About Cambodia
Cambodia harbours a rich and artistic culture with its world renowned temples such as Angkor Wat, as well as its historic sites and structures. A powerful and natural beauty also pervades Cambodia with its exotic jungles and tropical beaches. There’s a magic about Cambodia that casts a spell on many who visit this charming kingdom. From the balloon ride over the Angkor Temples in Siem Reap, the boat cruise on the Mekong River in Phnom Penh, or visiting the floating villages on Tonle Sap Lake, Cambodia unfolds a kingdom of wonders to truly discover.
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Instructions
Step 1: Provides more information about this destination. In order to best use the Trip Merchant Tailor Made Journey builder, we recommend to first click on Step 2: Itinerary inspiration – Clicking on any of the itineraries featured will give you an idea of itinerary routings and pricing. Step 3: Select your accommodations in the towns/cities you want to stay at. Here you can choose which property is best suitable for you, as well as the number of nights you want in each. Step 4: Experiences – select which experiences are available based on the town/cities you selected your accomodations in (from Step 3). Step 5: Tailor Made Journey Builder will have compiled everything you have selected in the previous steps.You can always go back and make adjustments before completing the rest of the form. Once satisfied, click submit. A specialist will contact you within 48 hours to review what you’ve sent.
- STEP 1: Summary
- STEP 2: Itinerary Inspiration
- STEP 3: Accommodations
- STEP 4: Experiences
- STEP 5: TAILOR MADE JOURNEY BUILDER
Destination Information
Facts & Figures:
Official Name: Kingdom of Cambodia
Location: Southeast Asia, bordered by Laos, Thailand & Vietnam
Language: Khmer
Population: 16,204,486
Size: 181,035 km2 Capital: Phnom Penh Time zone: GMT +7
Currency: Riel (KHR) 1 USD ≈ KHR 4,097 (2018)
International Dialing Code: +855
Major religions: Mainly Theravada Buddhism, Islam, Christianity
Ethnic Groups: 90% Khmer & some ethnic minority group
Traditional New Year: Chaul Chnam Thmay (April 13th or 14th & lasts for 3 days)
Times of Year to go:
Tropical with distinct green & dry seasons
Best time to visit: November to April (dry season with moderate temperatures).
Hint: May to October (green season) is ideal to avoid crowds
Food:
Khmer cuisine is very similar to Thai, but with fewer spices involved and a strong influence of coconut milk.
Health & Safety:
Travel Health Insurance is highly recommended
No Vaccinations are required for entry into Cambodia, but it is suggested that you check with your doctor as some countries recommend their citizens be inoculated before embarking on an oversea adventure.
Travel Tips:
Summer: Do not hesitate, as it could be worth the time to travel to Cambodia as you will pay less but get more. Most hotels offer discounts of up to 50%, there are less tourists, more greenery and as well as interesting ceremonies which guests can participate in to experience the local life such as Khmer New Year in April and Pchum Ben Day between Sep & Oct.
Visas:
All nationalities can apply on arrival (at the exceptions of nations on Cambodia’s blacklist). Visa on arrival can be done at all borders (air, water and land) at an equal fee of US$30. The passport must be valid for at least 6 additional months from your date of departure.
Routing/Access:
Air: Sihanouk Ville (KOS), Phnom Penh airport (PNH) and Siem Reap airport (REP)
Boat: Border crossings from Vietnam
Land: Border crossings from Vietnam, Laos, Thailand
Click Destinations Below to Learn More!
Koh Rong is an island in the Sihanoukville Province of Cambodia. It’s known for its sandy bays and coral reefs, similar to those around Koh Rong Pier. Inland, the thick wilderness landscape is spotted with coconut palms and cascades.
Kampot is a city on the Preaek Tuek Chhu River in southern Cambodia. It’s known for its pepper manors and salt fields. Numerous structures date from the pioneer time frame, including the Governor’s Mansion. The house is currently the Kampot Museum, which has displays on the city’s history. Toward the west, Preah Monivong Bokor National Park has a cool atmosphere with woods, cascades and untamed life including gibbons and huge felines.
