Cambodia Adventure - 8 Days

Sawasdee! Welcome to Thailand. Your adventure begins in Bangkok with a welcome meeting at 6 pm, where you’ll meet your trip leader and fellow travellers. If you arrive early, you could take a riverboat to Chinatown and explore the crowded streets, uncover the magnificent Grand Palace and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, wander down Khao San Road or indulge in a Thai massage – there’s plenty to keep you occupied in this exciting city. After your meeting, why not head out with the group to try some of Bangkok’s famous street food – pad thai anyone?

Take a flight from Bangkok to Siem Reap. The flight is unescorted, but your Thai trip leader will get you to the airport in Bangkok and your Cambodian leader will be ready to greet you in Siem Reap. When you arrive, take an orientation walk with your leader and you’ll have a free evening to explore this small but bustling town. You might want to head to Pub Street to grab a bite to eat and get a taste of the city’s nightlife. Or, maybe rest up in preparation for tomorrow’s visit to Angkor Wat.

Today, you'll visit the incredible Angkor complex. If you’re keen, this place is best seen at sunrise, so you can get up early and head to the complex on your own before your included tour. You’ll explore the site on a tuk-tuk with an all-female crew from Driver Srey – a social enterprise with a mission to support local women with sustainable incomes. The UNESCO World Heritage-listed Angkor complex was built between the 9th and 13th centuries when the Khmer empire was the pre-eminent influence in South East Asia. The ruins are scattered over some 160 sq km – the biggest religious monument in the world! The central cluster of temples is close to Siem Reap, so you'll have plenty of time to fully appreciate the main archaeological sites, including Angkor Wat – the astounding main temple – Bayon and Ta Prohm – a series of smaller temples covered in tree roots and jungle. Your local guide will bring ancient history to life with their extensive knowledge of the site.

Today is a free day for you to explore Siem Reap at your own pace. Ask your local leader about the range of optional activities on offer. You might opt to take a boat tour to explore the Chong Kneas floating village on Tonle Sap Lake – the largest freshwater lake in South East Asia – or you could take a Khmer cooking class. You could also explore local markets or maybe check out a Phare Circus performance tonight.

Say goodbye to Siem Reap and take a local bus to the capital city of Phnom Penh. Cambodia's capital is set on a major junction of the Mekong and Tonle Sap rivers and boasts some fine examples of French-inspired architecture. When you arrive, settle into your accommodation, then join your leader for a walk along the Mekong River at sunset. For dinner, maybe round up your group and head to a restaurant on the riverfront.

Spend a full free day exploring Phnom Penh however you like. Maybe visit the Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda. Wat Phnom, shrouded in myth, is equally worth a visit, as is the National Museum with its extensive Khmer collection. Cyclo tours around the city are a great alternative to exploring by foot. These tours generally include the art deco Psar Thmei (Central Market), US Embassy, Wat Phnom, Mekong riverfront, Independence Monument and Royal Palace. Or, you could learn more about Cambodia's tragic history at the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S-21) and the Killing Fields of Choeung Ek – two sites that tell the story of the tragic legacy of the Khmer Rouge.

Travel by local bus from Phnom Penh to Ho Chi Minh City. Your leader will assist you with border crossing procedures and you’ll make a stop for lunch. When you arrive, head out to discover Ho Chi Minh City's blend of old and new. Be sure to sample a baguette or some of the excellent coffee on offer – both markers of the city's strong French influence. Tonight, maybe hit one of the hole-in-the-wall bars and explore the nightlife. Ask your leader for the best restaurants and bars in the area – maybe gather your group for a toast to a trip well-travelled.

With no activities planned for today, your trip comes to an end. If you’d like to spend more time in Ho Chi Minh City, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time.