Experience Overview
Set out on an insightful journey through Cambodia's temple-strewn landscapes, seeing traditional cultures and vibrant cities on an incredible eight-day adventure. From the hustle and bustle of Thailand's heady capital of Bangkok, you’ll dive straight into the stately grandeur of the Angkor complex to wander the temples of days past. Discover the sobering history of Phnom Penh and finish with the cosmopolitan flavours of Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam. This journey through the heart of Cambodia hits all the highlights and is sure to leave you with some unforgettable memories of a fascinating part of Southeast Asia.
Highlights
- Begin in Bangkok and finish in Ho Chi Minh City – with plenty of opportunities to further explore these Southeast Asian hotspots, maybe add an extra couple of days to enhance your adventure and indulge in more Thai massage and Vietnamese coffees.
- 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.
- Take a boat tour through the floating village of Tonle Sap Lake – the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia – and learn about the locals’ unique lifestyle of living on the water.
- Learn the confronting yet important history of Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S21) and the Killing Fields of Choeung Ek in Phnom Penh with a full-day experience.
- Enjoy a trip that’s packed full of experiences, giving you a great insight into Cambodia, all in a short time – perfect for the traveller passing through or those with limited availability.
- 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.
Trip Details
Product Code: 2717
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Moderate
Transport: Private minibus,Public bus,Boat
Guide Language: English
Supplier Code: TKSD
Starts: Bangkok, Cambodia
Finishes: Ho Chi Minh City, Cambodia
Duration: 8 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical rating: Light
Includes
Meals: Breakfasts (6),Accommodation: Hotel (7 nights)
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD 949 (CAD 119 /day)
Itinerary
Sa-wat dee! Welcome to Thailand. Your adventure begins with an important welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight in Bangkok. This city has so much to offer – if you have time to explore, maybe take a riverboat to Chinatown to wander the crowded streets, uncover the magnificent Grand Palace and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, pay a visit to Wat Pho (home to the country's largest reclining Buddha), wander down the tourist mecca of Khao San Road, or indulge in some Thai massage. After the meeting, you might like to gather your fellow travellers and tuck into some world-renowned street food.
Optional Activities:
- Bangkok - Wat Pho (300 THB)
- Bangkok - Grand Palace (500 THB)
- Bangkok - Temple & River of Kings Urban Adventure (2900 THB)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
You’ll have a long drive by private minibus today, so get your favourite playlist or a good book ready. You’ll stop for lunch along the way, before arriving in Siem Reap – this small but expanding town is the gateway to Angkor. This is the most popular destination for travellers in all of Cambodia (maybe even in all Southeast Asia!). You'll probably notice a change of pace here, so maybe take a walk and enjoy the atmosphere. You could start by hitting the local markets to try some delicious street food.
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Today, spend a full day temple-hopping with your local guide to make the most of your visit to the world-famous complex, built between the ninth and 13th centuries when the Khmer empire was the pre-eminent influence in Southeast Asia. The ruins are scattered over some 160 square km, but the main cluster of temples is close to Siem Reap, including Angkor Wat, Bayon and Ta Prohm. The temples were believed to represent the cosmic world and were set in perfect balance, symmetry and composition. The intricately carved bas-reliefs and architectural designs are mind-blowing, and there are spectacular photo opportunities at any time of day. This is the absolute highlight of your trip, with the added insight and knowledge of a local guide at your side, so take your time and soak it in.
Included Activities:
- Siem Reap - Angkor Temples Guided Tour
- Siem Reap - One day Angkor Pass
Optional Activities:
- Siem Reap - Khmer massage (17 USD)
- Siem Reap - Cambodia Phare Circus performance (18 USD)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
This morning, embark on a private local boat to discover the floating villages and local daily lives of Chhong Kneas – a trading port of agricultural products on the edge of Tonle Sap Lake, also known as the Great Lake of Cambodia. This is an excellent opportunity to learn about the local’s unique lifestyle on the waters and how people and nature are intertwined in the most profound sense. This afternoon, return to Siem Reap and enjoy a free evening.
