Compare Cambodia Family Holiday with Teenagers by Intrepid Travel vs Khmer Culture & Coast by Audley Travel
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Trip |
4.5 | Great
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5 | Excellent
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Duration | 8 days | 16 days |
Price From | $ 1,140 | $ 5,434 |
Price Per Day | $ 143 | $ 340 |
Highlights |
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Trip Style | Small group tour | Private guided tour |
Lodging Level | Standard | Standard |
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Countries Visited | ||
Cities and Attractions |
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Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Internal airfare and ground transport included |
Activities | N/A |
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Meals Included | N/A | N/A |
Description |
Steeped in history but young at heart, Cambodia makes for an unbeatable family holiday destination. Impressive museums sit alongside buzzing street markets in the capital Phnom Penh, Battambang blends distinguished old-world airs with amiable small-town charm and Siem Reap boasts both the timeworn temples of Angkor and a plethora of outdoor excursions for the actively inclined. On this trip the whole brood will become acquainted with everyday Khmer life and traditions on guided city tours, cycling forays out into the surrounding countryside, visits to rural village homestays and explorations of World Heritage-listed Angkor Wat. With a careful balancing of included activities and free time, this is a trip perfectly crafted to the whole family. |
The intricately carved Temples of Angkor are Cambodia’s main draw, but elsewhere in the country you’ll find vibrant minority villages and great swathes of wilderness. Our Southeast Asia specialists have visited Cambodia time and time again, meeting knowledgeable guides and seeking out comfortable beds in sublime locations. Aiming to take you beyond the obvious, our specialists can build a tailor-made itinerary to help you make the most of your Cambodia holiday. |
Day 1 Phnom Penh
Sousadei. Welcome to Cambodia. Arrive in the heat, hustle and bustle of Phnom Penh. Once considered the Paris of the East it is an exciting and absorbing city where scooters pack the streets and temples stand defiantly alongside modern developments. Decimated by years of civil war the city has stepped out of the shadows and the charm of yesteryear is reemerging. Our hotel is in the heart of this incredible city. A welcome group meeting will be held today at 5pm with an optional group dinner after the meeting. Accommodation in Phnom Penh at a well-located family style hotel.
Day 2 Phnom Penh
This morning we take a Cyclo Centre cyclo (bicycle rickshaw) trip to explore some of the historic buildings in the riverfront area.Visit The private quarters of the Royal Palace are home to King Sihamoni and closed off to the public, but you will be able to visit the sacred Silver Pagoda that lies in the palace complex. Afterwards there is free time for exploring.
Day 3 Battambang
Today we travel by private bus through the countryside to Battambang. The journey takes around 4.5 - 5 hours and we will stop to see local pottery-making along the way. Cambodia's second-largest city, Battambang, (pronounced Battambong) is an attractive riverside town with traces of French elegance, friendly Khmer people and well-preserved colonial architecture. Tonight, after settling in, we journey by remork to a local family’s house to enjoy a home cooked Cambodian dinner and hear about life in Cambodia.
Day 4 Battambang
A half day bike trip takes us through the beautiful surrounding countryside of Battambang. We stop along the way to discover the local rural way including small cottage industries producing sticky-rice cooked in bamboo, rice paper making, dried banana’s (like a roll up), and smelly fish paste making. It is an easy ride and bicycle is the best way to explore the quiet countryside. Helmets and smaller bikes and a bike attachment called a “tag along” are available for children. For those unable to ride there is also a remork (local tuk tuk) available.
Day 5 Siem Reap
Today after breakfast, check out of your hotel and journey by private minivan to Siem Reap. Siem Reap is the gateway to the UNESCO World Heritage Angkor Archaeological Park which is roughly 7 kilometres away. However, the town itself is worth exploring with day and night markets, Khmer massage and spa treatments, a variety of great cafes and restaurants, and even fish massage. After checking into your hotel, you and your family will jump in Tuk Tuk to visit the Rokkhak Women Handicraft centre which is a business based-sustainable development that connects socially conscious travellers with traditional local crafts. Watch the weavers at work, learn about their craft and try your hand at water hyacinth weaving using leaves which have been dried and prepared for you by the centre’s expert weavers.
