Join one of our Cambodia Small Group Journeys and come away with more than just spectacular photos of Angkor Wat. Experience a fun Khmer cooking class, deserted French hill stations, white sandy beaches, and probably make a new set of friends! Discover the real Cambodia on one of our innovative Small Group Journeys.
From the colonial charm of the riverside capital to the natural wonder of Lake Tonle Sap; from the splendour of Angkor to the horror of the Khmer Rouge reign, time spent in Cambodia will continue to resonate for years after. Throughout this fascinating five day journey, your tour leader and local guide will be on hand to provide valuable insights and introduce you to all the highlights of Cambodia, including the unexpected delights of Khmer food! As an added bonus, we will also stay amid the colonial-era finery of the the Raffles-restored Hotel Le Royal in Phnom Penh and the Grand Hotel d’Angkor in Siem Reap.
special touches
Fly between cities – charming Phnom Penh – boat cruise on lake Tonle Sap – tuk tuk temple touring – dawn at Angkor.
Arrive in Phnom Penh and explore the Royal Palace, Silver Pagoda, National Museum and learn about the Khmer Rouge at Tuol Sleng Museum. You will have some free time to indulge in the vibrant riverside café and restaurant scene, or perhaps wander the Central Market and Russian Market in pursuit of a bargain.
Days 3 - 5 ~ Siem Reap
Sunrise, Angkor Wat
Fly to Siem Reap, gateway to Angkor. Here you will discover Tonle Sap Lake on a sunset cruise before taking to the temples. From awesome Angkor Wat to the Bayon, Angkor Thom, Banteay Srei and beyond. A half-day of your temple touring will take place on an exciting tuk-tuk ride. Depart on day 5.
Checklist & How we Travel
Inclusions:
4 nights hotel accommodation,
Flight as specified,
All road transport by air-conditioned vehicles (temple touring by tuk-tuk),
All sightseeing as specified (including entrance fees),
Western tour leader based on a minimum of seven travellers,
Local English-speaking guides throughout,
Arrival and departure transfers,
Breakfast daily. GETTING AROUND: We try to ensure that transport on all of our journeys is of a high standard, safe, and clean and comfortable. In order to maximise sightseeing time we fly from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap, usually on Siem Reap Airways. The longest road journey on this tour takes two hours return (one hour each way between Siem Reap town and Banteay Srei). Most other travel around Siem Reap and Phnom Penh is over short distances only. We also take a one hour boat cruise on beautiful Tonle Sap Lake, from Siem Reap and see the temples by tuk tuk (motorised trolley).
WHERE WE STAY:We use the finest hotels available. In Phnom Penh we use the elegant Raffles Hotel Le Royal and in Siem Reap we stay at one of Indochina’s most famous colonial properties, the Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor. Both hotels are five-star, have an extensive range of facilities, great swimming pools, and treat guests to the famous Raffles service.
WHAT WE EAT: At Travel Indochina we are keen to provide as wide an array of culinary opportunities as possible, in both local and some very special easting establishments. Tour leaders will always be on hand to provide you with a number of options, no matter what your inclination. Tour leaders also frequently join you for meals, revealing some of their favourite dishes. There is a wide range of delicious food in Cambodia. Main courses at good restaurants are generally 4USD to 7USD. Well-known dishes worth sampling include fish amok, stir fried green vegetables with pork and lashings of fresh ginger, and fish soup.
Tour Q&A
Q: I’ve never travelled on a group tour before. Is group travel for me? A: Our deluxe Small Group Journeys are not conventional group tours. You will be travelling with a maximum of 15 travellers, staying in some of Asia’s finest and most atmospheric hotels whilst immersing yourself in the culture and everyday lives of the people. They are designed to provide you with a good balance of personal discovery and group activity with like-minded travellers – and an enjoyable, memorable holiday. We shun mass tourism and all of its trappings – and we believe our signature style of travel will appeal to those who want a total experience of their chosen destination.
Q: Who will I be travelling with? A: Our travellers are of all ages and from all walks of life. What they share is a true passion for travel in Asia – a desire to savour the cuisine, meet the people and connect with the lives and cultures of these extraordinary places. Most travel to Asia from Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom and the United States.
Q: How fit do I have to be to join the tour? A: The Temples of Angkor is graded Easy and is suitable for travellers with an average level of fitness and mobility. There is some walking in the heat, occasionally over uneven ground, and some optional temple climbing at Angkor. All travellers on our deluxe Small Group Journeys must complete a Fitness Form, which can be downloaded by clicking here. Be sure to pack a positive attitude and a desire to experience Asia and her people first hand. Download the tour dossier for comprehensive information on the Temples of Angkor deluxe journey. Click here for full description of journey grading.