Included Activities:
- Siem Reap - Chong Kneas Floating Village boat trip
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
After breakfast, leave Siem Reap this morning and travel to Phnom Penh in a private minibus. The journey is a great opportunity to see the real Cambodia, with several stops at points of interest along the way. Visit the cottage industry at Santuk Silk Farm, where local women in the rural community are provided the opportunity for financial freedom to support their families. You’ll learn about the process from the silkworms to the final products. You’ll also stop at Skuon Market, where you might like to sample the local cuisine (deep-fried spiders). Cambodia's capital is set on a major junction of the Mekong and Tonle Sap rivers and boasts some fine examples of French-influenced architecture. This afternoon, enjoy some free time. Maybe explore Wat Phnom – a peaceful temple situated on a hill. A great way to see the city's key landmarks is on a cyclo tour, which generally covers the Psar Thmei (Central Market), US Embassy, Wat Phnom, Mekong riverfront, Independence Monument and Royal Palace.
Included Activities:
- Kampong Thom - Santuk Silk Farm
Optional Activities:
- Phnom Penh - Cyclo tour (4 USD)
- Phnom Penh - Wat Phnom (2 USD)
- Phnom Penh - Khmer massage (8 USD)
- Phnom Penh - Mekong Sunset & drink (15 USD)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Phnom Penh remains a living relic of the country’s past struggles and successes. Your day includes visits to the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S21) and the Killing Fields of Choeung Ek, which tell the story of the tragic legacy of the Khmer Rouge. S21 is a former school that served as a Khmer Rouge torture centre, and it’s estimated that more than 20,000 people were held and tortured here. The Killing Fields of Choeung Ek are home to a stupa made up of some 8000 human skulls, marking the execution ground for the torture victims of Tuol Sleng. After visiting both sites, you’ll have free time for the rest of the day. Maybe learn about a brighter period in Cambodian history with a visit to the Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda. Alternatively, the National Museum, housed in a beautiful traditional building, is a great place to see some excellent Khmer craftsmanship. An ideal way to spend the late afternoon and evening is to stroll along the famous Sisowath Quay and enjoy a coffee or cocktail at one of the many riverside cafes.
Included Activities:
- Phnom Penh - Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S21)
- Phnom Penh - The Killing Fields of Choeung Ek
Optional Activities:
- Phnom Penh - Royal Palace & Silver Pagoda (10 USD)
- Phnom Penh - National Museum (10 USD)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
This morning, travel by local bus from Phnom Penh to Ho Chi Minh City. Along the way, see the Neak Loeung Bridge, which is the biggest bridge in Cambodia, and then stop for lunch after immigration. Arrive in Ho Chi Minh City in the late afternoon. Maybe discover the city’s blend of old and new, east and west on a self-paced walk. 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 (Number of Nights: 1)
With no activities planned for today, you’re free to leave at any time. If you’d like to spend more time exploring Ho Chi Minh City, just speak to your booking agent.
Similar Experiences
Tour Operator
Intrepid Travel
Intrepid Travel is a global adventure travel company, dedicated to providing sustainable, experience-rich travel opportunities. They’ve been the leader in ethical, small-group travel since 1989 - taking people around the world for more than 30 years. They’re the world’s largest travel B Corporation - dedicated to being the best travel company for the world. In 2002, they established The Intrepid Foundation so their travellers could make a lasting impact on the communities they had visited. Although Intrepid Travel absorbs all administrative costs of The Intrepid Foundation, they are separate legal entities, allowing The Intrepid Foundation to grow independently. Intrepid Travel is made up of a collection of tour operator brands and 28 destination management companies all united by one vision: To change the way we all see the world.
