Cambodia Highlights Tour (trip)
Cambodia Highlights Tour
- Cambodia
- Active & Adventure
| from $3,145* per person | 15 Days | Year-round |
| Boutique accommodations | Exertion level: 3 | |
| Operator: Journeys Within Tour Company | 12 people max | |
Cambodia is so much more than just temples. From the
bustling capital with its tree-lined boulevards, to visiting the amazing 4
Rivers Ecolodge and eating pepper crab on a deserted beach in Kep… With this
itinerary, we can guarantee you’ll love the temples, but we can’t guarantee
they’ll be the highlight of your trip. Enjoy the new Phnom Penh nightlife, be
amazed by the temples of Angkor Wat, soak up the beauty of the amazing national
parks and relax with the locals at the seaside crab market. This tour will take
you beyond the tourist traps so you can get a true sense of this incredible
country.
Loading map, please wait...
Locations visited/nearby
Cambodia
0 testimonials about this trip.
3 testimonials about the provider, Journeys Within Tour Company:
-
Reviewer: Leslie
located in
USA
Journeys Within provided us with the travel experience of a lifetime. Our trip was full of contrast—adventure, wonder, relaxation, history, emotion, excitement, connection with new cultures and people. Journeys Within is not just another tour company. They take the work out of traveling. We loved the quiet of their B & B in Siem Reap and were spoiled by the care and service their staff provided. We traveled with another couple and we are still speaking which attest to how stress free and enjoyable our trip was.
-
Reviewer: Edna and Steve
located in
New York
USA
Steve and I have travelled extensively world-wide but never to SE Asia and we rarely rely on agencies. I put feelers out for organizations within the US as well as in this region of the world. From the first conversation with Andrea of Journeys Within there was an immediate connection, a comfort level in terms of their knowledge, warmth, experience, listening skills, suggestions and their patience for answering all of my many and on-going questions. Being a curious and detail-oriented person I was constantly finding areas and events that i just “had to see” and would ask another question. Realizing that time and money was somewhat of a factor Andrea was a magician and always was able to make it all happen. Their humanitarian goals, through Journeys Within Our Community, in a country that has so many needs, was also a large part of why we chose them.
Through the many conversations we had they were able to focus on our main interests (photography, seeing the cultures of each country by viewing the people within their daily life in rural villages that many times showcased their handicrafts, the Buddhist religion and seeing the monks in their saffron robes) and created an extensive itinerary with memorable experiences. We don't go on tours that include large groups of people and so love being able to go off the beaten track on our own with just a guide and driver. Their guides are exceptional, both knowledgeable and so proud of their country and wanting to share it with us. They were all very astute as to what would give us the best experience.
There were numerous instances where unplanned additions were spontaneously added to our day. For example, we remember getting up at 4 AM in Siem Reap because our guide, Sima, had a special relationship with the abbot in one one the wats and knew that we would enjoy seeing the monks meditate. We ran across fields in Angkor Wat and up steep stairs to listen to monks chanting. Throughout, our guides also knew the best vantage points for us to get that “perfect” photograph. We, also, laughingly remember getting out of our car on the way to the ferry in order to cross the Mekong to view the floating markets at Cai Be and Cai Rang and our guide, Kha, arranging for each of us to hop on the back of a motor bike in order to to whiz along and circumvent the 7 km backup which would have taken hours. We definitely appreciated his problem-solving skills. The challenge of successfully crossing the streets in Hanoi and Saigon amid the cacophony of horns and disregard for the traffic lights was masterfully taught and we took great pleasure when we were able to do this on our own. Obviously, we are alive to tell the tale!
If we had to single out (an impossiblity) our favorite places one would have to be the idyllic Luang Prabang, a totally unspoiled area of Laos. Another would be Hoi An, in Vietnam, and it's beautiful walking areas along the Perfume River and throughout the village. Getting up at 5 AM and watching the fishing boats come in and the markets being set up was amazing. When we took the overnight Victoria Express train in our private berth from Hanoi to get to the Sunday Bac Ha market north of Sapa we felt as if we were in a foreign film. The market was an experience in itself that was extraordinary. Seeing the ethnic minority tribes come together in their colorful attire where each group is easily identified put my head on a swivel. My camera continually snapped away. There was so much to see. I think I bought Steve a water buffalo for his birthday! Everything imaginable was sold there.