Siem Reap, a hotel town in northwestern Cambodia, is the passage to the remnants of Angkor, the seat of the Khmer kingdom from the ninth fifteenth hundreds of years. Angkor’s huge complex of perplexing stone structures incorporates protected Angkor Wat, the principle sanctuary, which is imagined on Cambodia’s banner. Monster, baffling appearances are cut into the Bayon Temple at Angkor Thom.
Phnom Penh, Cambodia’s bustling capital, sits at the intersection of the Mekong and Tonlé Sap waterways. It was a center point for both the Khmer Empire and French colonialists. On its walkable riverfront, fixed with parks, eateries and bars, are the lavish Royal Palace, Silver Pagoda and the National Museum, showing ancient rarities from around the nation. At the city’s heart is the enormous, workmanship deco Central Market.
Check Out Trip Inspiration
Below you will find an itinerary or itineraries that will not only inspire you, but to give you a better understanding of what you can include on your journey to this country!
Accommodations by City
Below you will find a list of hotels that can accommodate different star ratings / budgets. You will find a list of destinations within the country and in each destination it will feature different hotel accommodations available to include on your trip. Simply click and check off the boxes where it says “Add to Journey” for the hotels you wish to include in your itinerary and type in the amount of nights for each!
Hotel Rating Legend
Hotel Rating Legend
Luxury – An exclusive, marquee property offering the highest standards in accommodations and facilities. Guest and public rooms are luxurious, the service is impeccable.
Deluxe – An excellent property, offering a high standard in accommodations and public rooms. Full range of services, amenities and facilities.
Superior – An above average property, with very comfortable accommodations and public rooms. Usually provides a full range of services, amenities and facilities.
Medium/Comfortable – A nice and comfortable property, limited range of facilities with comfortable well maintained accommodations.
Phum Baitang Zannier Hotels (Luxury)
Phum Baitang − or ‘the green village’ − is a 5-star luxury resort near Siem Reap in Cambodia. Set within 20 acres (8 hectares) of lush gardens, lemon-grass meadows and rice paddies, this elegant retreat is a gateway to the Angkor World Heritage Site and numerous natural and cultural wonders. 45 spacious stilted villas − 25 with private terrace, and 20 with private plunge pool − comprise the guest accommodations. Inspired by traditional Cambodian wooden housing, both exterior and interior have been designed, sculpted and furnished to create an authentic yet luxurious Cambodian experience.
Shinta Mani Shack (Deluxe)
The Shinta Mani Shack is a boutique resort centrally located in the leafy French Quarter between The Royal Gardens and the Old Market Area just 15 minutes from the entrance to Angkor Wat. The courtyard-style resort’s 62 rooms enjoy a surpringly different ‘’Bensley twist’’ with direct access or first floor balcony views over the stunning swimming pool and flourishing tropical gardens. Four additional suites have views over the leafy streetscape.
Saem Siemreap Hotel (Superior)
Saem Siemreap Hotel is equipped with premium room amenities and facilities and services, with a Five Star Standard. Its elegant and unique Khmer architecture is boosted with fresh air, a flower fragrance and a salt-water pool at the centre.
This hotel is a newly opened 78-room luxury property just 5 minutes from the national museum, night market and pub street. It is only a 7 km drive from the airport and the Angkor UNESCO Heritage Site. It’s designed and professionally operated to provide its residents excellence in care and hospitality
Sofitel Phnom Penh (Luxury)
Be immersed in a luxurious haven of tranquility and French colonial elegance. Sofitel Ambassadors greet guests in each step of their experience in our inspired 5-star hotel located in close vicinity of a large scale shopping mall, government offices, embassies, major tourist attractions and the charming riverfront. Delight in one of our four gourmet restaurants for the ultimate culinary journey.
