Cambodia Explorer - 11 Day Trip
The perfect tour for culture, beach lovers and city explorers
The underdog backpacking spot!
We could say this is the trip of a lifetime, but we’d be lying. It’s more than that. It's much more than that. We know that Cambodia never gets enough credit when it comes to South East Asia. To be honest that makes us sad because this incredible country has SO SO much to offer! Cambodia is an unskippable country in South East Asia. Check out the itinerary here (or just scroll down!)
Gasp as the sun rises over the temples of Angkor Wat in Siem Reap, marvel at the Spider Market of Phnom Penh, take a traditional cooking class in sleepy Kampot, and lounge on the idyllic beaches of Koh Rong. With its jaw-dropping scenery, humbling history and welcoming culture, every TruTraveller returns with a different, amazing story to tell. What will yours be? Cambodia Explorer is one of our longest-running adventures and one of our highest-rating tours too! When you visit this incredible country you will be horrified by the history and how the locals are still affected by it to this day but humbled by the way they share their stories to make the world a better, more kind and compassionate place.
It is a beautiful country too, after exploring the cities, we'll visit Koh Rong which is known as "The Maldives of Cambodia" but we think it's even more amazing than The Maldives. The sea is crystal clear and it is a Tru paradise. If you want to explore a country that is still authentic, beautiful and incredibly welcoming - Cambodia is calling your name! If you fancy exploring Vietnam too then check out our Cambodia and Vietnam multi-country trip!
Travel Style
We’ve perfected the balance between culture, adventure, beaches and parties. A high level of inclusions at a low cost. Think of a Ferrari for the price of a Ford. Highlights, hotspots & hidden gems are crafted into each itinerary with our own TruExclusives. We stay in a variety of different accommodations such as hotels, hostels, homestays, beach huts & even boats. Maximum adventure, minimum hassle.
What's Included
Your Trip Planner
Cambodia Explorer
11 Days
siem reap - phnom penh
Map
Bucket List
Itinerary
siem reap - your adventure begins!
Today’s the first day of your epic adventure and your Tru welcome day! Give us a ‘Hell yeah!’ We kick things off in the gateway to Siem Reap, famous for Angkor Wat, rice wine (Sraa) that could power a ballistic missile, and a dining and bar scene that’s 78.6 times better than a night out in Llandudno. You can take advantage of your free airport pick up, or meet us at our hostel where you’ll join the rest of the family, along with your Travel Ninja. (Side note: Don’t worry, our Travel Ninjas aren’t real Ninjas. It’s just a name we made up to make us sound edgy.) You’ll have the day to chill, before joining your group for the welcome speech and heading out for a meal near the legendary Pub Street. You heard us right. PUB. STREET. A place of bonkers bars, weird and wonderful food, and enough neon lights to make Blackpool look like amateur hour. Then, if you fancy it, sink a drink or two - there’s no better way to get to know your Tru fam than via the medium of slurred, drunken jibber-jabber. (Non-drunken jibber-jabber also accepted.)
cambodia rural experience, sunset bbq
Today we set off for a Tru Exclusive. That’s right. An exclusive. You ain’t getting this shiz anywhere else, kids. Hop in a tuk tuk and drive through the bustling streets of Siem Riep to today’s cultural experience. Step into the shoes of a local Mango/Rice farmer (not literally. It’s against Cambodian law to steal shoes from farmers) and learn what it takes to harvest everyone’s favourite tropical fruit (if in season). You’ll even get to enjoy the fruits of your labour. See what we did there? Fruits of your labour. No? Oh, forget it. After all that, it’s time to join our local guide in his family home. Then we’ll head back to the city to relax or take a dip in the pool, before a sunset BBQ this evening. You’ve got a big day ahead tomorrow, so once you’ve had your fill, we’d advise you get some kip and sleep off today’s mangover (that’s ‘mango hangover’ for any newbs).
sunrise at angkor wat
Rise and shine people. You won’t forget today in a hurry. It’s your final day in Siem Reap, and you’re off to visit the world’s biggest religious monument. Say (Angkor) waaaat? Yup, you heard us right. We’re off to Angkor Wat, a vast 500 acre site built in the image of Mount Meru, the crib of the Hindu gods. Now, we don’t like to jinx it by saying this’ll be one of the most amazing experiences of your life but...well...this will be one of the most amazing experiences of your life. We’ll arrive at the UNESCO Heritage site just in time for sunrise. Get your cameras at the ready. After all, if you don’t put it on the ‘gram, did you even go? #DefinitelyNoFilterNeeded. The afternoon is yours to explore Siem Reap, call loved ones to chew their ears off about your day, or take a much needed nap before our last night out on Pub Street. Chant after us: PUB STREET! PUB STREET! PUB ST- no? OK, maybe later.
travel by bus to phnom penh
Wave goodbye to Siem Reap and head towards Cambodia’s capital city, Phnom Penh. After last night’s antics, you’ll probably need some sleep, so lie back, close your lids and dribble on yourself whilst we all take photos of you. Kidding. We’re not that mean. Then, stop off in the countryside for a spot of lunch. Take in the beautiful surroundings and enjoy some delicious food. Get checked into our Phnom Penh accommodation and freshen up, ready to head out for an evening stroll and dinner. Post-grub, get your bargain on at the night market or skip that and head straight to the bars in an attempt to get rid of that lingering tarantula taste.
