Travelling in Cambodia

Cambodia is so much more than Angkor! The whole country is full of atmospheric, exciting experiences. Ancient history, stunning landscapes and a dynamic modern atmosphere.

With new holiday opportunities offering a vast treasure trove of previously unavailable travel experiences, Cambodia is incredible – and we will take you to its very culural heart.

Where would you like to go? … A beautiful beach retreat, a wild and wonderful jungle lodge, an atmospheric city sanctuary – or a taste of it all?

This suggested itinerary takes you on an ‘off-beat’ adventure in style through Cambodia.

Discover Cambodian culture, roam the ancient wonders of Angkor in Siem Reap and learn about the past and thriving present in Phnom Penh.

Immerse yourselves in natural beauty at a unique luxury ‘camp’ in the jungle and relax at a tranquil, beautiful island resort.

However we tailor make your holiday to Cambodia you will travel with a knowledgeable local guide to ensure that your experience is enriching and comfortable. Immersive and unique experiences will enhance your journey.

Highlights

• Staying in luxury tent-style accommodation in the Cambodian jungle at Shinta Mani Wild, with incredible and unique experiences included in your stay
• Retreating to Phum Baitang, set amongst sprawling rice paddy fields, between visits to the ancient Angkorian wonders and lesser-visited temples
• Discovering the highlights of Cambodia’s colonial capital, Phnom Penh, on our unique signature tours as you travel by cyclo, ferry, bike and tuk-tuk
• Spending five nights unwinding on the coast, with your own beachfront villa with views out to the ocean on Song Saa Private Island

This holiday (and many other Asia holidays featured on my website) are booked with ETG; Experience Travel Group. Working closely with the ETG team who are our friends and AITO partners, we ensure that the price you pay for your holiday contributes first hand to local communities and ethical tourism throughout the destinations we work with.

Kulen Elephant Forest, Siem Reap is one of the experiences we can include in this holiday.

After many years of war and neglect, elephants are a rare sight in Cambodia, and Kulen Elephant Forest is a one-off. This excellent sanctuary exists to educate visitors about the Kingdom’s conservation issues and provide a home for 12 retired elephants. These particular pachyderms spent many years giving rides to tourists around the Angkor temples. Thankfully they now roam free here in the forest, and as guests, you’ll have the chance to watch them and walk with them. 

After a morning in their company, you’ll be served a picnic in a clearing. The elephants will remain nearby, and you can enjoy lunch whilst continuing to observe them as they forage, play and generally mind their own business!  (Another elephant friendly holiday we feature is a journey with Mahouts in Thailand)

Suggested itinerary:

• Day 1: Depart the UK on your flight to Siem Reap.
• Days 2-5: You will be welcomed by your local guide and transferred to Phum Baitang where you will stay for four nights. This hotel is comprised of luxurious Khmer-style houses set amongst lush gardens and sprawling rice paddy fields. There is much to experience here and your time here will be planned to ensure the pace is right for you and you don’t get “templed out”. Some people wish to explore the Temples of Angkor in-depth and others prefer just an hour or two here and there. A visit to Angkor Wat is, of course, a must and the temples of Ta Prohm, with tree trunks snaking through its ruins will impress all ages. Banteay Srei and Angkor Thom are adorned with intricate carvings that are wonderful too.
• Beyond the Temples, a great way to start the day is watching the sun rise over the Tonle Sap lake from a private boat, weaving through floating villages as they come to life. The Phare Circus tells stories of Cambodian life through a mix of traditional and modern theatre – it’s a tremendous all-around initiative and an evening that is impossible not to enjoy. Other options in and around Siem Reap include quad biking in the paddy fields, walking with elephants in the forest or just enjoying the local food.
• Days 6-8: The journey from Phum Baitang to Phnom Penh will take around five hours by road, travelling in the company of your guide. Your two full days in Phnom Penh will be spent getting to grips with Cambodia’s past, while also exploring beyond the city’s main sites. Visit the S21 detention centre and the ‘Killing Field’ of Choeung Ek to gain an insight into the atrocities that took place during the civil war. Later, visit markets, art galleries and tour the streets on a cyclo.
• The sleepy island of Koh Dach can be explored by bike, this is an area few tourists venture out to. In the evening, embark on a tuk-tuk tour or food tour of the city, stopping for dinner and snacks.
• Days 9-11: Transfer from Phnom Penh to the incredible Shinta Mani Wild for a three-night stay. This luxury ‘camp’ sits in the heart of the Cambodian jungle, with custom-designed tents perched over a flowing river and waterfalls. You have the option to arrive via zip line as you fly over a waterfall and land in the bar! During your stay, you will be able to enjoy an incredible array of customised experiences. Head out on patrol with rangers from the Wildlife Alliance who are dedicated to stopping and catching poachers and illegal loggers in the area. Perhaps spend an afternoon cruising in one of the expedition boats, kayak along the river, head out foraging with the chef before taking a cooking class or embark on a hike with a naturalist. The experiences provided here are incredibly unique and memorable. If you’re looking to unwind, the spa provides a range of treatments, or have a soak in your private outdoor bathtub facing out over the river.
• Days 12-16: The journey to Song Saa begins with a drive to Sihanoukville in Cambodia’s south before boarding a speedboat and taking you directly to this island paradise. You’ll spend five nights totally relaxing on the remote Song Saa Private Island, one of the country’s finest luxury destinations. Villas here are absolutely beautiful, and all have their own private pool with views out to the ocean. With plenty of activities and facilities, you can snorkel or scuba dive, kayak or paddleboard, enjoy yoga at sunrise or a rejuvenating spa treatment. Song Saa, with its ‘castaway’ style, offers a truly peaceful island retreat.
• Day 17: Take a 45-minute speed boat ride back to the mainland before a four-hour drive to Phnom Penh airport for your flight home.

This is just one example of an experiential holiday to Cambodia, using high end accommodation. Contact me to discuss different options for accommodation and itineary to suit your requirements and budget. Why not combine your adventure with neighbouring Vietnam or a Mekong River Cruise?

* the guide price is a typically low season and the final price will be dependent on where and when you wish to travel and where you stay.

Bespoke ETG Holidays start from £4,500 – £8,500pp
Bespoke ETG Luxury Holidays start from £8,500 – £14,500pp
Bespoke ETG Family Holidays start from £4,000 – £7,500pp