In Business Since 1989
Reviews
Rebecca - Traveled, April 2024
I didn't know anything about Cambodia coming in to this trip and I was a little worried to be travelling alone. I've made some wonderful friends, learned about a joyful culture and cannot wait to come back. Highly recommend! Also bring some stretchy pants - the food is spectacular!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/29/2024
Lizzie - Traveled, April 2024
well organised itinery and locations we visited were amazing. Learnt so much about cambodia. The food is incredible and nice to see that cambodia is relatively clean . Also feels so safe to travel. Highly reccommend ankor wat!!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/23/2024
Tom - Traveled, March 2024
The Essential Cambodia tour perfectly married the history, culture, food, and lifestyle of Cambodia and the Cambodian people
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/31/2024
Jason - Traveled, March 2024
The Cambodia trip was amazing. From the wonders of Angkor Wat to the horrifying tales of the S21 prison and the killing fields. A great experience and a great host. Loved it. Thank you.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/07/2024
Leonie - Traveled, March 2024
i would recommend this trip because i didn't know a lot about Cambodia except parts of its history. i was a bit scared to go to Southeast Asia on my own so i decided to take the tour. our tourguide Mom took great care of us and the tourgroup worked together really well. i felt a lot more connected to the country and people. they are all very friendly and most of the time English works really well! i would definitely recommend doing a trip through cambodia, it has a lot to offer
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/31/2024
Kathryn - Traveled, March 2024
Cambodia exceed my expectations in so many ways - Ankor Wat and the temple complex, Siem Reap, Phnom Peng, the countryside, local cuisine, and the local people were all amazing. If you want to get off the beaten track, Cambodia is the place.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/23/2024
Lisa - Traveled, March 2024
Loved Cambodia, so much better than I ever thought, beautiful people and culture. Intrepid are fantastic to travel with, very organised and everything was just easy. We had a great group and Tour leader.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/23/2024
Samantha - Traveled, March 2024
Komphak was a great leader. Seeing Cambodia in this way was wonderful, especially being able to navigate the multiple border crossings as a group. Everything we saw was wonderful (except the spider town, but that's a personal preference!). Accommodations were clean and in-line with expectations. I thoroughly enjoyed the program and staff were available to answer any questions. Be careful when booking your visa and double check the information to make for easy crossing.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/21/2024
Peter - Traveled, March 2024
I recently travelled on best of Cambodia and Vietnam. The trip was fantastic. Our tour leader, Kom made it even better. We always felt safe and free to enjoy. Thankyou for a great experience.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/19/2024
Ed - Traveled, March 2024
Overall a fantastic trip, our guide Kom was incredible. Perhaps the hotels could have been better in places.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/20/2024
Leigh - Traveled, February 2024
The Cambodia Express trip was unbelievable and I would recommend it to anyone who wants to experience what life in Cambodia is like. All accommodations are clean and staff all friendly. Kom was our guide and he was excellent, funny, knowledgeable and made the holiday one, myself and my partner will never forget.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/07/2024
Beverley - Traveled, February 2024
This was a great trip. I would definitely recommend it. Pretty fast moving but full of experiences. We had a great group and a great tour guide in Sareth. A sure way to see the highlights of Cambodia.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/09/2024
Karen - Traveled, February 2024
Our Intrepid Cambodia trip was amazing. Our tour guide Toneth was friendly, knowledgeable and fun! I would recommend this trip to anyone.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/18/2024
Alice - Traveled, January 2024
Picheth was an excellent guide who made the entire trip a fantastic experience. All the included activities were incredible but he really elevated them with his knowledge, personal experiences and humor. He made sure we were always happy and comfortable and I never once felt rushed or pressured to do anything I didn't want to, it was a guided tour but one that we could make our own. I would 100% recommend this tour and Picheth in particular to anyone who wants to see Cambodia. Everyone should have Picheth as their guide!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/04/2024
Kevin - Traveled, January 2024
Highly recommend intrepid and this tour..very enjoyable experience. So much history, culture and great food enjoyed throughout.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/06/2024
Judy - Traveled, January 2024
This was our first organised tour and exceeded expectations.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/29/2024
Nora - Traveled, January 2024
A great experience where you got to learn about history and culture from locals. Would recommend!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/29/2024
Daniel Aasen - Traveled, January 2024
Saw and learned a lot about the history and culture of Cambodia during this trip. Great trip and great tour leader. I would recommend anyone interested in learning more about Cambodia to go on this trip.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/30/2024
Scott - Traveled, January 2024
A great way to experience the history, sights, sounds and local food of Cambodia (with a little bit of Thailand and Vietnam) our guide Bo made it a a very memorable and enjoyable experience. Thank you Bo and Intrepid!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/21/2024
Julie - Traveled, January 2024
Intrepid changed my view of organized tours. Our trip to Cambodia and Vietnam was fun, enlightening, and well organized, and we made friends with our whole group of 16. We'll travel again with Intrepid!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/01/2024
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