TOUR NAME: 6 Day Classic Cambodia - Phnom Penh to Siem Reap DEPARTS:Tuesday, Phnom Penh FINISH: Siem Peap NO OF DAYS: 6 Days/ 5 nights TOUR CODE: INTREP12 TRANSPORT: Plane, bus, walking ACCOMMODATION: Hotels (5 nts) AGE: Open GROUP SIZE:Min 2, Max 12
Combine the magnificence of the Khmer Empire with lively modern Phnom Penh on this introduction to Cambodia. Witness the grandeur of ancient temples and see the enigmatic faces of the Bayon, confront the tragedy of a recent past and delight in the hopes for the future on this classic Cambodian adventure.
Itinerary:
Days 1-2 Phnom Penh Cambodia's capital is a friendly riverside city with loads of Khmer charm and faded French-colonial elegance. Wander through the serene Royal Palace with its spectacular Silver Pagoda, a stark contrast to the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and Killing Fields of Choeung Ek. Delve deeper into Khmer history at the National Museum, hunt for silver and local crafts in the Russian market or take a sunset stroll along Sisowath Quay. Indulging in a strong coffee is a Phnom Penh experience not to be missed, and there are also some cracking good classic Khmer arts and dance performances happening most of the time.
Days 3-6 Siem Reap/ Angkor Wat Fly to Siem Reap, gateway to South-East Asia's most amazing archaeological site, the temples at Angkor. Built for King Suryavarman II between the 9th and 13th centuries when the Khmer Empire dominated South-East Asia, the temples were believed to represent the cosmic world and were set in perfect balance, symmetry and composition. Enjoy a guided introduction to the history and mythology of the Angkor empire, strolling among the impressive ruins. Hindu epics come to life in the sandstone bas-reliefs of Angkor Wat and the intricate architecture afford spectacular photo opportunities. Ease away any temple-fatigue with a massage back in town and travel further afield to visit pretty Banteay Srei, the best preserved of all the temples. Catching a sunrise or sunset at the Angkor Wat complex is a sublime experience not to be missed. Tuck into a sumptuous feast of Khmer cuisine to end this classic adventure.
Local Payment
A local payment amount of USD $100 will be collected by your leader on day 1 of your trip. Most of our trips require a compulsory local payment. The local payment is required to be made to your leader on the first day of your trip, in cash in the specified currency. The local payment will be disbursed for your benefit in acquiring in-country services. Paying locally facilitates the flow of funds to local suppliers in countries that we travel through and therefore helps to reduce the overall cost of your trip.
Activities Included
This is a list of included activities on this trip. All other activities are optional and at your own expense. For a list of optional activities and sightseeing available on this trip, see the optional activities section below. If you choose not to participate in the included activities on this itinerary, the cost will not be refunded.
Airport arrival transfer in Phnom Penh, 3 day entrance to Angkor temple complex and local guide, Aki Ra's land mine Museum Siem Reap, Entrance to Silver Pagoda complex, Entry and guide fee to Tuol Sleng and Killing Fields
Meals
While travelling with us you will experience the vast array of wonderful food available in the world. Generally, to give you the maximum flexibility in deciding where, what and with whom to eat, not all meals are included in the trip price. This also gives you more budgeting flexibility. As a rule our groups tend to eat together to enable you to taste a larger variety of dishes and enjoy each other's company. There is no obligation to do this though. Your group leader will be able to suggest favourite restaurants during your trip. Please check the 'meal inclusions' section below for details of meals included.