Palace Gate Hotel and Resort (Deluxe)
Combining deluxe modern accommodation with a traditional Angkorian feel. The Palace Gate Hotel & Resort offers guests the chance to relax in a palatial oasis or to explore the resurgent Pearl of Asia. Choose from a range of carefully designed rooms, enjoy some time at the pool, sip cocktails at our rooftop bar surrounded by the greenery of our unique organic herb and vegetable garden which supplies Mealea, or use the hotel as your base for sightseeing trips around the city and beyond.
Queen Grand Boutique Hotel (Superior)
Located near the iconic Royal Palace, the official Residence of King Sihamony. Strategically located in the heart of this financial and arts capital along the Mighty Mekong River. The hotel successfully blends its boutique feel with a contemporary style, personalized service, excellent dining with a panoramic view overlooking the Mekong River.
The Knai Bang Chatt (Deluxe)
The Knai Bang Chatt structures are the creations of the movement led by iconic Cambodian architect Van Molyvan, a protege of the famous Le Corbusier (French architect). Our iconic Blue Villa once belonged to the governor of Kep; the entrance and reception building was owned by a relative of the King; and the red summer house was owned by the Head of Customs. Francoise Lavielle, a French architect living in Phnom Penh, has taken the lead in restoring the villas to their original architectural grandeur.
Veranda Natural Resort (Superior)
Perched atop the verdant slope of Kep National Park and overlooking the expanse of Gulf of Thailand, Phu Quoc Island, and the picturesque Bokor Mountain, Veranda Natural Resort (Hotel in Kep) is a nature retreat dedicated to the finest things in life—beauty, tranquility, and gastronomic delights. Even when it’s only a two-hour journey from the capital city’s airport, you will feel as though you’ve been transported to a time and place away from the hustle and bustle of this metropolis. As soon as you enter the hotel in Kep retreat’s vicinity, get ready to discover the hidden wonders of this 2.5-hectare retreat.
Boutique Kampot Hotel (Deluxe)
Boutique Kampot, a new building inspired by French colonial architecture, is the city’s most atmospheric location. The inspiration behind Boutique Kampot is to provide our guests the nostalgia of the province’s unique history while energizing them with comfort and relaxation.
The Column Hotel (Superior)
The Columns is located on a quiet tree-lined street in the heart of old town Kampot. Our historic French Colonial houses have been restored to their original charm, with the addition of modern comforts. The relaxing atmosphere and central location make this an ideal place to stay while exploring the town and its surroundings
The Royal Sands (Deluxe)
Experience the beauty and calm of an island paradise in the most elegant fashion. Spanning a private 400 metre beach on the tropical island of Koh Rong, Cambodia, The Royal Sands is a 5-star resort offering an intimate glimpse of island life as it was meant to be. Relax on the white sandy beaches, swim in the crystal-clear ocean waters, admire the exotic wildlife, gaze at the mesmerizing sunsets, enjoy the freshest foods…
The Sok San Beach Resort (Superior)
Sok San Beach Resort is a traditional yet modern Khmer-style hotel located on the beautiful island of Koh Rong in Cambodia. We can be reached from the mainland in less than an hour making us a secluded yet convenient seaside retreat.
Mekong Princess (Viet Princess Cruises)
The Mekong Princess is a brand new boutique and luxurious river cruise vessel. Launched in 2015, she boasts 14 superbly appointed suites and stellar hospitality with its Vietnamese & Cambodian crew. This is the only river cruise that commences each upstream journey from Saigon Port, which can be accessed in less than 15 minutes by coach from central hotels.
- Arrival and departure transfers. Expertly trained culinary team providing buffet breakfast, buffet lunch, and seated multiple course dinner, including exclusive ‘Spa Cuisine’ and French-Indochine inspired options.
- Complimentary organic coffee, herbal teas, mineral water, soft drinks, local beer, local spirits and free-flow house wine (House wine with dinner only).
