| country: | Cambodia |
| location: | Angkor Wat |
| trip type: | A small group adventure |
| departures: | Between 1 & 2 departures most weeks throughout the year |
| price: | From £540 (6 days) excluding flights. We can arrange flights from the UK. |
| vouchers: | Gift vouchers can be used with this holiday |
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the amazing things you'll be doing
Combining the magnificence of the Khmer Empire with lively Phnom Penh, this introduction to Cambodia is the perfect way to get acquainted with its classic sights and modern delights. Witness the grandeur of ancient Angkor Wat, see the enigmatic faces of the Bayon, confront the tragedy of the recent past and delight in the hopes for the future on this classic Cambodian adventure.
day-by-day 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 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 - the caffeine hit should certainly fuel some independent explorations into the Phnom Penh streets. |
| 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 affords spectacular photo opportunities. Perhaps ease away any temple-fatigue with a massage back in town and travel further afield to visit Banteay Srei, with the most detailed carvings 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. |
travellers' tales
It is impossible to say in just one or two sentences. The people of Cambodia are incredible; however, the local guides that we had were wonderful as well as Tracey our "facilitator" (more)
small group adventure holiday
This is a 'small group adventure' - on our group trips you'll be with a maximum of 11 like minded travellers and you'll have a group leader with you. Whether you are travelling alone or with friends it's good value, and a great way to meet new people! While itineraries are pre-planned there is some flexibility and you'll have plenty of privacy. This trip will appeal to travellers of all ages who enjoy meeting people from other parts of the world as well as seeing new places! (more) Because of our small group size, we're able to guarantee departures for all of our trips. Once you have booked and paid your deposit, your trip is guaranteed to go!
highly commended
This tourism business was Highly Commended in our 2007 Virgin Holidays Responsible Tourism Awards - the largest awards of their kind in the world, and organised by responsibletravel.com in association with The Times, World Travel Market and Geographical Magazine, of the Royal Geographical Society.Since 2004, the Awards has recognised individuals, companies and organisations in travel making a big commitment to the culture and economies of local communities and helping to conserve biodiversity.
how this holiday makes a difference
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On this trip you are joined by a leader throughout and local guides along the way who are always eager to share information about their country and culture, and help you break down barriers in your interactions with local people.
The ruins of Angkor are protected under UNESCO World Heritage listing and as such, part of the money received from entrance tickets contributes to the amazing site’s conservation. Your local guide will also give you plenty of guidance on what is appropriate when visiting the ruins and you will have the chance to interact with many of the local kids. Travellers will have the option of visiting the land mine museum in Siem Reap and any donations are gratefully accepted. Also in Siem Reap, there is a local children’s hospital where the local kids put on a show on some nights. All money and blood donations are for the hospital and provide free services for children from the area. |
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 led 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. |