Scale the steep steps of Angkor Wat, Wander the crumbling ruins of Ta Prohm, Marvel at the intricate bas-reliefs of Banteay Srei, Visit a floating house on Tonle Sap Lake, Stroll along the elaborate Elephant Terrace, Learn about the mysterious Leper King
Bask in the serene beauty of the Royal Palace, Reflect on Cambodia's tragedy at Tuol Sleng, Explore the incredible Angkor Wat, Wander among the vine-covered ruins of Ta Prohm
Cycle through the rural heart of Cambodia, Meet local kids by the roadside, Unwind on pristine beaches at Sihanoukville, Explore the temples of Angkor by bicycle, Experience the faded colonial charm of Phnom Penh
Explore the busy streets of Ho Chi Minh City, Visit the chilling Tuol Sleng Museum, Remember the victims of the Khmer Rouge regime at the notorious Killing Fields of Choeung Ek, Relive the glory of the ancient Khmer Empire in the temples of Angkor, Ride a
Tap into the action in Bangkok, Marvel at the beauty of Angkor, Remember the past in Phnom Penh, Travel down the Mekong to Chau Doc in Vietnam, Soak up the frenetic vibe of Saigon
Explore the awe inspiring temples of Angkor Wat, Visit hidden Khmer temples at Beng Melea , Pedal through villages by the Mekong River, Experience the diversity of Cambodia from mountains to tropical beaches, Ascend the pilgrimage mountain of Phnom Kulen,
Stroll the tree-lined boulevards of Hanoi, Spend a night aboard the Jewel of the Bay, Sail amongst stunning limestone scenery, Relive the days of the Nguyen dynasty in Hue, Get a suit hand-tailored in Hoi An, Crawl into the Cu Chi Tunnels, Experience the
Shop up a storm in Hong Kong, Experience local life in Guiyang, Meet the colourful Miao people in Guizhou, Embark on a hilltribe trek from Sapa, Explore exciting Hanoi
Bargain like a local in Bangkok's markets, Take a tuk-tuk to explore the Angkor temples, Experience rural everyday life at a Cambodian village homestay, Delve into Khmer history in Phnom Penh, Explore Sihanoukville's tropical surrounds, See the sights of
Explore the architectural wonder of Hanoi's city centre, Experience Laos culture, Wander by the Mekong in chilled-out Vientiane, Admire the scenery of backpacker mecca Vang Vieng, Explore the hidden treasures of Luang Prabang, Take a local riverboat cruis
Explore Hanoi's Old Quarter, Set sail on Halong Bay, Meet school kids in Hoi An, Eat with the locals in Ho Chi Minh City, Explore jungles and temples at Angkor Wat
Cruise scenic Halong Bay, Experience traditional village life in Chenyang, Trek through the terraces of Longji, Cycle into the countryside in Yangshuo, Be wowed by the big city lights of Hong Kong
Zoom down Bangkok's khlongs on a longtail, Bargain up a storm in Chiang Mai's night bazaar, Relax on a slow boat down the Mekong, Discover the temples of Luang Prabang, Soak up the French-inspired culture in Vientiene, Traverse the lush mountains of easte
Cruise in comfort across enchanting Halong Bay, Awake amidst awe-inspiring karst scenery, Tour the imperial tombs and temples of Hue, Experience the old-world air of Hoi An, Enjoy an idyllic beach break along the coast, Have a spiritual moment in the Thie
Learn the photographic secrets of a successful travel photogapher, Capture the captivating chaos of Hanoi, Visit picture-perfect Halong Bay, Be charmed by the colourful H'mong people, Get snap happy in the bustling markets of Bac Ha, See the spectacular r
Experience burgeoning Phnom Penh, Find traces of French elegance around Battambang, See sunrise at Angkor Wat, Dine on delicious fresh seafood in Sihanoukville, Explore rural Cambodian countryside by bike
Experience the buzz of Bangkok, Discover lovely Luang Prabang, Enjoy the charm of laid-back Vientiane, See a water puppet show in Hanoi, Cruise Halong Bay, Visit Hue's Imperial Citadel, Dine on local delicacies in Hoi An, Take a cyclo tour of Ho Chi Minh
Soak up the atmosphere at jungle-covered Ta Prohm, Reflect on Cambodia's past in Phnom Penh, Take a boat ride down the Mekong, Descend into the Cu Chi Tunnels, Experience the old-world charm of Hoi An, Uncover Vietnam's imperial past in Hue, Stay overnigh
