You are Here: Home / Browse by Destination / South East Asia / Cambodia / Cambodia Unveiled
11 days

Cambodia Unveiled

Cambodia Unveiled

UNESCO World Heritage-listed Angkor Wat

Tuol Sleng Prison Museum

Phnom Penh's history

Foreign Correspondents’ Club of Phnom Penh

Angkor Thom's stone-carved human faces

Trip rating

  • Overview

    More than a land of temples, Cambodia is a fascinating study in opposites. From the serene ruins of Angkor to the Killing Fields, and the heady bustle of Phnom Penh to the unspoiled beaches of the south, the history and splendour of this intoxicating nation will be revealed.

     

     

    Why we love it

    • Spend two days wandering through the impressive ruins of Angkor – one day is on a guided tour so you find out all the little stories and history, while the other day is on your own with plenty of time for reflection
    • Laze around on the quiet beaches of Sihanoukville, and if you’re feeling a bit energetic try scuba diving and hiking in the nearby national park
    • Examine the brutal history of Cambodia at the Killing Fields of Choeung Ek and Tuol Sleng Prison Museum, although this is a tough day it’s an essential insight into the past

    Itinerary

    Day 1 - Siem Reap

    • On arrival in Siem Reap you'll be met by our Peregrine representative and transferred to your hotel. The hotel staff will let you know where and when to meet for the group briefing tonight. You'll meet your tour leader and fellow travellers at the briefing and find out all the details of what's ahead for the next 11 days. You can then head out for dinner in town together (cost not included).
    Steung Siem Reap Hotel or similar

    Day 2 - Siem Reap

    • It's a big day of temples as we head out to the Angkor complex and take a guided tour
    • On of the highlights for today will be Angkor Thom, the 'Great Royal City', which is famous for its series of colossal human faces carved in stone. The impressive Bayon temple is the centrepiece of all this.
    • Angkor Wat is another temple which will blow your mind. It's the largest and most complete structure and is the only temple in the complex with its entrance facing to the west (the others face east), the reason being that it was constructed as a funerary temple for King Suryavarman II and a westerly countenance was seen to represent a sunset.
    • Ta Prohm temple is an incredible sight, with large trees embedding themselves in the stone foundations of the structure, giving the impression of man's creation being reclaimed by the powerful forces of nature.
    • End this incredible day watching the sun set over the temples.
    Steung Siem Reap Hotel or similar
    Breakfast

    Day 3 - Siem Reap

    • We have another day to explore this memorable archaeological site.
    • Rise and shine bright and early this morning as we travel out to Banteay Srei, AKA the Citadel of Women, famous for its detailed and intricate stone carvings.
    • Back at the main temple complex, don't miss Preah Khan which contains a maze of vaulted corridors and is another complex that has been largely reclaimed by the jungle.
    • For lunch today we visit the very special Sala Bai Hotel School where underprivileged local youths learn skills which will enable them to find gainful employment in the hospitality industry. The students will prepare our a delicious feast for our lunch.
    Steung Siem Reap Hotel or similar
    Breakfast | Lunch

    Day 4 - Phnom Penh

    • We board our private bus and drive out of Siem Reap to the capital city of Cambodia, Phnom Penh. As you drive along you have the perfect opportunity to witness rural Cambodia and a way of life that many visitors don't take the time to see.
    • Along the way we can stop at the town of Skuon, where the locals are known for their love of eating spiders! We also follow the Tonle Sap River, passing through farming communities. The source of the Tônlé Sap River is the shallow Tonle Sap Lake, the largest of South East Asia’s freshwater lakes. Numerous streams feed it and it then drains into the Mekong River just south of Phnom Penh. During the wet monsoon season of June to November, the high waters of the Mekong River reverse the flow of the Tonle Sap River and increase the size of the lake from about 2600 to 10,400 square kilometres, as the river flows back into the lake. As it begins to recede again, the lake’s huge stocks of fish are easily trapped in nets and bamboo traps or simply caught in the branches of trees.
    • You'll notice a change of pace as you arrive in Cambodia's capital. A relaxing drink at the Foreign Correspondents’ Club is a great way to start your evening!
    Ohana Palace Hotel or similar
    Breakfast | Lunch

