Escorted Tours of Cambodia
Cambodia has something for everyone. History buffs, adventurers, animal lovers, photo snappers, city explorers and those who simply want to unwind in luxury, can enjoy this amazing nation.
The remains of the Khmer empire and many temples like Angkor Wat will leave you mesmerised. You’ll enjoy an overload of senses in manic yet stylish cities’ Phnom Penh and Siem Riep. And there’s vast swathes of tranquil countryside, rolling hills, tropical wilderness and glittering lakes and rivers.
But the best thing about Cambodia is it’s soul, and it’s people. Despite years of hell, war and political instability, they are incredibly welcoming and always wear a smile.
We know a trip to Southeast Asia can be a once-in-a-lifetime trip, and you’ll be missing out if you don’t explore its other great nations while you’re there. For that reason we’d recommend a multi-centre escorted tour combining your trip with Vietnam, Thailand or Laos. That way, a reputable tour guide and local experts can show you the greatest treasures the region has to offer.
Top Holidays
Best Places to Stay
Battambang
This Northwestern city is the creative heart of Cambodia. It produces the nation’s best-loved singers, actors and artists, and its people are kind and welcoming. A visit will also provide you with easy access to beautiful countryside - think hilltop temples, tiny villages and a scenic trip on the famous Norry (Bamboo train), starting in O Dambong ll.
Phnom Penh
Chaotic but charming, Phnom Penh, is the picture-perfect asian city. Set on the banks of the mighty Mekong River, Cambodia’s capital is an intriguing mix of dwindling colonial extravagance, Buddhist traditions and the ultra-modern aspects. Relive its past with visits to the gleaming Royal Palace, fascinating National Museum and harrowing Tuol Sleng Museum. And lap up it’s present - enjoy the high quality wining and dining with a view, that the city’s now equally famous for.
Siem Riep
This temple capital is the gateway to Angkor and a group of the country's most popular and jaw-dropping religious sites. But if you think that’s all Siem Riep has to offer, think again, as the city has reinvented itself as the centre of elegant Cambodia. With ample shopping facilities, glorious spas, sumptuous cuisine and a thriving cultural scene, you’ll regret not stopping by a bit longer…
Sihanoukville
This is the place to stay if you’re after easy access to Cambodia’s white-sand beaches and southern islands. Nearby Otres Beach is a quiet, peaceful strip of beaches, with fishing, kayaking, watersports, horse-riding and sunbathing all on the menu. There are a number of swish boutique resorts in this area, where you can benefit from a more mellow scene compared to some of the more party-centric beaches in the area.
Things to do
EXPLORE THE TEMPLES OF ANGKOR
There’s a reason this leg of the itinerary, alone, leaves so many tourists with no option but to visit Cambodia. Start with 13th century city, Angkor Thom, and admire five monumental gates, a 300-foot wide moat and the four vast stone heads of the Bayon - the most distinguished citadel of the Khmer Empire.
For the most perfect sunset photo you could possibly imagine, end the day at the world’s largest religious site, Angkor Wat. A glimpse of its five great towers against a rose-red glow is a site that simply, is only rivalled by a handful of other places on earth.
TAKE A BOAT ON TONLE SAP LAKE
Southeast Asia’s largest freshwater lake is surrounded by five provinces and roughly three million people - a large number of whom earn their living from agriculture and catching fish. There’s massive biodiversity here - 100 plus water birds, over 300 species of freshwater fish and plenty of snakes, crocodiles, tortoises, turtles and otters.
A trip down the river is a spectacle, with the regular floating villages, towering stilted houses and fish traps a symbolic reminder of how deeply interwoven locals’ daily lives are with the lake.
VISIT THE ROYAL PALACE
This striking, glistening, river-side structure is certainly fit for a king, and well-worth a visit. The official residence of King Norodom Sihamoni comes with a number of surrounding buildings which tourists can visit, including the grand Throne Hall. A fun time to experience the place is on a Sunday, among the crowds of countryside Khmers who come to pay their respects.
GO BACK IN TIME AT THE TUOL SLENG GENOCIDE MUSEUM
It’s no doubt that a trip here can be difficult, but important if you are to understand the full scale of problems this incredible nation has had to overcome. In 1975, Tuol Svay Prey High School was taken over by Pol Pot’s security forces and turned into the largest detention centre for torture in Cambodia, Security Prison 21.
Now sits a museum spotlighting the crimes of the Khmer Rouge, including many rooms of pictures from the period. Two survivors, still alive to this day, can often be seen at the museum providing their first-hand accounts of the horrific atrocities.
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Close to a number of more famous buildings in the Siem Reap province, Ta Prohm is also a must-have on any temple checklist. It’s natural, unrestored state brings a sense of history, while the giant tropical tree bursting through the ruins is another golden photo opportunity.
Nestled on the left side of the Sangkae River, not far from Battambang, you’ll find Wat Ek Phnom. This 11th century Hindu temple is as old as Angkor Wat and brings its own unique charm.
Cambodia is a wildlife lover’s dream. The Phnom Tamao Wildlife Centre is a wonderful sanctuary not far from the capital, home to elephants, lions, tigers, deer, pythons, bears and birds. They were taken from abusive owners or poachers, and receive care and shelter before being released back into the wild where possible.
A visit to Prek Toal, on the Tonle Sap lake, is also worthwhile if you’re interested in seeing a large number of rare bird breeds including the greater adjutant storks and the spot-billed pelican.
This is a great stop to learn about the Khmer civilisation and Angkor itself. Displays are themed by era, religion and royalty, with a number of impressive galleries such as the Gallery of a Thousand Buddhas. Other exhibits include areas dedicated to pre-Angkorian periods and the great Khmer kings.
Predecessor to modern Cambodia, the Khmer or Angkor empire was a Buddhist-Hindu empire that ruled around half of Southeast Asia for almost 600 years.
Pol Pot’s occupation began in 1975. City dwellers were forced to the countryside to become agricultural workers and religion and basic freedoms were banned. Money became worthless and the term ‘Year Zero’ was coined by the Khmer Rouge thereafter.
Around 20,000 men, women, children and infants who’d been detained and tortured at S-21 were transported to the extermination camp of Choeung Ek, in Phnom Penh. Today it is a peaceful place where visitors can learn about this horrendous period in history.
Cambodia became a protectorate of France in 1863, lasting 90 years until 1953. The last 15 years of this rule included a four-year occupation from Japan during World War ll and communist guerrilla uprisings against the French in 1946.