Discover Cambodia Tour

15-days travel in Cambodia focused on cultural insight and experiences, NGO visits and volunteering

Cambodia’s spirit is embodied in the stunning, ancient temples of the Angkor Empire, a civilisation which once presided over most of present day Southeast Asia. People are wonderful, the rural landscapes are gorgeous and its cities are Asia at its bustling best. Cambodia is a fascinating and safe country to visit, and travelling here with us will be a pivotal and heart-warming experience.

30 years of war, and cultural genocide during the Khmer Rouge regime had a devastating effect on the country, particularly on the education system. BOOKS FOR CAMBODIA charitable trust is helping to change that and we are inviting you to join us for a very special experience of this wonderful country.

Discover Cambodia Tour Highlights

• Participating in a Books for Cambodia initiative
• Markets and museums of Phnom Penh
• NGO visits looking at education, health and vocational training
• The relaxing coastal town of Kampot
• Insight into rural life, home-staying with a wonderful Cambodian family
• Architecture and ambience of Battambang
• Floating village homestay and boat trip in Prek Toal Biosphere bird sanctuary
• Incredible temples of Angkor Wat
• Very personalized small group experience
• Escorted by fantastic tour leader/s supported by local guides

“We were first time travelers looking for an ‘off the beaten track’ type trip with a bit of adventure. We certainly had this. We enjoyed the company of a great group of fellow travelers. The attention to detail by Pacific Discovery and the tour leaders was exceptional.” Mary-Anne and Trevor Stretton

Discover Cambodia Tour Itinerary at a Glance

Day 1 Arrive Phnom Penh, sightseeing
Day 2 Phnom Penh visits
Day 3 Drive to Kampot
Day 4 Kampot volunteering
Day 5 Boat trip to Koh Tonsay, drive to Takeo, rural homestay
Day 6 Homestay, school and NGO visits
Day 7 Homestay, school and NGO visits
Day 8 Homestay, school and NGO visits
Day 9 Drive to Battambang
Day 10 Battambang sightseeing
Day 11 Boat trip to Prek Toal, floating village homestay
Day 12 Boat trip to Siem Reap, Angkor Wat
Day 13 Explore Angkor temples
Day 14 Explore temples and NGO visits
Day 15 Farewell Cambodia, depart Siem Reap

Discover Cambodia Tour Itinerary

15-days travel in Cambodia focused on cultural insight and experiences, NGO visits and volunteering

BLD = Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner included

Day 1. Phnom Penh

Usually a mid-morning arrival in Phnom Penh. You will be met on arrival and will transfer to our guesthouse near the riverside, a short walk from the Royal Palace and the banks of the mighty Tonle Sap – the river that flows backwards. After an introductory briefing, we’ll visit Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, the Royal Palace, and enjoy a welcome dinner at Friends Restaurant, a vocational training NGO supporting some of Phnom Penh's 20,000 street kids.
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Day 2. Phnom Penh

Exploring Cambodia’s historical and cultural landscape, we start with an early morning visit to the Killing Fields. On the outskirts of Phnom Penh, the Killing Fields were used as a mass grave during the Khmer Rouge era. Many of the graves have been left untouched, a memorial has been erected and today, they are surprisingly peaceful. We return to the city and lunch at Lotus Blanc, an inspiring NGO that provides vocational training and support for young people from the Stung Meanchey dump community. We then take a short visit to the dump and an orphanage on its outskirts, to gain some insight into life in these marginalised communities. Lightening up this afternoon, we visit the Russian Market and enjoy a Seeing Hands Massage.
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Day 3. Kampot

Free time this morning gives us the chance to wander along the riverfront or explore nearby sights and markets – there are wonderful textiles and crafts on offer. After an early lunch we depart Phnom Penh and drive (4 hrs) by private van to Kampot, a quiet and beguiling provincial capital on the south coast, famed for its black pepper and colonial architecture. After settling into our hotel, we’ll have time for a stroll and drink on the riverfront, before visiting a local school to speak English with their students and assist with their language development.
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Day 4. Kampot volunteer day