    Day 5 - Phnom Penh

    • Get your bearings in Phnom Penh on a guided tour of this city that lies in a gorgeous riverside setting near the confluence of the Mekong and the Tonle Sap Rivers.
    • Our tour includes a visit to the dazzling Silver Pagoda within the Royal Palace and is made up of 5000 silver floor tiles. This is the most sacred temple in the country and was spared from destruction by the Khmer Rouge.
    • The bloody rule of the Khmer Rouge is a painful, but unavoidable, part of Cambodia's recent history and visits to the Tuol Sleng Prison Museum and the Killing Fields of Choeung Ek tell the story of this tragic legacy. (Note: These sites are a major part of sightseeing in Phnom Penh, however, if you do not wish to visit either of them, please inform your tour leader.)
    Ohana Palace Hotel or similar
    Breakfast

    Day 6 - Kampot

    • This morning we drive south through the town of Takeo towards Kampot, one of Cambodia's most attractive old towns. On the way we stop at Phnom Chisor mountain temple set on a hill with a magnificent view. The temple was built in the 11th century by King Suryavarman I. It is made of laterite, bricks and carved sandstone. Explore the temple and admire the views before returning to the bottom.
    • After we settle into our hotel in Kampot the afternoon is free for you to explore on your own. You can stroll along the riverside and take in the grandeur of the French colonial architecture or have a cup of coffee on the veranda of one of the riverside restaurants overlooking the Bokor Mountain Range.
    • If you're up for a bit of indulgence, a massage at Seeing Hands Massage is the perfect way to relax. Plus your massage supports a massage training centre for blind Cambodians so it's a win-win bit of indulgence for all!
    Breakfast

    Day 7 - Kampot

    • It's time to explore the countryside! Visit the Kampot Pepper Project and learn why Kampot pepper has been acknowledged by international chefs to be the world’s best. Also visit the Kampot salt field – the only salt field in Cambodia.
    • We can stretch our legs on a short walk through the rice fields and climb to enjoy the lovely outlook over the surrounding countryside. A few steps further and we enter the mouth of Phnom Chhnork limestone cave which has a small 7th century brick temple inside.
    • Next stop is the beachside retreat of Kep where we enjoy a feast overlooking the Bay for lunch. The town used to be Cambodia's most popular and prestigious beach town from the early 1900's until the 1960's. During the Khmer Rouge years many of Kep's mansions and villas were destroyed but the ghostly remains of many still stand as a silent reminder.
    Breakfast | Lunch

    Day 8 - Sihanoukville

    • On our way to Sihanoukville we take a side road up the Bokor Mountain range. Bokor Mountain was a former summer escape for French colonials and later a stronghold for Khmer Rouge soldiers. Today a new resort has recently been reopened on the site but it's still possible to take in a wonderful view of virgin rainforest and beyond to the southern coast of Cambodia.
    • We continue on the road to Sihanoukville - Cambodia’s leading beach resort - named in honor of the former King of Cambodia (and father of the current king).
    • Our hotel is located only a short walk from Ochheuteal Beach – considered to be the best beach in Sihanoukville with numerous beachside bars and restaurants and a lively atmosphere.
    Breakfast

    Day 9 - Sihanoukville

    • Spend the day relaxing in this beachside paradise! Go for a swim, try a Khmer beach massage and sip cocktails as the sun sets - it's going to be tough!
    • If you're up for something a bit more active you can take a boat trip out to some of the islands for snorkelling and fishing.
    • For those who like to don an apron, you can learn some new culinary skills and join a half-day traditional Khmer cooking class.
    • Those with energy to burn can rent bicycles to explore the more deserted Sihanoukville beaches and countryside.
    Breakfast