One very important highlight was the time we spent with Journeys Within Our Community (JWOC) and learning about and from them. It happened to be Valentine's Day and about 130 children wandered in, first carefully washing their hands, to take part in an arts and crafts project of making heart baskets using paper plates. We were privileged to be able to participate and help. Although we could not verbally communicate, our faces and bodies spoke volumes and we all got along so well. Each child left with a basket to bring home, a smile and an orang e to eat. JWOC focuses on basic needs such as clean water, education, health and many other community-based issues. There is even a program that they started in the local prison where the women are taught how to use a sewing machine and make clothing. This will enable them, upon their release, to be productive and contributing members of their community. By breaking this cycle of poverty and building self-esteem by giving them the tools to enrich their lives by making them independent bodes well for their future, their children's future, and ultimately, the future of their country. We plan on being a contributing part of making this part of the world and it's people a better place via JWOC.
Journeys Within provided us with a trip of a lifetime!
-
Reviewer: Tricia
Hi Andrea:
We're home and had a wonderful trip so thanks for all of your guidance. As you suggested, The Nam Hai exceeded our expectations and was the perfect ending to our busy and extremely hot trip. We all loved our time there. Considering the heat and Charlie's ongoing struggle with stomach issues, I'm not sure I'd attempt the Hanoi bikeride again -- though our sweaty morning and lunch with Vinh will doubtless provide great stories for years to come. The kids were not up for another waltz through a pagoda, so we did the Hoi An market instead. It was the first market exploration of our entire trip and was fascinating, especially the area with fresh seafood and veggies. We bought some bamboo placements and small pottery. Vinh seemed to relax a lot once we were settled down for lunch at his home, beautifully prepared by his wife and mother-in-law. Lunch was delicious.....if only it weren't so hot out. Cold beers helped a lot.
yes, it was extremely disappointing to miss Halong Bay. If we were to do it again, as an alternative plan because of the typhoon, I think we'd drive out to Halong Bay for the day (around 3 hours) instead of the excursion we chose to Perfume Pagoda. Perfume Pagoda ended up being much longer and more strenuous than we were prepared for because of the heat, though I'll bet it's a very different experience in the fall or winter. (I really should send you the photos of our sweaty group midway and following the hike.) when I spoke first with Du, we loved the idea of a one-hour drive to a 45-min. boatride to a one-hour hike. unfortunately, the drive was more like 2.5 hours and the boatride was stifling hot (not that interesting) with a difficult climb at the end. In the end, of course, we definitely are proud of what we accomplished that day and will be talking about our adventure for years to come. We loved Du and really enjoyed the time we spent with him in Hanoi.
finally, Cambodia was a huge hit with the kids. The temples were incredible and I would recommend the short balloon ride to anyone with kids. We got terrific photos. Plus, we loved your Journeys Within, which made the visit extremely special. Your staff there were magnificent and we felt like we had our own private pool -- perfect for cooling off. (The whole experience reminded me of some places we stayed in Zimbabwe --then Rhodesia --more than 30 years ago.) Leap was a charming guide and we enjoyed our time with him as well.
All in all, a wonderful trip for all of us. I think the weather in August is truly a challenge at every step. But, we loved being there in the off-season (it was already WAY more crowded in HK when we returned in mid-August) and would visit again if only it weren't SO FAR away.
Best,
Special information
- This is a custom departure, meaning this trip is offered on dates that you arrange privately with the provider. Additionally, you need to form your own private group for this trip. The itinerary and price here is just a sample. Contact the provider for detailed pricing, minimum group size, and scheduling information. For most providers, the larger the group you are traveling with, the lower the per-person cost will be.
- May accommodate certain types of disabilities. Contact the operator for more information.
Itinerary
Day 1 Phnom Penh: Arrival
Arrive in Phnom Penh
where you will be met by an air conditioned van and driver and will be
transferred to your hotel.
Meals Included: None
Overnight at The Villa
Paradiso – 1 Double Harmony Suite
Day 2 Phnom Penh: Royal Palace and National Museum
This morning take a tour
of the Royal Palace, which to this day is still the royal residence. See the
amazing royal collection and the beautiful architecture before heading to the
National Museum, where you will be taken around by a trained museum guide who
will show you some wonderful pre-Angkorean pieces as well as a number of
special pieces from the temples. Return to your hotel for lunch or have your
guide drop you off in town where they can help you find a good lunch spot.