- Series of cultural performances, educational talks, cooking classes and ships tour.
- Complimentary spa treatment (1 per person) During 7-night voyage
- Enhanced Fitness Facility
- In-room breakfast (available upon request)
- Welcome Reception
- Farewell Reception
- Themed Dinners
- Local Entertainment on selected evening
- Unique exclusive cruise program itinerary
- Shoe cleaning after excursion
- Welcome drink following excursions
- Individual VOX listening devices
- Maximum 24 Guests onshore
This itinerary operates both upstream and downstream.
Upstream: 7 nights – Saigon to Siem Reap
Downstream: 7 nights – Siem Reap to Saigon
Upstream: 4 nights: Saigon to Phnom Penh
Downstream: 4 nights: Phnom Penh to Saigon
Experiences by City
Below you will find a list of experiences that you can add to your itinerary when travelling to Cambodia. As you did in the Accommodations step you will find a list of destinations within the country and in each destination it will feature different options available to include on your trip. Simply click and check off the boxes where it says “Add to Journey” for the experiences you wish to include in your itinerary!
Vintage Jeep Safari: Tour Includes
Vintage Jeep Safari and Private Picnic in Siem Reap: Full Day (L)
Siem Reap is most famous for the Angkor temples complex, while its countryside is too often ignored. This safari enables you to journey around the quaint and authentic countryside of Siem Reap, in addition we experience Tonle Sap Lake. Hop on a vintage army jeep and hit the less traveled roads and tracks of the region. Be immersed in the genuine Khmer culture and meet lots of friendly locals. Take your dose of the great outdoors, meet the local living in the floating villages of Tonle Sap, the largest fresh water lake in South East Asia. Discover your internal ‘Indiana Jones’ at the Beng Mealea lost temple and return to your hotel loaded with unforgettable memories.
Note: Max. 2 paxs per one Jeep per ride
Tonle Sap: Tour Includes
Visit Kampong Khleang (Tonle Sap) and Beng Melea: Full Day (L)
After breakfast, you will head out to Kompong Kleang “floating village”, which is a stilt house settlement of over 20,000 people where structures can tower up to ten metres above the water. Greeted by waves of the friendly locals, here you can glimpse Cambodia’s countryside culture and traditional family lifestyle. Enjoy a picnic lunch in Kompong Kleang. Afterwards, transfer to quiet Beng Mealea temple, around 65 km outside of Siem Reap. After a short walk through dense jungle, you’ll feel like an explorer when entering this completely overgrown temple. Undiscovered for centuries, Beng Mealea has only recently been made accessible. It is one of the very few temples that actually give you the opportunity to climb through it, giving a very ‘Indian Jones’ feel to the experience.
Note: From February to August/September the water level of the Tonle Sap Lake is very low. It’s muddy and the boat can get stuck. If clients are still keen on having a boat trip on the lake it can be changed to Chong Kneas floating village instead of Kompong Kleang where the conditions are a little bit better for the boat trip.
Biking to Remote Temples & Floating Villages: Tour Includes
Biking to Remote Temples & Floating Village: Full Day (L)
After breakfast, you’ll head to Roluos Group, a collection of monuments which represent the remains of Hariharalaya, the first major capital of the Angkor era Khmer Empire. The temples date back to the late ninth century and are believed to denote the beginning of the ‘classic period’ in Khmer architecture. Cycle to Kampong Khleang floating village, a stilt house settlement of over 20,000 people where structures can tower up to ten meters above the water. Greeted by waves of the friendly locals, here you can glimpse Cambodia’s countryside culture and traditional family lifestyle.
After that, head to Beng Melea, a sprawling jungle temple covering an area of over one square kilometre. This temple is largely overgrown by vegetation and relatively untouched by tourism, giving it an adventurous, ‘lost temple’ feel. Trees growing from the broken towers and galleries offer some of the best ‘tree in temple’ shots outside of Ta Prohm.