Be awed by the ancient temples of Angkor, Visit the notorious Killing Fields of Choeung Ek, Crunch on fried spiders in Skuon, Take a slow boat up the Mekong, Relax at a mountain retreat in Tad Fane, Go caving or tubing in Vang Vieng, Swim under the specta
Soak up the atmosphere of Hanoi, Cruise Halong Bay, Visit the imperial relics of Hue, Chill out in charming Hoi An, Discover a slower pace of life in the Mekong Delta, Revisit Cambodia's past in Phnom Penh, See the incredible temples of Angkor, Experience
Join a morning tai chi session in Hanoi, Buy handmade souvenirs in the vibrant Vientiane market, Chill-out in riverside Vang Vieng, Soak up the history of Luang Prabang, Take a slow boat up the Mekong, Wind down with a traditional Thai massage, Live it up
Soak up the riverside charms of Phnom Penh, Wander among the incredible temples of Angkor, Follow in the footsteps of Graham Greene in Ho Chi Minh City, Enjoy local hospitality at a Mekong Delta homestay, Take a boat ride among the islands off Nha Trang,
Explore Hanoi's evocative Old Quarter, Cruise the islands of Halong Bay, Ride a dragon boat along the Perfume River, Take in the tranquility of Hoi An, Experience the excitement of Ho Chi Minh City and its surrounds, Confront Cambodia's tragic past, Be en
Embark on a walking tour of historic Hanoi, Enjoy a two-day trek in scenic Sapa, Experience the Old World charm of Lijiang, Hike in the gigantic Tiger Leaping Gorge, See the Terracotta Warriors in Xi'an, Climb one of China's holiest mountains, Walk along
See the stylish new face of Ho Chi Minh City, Cruise the mighty Mekong, Swim in the South China Sea, Trek in the remote Central Highlands, Stay in a hilltribe house on stilts, Experience the dramatic karst scenery of Ninh Binh, Imagine wartime life in the
Visit the birthplace of Vietnamese independence, Meet endangered primates at Cuc Phuong National Park, Cycle country lanes in Hue, Embark on a shopping spree in Hoi An, Ride into the remote Central Highlands, Relax on a beach in Nha Trang, Put your feet u
Sail across stunning Halong Bay, Admire ancient royal relics in Hue, Buy a new wardrobe in Hoi An, Soak up the sun on the squeaky sand beaches of Nha Trang, Uncover Cambodia's turbulent past in Phnom Penh, Experience rural Khmer life at a rustic homestay,
Spice it up in Bangkok, See the amazing Angkor Wat, Experience Khmer hospitality at a traditional village homestay, Be seduced by the charms of Ho Chi Minh City, Swim in the sultry South China Sea, Stroll the 36 streets of Hanoi's Old Quarter, Discover Hu
Ride a longtail down Bangkok's khlongs, Explore the ancient temples of Chiang Mai, Cruise down the Mekong River, Swim under a waterfall in Luang Prabang, Visit laid-back Vientiane, Soak up the charm of Hanoi, Be enchanted by beautiful Halong Bay, Experien
See Bangkok from a longtail boat, Revel in Chiang Mai's charms, Cruise the Mekong River, Enjoy laid-back Vientiane, Sit back with a coffee in Hanoi, Experience the beauty of Halong Bay, See the amazing Longji rice terraces, Explore the magical scenery of
Trek the Great Wall, Experience the buzz of Beijing, Explore fascinating Xi'an, Visit ultra-modern Shanghai, Wander the dramatic landscapes of Guangxi, Hike along the rice terraces of Longji, Bargain hard in Hong Kong, Meet the hilltribes of Vietnam, Expl
Meet the colourful Miao minority in Kaili, Experience the mountainous beauty of Yunnan, Trek through cascading rice terraces in scenic Sapa, Soak up stunning karst scenery in Halong Bay, Immerse yourself in imperial history in Hue, Swim in Nha Trang's sub
Taste authentic Thai cuisine in Bangkok, Experience the wonder of Angkor, Enjoy a Cambodian homestay, Relax on the sandy shores of Sihanoukville, Soak up the energy of Ho Chi Minh City, Buy yourself a whole new wardrobe in Hoi An, Cruise among the limesto
Climb the amazing Great Wall of China, Explore Xi'an's exotic Muslim Quarter, Hit the stylish shops of Shanghai, Trek into the homelands of Vietnam's hilltribes, Cruise past the stunning karsts of Halong Bay, Discover French flavours in Hanoi, Experience
Immerse yourself in the splendour of the streets of St Petersburg, Visit Soviet icons in Moscow, Experience one of the world's greatest rail journeys, Stroll along the shores of Lake Baikal, Enjoy Siberian hospitality at a local homestay, Learn about Budd