Fly to Siem Reap overnight. Once you've arrived settle in the first day will be yours to explore. There's plenty to explore outside of the obvious embarrassment of riches in regards to temple touring, you can go on quads or dirtbikes, eat red ants, trawl through the markets or indulge in a spa day.
We start with an early rise and head to the legend filled temples of Angkor. We'll venture through the ancient city of Angkor Thom and meander through the Southern Gate that is bordered by 54 gods and demons. Bayon is a spellbinding built in the late 12th century decorated with smiling stone faces that leer around the central peak anthropomorphising the walls into something truly special. Witness the majesty of the Elephant Terrace and the Terrace of the Leper King.
We'll then head on to Ta Prohm for our final appetiser before ending up at Angkor Wat. Over 2 million people see Angkor Wat every year, experiencing the sacred temple in all its natural glory.
Discover another side to the Khmer empire by digging into traditional Cambodian cuisine. Get hands on and enjoy the refined cooking credentials of the locals and learn to absorb their skills so you can take home a slice of the culture with you.
The evening will have us bare witness to the exceptional talents of the Phare Cambodian Circus. This NGO helps provide opportunities for disadvantaged local youths so it's fun and giving back.
We'll begin the morning with a peaceful morning cruise on the Tonle Sap Lake. Glide through the floating village of Kampong Kleng and observe life that is largely unchanged from the way in which it ambled along hundreds of years. Afterwards we'll browse the relics of Beng Mealea a wonderful temple blanketed by jungle. The evening will be a blend of traditional dinner and the splendid Apsara dance show.
The North western city of Battambang plays home to some of the most tranquil and captivating landscapes imaginable. On route to it's peaceful hills we'll stop by the Puok District to learn about the cultivation of silk from the planting of mulberry trees to raise silkworms, to the harvesting of the fine threads. Artisans dye the threads and showcase quite brilliant craftsmanship to create detailed garments and trinkets.
We'll be given free time on arrival to Battambang so feel free to stretch your legs and explore, our guides will help point you towards some of the more famous sites such as the rail track famously made of bamboo.
Climb a lush hill (it's not a difficult climb) to step foot inside the staggering Prasat Banan Temple. Then strut through the quaint sleepy town village of Wat Kor. We'll then have the privilege of visiting a local NGO in La Maison de Coco, where the countries traditional handicraft skills such as weaving are taught to the community to keep the tradition alive.
Finally for the day we'll head to the beautifully eerie bat caves of Phnom Sampov.
We head towards the famous city of Phnom Penh and use the trip as a fantastic excuse to take a little detour and visit the banks of the Li River for some photo opportunities with the cormorant fisherman. Float along the perimeter of the Ronghu Lake, overlooked by towering Chinese Buddhist pagodas. Then peruse the South China Pearl Factory and learn about the over 1,700-year-old history of pearling.
A colonial charm is enclaved around the South East Asian roots of Phnom Penh, and it's energy and welcoming energy make it a splendid place to explore. Today will include a cyclo ride (man peddled taxi of sorts) to the Royal Palace, National Museum and Silver Pagoda. As the sun begins to sink from the heavens, we'll head to the hilltop of Wat Phnom to enjoy the bronze hues of sunset.
There's no easy way around the bloody history of the Khmer empire. Tuol Sleng Museum tells the story of genocide, and this former prison and torture camp is now a stark reminder of the darker chapters of human history. The Killing Fields are the site of mass graves where the victims of the communist culling were buried, and now monuments in their memory stand. The evening will see us visit one of the city's budding craft breweries for a tour and tasting session, where we'll have a moment to raise a toast and share stories on the complex and surreal sites and experiences we've witnessed so far.
A change of pace is in order, and we exchange bustling city for simple beach town as we head to Kampot, where we'll visit a pepper farm.
Whilst golden sand isn't the first thing that springs to mind in Cambodia, there are still plenty of lush beaches to explore. One of them can be found in the nearby town of Kep, a small gem along the East coast. We'll have a barbecue lunch and then you'll be given free time to browse the area as you wish.
We'll head back to civilisation in Phnom Penh, but not before seeing the ruins of 'Bokor Mountain'. A former military hill station, littered with French colonial buildings that are now desolate and baron. On our last evening in Phnom Penh we'll head for a farewell dinner cruise along one of the world's most storied rivers, the Mekong!
Enjoy time at leisure until your transfer to the airport. Board your flight home to the UK. You'll arrive back home the following day so allow for an extra days commute.
Our Discover Cambodia tour includes all there is to find in it's ancient sprawling cityscapes and historical landmarks. However if you've got something specific in mind and would like to customise your adventure simply get in touch and we'll customise your next trip for you!
Make My Custom TripIt is not compulsory you take out insurance, however normal travellers insurance to cover cameras and belongings is still recommended.
Requirements may vary and can change at any time. No vaccinations are currently required if you travel directly from the United Kingdom.
We will help arrange your visa as part of the price of the trip.
Cambodian Riel is the national currency and you may be best served exchanging some money prior to leaving, or arranging and international allowance on your account so you can withdraw abroad without charges.
Rob was a fantastic guide. The trip was very enjoyable and Robs knowledge and expertise were great. Would defo recommend
Excellent service from start to finish. I booked the National 3 Peasks challenge in 24 hours. i had regular communication from Rob and the team prioe to the event checking in on my progress, which really spurred me on as well as a helpful fitness plan i has to folow. For the challenge itself Rob and Tim really helped put the group at ease, and was very encouraging. Such a credit to business. i would not hesitate at all in recommending bookitlist to friends and family and will define use again in the future. Thank you for pushing me to finish the challenge!
Just come back from completing the 24 hour natinal 3 Peaks Challenge with Bookitlist. 25-27th June 2021. From start to finish the group I was in was well looked after. From pick up to drop off the team were well organised & made the experience/challenge as enoyable & relaxing as possible. an unforgettable experience & will definitely be looking out for what other trips they have to offer.
Immeasurable beauty across a number of top class courses.
Drivers with experience of the region to escort you between courses and activities.
Book with confidence. We only work with reputable companies who guarantee security to your data.
Join the bookitlist global community, who are united by their love for travel and adventure.