Today will be a challenging and rewarding day of hands-on work with Sahmakum Teang Tnaut (STT), an NGO that assists poor communities to improve their housing and living conditions. The morning and early afternoon will be spent working with STT and a marginalised community in poverty, to build a simple home for a community member – often a solo mother or widow. We return to Kampot for an early dinner before watching a performance from children at the Kampot Traditional Music and Dance School.
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Day 5. Koh Tonsay and Takeo

We drive from Kampot to Kep (20 mins), and boat out to Koh Tonsay, an island in the South China Sea, to experience life on this small island. After a seafood lunch, swim and walk on the beach, we return to the mainland, and drive (2 hrs) to Takeo for a rural homestay with a wonderful Cambodian family, who work in education.
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Day 6-8. Rural homestay and education

We have three full days with our homestay family and community, and will spend time in local high schools assisting with English language, and working on a project initiated by the school community and Books for Cambodia. There will also be time to visit an interesting local market, the family's pagoda, and learn about rice production and Khmer cooking.
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Day 9-10. Battambang

Farewell our wonderful hosts and drive (5 hrs) to Battambang, a riverside town in Eastern Cambodia with some of the best preserved French-era architecture. We have a full day in Battambang to explore this lovely city, and the surrounding countryside.
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Days 11-12. Ton Le Sap Biosphere

Departing Battambang, we embark on Cambodia's most spectacular boat journey, navigating narrow waterways and marshland, to arrive in the floating village of Prek Kanteal, in the heart of the Prek Toal Biosphere Reserve, a bird sanctuary. We homestay in the very simple homes of families in the village. This provides a unique insight into the lives of people living on the lake. At sunrise the next day we boat into Prek Toal Core Area to observe some of Southeast Asia's rarest birdlife. The nesting area in a flooded forest is spectacular in itself. Continuing by boat we arrive in Siem Reap for a late lunch followed by sunset at Angkor Wat.
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Day 13-14. Siem Reap & the Temples of Angkor

From vibrant Siem Reap we explore the impressive remnants of the Angkor Empire, renowned for their superb temples and monuments. They are a UNESCO World Heritage site, the largest temple ruins on earth, and truly awe inspiring. See the restoration of some temples, and the disintegration of others, as the jungle reclaims them. The temples are best explored at dawn and dusk. In between, we'll be visiting the Landmine Museum, Artisans D'Angkor (silk weaving NGO), and the Angkor Children's Hospital.
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Day 15. Farewell Cambodia

There will be time for a final sunrise at Angkor Wat for anyone who is keen, before most depart Siem Reap on the midday flight. Undoubtedly Cambodia will have left an indelible impression and we hope you will treasure your experiences and continue to nurture friendships made with the people and place.
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Discover Cambodia Tour Notes

15-days travel in Cambodia focused on cultural insight and experiences, NGO visits and volunteering

Suitability

This tour is suitable for anyone who is moderately active - we’ve had 10-80 year olds join us on our itineraries. Southeast Asian towns and cities are often best explored on foot and bicycle however, motos, cyclos, and taxis are available for the less active.

Accommodation

Our accommodation is diverse, comfortable and carefully chosen to enhance our experience. On this itinerary we enjoy: 8 nights in locally owned character hotels and guesthouses with private bathroom/ensuite and air conditioning; 5 nights in simple homestays with shared facilities.

Meals

Food is a highlight when traveling in Asia and throughout there will be the opportunity to eat authentic Khmer or Western style food. Special dietary requirements are catered for. Asian style eating is often a communal affair, and allows for a far greater variety of dishes to be sampled - it’s also more fun. Most meals are included as indicated in the itinerary but we do have some independent meals enabling a choice of where, when and what you eat.

Transport

The itinerary has been designed to maximise comfort and safety whilst also giving you the opportunity to experience local transport and take part in daily life. We utilise private vans, taxis, boats, and tuk-tuks.

Tour Cost

Tour cost is NZ$3750, US$2600

Tour inclusions

› All tour related travel and transport from tour start to finish
› All accommodation*
› Most meals as indicated in the itinerary
› All excursions, activities and entry fees as described in the itinerary
› NZ$500 donation to Books for Cambodia initiatives and projects
› Escorted by a Pacific Discovery tour leader and the services of English-speaking local guides
› Online image library for your tour
›› Refer information booklet for international flight options and exclusions
*Twin or double share basis. Single supplement available for additional $180 USD (change currency)