Cambodia & Thailand holiday, ruined cities, tropical islands
| country: | Cambodia, Thailand |
| location: | Indochina holidays |
| departures: | 2008: 12 Jul, 4 Aug, 10 Sep, 26 Sep, 25 Oct, 23 Nov, 20 Dec |
| price: | From £1670 - £1930 (15 days) including flights from UK, from £995 - £1030 excluding flights. |
| late availability: | 5% off 4 August departure |
read 7 travellers reviews
the amazing things you'll be doing
Mysterious ruined cities enveloped by steamy jungle, massive stone carvings amidst flocks of parrots and squabbling monkeys – Angkor is definitely one of the world’s great destinations, but on this trip you’ll also discover Cambodia’s charming villages, friendly people, serene landscapes and fascinating, if sometimes tragic history.
Explore the bustling, present day capital of Phnom Penh and the ancient Khmer imperial city of Angkor Wat, before travelling overland to Thailand and the tropical island of Koh Chang. Relaxing in a Thai hill-resort, jungle trekking, snorkelling on coral reefs and elephant riding through the island’s pristine rainforest are some of the activities on offer.
Highlights include Phnom Penh, Cambodian river trip, ruined cities of Angkor, dawn at Angkor Wat, jungle hike, hill resort, white water rafting, elephant riding, snorkelling on coral reefs, local food.
Trip details: There are several hours walking on days 5 & 6 during the temple tour. Accommodation is in hotels and guesthouses, and transport is by flight, boat, pick-up truck and minibus. Full board basis, except for lunch & dinner on day 7 & dinner on day 12.
Travellers not taking up the flight option should join the tour in Bangkok on day 2 of the itinerary and depart in Bangkok on day 14. Optional extensions are available to stay at a spa resort, take a scuba diving trip or spend a few extra days in Bangkok.
Explore the bustling, present day capital of Phnom Penh and the ancient Khmer imperial city of Angkor Wat, before travelling overland to Thailand and the tropical island of Koh Chang. Relaxing in a Thai hill-resort, jungle trekking, snorkelling on coral reefs and elephant riding through the island’s pristine rainforest are some of the activities on offer.
Highlights include Phnom Penh, Cambodian river trip, ruined cities of Angkor, dawn at Angkor Wat, jungle hike, hill resort, white water rafting, elephant riding, snorkelling on coral reefs, local food.
Trip details: There are several hours walking on days 5 & 6 during the temple tour. Accommodation is in hotels and guesthouses, and transport is by flight, boat, pick-up truck and minibus. Full board basis, except for lunch & dinner on day 7 & dinner on day 12.
Travellers not taking up the flight option should join the tour in Bangkok on day 2 of the itinerary and depart in Bangkok on day 14. Optional extensions are available to stay at a spa resort, take a scuba diving trip or spend a few extra days in Bangkok.
day-by-day itinerary
| Day 1: | Departure from London. |
| Day 2: | Morning arrival in Phnom Penh, via Bangkok and check-in to a small, comfortable, downtown hotel close to the historic riverbank quarter. Time to relax before a leisurely afternoon walk taking in the Royal Palace, Silver Pagoda and lively waterfront area. |
| Day 3: | Day tour of some of the sites of Cambodia’s fascinating capital city; the Russian market, the infamous ‘Killing Fields’ site and the highly moving Khmer Rouge Genocide Museum at Tuol Sleng, finishing perhaps with sundowners at the famous Foreign Correspondents Club? |
| Day 4: | Up country through Cambodia’s scenic countryside to the small provincial town of Siem Reap in Western Cambodia – our base for the next few days and jumping off point for the nearby Angkor Temple complex. Stops on the way at the famous ‘spider village’ of Skuon, (tasting not compulsory), the rarely visited but well preserved 10th century temple of Kuhananokor and lunch by the Tonle Sap Lake. A dusk visit to the atmospheric ruins of Ta Prom completes our day. |
| Day 5-6: | Angkor – an unforgettable two-day tour of this fabulous site – its vast jungle clad temples and mysterious stone carvings: a comprehensive tour of the major sites, plus some lesser known ones, including sunrise and sunset visits. (A detailed itinerary for our Angkor visit is available upon request.) |
| Day 7: | Free morning in Siem Reap: explore the market, checkout the handicraft school or unusual landmines museum before an afternoon trip to some of the remoter Angkor sites of Banteay Samre and sunset at the little visited Bakong Temple. |