Q: What happens if I’m a single traveller? A: Our groups are a combination of single travellers, couples and friends. Single travellers must pay a supplement for a single room on our deluxe Small Group Journeys. Whether travelling alone or with a companion, you will go home with a true sense of the country you have visited and, quite possibly, a brand new set of friends.
Q: Can I bring the kids? A: The minimum age on all our deluxe Small Group Journeys is 12 years old. For families with younger children, we can create a tailormade and well-paced trip to suit your needs and requirements. The sites, sounds, smells and adventures that Asia has to offer make it an ideal destination for family travel. Click here to see some of our suggested tailormade family itineraries – designed to give your family a true experience of the essence of Asia.
Q: What are the visa requirements? A: You will need a valid visa in order to enter Cambodia. Cambodian visas can be obtained on arrival at Phnom Penh airport (cost $20USD, 1 passport photo required). Cambodian visas can also be obtained online at www.mfaic.gov.kh for a cost of $25USD and a processing wait of approximately three business days.
Q: What kinds of hotels will I be staying in? A: We stay in a selection of some of the finest and most atmospheric hotels in Cambodia. Stay at the historic Raffles properties in both Phnom Penh and Siem Reap, two of Asia’s most beautiful and luxurious hotels. Both are former French colonial buildings restored to their former splendour and offer pure indulgence. These are not just places to rest your head at the end of a day of exploration. We choose our accommodation on the basis that they too represent the essence of Asia. Our deluxe accommodation will become a real part of your experience, and you are sure to be impressed. Our combination of atmospheric accommodation with cultural engagement will give you a truly memorable holiday experience.
Q: Who will accompany our group? A: You will be escorted by one of our expert Western tour leaders (minimum seven travellers) as well as an English-speaking local guide – a combination which gives you the highest level of service possible. Our local guides are uniquely placed to share personal insights that simply can’t be provided by outsiders or guidebooks. Our Western leaders call Asia home and have a network of friends and experiences to share with you. They are also able to fully appreciate your interests and needs and ensure these are being met. You will be inspired by their enthusiasm and passion for the region. We believe our combination of local and Western tour leaders provides for the best travel experience. The feedback from our travellers over the years confirms the same.
Q: Are arrival and departure transfers included? A: Arrival and departure transfers are included in the price of the tour. Upon arrival at Phnom Penh airport you will be met by one of our Essence of Asia representatives and transferred to your hotel.
Q: What kinds of transport are used on the Temples of Angkor? A: For road journeys and inner-city touring, air-conditioned cars, mini-buses, or coasters are used. These vehicles are modern, well-maintained, safe vehicles – ideal for small group travel. At the temples of Angkor we tour for a half day in a tuk tuk (motorised trolley). There are only short road journeys in Cambodia and a 30 minute domestic flight.
Q: Are entrance fees included in the tour cost? A: Yes, entrance fees are included in the cost of all of our deluxe Small Group Journeys.
Q: What type of restaurants and food will be available on tour? A: Cambodian cuisine has influences from China and India as well as France and combines spices and aromatic herbs to create complex, vibrant flavours. You can choose from a selection of seafood, chicken, beef, pork and vegetable dishes. From the charming riverside capital of Phnom Penh to Siem Reap, the gateway to magnificent Angkor Wat, your taste buds will be tantalised. In the major cities there is a generous array of international cuisine, while in most provincial areas the choice is more limited. Vegetarians will find a good selection of fresh foods available. Breakfast is included each day on our tours and is usually a mix of Western buffet and continental style. We do not include all meals in your tour cost, giving you the freedom to taste the diverse array of delicious cuisine on offer. Our group leaders have a wealth of knowledge of restaurants from the mainstream to the unusual. Some of the best culinary experiences are found in local eateries, old stalwarts and brand new innovative establishments not found in guidebooks. Let us share them with you.
Q: How much money will I spend per day touring? A: Approximately $12US per person for day-to-day living. Cambodia offers great value for your money. For around $12US you will be able to buy lunch and dinner at good local restaurants, as well as refreshments during the day. Western restaurants will cost more.
Q: How is your company different to others offering small group travel? A: We don’t know of any company that offers the combination of well thought out itineraries, atmospheric accommodation, insightful Western and local leaders and value for money. We have had a base in the region for over 13 years ensuring that we keep abreast of the changes in the region and can offer 24-hour support to our travellers. If you’re shopping around, ask about your accommodation, transport and the tour leaders and guides who will take care of you during your journey. Check to see how many nights you will spend in each city. Rather than rushing through a destination, we believe that spending quality time in each place enhances your overall experience. We don’t cut any corners!
