Adventures with Purpose: Cambodia
Suggested Itinerary
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Overview
Delve into the wonders of the ancient capital of the Khmer Empire, discovering the hidden jungle temples of Angkor, floating villages and an array of local initiatives that reflect Cambodia's strong commitment to responsible tourism and community support.
Beginning your journey in Siem Reap, at a hotel that itself can boast some ground-breaking initiatives, you will enjoy a range of quite unique experiences that will afford an opportunity to support some truly exceptional projects. These ...
Delve into the wonders of the ancient capital of the Khmer Empire, discovering the hidden jungle temples of Angkor, floating villages and an array of local initiatives that reflect Cambodia's strong commitment to responsible tourism and community support.
Beginning your journey in Siem Reap, at a hotel that itself can boast some ground-breaking initiatives, you will enjoy a range of quite unique experiences that will afford an opportunity to support some truly exceptional projects. These include elephant rehabilitation projects and scholarship programmes, landmine clearance and local village support schemes. You’ll learn first-hand about educational and environmental developments, kayak amongst the floating villages of Tonle Sap and eat with the locals, as you enjoy Cambodian hospitality and delicious street food. Not to mention the chance to experience Siem Reap’s famous temples, away from the usual crowds, as you're taken along hidden routes through the jungle.
From here you head south to the thriving capital of Phnom Penh where you will get the chance to sample more culinary delights and learn about the country's tragic history, as well as help conservation efforts nearby the city. Finishing in the magical coastal town of Kep, you can enjoy fresh crab and well-deserved sundowners overlooking the Gulf of Thailand.
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS
Suggested Itinerary
This is a suggested itinerary. Our experts have all travelled widely in the region and will be happy to tailor any of our itineraries to suit your tastes, or build a trip from scratch.
Day 1 Arrive Siem Reap
Day 1 Arrive Siem Reap
On arrival into Siem Reap you will be met by your Wild Frontiers representative, who will give you a quick orientation tour of the town before dropping you at your hotel. Your base for the week will be Jaya House River Park Hotel, an equal opportunities employer and one of Cambodia’s leading philanthropic properties. With a strong dedication to local charities that focus on supporting the environment, skill development and education, the hotel’s effortlessly stylish décor is complimented by artworks produced by students at the local Small Art School. In addition, since its opening the property has aimed to be close to 100% single-use plastic-free, having co-founded the global Refill Not Landfill initiative. A stay here gives you the chance to experience an exceptional combination of luxury and sustainability at its best.
Day 2 Angkor Wat, Blessings & Heroes
Day 2 Angkor Wat, Blessings & Heroes
Wake up early and head to Angkor Wat for sunrise and a morning tour of the temple before the crowds arrive. Truly one of the most spectacular sites in the world, this majestic temple brings hours of fascinating stories, historical insights and magical moments, as you explore on foot with your guide. From here you then visit an active temple, where you will experience the ceremony “Srouch Tec” (roughly translated as “pour water”). During the course of the ceremony you will meet a local monk, who will wash away your sins and any bad luck as he chants in ancient Pali; the perfect start to your Cambodian adventure. After enjoying some free time back at your hotel, this afternoon you’ll then visit the extraordinary Apopo’s Hero Rats visitor centre. Set up to help rid the country of landmines, you’ll see the rats at work and meet with a veteran de-miner who will provide an insight into the work of these incredible little creatures and the ultimate goal of Cambodia to be mine-free by 2025. Later in the afternoon head to Angkor Thom, the famous walled city, whose many temples include the fascinating Bayon with its many magnificent smiling faces.
Day 3 Cycle Adventures, Hidden Temples & Acrobatics
Day 3 Cycle Adventures, Hidden Temples & Acrobatics
This morning you will explore the hidden trails of Angkor as you set off by bicycle, along ancient city walls and through hidden jungle temples often free from other visitors due to their remote accessibility. Visit the spectacular Ta Prohm and Banteay Kdei temples en route, before a delicious lunch overlooking the royal bathing pool of Sra Srang. Returning to your hotel for a well-earned rest, this evening you will then be treated to a unique acrobatic and artistic performance by the Cambodian 'Phare Ponleu Selpak' Circus. Literally translating as ''the brightness of the arts'', this Artistic and Social Centre was founded by a group of young ex-refugees from Battambang Province and has been running as a non-profit association since 1994.