    Day 10 - Phnom Penh

    • Farewell the beach as we drive back to Phnom Penh with plenty of time to further explore on your own in the afternoon.
    • Take in more of Phnom Penh's sites on a cyclo (bicycle rickshaw) tour. Your tour could include visits to the Central Market, US Embassy, Wat Phnom, Mekong River front, Independence Monument, and the National Museum.
    • If you're in the mood for shopping, stop in at the art deco-designed Central Market or travel out to the Russian Market for the best range of local souvenirs.
    • Alternatively you can visit the National Museum - housed in a beautiful traditional building, it contains many outstanding examples of Khmer craftsmanship.
    • An ideal way to spend your last evening in Cambodia is to relax with your new friends in a cafe by the riverfront.
    Ohana Palace Hotel or similar
    Breakfast

    Day 11 - Phnom Penh

    • Bid farewell to your group when your trip finishes this morning after breakfast. Additional accommodation and an airport transfer is available upon request.
    Breakfast
    Download detailed trip notes

  • Details

    What to Know

    What's Included

    • Peregrine tour leader, local guides, arrival transfer, transport, sightseeing and entrance fees.

    Not Included

    • International flights, international and domestic departure taxes, visas, insurance, other meals, any optional tours and activities during free time, tips and items of a personal nature.

  • Map

    Map Itinerary

  • Reviews

    Past Travellers' Ratings & Comments

    There’s no feedback available on this trip yet. If you’ve been on this trip and would like to contribute a review, rating or simply make a comment then please get in touch.

    •  

  • Stories

    From our Blog

    Amok in Cambodia

    by erin.aldersea on 15 Feb 2012

    Add something new to your recipe repertoire with this mouth watering Cambodian dish.

    Cambodian food shares much in common with its neighbour Thailand, and draws its influences from the cuisines of China and France. Amok is a very popular Cambodian dish, made traditionally with fish and the...

    Read on...

    All your South East Asia questions answered - with expert Stu Lyall

    by kellie.bright on 30 Aug 2011

    We recently held another successful Facebook Q&A session. This time the topic was South East Asia, with our resident expert, Stuart Lyall. 

    Keep an eye out for future Q&A sessions on other destinations by liking us on Facebook, and have your questions handy. Or perhaps you could...

    Read on...

    Remote villages along the Mekong Delta

    by kellie.bright on 11 Jul 2011

    Feel the beating heart of Southeast Asia, as you cruise down the Mekong River. It's the contrasts you will notice first - the seemingly rural but heavily populated villages, the hectic pace but the relaxed lifestyle. Your hands will be sore from waving at locals as they run to the river bank,...

    Read on...

    G&Ts and blind massages: 6 days, 6 reasons to mini-break in Cambodia

    by Rob Forsyth on 11 Apr 2011

    Angkor Wat is reason enough to go to Cambodia. South East Asia's greatest manmade sight is one of those landmarks that you lose yourself in, where hours pass in a flash as you explore and relax amidst the exquisite jungle-clad temples. But we’re getting beyond the country’s big draw...

    Read on...

    An Epic Asian Journey

    by Peregrine e-news editor on 7 Jul 2010

    From bustling Bangkok, to the Shanghai metropolis, this epic Asian journey is a great way to discover the highlights of Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam and China in one 30-day tour.

    The variety of countries visited means that you will experience a range of delightful cuisines along the way....

    Read on...
From US $1595.00
*Per Person, Twin Share

Select a trip date below

Trip Start Dates
Trip Duration
Guaranteed Departure Start Date
Trip Selected:
Price: US $
Start:
End:
Discount price: US $

*Please note: To receive the discounted price for this departure, please enter the Promo Code at Step 4 of the booking form.

No Code available
View all departures

Trip at a glance

Trip Code PACU
Group size 6 - 15
Start City: Siem Reap
End City: Phnom Penh , Cambodia

Contact an expert

800 387 7902We'll call you

Simply enter your details and we'll call you back within the next business day.

Request a Brochure