Note: From February to August/September the water level of the Tonle Sap Lake is very low. It’s muddy and the boat can get stuck. If clients are still keen on having a boat trip on the lake we’ll change to Chong Kneas floating village instead of Kompong Kleang where the condition is a little bit better for the boat trip. So clients will be transferred to Chong Kneas to have boat trip then transferred to Roluos Group to cycle to Beng Mealea.
Cycling distance: approx. 60km (1 way by bike)
Cycle Siem Reap: Tour Includes
Carbon Offset Cycle around Siem Reap: Half-Day (L)
Let’s kick off today’s eco-adventure with a leisurely bike ride from your hotel to a small rural village lying on the outskirts of Siem Reap. We head North and ride for about one hour on the backroads of the region to reach Preah Dak village where we have partnered with farmers to establish a large scale tree planting program. We hop back on the bikes again and cycle a short stretch further to another place engaged in community-based tourism. Meet some key members of the project and assist in preparing lunch with them. We eat together before transferring back to the town by van.
Angkor Temples: Tour Includes
Visit Angkor Temples: Full Day (L)
This morning there is an early start to the day. Today is dedicated to the discovery of Angkors highlights and traveling around the temples complex. Let’s first explore Angkor Wat, easily the most famous and best-preserved of all temples within the Angkor complex. It’s a massive three-tiered structure crowned by five lotus-like towers rising 65 metres from ground level. Visit the ancient city of Angkor Thom, surrounded by an 8m high wall. It was the last capital of the Great Khmer Empire under the reign of Jayavarman VII. Bayon Temple, Baphuon, the royal enclosure, and the Terraces of the Elephants and the Leper King. This 12th century masterpiece is a study in grandeur, its exterior gallery walls featuring extensive, superb bas-reliefs, particularly the East and South Galleries. We continue to Ta Prohm Temple, which has been left just as it was when rediscovered: a photogenic and atmospheric maze of trees growing out of temple ruins amidst jungle surroundings, making it one of Angkor’s most popular temples with visitors. Return to the hotel in the late afternoon and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.
Tuk Tuk & Street Food: Tour Includes
Phnom Penh City Ride by tuk-tuk & Street Food: Half-Day
You’re picked-up for a tuk-tuk ride around Phnom Penh. Sit and witness the daily life along the streets of the capital. There will be numerous picture stops, explanations by your guide as well as interactions with the local. Later on we’ll stop to explore the Central Market, before sampling some local street food. Wander around the stalls with the guide and feel free to point out some of the local treats you’d like to taste. We then drive back to hotel.
Historic Phnom Penh: Tour Includes
Explore Historic Phnom Penh: Half-Day
You will gain insight into Cambodia’s recent history on a visit to the remarkable Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, housed in a former school that was taken over by the Khmer Rouge and used as its main detention and torture centre, named ‘S-21’. Afterwards we continue to the Killing Fields memorial site, where you can listen to the stories of survivors and pay respects to the countless victims of the Khmer Rouge.
Beach Getaway: Tour Includes
Beach Getaway in Kep: 3 days
Day 1: Phnom Penh – Kep (-/L/D)
This morning head south for Takeo Province. On the way pass Tonle Bati, a recreation area where the Khmers like to spend their leisure time. However, during the weekdays, the site is quiet and peaceful. Tonle Bati Temple is an Angkorian-style temple and remains largely intact. Your next destination is Phnom Chisor, where you can climb up to the top of the mountain to explore the well-preserved ruins of a 10th century Angkorian temple. Enjoy an amazing view over the Cambodian countryside.
Continue to Takeo, a small town that is truly Cambodian in every sense. From here we take a boat down a peaceful river to the archaeological museum of Angkor Borei and the temple ruins of Phnom Da. Continue to Kep. Cambodia’s prestigious beach resort of the 1960s is now awakening to its former glory.