Day 4 Kulen Elephant Forest
Day 4 Kulen Elephant Forest
This morning is a wonderful way to witness positive change in Cambodia’s tourism industry. For many years elephants were used to carry tourists around the Angkor temples, but after much campaigning and pressure by animal rights groups and individuals, the local authorities recently made the decision to ban elephant riding completely. These elephants have now been moved to an area of lush forest just outside Siem Reap, where they are now protected and allowed to roam free in their natural environment. A visit to the Kulen Elephant Forest not only provides an insight into the amazing work being done here, but will allow you to spend some time observing the elephants at a distance. The support given to this initiative is vital, not only for the elephants’ wellbeing, but for the future success of other wildlife and environmental efforts in Cambodia. This afternoon will be free to relax at your hotel, or perhaps explore some of the other wonderful initiatives and organisations operating in and around Siem Reap.
Day 5 Kayak Adventures, Flooded Forest & Homestay
Day 5 Kayak Adventures, Flooded Forest & Homestay
Today you will learn more about life on the mighty Tonle Sap Lake, as you board your boat from Mechrey stilted village and set off on your watery adventure. After lunch you’ll then climb aboard kayaks, and set off through the magical flooded forest and floating villages of Prek Toal. Paddle to your homestay and explore the local village, where you can learn more about employment opportunities that have been created as a result of initiatives to support local handicraft trades. Here you can enjoy a wonderful dinner of traditional Khmer dishes, before returning to your host family and homestay for the night.
Day 6 Birding Paradise & Local Night Out
Day 6 Birding Paradise & Local Night Out
Rise early to catch the incredible spectacle at the core bird reserve of Prek Toal, home to approximately 200 species of bird and South East Asia's largest freshwater bird colony. After a quick breakfast and coffee you’ll head out on a local boat into the bird reserve, to observe the birds and wildlife at your leisure. Returning to Siem Reap late morning there will be time to relax before an early evening departure by tuk tuk, for a taste of local nightlife. In the company of your guide you’ll visit a local hotspot, where you can meet with families and young Cambodians and enjoy some great street food.
Day 7 Education & Temple Sunset Cruise
Day 7 Education & Temple Sunset Cruise
This morning you will meet with one of the incredibly passionate and motivated JWOC Scholarship students who attends University in Siem Reap. JWOC (Journeys Within Our Community) is a non-profit organisation working in Cambodia to empower low-income Cambodians to lead their communities, by providing educational and personal development opportunities. This is an excellent opportunity to get an insider perspective into the Cambodian education system and learn more about JWOC’s ethos. Follow this with a delicious lunch at Spoons, a fantastic restaurant which not only provides hospitality training to young Cambodians, but also offers some of the best food in town! Later this afternoon you will then head back to the temples for one last visit, before boarding a traditional long-tail boat and setting off on the waterway surrounding the ancient city. As you come to the perfect spot your guide will pour you a glass of chilled champagne, as you soak up the ever-changing colours of the Cambodian sunset and reflect on your week in the Kingdom of Wonder.
Day 8 Drive to Phnom Penh & Culinary Delights
Day 8 Drive to Phnom Penh & Culinary Delights
This morning you will set off south by road to the colourful capital of Phnom Penh. Set along the meandering Mekong River, the city unveils a tapestry of ornate pagodas, colonial-era architecture, and vibrant markets. The scent of street food mingles with the fragrance of blooming frangipani, and later this afternoon you will get the chance to explore the city's culinary delights as you navigate the labyrinth of backstreets by tuk tuk on a unique food tour.
Day 9 Killing Fields & City Highlights
Day 9 Killing Fields & City Highlights
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. You then continue on to the Choeung Ek Memorial, the site of one of the country’s many killing fields. This sobering visit offers an important insight into Cambodia’s tragic and very recent history. After lunch at Friends, a restaurant supporting at-risk street children, you will have the opportunity to explore some of the city's highlights, including the National Museum and the Royal Palace. This evening you can enjoy sundowners overlooking the riverside before sampling some delicious local dishes in one of our recommended restaurants.
