Cambodia budget holiday, ancient Angkor Wat
| country: | Cambodia |
| location: | Angkor Wat |
| departures: | Departs Wednesdays and Sundays throughout the year, up to 8 departures a month |
| price: | From £230 (6 days) excluding flights. Local payment US $50. We can arrange flights from the UK |
read 5 travellers reviews
the amazing things you'll be doing
There are few great archaeological monuments in the world that can match Angkor for it's ancient splendour. Founded in the 9th Century, it became the country's capital under King Yasorvarman 1. By the 13th Century Angkor covered a vast area and was one of the world's largest cities.
Our 'Angkor Wat' trip gives you two whole days to explore these magnificent temples with a touch of adventure thrown in on the way. Our tour begins in the Cambodian capital, Phnom Penh where we spend the day exploring this re-emerging city and the infamous 'killing fields of Choeung Ek. We then continue by 'fastboat' across South East Asia's largest freshwater lake to the central Cambodian town of Siem Reap and the temples of Angkor.
This operator gives clients the option of offsetting carbon emissions on all of its holidays. In conjunction with Climate Friendly we have established an appropriate cash amount for each of our holidays, based on the type of transportation used and the distances travelled. This amount is donated to Climate Friendly and used to support new renewable energy projects that prevent greenhouse gases from entering our atmosphere. The amount required to offset this holiday is £1 - this does not include your international flight.
Our 'Angkor Wat' trip gives you two whole days to explore these magnificent temples with a touch of adventure thrown in on the way. Our tour begins in the Cambodian capital, Phnom Penh where we spend the day exploring this re-emerging city and the infamous 'killing fields of Choeung Ek. We then continue by 'fastboat' across South East Asia's largest freshwater lake to the central Cambodian town of Siem Reap and the temples of Angkor.
This operator gives clients the option of offsetting carbon emissions on all of its holidays. In conjunction with Climate Friendly we have established an appropriate cash amount for each of our holidays, based on the type of transportation used and the distances travelled. This amount is donated to Climate Friendly and used to support new renewable energy projects that prevent greenhouse gases from entering our atmosphere. The amount required to offset this holiday is £1 - this does not include your international flight.
day-by-day itinerary
| Day 1: | Phnom Penh There are no planned activities on this day so feel free to arrive at any time. |
| Day 2: | Phnom Penh We have free time in the morning to visit some of Phnom Penh's most important sights such as the Royal Palace, the sacred Silver Pagoda and the temple of Wat Phnom. After lunch we visit Tuol Sleng Prison museum and the infamous 'killing fields' of Choeung Ek, both gruesome reminders of the terrifying rule of Khmer Rouge leader, Pol Pot. |
| Day 3: | Siem Reap We travel to Siem Reap by private bus. We follow the Tônlé Sap River, passing through fishing villages where the Tônlé Sap River becomes South East Asia's largest fresh water lake, the Tônlé Sap Lake. We'll explore some of the Vietnamese fishing villages by boat on the lake before transferring by road to Siem Reap. In the evening we drive out to Angkor Wat to watch the sunset. |
| Day 4: | Angkor Awe-inspiring Angkor is impossible to capture in a few words. Before cutting loose on our own, our local guide will take us on an in-depth tour of the various temple complexes, visiting the South Gate of Angkor Thom, Bayon, Elephant Terrace, Baphoun, the Royal Enclosure, Phimeanakas, Terrace of the Leper King and, as the climax to the tour, the fabulous Angkor Wat. |
| Day 5: | Siem Reap We knew you'd want more so we've included another day in Siem Reap. You can return to Angkor on your own or perhaps visit the rose coloured Banteay Srei Temple, regarded as one of Cambodia's best preserved. Siem Reap itself is also worth a look and is easily explored on foot. |
| Day 6: | Siem Reap Our tour ends this morning. We can arrange additional accomodation if you would like to stay on in Siem Reap. |
travellers' tales
Specific evidence of the benefits to local people was more apparent in Cambodia especially as we used more local transport in the form of the cyclos more frequently. We also had pointed out to us the company's contribution to projects which enriched the lives of the community. (more)
small group adventure holiday
Typically you will be sharing your experiences with between 4-20 like minded travellers (depending on the trip, operator and how many others are booked on the trip) and you'll have a group leader with you. Whether you are travelling alone or with friends its good value, and a great way to meet new people! While itineraries are pre-planned there is some flexibility and you'll have plenty of privacy. This trip will appeal to travellers of all ages who enjoy meeting new people as well as seeing new places.
award winner how this holiday makes a difference
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Peace and tranquillity have finally come to Cambodia after years of war and faction fighting. This, along with the archaeological wonders of the Angkor region, is drawing an increasing volume of visitors to this tiny nation. Tourism is one of the key industries re-building the shattered economy and, in line with our operations around the world, we are committed to employing local Cambodian tour leaders, and staying in family-owned hotels. This short six-day trip focuses on the major sights, while allowing participants a good measure of interaction with the local people. This operator supports the Phnom Penh Cyclo Centre in Cambodia which provides vital social and educational assistance to local cyclo drivers.
This trip is focused on respecting and benefiting the local people and the environment of this country. On this trip you will be lead by an experienced local leader passionate about their country's history, heritage and natural beauty that will help you to get 'under the skin' of their country and see it through the eyes of a local. This trip stays at locally run accommodation; we eat at local restaurants and travel on local transport. This ensures the financial return to the local economy opens up training and employment opportunities - and allows for informal and meaningful interaction between our travellers and local people. We are constantly seeking new and innovative ways of neutralising our impact on the environment. We will become the first Australian adventure tour operator to offer a voluntary carbon offsetting option on the land component of all its tours, as well as the accompanying flights. Our Community Trust provides funds for local community projects and initiatives that promote responsible and sustainable tourism development in the destinations in which we operate. First and foremost, but not exclusively, the Trust supports projects and initiatives that advance education and employment within the tourism and hospitality industry. The Trust operates on a not-for-profit basis, with every cent of funds donated by us, our staff and our travellers, going to the nominated projects. The maximum group size on all of our adventures is 16 passengers – with exception of some African trips (24 max) and in the Polar Regions, where our ship carries a maximum of 110 passengers. Travelling in small groups ensures we make significantly less impact on the natural environment, as well as breaking down many of the communication barriers presented by a larger group. |
Tourism can be good and bad for destinations & local people. We carefully screen every holiday against our criteria for responsible travel. 'Look behind the brochure' to find how each holiday makes a difference (see left). We don't claim to be perfect - there is no global accreditation - but we've led the way since 2001 and screened 1000's of holidays. We invite every traveller to write a review about their experiences and responsible tourism. This valuable feedback is sent to the people who run the holidays. We keep a very close eye on it and take off holidays that don't live up to our standards. |