Cambodia Family Tour
Private, single family tour combining Phnom Penh's vibrant street-life with the spectacular ruined cities of Angkor and a unique Sangkar River boat journey before finishing on tropical Koh Rong island
Ruined Cities, Tropical Islands
Cambodia family tour
Ruined Cities, Tropical Islands: an exciting and highly varied 2-week Cambodia family tour. Exploring mysterious ruined cities enveloped by steamy jungle, travelling by boat up a remote and picturesque river past unique floating villages, visiting a forest elephant sanctuary, lazing on the beautiful, unspoilt beaches of a tropical island and snorkelling on vibrant coral reefs ought to keep the whole family amazed, entertained and engrossed.
Beginning in the chaotic but fascinating and great fun Khmer capital Phnom Penh we’ll discover local markets, historical sites and vibrant street life before travelling overland through Cambodia’s timeless landscapes to Siem Reap and Angkor. A 2-day Angkor programme provides ample time to explore the exotic jungle-clad ruins at a leisurely pace, as well as opportunities to check out markets, handicrafts and of course ‘R and R’ time by the pool plus a visit to Apopo’s famous mine-detecting, giant rats.
From Angkor, we head by private boat up the spectacular Sangkar River past its unique floating villages and timeless river scenes to Battambang for a fascinating bicycle or tuk-tuk tour of the traditional livelihoods and cottage industries of surrounding villages as well, of course, taking a ride on Battambang’s famous Bamboo Train.
From here we complete our loop with a return to Phnom Penh followed by a transfer to Sihanoukville and speedboat to unspoilt Koh Rong Island.
Some amazing sights and exotic scenes – culture shock and great fun guaranteed – with plenty of friendly locals and tasty food, plus masses of culture, history and geography to inspire all members of the family.
Note, this Cambodia family tour is a private tour – for a minimum of 4 persons – so dates can be arranged to suit you, while any activities included can be tailored to suit your family’s age group and requirements.
Includes: Meals: B x 12, L x 2, D x 2
Itinerary
Here's an idea of what you can expect to do and see day-to-day.
Day 1 - Phnom Penh - arrival and an introductory walking tour
Arrival in Phnom Penh and check in to a small, boutique-style downtown hotel. Time to relax before an introductory walking and tuk-tuk tour, taking in the historic French Quarter and the lively waterfront area as well as giving you a feel for the bustling street life before perhaps sundowners at a riverside cafe and a local-style welcome dinner.
Overnight: Phnom Penh Transport: Walk, Tuk Tuk, Meals: D,
Day 2 - Phnom Penh - city tour
Comprehensive day tour of some of the sites of Cambodia’s fascinating capital city: the infamous Killing Fields site and highly moving Khmer Rouge Genocide Museum at Tuol Sleng help to explain the country’s recent tragic history, the picturesque Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda provide plenty of photo opp’s while the Russian Market offers some ‘retail therapy’. (Note the city tour can be tailored depending on the age of your kids.)
Overnight: Phnom Penh Transport: Minibus, Walk, Meals: B,
Day 3 - Phnom Penh to Siem Reap - up country
Overland through Cambodia’s scenic countryside to the provincial town of Siem Reap – our base for the next few days’ exploration of the nearby Angkor Temples. Stops on the way at a rarely visited 11th-century temple and lunch by a scenic lake. An atmospheric dusk visit to Banteay Kdei Temple completes our day.
Overnight: Siem Reap Transport: Minibus, Walk, Meals: B,
Day 4 - Siem Reap - Angkor tour
Angkor – an unforgettable tour of this fabulous site with its vast jungle-clad temples and mysterious stone carvings. We’ll begin with dawn at Angkor Wat followed by a morning tour of the temple itself. A return to Siem Reap to escape the midday heat and lunch, siesta or relaxation time is followed by an afternoon walking tour of Angkor Thom: Leper King Terrace, Phimeanakas, Elephant Terrace, Baphuon and last but not least, (we’ll wait until the crowds have gone!), the dramatic Bayon Temple with its famous carved faces.
Overnight: Siem Reap Transport: Minibus, Walk, Meals: B,
Day 5 - Jungle temples and cooking class
Morning visit to the atmospheric temples of Preah Khan and Ta Prohm with their mysterious carvings, enormous roots and screeching parakeets. After a break in Siem Reap Town, the afternoon continues with a visit to a local farm and village with an opportunity to discover some of the traditional handicrafts and village life as well as participating in a Khmer cookery lesson as you cook your own local style dinner.
Overnight: Siem Reap Transport: Minibus, Walk, Meals: B, D,
Day 6 - An elephant sanctuary and giant mine-detecting rats
Morning visit to the Kulen Elephant Forest – a nearby sanctuary established for the elephants who were formerly used to give rides to visitors to Angkor. You’ll spend the morning learning about the magnificent creatures and accompanying them as they walk through the surrounding forest. Return to Siem Reap with an afternoon at leisure to relax by the pool while for the more active, options include a visit to Apopo’s astonishing mine-detecting, giant African rats or even the spectacular Phare Ponleu Selpak ‘circus’ – established to teach dance, music and acrobatics to underprivileged local kids.
Overnight: Siem Reap Transport: Minibus, Meals: B,
Day 7 - Siem Reap to Battambang - a spectacular river journey
Spectacular boat journey across the Tonle Sap Lake, past the ‘flooded forest’ and Prek Toal Bird Sanctuary and on up the Sangkar River with its floating and stilt-house fishing villages to the town of Battambang. Stop off on the way to visit the Prek Toal community water hyacinth weaving project and floating villages.