| Day 8: | Spectacular boat journey across the Tonle Sap Lake, past the ‘flooded forest’ and Prek Toal bird sanctuary and on down the Sangker River and it’s floating fishing villages to the town of Battambang. Afternoon to check out the town’s French colonial architecture. |
| Day 9: | Continue on through this little visited region of Cambodia via the hilltop temple of Phnom Sampeu and on to the Thai border at Pailin – famed for it’s gemstones and as the Khmer Rouge’s last stronghold. Afternoon arrival in Thailand’s Chantaburi Province and time to recover from Cambodian roads in the beautiful setting of a small Thai hill resort. |
| Day 10: | A tour of the local market, hike to nearby scenic Soi Dao Waterfall or white water rafting for the energetic, water levels permitting (usually June to October), are the day’s activities. |
| Day 11: | Continue south to the tropical island of Koh Chang where we’ll stay in chalets in a beachside resort - stop-offs on the way to visit the spectacular Khao Wat Sukim monastery and Chantaburi’s truly amazing ‘Buddha Park’! |
| Day 12: | A boat tour through the surrounding archipelago of Koh Chang National Marine Park including swimming and snorkelling on some of the area’s vibrant coral reefs. (Please note, sea conditions from May to Sep may be unfavourable for snorkelling.) |
| Day 13: | Venture into the mountainous interior for a visit to the Ban Kwang Camp - established in co-operation with the Asian Elephant Foundation – for an elephant ride. Afternoon at leisure on the island; make the most of the turquoise waters and coconut-palm lined beaches or try out a beach massage? |
| Day 14: | Morning on the island to relax or top up your suntan before returning to Bangkok for evening flight to London. (Optional extensions for beach stays or a few extra days in Bangkok can be arranged.) |
| Day 15: | Morning arrival in London. |
travellers' tales
The whole experience was far better than any expectations I had, from the temples of Angkor to the markets, the local cuisine, the activities, this trip was just one memorable experience after another. (more)
small group family holiday
This is a 'small group adventure' - you will be sharing your experiences with like minded people. Group sizes are limited to a maximum of 9 persons, a genuinely small group. Experience has taught us that smaller groups are less intrusive to local cultures and environments whilst allowing more interaction with local people. Furthermore it means greater flexibility on a day to day basis and on a social level it proves to be fun. Whether you are travelling alone or with friends/family its good value, and a great way to meet new people! The intention is to travel as a group of friends rather than a typical tour group, so don't expect stick-on name badges or any following the umbrella. how this holiday makes a difference
|
Our passengers are issued with a Staying Healthy in Cambodia leaflet, which was produced by an English doctor who works with The Cambodia Trust. In payment for her time and knowledge in compiling the leaflet we made a donation to the trust, whose aim is to help people with disability regain their mobility, dignity and self-sufficiency, so they can lead full and productive lives as part of the community. We encourage our passengers to make contribution to the trust at www.cambodiatrust.org.uk.
Through regular visits to their sites (and if present souvenir shops) we help sustain local businesses and enterprises, such as the handicraft school for handicapped persons in Siem Reap, to the 'land-mine museum' in Siem Reap where we help support the organizer's mine clearance operations through donations. Passengers are taken to a family home just outside Siem Reap to enjoy traditional Khmer food which we purchase then enjoy with the family. This provides a unique insight into the everyday lives of the Cambodian people as well as fostering deeper understanding of the people themselves. It shows our passengers that there is more to Cambodia than stunning temples and a tragic history. |
Tourism can be good and bad for destinations & local people. We carefully screen every holiday against our criteria for responsible travel. 'Look behind the brochure' to find how each holiday makes a difference (see left). We don't claim to be perfect - there is no global accreditation - but we've lead the way since 2001 and screened 1000's of holidays. We invite every traveller to write a review about their experiences and responsible tourism. This valuable feedback is sent to the people who run the holidays. We keep a very close eye on it and take off holidays that don't live up to our standards. |