Remember to take a look at our Cheat Sheet which lists a number of our favorite
restaurant recommendations! Enjoy your afternoon at leisure.
Meals included: Breakfast
Overnight at The Villa
Paradiso – 1 Double Harmony Suite
Day 3 Phnom Penh: The Killing Fields and Markets
This morning head to the
Tuol Sleng Prison Museum where your guide will explain the history of the Khmer
Rouge and walk you through the different museum displays. After watching the
movie they show every day, continue on to the Choeung Ek Memorial, the site of
one of the country’s many killing fields, where a memorial stupa and shallow
pits remind visitors of the thousands killed under the Pol Pot Regime. There is
an excellent audio headset on site which includes firsthand survivor stories,
accounts from guards, traditional music, as well as a guided tour of the site.
We recommend using this thoughtful and well-produced audio tour as most
visitors to the Choeung Ek Memorial use the personalized headset tours, leaving
the somber grounds quiet allowing for introspection. Your JW guide will be on
hand if you would prefer to explore the site with them or have any additional
questions after you have completed your audio tour. Return to your hotel for
lunch or have your guide drop you off in town where they can help you find a
good lunch spot. Remember to take a look at our Cheat Sheet which lists a
number of our favorite restaurant recommendations!
After lunch your guide
will take you to Central Market, reported to be the biggest domed market in the
world, and to the famous Russian Market where everything from souvenirs to car
parts is on sale. Enjoy a shopping spree or just browse along with the locals
out doing their shopping.
Meals included: Breakfast
Overnight at The Villa
Paradiso – 1 Double Harmony Suite
Day 4 Siem Reap: Arrival and Orientation Tour
This morning you will be
transferred to the airport by your guide and driver for your onward flight. When you arrive at the airport in Siem Reap, you will be
met by a Journeys Within representative just outside the airport exit doors and
will be driven to the main part of town for a quick orientation tour. You will
be given a quick introduction to the city, and the Journeys Within
representative will point out the main roads, markets, some recommended
restaurants and Wat Bo, before dropping you off at your hotel to check in.
Meals included: Breakfast
Overnight at Heritage
Suites Hotel – 1 Double Bungalow Suite
Day 5 Siem Reap: Angkor Wat and Angkor Thom:
Sunrise to Sunset
Wake up early and head to
Angkor Wat for sunrise and a morning tour of the temple before the crowds
arrive. Mid-morning head back to your hotel for breakfast before relaxing in
the garden, by the pool, or in your own room through the heat of the day.
In the early afternoon
head to Angkor Thom, the famous walled city and see the many temples within its
borders, including the fascinating Bayon temple with its many magnificent faces
smiling out. Watch the sun set over Angkor Wat, or climb Phnom Bakeng and watch
the sunset from on high.
Meals included: Breakfast
Overnight at Heritage
Suites Hotel – 1 Double Bungalow Suite
Day 6 Siem Reap: Banteay Srei, Other Temples and
JWOC Art Class
This morning set off with
your guide to Banteay Srei, the intricately carved temple located just 30km
beyond Angkor Wat. As you head back towards town you can stop at Banteay Kdei
and Ta Prohm, two of the prettiest temples in the complex, where you can enjoy
climbing through these smaller unique temples. Return to your hotel for lunch,
or have your guide help you find a good lunch spot in town. Remember to take a
look at our Cheat Sheet which lists a number of our favorite restaurant
recommendations!
Sunday afternoons are
special at Journeys Within Our Community. We hold our art class for local
students at 2:30pm - a no-pressure class where anyone is invited to come, play
games, sing songs and do a simple and rewarding art project. Volunteers are
great for this class; we break the students into groups and as a volunteer you
can join a group and help the little ones with scissors and other tricky tasks
and give the older students encouragement and attention. It is fun for whole
family and a great way to get involved and see our project in action. You will
have a chance to meet with our scholarship students and gain a greater
understanding about the work we do within our community.
Please arrive at
2:20pm before the lesson starts so the teacher can explain the
project and you can get oriented. The class runs until 4pm.
