- ✓ Discover the jungle temples of Angkor
- ✓ Experience rural life on a Cambodian homestay
- ✓ Explore Phnom Penh’s palaces and tragic history
Whisk through the highlights of Cambodia in a week to remember. Amble between jungle ruins and learn about Cambodia’s harrowing history at the Killing Fields. Along the way, you’ll stay with a local family, getting a glimpse of real rural life in a Cambodian village. It’s a hard-hitting and heart-warming week.
Days 1-3 – Amazing Angkor!
Welcome to Cambodia! On arrival in Siem Reap, you’ll be picked up and taken to your hotel, giving you time to settle in and get your first taste of this lively town. Siem Reap is the gateway to Angkor, but there’s more to it than temples, with colourful markets, local cafés and plenty of Cambodian food to tempt you.
Over the next couple of days, you’ll head out with a local guide to explore the incredible temples of Angkor. Wander among ancient ruins, jungle-covered walls and some of the complex’s most impressive temples, while learning about the history and stories behind them. You’ll also have some free time to explore Siem Reap at your own pace, making this a great introduction to Cambodia.
Day 4 – At home in the Cambodian countryside
Leave the temples behind and head into the Cambodian countryside, where rice fields, small villages and rural life take centre stage. You’ll travel to a local village - Kampong Thom - and stay with a Cambodian family, giving you the chance to experience everyday life away from the main tourist trail. It’s a simple, welcoming experience and a chance to see a more traditional side of the country.
During your stay, you’ll spend time with your hosts and get involved in local life, depending on the season and what’s happening in the village. You might help with everyday activities, explore the surrounding countryside or simply sit back and enjoy the slower pace of rural Cambodia. It’s a lovely way to meet local people and get a feel for life beyond the cities and temples.
Days 5 & 6 - Past and Present in Phnom Penh
After breakfast you’ll head out on bicycle with the rest of your group, and a local guide, to the ancient temple complex Sambor Prei Kuk. The temples are overgrown and derelict in places, but still give you an impressive idea of their former grandeur.
Then wave your host goodbye and take the bus to Phnom Penh. This onward journey takes about 3 hours. Phnom Penh is Cambodia’s lively capital, where grand colonial buildings, bustling markets and a fascinating history come together on the banks of the Mekong. The rest of the day is free to settle in and explore at your own pace.
The following day, you’ll explore Phnom Penh with a local guide, visiting the Tuol Sleng Museum and the Killing Fields just outside the city. These moving sites offer a sobering insight into Cambodia’s tragic past, with powerful photographs, stories and memorials helping to bring this difficult period of history to life.
Day 7 - Depart Cambodia
Time for some last-minute souvenir shopping before making your way to the airport for your flight home. Or not… This seven-day Cambodia adventure also makes a great addition to a trip through Vietnam. Why not combine these two fascinating countries into one unforgettable journey? Ask your Travel Specialist for more information.
Accommodation
For this itinerary we offer the following options
Cambodia in a Nutshell - 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.