Overnight in Kep.
Note: The boat trip to Angkor Borei and Phnom Da can be operated in high water season from August – January only and in low water season from February – July we take land transfer instead.
Day 2: Visit Rabbit Island) (B/L/-)
Transfer to the pier for a short boat ride (20-30 minutes) across the bay to the small, beautiful, and undeveloped island of Koh Tonsai or Rabbit Island. There is a walking track that circumnavigates the island passing small fishing villages. This beautiful walk takes around 2.5 – 3 hours as you meander along beaches and flat jungle trails, offering some great photo opportunities. After an included lunch you’ll have more time to relax, swim or explore before heading back to Kep. Overnight in Kep
Day 3: Kep – Phnom Penh (B/-/-)
Today enjoy the morning at your own leisure. Visit the Crab market where an ocean side cluster of a dozen-plus rickety old wooden shacks hug the water’s edge selling famous Kep Crab, shrimps, squid and fish. This afternoon transfer back to Phnom Penh.
Note: This itinerary is subject to change in accordance with any change in government and community regulations and circumstances beyond our control such as natural calamities (typhoon, floods); flight/train/boat delays, rescheduling or cancellations; traffic jams, vehicle breakdown; accidents; medical evacuations; riots; strikes; etc.
Kampot Adventure: Tour Includes
Kampot Adventure: 3 days
Day 1: Phnom Penh – Kep – Kampot (-/L/D)
You will be picked up in Phnom Penh and transferred to Kep, Cambodia’s prestigious beach resort of the 1960s which is now awakening to its former glory. After lunch, we continue our journey to La Plantation, the biggest pepper farm in Cambodia and the perfect place to learn about the history of Kampot Pepper and understand how it is produced traditionally and organically. You will learn why Kampot Pepper has been elected as the #1 Best Pepper in the world by chefs and foodies for more than a century. Join a farm tour with the local guide before departing to your hotel in Kampot. Check in and enjoy a one-hour sunset cruise along the Kampot River. Overnight in Kampot.
Day 2: Kampot (B/L/-)
Today, you will join a boat tour from the river to the sea between Kep and Kampot. On this unique tour you will explore mangroves, quiet coves, and a fishing village. We learn about the importance of mangroves to the ecosystem and have the option to plant a mangrove tree in the sea with a local mangrove conservation project. Later in the evening, experience a paddleboard boat tour with a opportunity to experience the stunning sunset views of the Elephant Mountains. Take time to swim and play in the river alongside our boats before returning to the hotel. Overnight in Kampot.
Day 3: Kampot – Phnom Penh (B/-/-)
After breakfast, jump on your bike as we travel to Kampong Trach Cave (the Circle Cave), a sacred site where local monks frequently visit. As you enter the cave through a pagoda, you’ll be able to view sculptures of the Buddha. To exit, your guide will lead you through a secret passageway of the cave. Once outside Circle Cave, you’ll be rewarded by spectacular scenery all around you. Be sure to photograph the incredible sharp-edged Windy Mountain! We will then walk uphill to meet “Rockman”, a local man who works with and trades rocks from the area. Return back to the hotel to check-out before your transfer to Phnom Penh airport to for your departure flight back home.
Trip Merchant Journey’s Tailor Made Journey Builder
Please verify that everything is accurate below and you’ve provided as much detail as possible so we can properly prepare the quote for you. We provide customized itineraries based on 2 or more passengers. All quotes that we provide will always include arrival and departure transfers in destination. If your custom designed itinerary includes internal flights, you will always be taken to the airport from your hotel and picked up at your next destination and then taken to your next hotel. To get an understanding of the pricing before submitting, go to Step 2 to check out “Itinerary Inspiration”. Those sample itineraries will always be priced in CAD based on 2 people traveling privately and staying in 4 Star accomodations. Pricing will vary based on seasonality, hotel upgrades, and number of experiences selected.
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