Meals included: Breakfast
Overnight at Heritage
Suites Hotel – 1 Double Bungalow Suite
Day 7 Siem Reap: Beng Mealea, Rolous Group and
Market
Enjoy breakfast at your
hotel before leaving the crowds behind and heading to Beng Mealea, one of
Angkor’s more mysterious temples, located about one and a half hours drive from
the town center. After an hour you will leave the paved road and get onto a beaten
track running through rice fields and villages of rural Cambodia. At the temple
your guide will help you imagine how it once was as you pick your way through
the rubble which now surrounded by jungle. Head back towards Siem Reap, along
the way stopping to visit the Rolous Group, a group of Angkorean temples
located 15 minutes outside of Siem Reap in a beautiful area.
Return to your hotel for
lunch or have your guide help you find a good lunch spot in town. Remember to
take a look at our Cheat Sheet which lists a number of our favorite restaurant
recommendations!
In the afternoon take a
walk around the Old Market where the locals and tourists shop side by side.
Then pay a visit to Artisans d’Angkor to see their workshop in town. Here you
will be taken on a short tour to see the students learning the skills needed to
produce works of art in a variety of different materials before visiting their
beautifully displayed shop.
Meals included:
Breakfast, Lunch
Overnight at Heritage
Suites Hotel – 1 Double Bungalow Suite
Day 8 Siem Reap: Kayaking Tour
Experience a unique
Journeys Within day kayaking on the Tonle Sap Lake. You will set out around 8am
and drive for about an hour before boarding a boat for a 40
minute ride to one of the lake villages. Here the homes are built on
stilts because, while in the dry season the surrounding area is dry,
in the rainy season it is flooded and so they rise above the water level. You
will arrive at the local home that stores the canoes and after a short
safety briefing head off with your guide who will lead you through waterways,
flooded forests and out into the Tonle Sap Lake where you can take a dip if you
wish. After you’ve had a good explore, wind your way back through the village,
taking in local life in this watery environment before returning to a local
home for some lunch and a leisurely boat and car ride back to town.
Meals included:
Breakfast, Lunch
Overnight at Heritage
Suites Hotel – 1 Double Bungalow Suite
Day 9 Phnom Penh: Drive to Koh Kong
Your guide will meet
you at your hotel for your private transfer to the airport in time for your
onward flight. On arrival in Phnom Penh you will be met by your driver who will
transfer you to Koh Kong, where you will be met by the 4 Rivers speedboat and
transferred to the hotel. This journey from Phnom Penh usually takes about 4-5
hours depending on traffic, followed by another 30 minutes by boat to the
ecolodge.
Meals included: Breakfast
Overnight at 4 Rivers
Floating Eco-Lodge – 1 Double Floating Tent
Day 10 & 11 Koh Kong: Days at Leisure
You have these days free to
explore on your own.
Meals included: Breakfast
Overnight at 4 Rivers
Floating Eco-Lodge – 1 Double Floating Tent
Day 12 Koh Kong - Kep
Your driver will meet you
at your hotel and will drive you to Kep.
Meals included: Breakfast
Overnight at Knai Bang
Chatt Hotel – 1 Double Sea View Room
Day 13&14 Kep: Days at Leisure
You have these days free
to explore on your own.
Meals included: Breakfast
Overnight at Knai Bang
Chatt Hotel – 1 Double Sea View Room
Day 15 Kep: Drive to Phnom Penh
Your driver will meet you
at your hotel and drive you the 2 ½ hr journey back to Phnom Penh, where you
will transfer to the airport in time for your onward flight.
Meals included: Breakfast
PLEASE
NOTE
This itinerary is currently
in progress and does not reflect hotel room availability. The pricing is not
final until the itinerary has been confirmed and booked.
Price includes:
·
Air tickets Phnom Penh - Siem Reap -
Phnom Penh
·
Boat tickets as specified above
·
Accommodation as specified above
·
Air-conditioned car/van with driver
·
Licensed English speaking guides
·
Tours and admission fees as mentioned above
·
Meals as specified in itinerary, including
water
Price excludes:
·
Personal expenses
·
Visa fees
·
Airport tax
·
Drinks (except water) and meals not
mentioned in itinerary
·
Tips
More information from Journeys Within Tour Company:
- View trip on provider's website
https://www.journeys-within.com/tours/southeast-asia/signatur… - Company profile, experience, and history
- View all of their trips
- Email this trip page to a friend
-
Comments from Facebook