Overnight: Battambang Transport: Boat, Tuk Tuk, Meals: B, L,
Day 8 - Battambang - cottage industries and village tour
Head out to the surrounding villages to check out the area’s traditional cottage industries and handicrafts, either by bicycle or tuk-tuk for the less energetic. Some time at leisure – explore the friendly provincial town or chill out by the pool.
Overnight: Battambang Transport: Bike, Tuk Tuk, Meals: B,
Day 9 - The Bamboo Railway and return to Phnom Penh
After an early morning trip along the famous Battambang bamboo railway, it’s time to complete our loop – with a stop at the rarely visited, lakeside, 8th-century temple Prasat Kampong Preah – to Phnom Penh where a local-style farewell dinner awaits us.
Overnight: Phnom Penh Transport: Minibus, Train, Meals: B,
Day 11 - Koh Rong - at leisure on the island
At leisure on Koh Rong. Apart from spa and pool time or sitting on the beach with a cocktail in your hand and feet in the sand, options include exploring the island interior, hikes to other bays or discovering the undersea flora and fauna on snorkelling or diving trips.
Overnight: Koh Rong Transport: Boat, Walk, Meals: B,
Day 13 - Koh Rong - morning at leisure and return to Phnom Penh
Airport transfers are included if you purchase the 'with flights' package. If you purchased your own flights, airport transfers can be arranged.
Extra accommodation prior to your tour in Phnom Penh is available on request.
This tour is fully escorted except for the island stay on days 9 to 12
Overnight: Departure Transport: Minibus, Meals: B,
Details
Further details, background info and answers to your burning questions.
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Highlights
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Map
Departures
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Hotels
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Visa Info & Notes
Just a few of the many highlights
Bustling, hectic but great fun Phnom Penh; jungle-clad ruined cities and mysterious carved temples, remote floating villages on the Sangkar River and a stay on a stunning tropical island
- High and low season itinerary versions to optimise weather conditions at any time of the year
- Explore the jungle clad ruined cities of Angkor - certainly one of Asia's most evocative and exotic destinations
- Overland through the scenic and timeless Cambodia countryside: ox carts, stilt villages, emerald paddy-fields and serene landscapes
- Stay at a well-appointed beach-side resort on the unspoilt Thai tropical island of Koh Mak
- Journey by boat up the Sangkar River - floating villages, bird-life, unique scenery; 'like being on a Nat Geo programme'!
- Meet the exceptionally friendly and welcoming local people...and sample the sumptuous and varied local cuisine
Air Departures (UK) *From
Land Departures
Guaranteed Places Left Special Price Contact Us Closed
*As fares are fluctuating wildly at present all ‘with flight’ prices are approximate.
*Air departures are from the UK. Land departures start from Phnom Penh.
*Land departure dates correspond to the FIRST day of the itinerary.
We choose our hotels based on a combination of location, comfort and convenience. Here is a *selection of the types of hotel/rooms you can expect to stay at on this tour...
Patio Hotel and Urban Resort view
- Convenient central location nearby shops, cafes, restaurants
- Comfortable, well-appointed and well-decorated
- Spectacular rooftop infinity pool
Pierre Hotel Siem Reap view
- Great riverside location close to the town centre
- In-house pool, bar, coffee shop and restaurant
- Low-key, friendly staff and atmosphere
Moloppor Villa Battambang view
- Lush garden setting with good-sized pool
- Particularly friendly service at the in-house bar/restaurant
- Well-appointed, comfortable rooms
Long Set Resort, Koh Rong view
- Well appointed resort with pool, restaurant and bar
- Low-key friendly resort with beach side location
- Unspoilt white sand beach and clear waters
*This list should be considered a guide only, hotels/rooms may change (without notice) depending on availability.
Visa Info & Notes
Visas – Cambodia: For the majority of nationalities a visa on arrival is issued at international airports. Visa fees and conditions are subject to change but are usually $30 payable in cash in $US although certain land crossings may cost a few extra dollars in random ‘service fees’. A passport photo is required. Tourist visas are issued for 30 days from date of entry into Cambodia.
E-visas (thus cutting down on queuing time at the airport) are now available for many nationalities at this Cambodia e-visa page and cost $30 with a stated processing time of 3 working days. These are accepted at international airports.
You are also required to complete an online e-arrival form within 7 days prior to your arrival.
Your passport should be valid for a minimum period of 6 months from the date of entry into Cambodia. You may be refused entry if your passport is damaged, in poor condition or does not have at least 2 blank pages remaining.
Your entry and departure point for Cambodia is Techo International Airport, (Phnom Penh).
Meals: Khmer cuisine shows both Thai and Vietnamese influences though with plenty of unique dishes too.
Dishes are only mildly spicy and both vegetarians and vegans are very easily catered for. For any other likes and dislikes please remind your tour leader at the start of the tour.
Accommodation: All choices fall into the comfortable, boutique-style 3* range and are en-suite and air-conditioned with pools. We have posted a selection of sample accommodation on the left-hand hotel tab but please note that as we try and avoid the larger hotels, availability, in high season particularly, means we use several options in each destination.
Activities: Note that no activities are compulsory and that any offered can be tailored for various fitness levels or alternatives suggested.
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