Day 10 Phnom Penh - Phnom Tameo Wildlife Rescue Centre - Kep
Day 10 Phnom Penh - Phnom Tameo Wildlife Rescue Centre - Kep
After breakfast, you will continue south to the coast, stopping en route at the Phnom Tamao Wildlife Rescue Centre, located just outside Phnom Penh. Here you can enjoy a fun and fascinating behind-the-scenes tour at the world's biggest Sun bear sanctuary. Find out what it takes to care for over 130 rescued Sun bears and Moon bears at this unique rescue centre, as you help the team with their daily routine to support these beautiful animals. From here you will then be driven on to Kep, a wonderfully peaceful spot on the coast where the Royal family and dignitaries of the 60s would spend their holidays. Here you will check into the very special Knai Bang Chatt Hotel, one of Cambodia's most elegant and timeless properties. The hotel is dedicated to sustainability, having adopted eco-friendly practices such as waste reduction, energy efficiency, and water conservation, and is involved with a number of local initiatives and projects which you can learn more about during your stay.
Day 11 Day at Leisure
Day 11 Day at Leisure
Kep offers a wonderful array of activities, and today is free to explore at leisure, Discover nearby Kampot with its famous salt and pepper industries, or go in search of some of Kep's famous abandoned mansions. Jump on a boat and visit the nearby Rabbit Island, or take it a step further and visit the nearby Cham Fishing Village (via the local fish market) where you can board a local fishing boat and learn several traditional fishing techniques, in between the odd relaxing swim. For those looking to simply relax for the day, Knai Bang Chatt offers the most tranquil of settings, and be sure to pay a visit to the next door Sailing Club for some delicious sundowners and dinner, accompanied by only the very best of sunsets.
Day 12 Depart Phnom Penh
Day 12 Depart Phnom Penh
This morning you will be transferred back north to Phnom Penh airport in time to catch your onward flight.
SUGGESTED ACCOMMODATION
Knai Bang Chatt, Kep
Founded by two Belgians, who fell in love with Cambodia during a holiday in 2003, the 3 villas were transformed into Knai Bang Chatt, now a hidden hideaway. Located in the fishing village of Kep, right on the southern east coastline of Cambodia, the 11 rooms at Knai Bang Chatt offer guests privacy, serenity and exclusivity with breathtaking views of the sea and islands. All of the rooms are simply, but beautifully decorated with local antiques and a minimalist chic design. The impeccable service at this gorgeous little gem is given with love and a genuine smile. Enjoy an energising massage by a qualified Shiatsu therapist or take a dip in the refreshing salt water infinity pool which is carved from volcanic rock. Explore the sleepy town of Kep, visit the newly opened sailing club, enjoy boat trips to the nearby tropical islands and swim in the crystal blue waters.
Jaya House River Park, Siem Reap
Enjoying a tranquil setting along the banks of the Siem Reap River, Jaya House River Park is hidden amongst spacious gardens just a short distance from the town centre. By far one of our firm favourites in Cambodia, this property is an equal opportunity employer and one of our most philanthropic partners, having created a plastic-free property and strong dedication to local charities focused on supporting the environment, skill development and education. With two pools, a spa and the opportunity for all-day dining, its 36 beautifully-appointed rooms and suites offer up a choice of balconies or direct access to the pool and garden. Peacefully located away from the bustle of downtown Siem Reap, the hotel is decorated throughout with charming Khmer art-deco inspired touches, whilst its calming spa utilises the traditions of ancient Khmer and South-East Asian treatments. The hotel’s wonderful Trorkuon Restaurant also serves up a variety of local and classical western dishes that are healthy and vegan friendly. Make sure to grab one of their delicious cocktails up in the Sky Bar where you can enjoy stunning sunset views overlooking the river.
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Accommodation listed here is intended as a guide only, to give you a taste of what we can do. Our experts can tailor any aspect of this itinerary and accommodation to suit your budget and tastes.
GUIDELINE PRICE & WHAT'S INCLUDED
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WILD MILES
ACCOMMODATION
Wild Miles Club
When you book a trip with Wild Frontiers you are awarded points, which are based on the return distance from London to the arrival city of your trip. Points are awarded for all our holidays, including both our escorted group tours and tailor-made trips. When you accrue points, you will qualify for the following discounts on all future bookings:
| Blue | More than 10,000 points | 2.5% discount |
| Bronze | More than 30,000 points | 5% discount |
| Silver | More than 45,000 points | 7.5% discount |
| Gold | More than 60,000 points | 10% discount |
This itinerary is aimed to give you an idea of what we can offer. The price shown above is per person, based on two people travelling outside of peak periods. As this itinerary is only a suggestion and can be tailor-made to suit your interests and budget, your final price may differ.
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