From Ancient Ruins to Laidback Beaches
Itinerary
Days 1-4 – Amazing Angkor!
Get lost amongst the overgrown jungle temples and giant carved reliefs of Angkor, one of the man-made wonders of the world. During this trip, you’ll spend three days exploring the temples of Angkor, using Siem Reap as your base. You’ll learn about the ruins with a friendly local guide, but there will also be plenty of time for you to clamber between jungle temples independently.
Days 4-5 – At home in the Cambodian countryside
Next, you’ll be picked up from your hotel in Siem Reap and travel into the countryside for your stay with a Cambodian family, taking around 5 hours. Stay at home with the locals for a real glimpse of life in Cambodia. Tucked away in the countryside, you’ll spend one night in Kampong Thom in a small rural village, where you’ll get a taste of true local hospitality. During your stay, you’ll meet the villagers, visit ancient temples being claimed by the jungle and cycle through the countryside.
Days 5-7 – Past and present in Phnom Penh
After bidding farewell to your hosts, you’ll travel on to Phnom Penh by bus which takes around 4 hours. Explore Phnom Penh, a city that pulses with energy, history and survival. It’s a colourful riot of sights, sounds, monks, motorbikes and tangy aromas, packed with character. During this trip, you’ll visit the Killing Fields and Tuol Sleng, both scenes of unthinkable atrocity that bring the horror of Cambodia’s past to life. You can also explore the Royal Palace and the Silver Pagoda as they sparkle in the sunshine.
Days 8-11 – Crab pots in Kep
Today, you’ll be collected from your hotel and travel by private car to the coastal town of Kep around 3 hours away. Spend some time soaking up the relaxed atmosphere of the south Cambodian coast. You’ll stay in a bungalow with an inviting pool and lush surroundings. During your stay you’ll visit Kep’s famous crab market, known for the sweetest in all of Cambodia. After a bite to eat you’ll take a boat over to Koh Tonsay, where secluded white sand beaches and coconut trees await with a shallow sea, ideal for snorkeling.
Days 11-13 – Kick back in Kampot
This morning, you’ll travel from Kep to Kampot which will take around an hour. Kampot offers a relaxed atmosphere and colonial architecture along the riverside. Close to the town centre and market, you’ll stay in a hotel in a converted rice barn, located opposite the river with views of the Elephant Mountains. During your stay you’ll learn all about the area surrounding Kampot town.
From pre-Angkorian caves and small mountain wells, used for worship by local people of Cambodian, Chinese and Vietnamese descent to pepper plantations and sea salt fields, Kampot has lots to discover. Heading back into town you’ll pass colonial buildings, fish markets and sample local Khmer coffee. For lunch you’ll visit the Teuk Chur rapids, visiting a durian plantation, rambutan fruit orchard and a handicraft village, where they make baskets from bamboo, along the way.
Days 13-16 – Escape to Castaway Island
Today you head to Sihanoukville to catch the boat to the idyllic island of Koh Rong. Total journey time will be around 5 hours. Come over all Robinson Crusoe on this tiny pocket of tropical paradise marooned off the Cambodian coastline, with clear water, soft sand and swaying palms. You’ll spend 3 nights on Koh Rong, staying in a beach bungalow or beachside resort. It’s a brilliant break from reality – trek through the jungle-thick interior or simply collapse onto the sugar-soft sand. It’s utter barefoot bliss. After your relaxing stay at the beach you’ll head back to the mainland by speedboat before being transferred to the airport in Phnom Penh for your flight back to the UK. The journey from beach to airport will take around 4 hours.
Accommodation
For this itinerary we offer the following options
From Ancient Ruins to Laidback Beaches - In Style accommodation
For the locations included in this itinerary we have alternative options available in terms of comfort. Our In Style options can be more luxurious, offer something unique or offer a more comfortable transport option – all with that local flavour! If you would like to upgrade your itinerary select our In Style option below.