Day 6 Siem Reap
After breakfast we are picked up by our local guide and taken to explore the remarkable temples of Angkor. Built between the 9 – 12th century the temples were meant to represent the cosmic world and as such are perfectly aligned in balance and symmetry. You might like to stop to see monkeys that gather on the temple ruins along the way. Today’s visit includes Angkor Wat - the largest religious site in the world, Ta Prohm – the jungle temple made famous when Tomb Raider was filmed there, and Bayon – with its 54 towers decorated with more than 200 enigmatic smiling faces.
Day 7 Siem Reap
Today visit the exquisite Banteay Srey (“Citadel of the women”). The small temple displays some of the finest examples of classical Khmer art carved into the pinkish coloured sandstone. You may also like to stop at the Landmine Museum which was set up in 1997 by former-child soldier Aki Ra. The Museum aims to tell the story of landmines in Cambodia and to inspire people to make a difference. After lunch at Bong Thom homestay we visit Banteay Srei Butterfly Centre. The centre features a live display of the stunning variety of Cambodian butterflies. Rural families in the area are involved in the sustainable farming of the butterflies. They have been trained to understand the value of the forests and the importance of conservation. Tonight after dinner we visit Phare the Cambodian Circus. Coming from vulnerable households the performers have gained international recognition through their art practice. Like a Cambodian Cirque Du Soleil, modern Khmer tales mix theatre, music, dance, acrobatics, juggling, aerial acts, and contortion.
Day 8 Siem Reap
Today is departure day and no activities have been planned. If you are not templed out, your three day temple pass allows you to return to explore some more of Angkor Archaeological Park on your own. Your leader can help you arrange a remork or car to take you out. If you have extra time you might like to schedule a tasty Khmer Cooking Class, a trip to the Tonle Sap Lake – a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, indulge yourself with high tea at Raffles Hotel, or simply relax by the hotel pool.
Day 1 : International outbound flight
Today you begin your journey by boarding your international outbound flight to Siem Reap.
Day 2 : Siem Reap
On arrival into Siem Reap you will be met and taken to your hotel, with the rest of the morning to relax. You will then head out on a cycle ride through the Cambodian countryside in the afternoon, a great way to see the area.
Day 3 : Siem Reap
This morning you will visit the Rolous group of temples - one that is not on the main circuit, but again gives you an insight in to some of the local area. In the afternoon you will head to the Angkor Centre for Conservation of Biodiversity and also visit the intricately carved temple of Banteay Srei.
Day 4 : Siem Reap
An early start this morning to see Ta Prohm - also known as the jungle temple. After some time to relax at your hotel you will then be taken to visit Artisans D'Angkor - a fascinating insight in to the arts and crafts of the region.
Day 5 : Siem Reap
A full day to explore the stunning temples of Angkor. Visit Angkor Thom with its crumbling ruins being engulfed by the jungle, the many faces of the Bayon and last but not least a return visit to the magical Angkor Wat itself.
Day 6 : Phnom Penh
Transfer to the airport today for your flight to Phnom Penh. On arrival transfer to your hotel where you have time to relax. Travel around Phnom Penh by cyclo at sunset seeing this vibrant city seeing the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
Day 7 : Phnom Penh
A full day tour today with your guide. Visit Tuol Sleng prison and the Killing Fields to gain insight into the turbulent past that this country has overcome. You will also visit For the Smile of a Child, a worthy project helping children gain an education and vocation giving them a brighter future.
Day 8 : Koh Kong
Travel out of the city into the countryside heading for the Cardamom Mountains. The last bit of your journey to the 4 Rivers Floating Lodge is by boat. Enjoy the tranquil surrounding and hidden location of this serene lodge.
Day 9 : Koh Kong
Nothing has been planned for you today so you can choose whether you wish to venture out on an excursion into the mangroves or just relax on the terrace of your tented villa.
Day 10 : Koh Kong
A day at leisure which you are free to enjoy as you choose.
Day 11 : Kampot
Head for Kampot today, this sleepy town is best known for its black pepper as well as whiling hours away by the river.
Day 12 : Kep
The music school is your first port of call today. This school is dedicated to the preservation of Khmer traditional arts and dance as well as helping orphaned and disabled children. Continue onto Kep where you have a few days by the sea.
Day 13 : Kep
Nothing is planned today so you are free to explore on your own or perhaps just enjoy being at the hotel with its wonderful sea views.
Day 14 : Kep
The day is free to relax and unwind by the pool.
Day 15 : International return flight
Return to Phnom Penh today in plenty of time for your onward flight.
Day 16 : International return flight
Arrive home today to complete your journey.