- ✓ Discover the jungle temples of Angkor with a local guide
- ✓ Experience true Cambodian life on a countryside homestay
- ✓ Explore Phnom Penh’s vibrant streets and poignant history
- ✓ Explore Kampot's laid-back riverside charm
- ✓ Unwind on tropical beaches of Koh Rong island
Explore a heady mixture of temples, Cambodian rural hospitality, sleepy coastal towns and tropical beaches in two weeks. It’s eye-opening, hard-hitting and heart-warming at the same time. You’ll stay in a rural homestay, wander between jungle ruins, catch a sunrise in Kep and top it off with a stint on a sun-kissed beach.
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.
Days 7-9 – 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 10 & 11 – Kick back in Kampot
This morning, you’ll travel from Kep to Kampot which will take around an hour. This laid-back riverside town is known for its colonial buildings, relaxed atmosphere and famous pepper. Stay in a beautifully restored townhouse in the heart of town, close to the river, cafés and restaurants. Take a stroll along the waterfront and enjoy views of the Elephant Mountains in the distance.
The next day, head out with a local guide to explore the countryside around Kampot. Visit ancient caves, pepper plantations and sea salt fields, passing through small villages along the way. Back in town, browse the local fish market, learn about Kampot’s famous durian and enjoy lunch by the river, with time for a refreshing dip if you fancy it.
Days 12-14 – 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.
Day 15 - Travel to Phnom Penh & depart
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.