wat Pho - THB200
  • Bangkok - Bangkok Tuk Tuk Experience Urban Adventure - THB2500
  • Bangkok - Bangkok Temple & River of Kings Urban Adventure - THB2900
  • Bangkok - Chinatown Sights and Bites Urban Adventure - THB1960
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. If you do wish to spend some more time in Bangkok, we’ll be happy to organise additional accommodation for you (subject to availability).
Rise 'n' shine, travellers! After breakfast, you'll depart Thailand and head into Cambodia – your leader will help you through the border-crossing procedures. From Bangkok to Banteay Chhmar it's an 8-hour trip, which includes time to get yourself some lunch, and the time at the border. Banteay Chhmar, which translates as Citadel of the Cat, is our destination for the evening. This charming little village is far off the tourist trail and is dotted with several temples around the area. Take a leader-led orientation walk around to get your bearings. Tonight, you'll experience traditional hospitality staying with a local family in a Khmer house set on wooden stilts. 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.
Accommodation
  • Homestay (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Banteay Chmar - Village Walk
  • Banteay Chhmar - Homestay
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner
Special Information
The facilities at your homestay in Banteay Chhmar are simple – a thin mattress on the floor, with pillow and mosquito net provided. 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 when there will be 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 a peaceful night in Banteay Chhmar, take a visit to the temple in the middle of town. Similar to many Khmer temples in Cambodia, they are surrounded by water which, most often, represents the ocean surrounding the Temple Mountain: an architectural representation of the Hindu god’s home, Mount Meru. The Temple Mountain design has influenced most Khmer temples in the Angkor period. The water also helps stabilise the building’s foundation, preventing groundwater from rising or falling too drastically. Afterwards, take a private vehicle to the city of Siem Reap (approximately 4 hours). Once you've arrived, perhaps spend some time looking around the central markets and pick up some of the delicious food on offer. Why not?
Accommodation
  • Guesthouse (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Banteay Chhmar - Banteay Chhmar Temple visit
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Time to visit the mighty Angkor complex with your guide. Get that camera ready, because it's going to look good, whatever the time of day. Some of this complex is over a thousand years old, going back to the days when the Khmer Empire was top dog in South East Asia. These beauties were known to represent the cosmic world and were set in perfect balance, symmetry and composition. Let your mind be blown as you roam around the site with your leader, and make sure you don’t miss the temples at sunset. 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 get to grips with the larger-than-life Angkor Wat, the grand Bayon and the jungle-covered Ta Prohm. Tonight, have a special experience as you enjoy a traditional meal in a local family's home.
Accommodation
  • Guesthouse (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Siem Reap - One day Angkor Pass
  • Siem Reap - Angkor Temples Guided Tour
  • Siem Reap - Home cooked dinner
Meals Included
  • Dinner
Special Information
A 1 day Angkor Pass is included on this tour. If you'd like to return to Angkor outside of your included visit, you can buy a longer pass - just ask your leader.
This morning, take up an awesome street food breakfast in Siem Reap’s local market. Other than this, today is free for you to experience Siem Reap however you want. If you're all templed out, but still feel like something pretty out there, you can opt for an Angkor zip-line course, which will have you soaring like an eagle over the rainforest. There’s also a landmine museum or some pretty great Urban Adventure Tours that you could book yourself in to. Your group leader will know the best things to do, so ask them if you’re stuck. If you couldn’t get enough of the Angkor site, no problems! Speak to your leader about the cheapest options, as multi-day passes are available.
Accommodation
  • Guesthouse (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Siem Reap - Street food breakfast
Optional Activities
  • Siem Reap - Phare Circus Ticket - USD18
  • Siem Reap - Three day Angkor Pass - USD62
  • 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
  • Breakfast
Time to head to Cambodia’s capital. Take a public bus through the Cambodian countryside for around 6-7 hours until you reach the bustling city of Phnom Penh (this includes two stops). Phnom Penh sits at the junction of the Mekong, Bassac and Tonle Sap rivers, and used to be known as Krong Chaktomuk (‘City of Four Faces’), as this river junction forms an X crossing, which represents four geographic ‘faces’ of the city and surrounding area. The main centre of the city sits on the Western bank of the Tonle Sap/Mekong rivers. In the evening, don’t miss the opportunity to celebrate at a rooftop bar with views over the junction between the Tonle Sap and the Mekong.
Accommodation
  • Guesthouse (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Phnom Penh - Rooftop Drinks and Snacks
Optional Activities
  • Phnom Penh - Wat Phnom - USD2
  • Phnom Penh - National Museum - USD10
  • Phnom Penh - Khmer massage - USD8
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.
Wake up in this bustling city and take a visit with your group to learn more about the country's history and the Khmer Rouge atrocities at the Killing Fields of Choeung Ek and the infamous Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S21). The rest of the day is free to explore the city. If you're in the mood for some shopping then check out the Psar Thmei (Central Market), located in an old French colonial building, for clothing or sarongs. Otherwise maybe stop by the temple of Wat Phnom, the National Museum or the French Quarter.
Accommodation
  • Guesthouse (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Phnom Penh - Killing Fields of Choeung Ek
  • Phnom Penh - Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S21)
Optional Activities
  • Phnom Penh - Cyclo Tour - USD4
  • Phnom Penh - Khmer massage - USD8
  • Phnom Penh - National Museum - USD10
  • Phnom Penh - Wat Phnom - USD2
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.
Travel by public bus from Phnom Penh to Ho Chi Minh City (approximately 10 hours including two border crossings and lunch). 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 have a caffeine hit with some Vietnamese coffee, best shared with the locals.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.
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, we’ll be happy to book additional accommodation for you (subject to availability).
Optional Activities
  • 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
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.

Meals

3 breakfasts, 2 dinners

Transport

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

Accommodation

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

Included 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)

Dates & availability

Trip departures are unavailable.

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

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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.

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