khmer killing fields & s21
If there’s one place every person should visit at some point in their life, it’s the Killing Fields, the location of a haunting Cambodian genocide that took the lives of millions, and the S21 Prison, where the Khmer Rouge held 17,000, very few of which survived. Its devastating effects can still be felt today. Your visit here won’t be easy. Nor pleasant. And it’s a story that will stay with you. But it’s a huge part of Cambodia’s recent history that shaped their modern culture, making it something anyone visiting should take the time to learn about. After our humbling visit, we’ll head back for dinner. It’s been an emotional day, so feel free to spend the rest of your evening in whatever way you like. Talk to your Tru buds, take a stroll. There’s no right way to feel after such an eye opening experience. You do you.
arcadia water park
It’s day 6 and do you know what that means? No? Of course you don’t. Otherwise you’d be running the trip and we’d be reading this itinerary. Well, we’re off to the riverside town of Kampot, surrounded by stunning mountain views and picturesque scenery, where we’ll stop off at Arcadia Waterpark, a place of lush greenery, cool waters, slushy cocktails, rope swings and pontoons. The perfect place to let your hair down, and spend some quality time with your TruFamily. Because who doesn’t love a chilled afternoon? Y’know, like having a chilled sunbathe on the bank with a cold beer. Or a chilled meander in a kayak. Or a chilled paddle in the cool river. Or a chilled go on the ‘The Blob’, a giant inflatable that flings you into the air, before you crash into the water, lose your bikini bottoms, and emerge, spluttering. Like we said. Chilled.
pepper plantations & cooking class
Today we’re off to a local pepper plantation where we’ll learn everything you need to know about farming the famous Kampot peppers. Will it be fun? You pepper believe it will be! Tell you what, you’ll soon realise you know absolutely nothing about peppers. After that intensive lesson, it’s time to use your newfound pepper knowledge to cook a delicious, traditional Khmer meal, learning from the best in a traditional Cambodian cooking class. Will you be able to get a job as the head chef of a Michelin star restaurant now? Probably not. But you’ve got a tasty, Cambodian meal in your repertoire that’ll blow anyone’s socks off back home. In the evening, we'll make our way in and out of the quaint streets lined by faded blue and green wood shutters, making your way down to the waterside for a dinner overlooking the river. Will it be anywhere near as good as the meal you cooked earlier? We all know the answer to that question.
travel to koh rong
Imagine this. You’re on a boat, the sun glistening off crystal waters, the cool breeze dancing through your hair. You look up. Your breath catches in your throat as you’re greeted by immaculate, white sands, quaint beach huts and boats bobbing lazily in the bay. You squint. There’s barely a soul for miles bar the occasional friendly local, and the trees that line the beach sway gently as though welcoming you to this secluded paradise.
*Sigh* Dreamy, right? Well, no need to imagine it because that’s you. Today. Check in and spend the afternoon relaxing on the idyllic beaches, cocktail in hand, watching the sun set over this tranquil island. They say you haven’t seen beauty ‘til you’ve seen this place, and they ain’t (Koh) Rong.
snorkelling boat trip
Aaaaaahhhhhhh. Today’s all about that island paradise. Have a lie in, enjoy a late breakfast, stroll along the warm sands before island hopping along the emerald waters. Soak up the rays, top up your tan, and have a pop at a traditional way of fishing. Show off your belly flopping skills, or find your inner Khmer-maid (see what we did there?), snorkel over the vibrant coral, and check out the various marine life that call the warm waters home. The afternoon is yours to chill, have a few cold beers, cut a few shapes, burst into song and dance and perform every song from the Greatest Showman for your Tru pals. Whatever you fancy. This is your last full day on this incredible island, so savour every. Last. Minute.
one last night in phnom penh
Today we bid farwell to paradise and the beauty that is Koh Rong! It's been an incredible few days of crystal clear waters and golden sandy beaches but it's time to head back to the city for one last BIG night out! We travel by boat and bus and check into our a hotel in Phnom Penh. We'lll have a few hours to chill before we get dressed and head out for the big finale! One last TruFam dinner together! We grab some food and see where the night takes us!
chilled check out
Ah. The final day. *Sniffle* No, you’re crying. Well, as they say, all good things must come to an end and, after an epic 11 days, it’s time to say your goodbyes to your TruFamily and check out of the hotel. If your adventure’s continuing, our Travel Ninjas will be on hand to help with any onward travels plans you have. Fam, bring it in. It’s been unreal.
Where We Stay
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FAQs
Where does the trip start & Finish?
The trip begins in Siem Reap and ends in Phnom Penh.
Which airport do I need to fly into?
You will need to fly into Siem Reap (SAI).
What is the closest airport to the end destination?
The closest airport is Phnom Penh international airport (PNH).
What kind of accommodation is included on this trip?
The accommodation for this trip is a mainly twin share rooms but dorm rooms in Koh Rong.
How much is a pre night’s accommodation?
If you would like to book a pre-night please contact our sales team on info@trutravels.com.
What is the currency?
The original currency of Cambodia is Riel however the currency which is withdrawn and used in every part of Cambodia is actually USD.
Is my money protected?
Yep! You’re protected. TruTravels is both ABTA and ATOL registered meaning your money is safe. We also offer 1 free date change before 60 days of your departure date.
Most of the people that join us on tour are 18-thirtysomethings! We have no strict upper age limit on our tours but all of our tours are specifically designed for those of this age group which is worth noting when browsing through our website.
Yes! Let us know when you are booking your trip about any requirements you might have we can plan ahead and make sure this doesn’t affect your trip!
Yes, the majority of our travellers will be travelling on their own! Roughly 65% of our TruTravellers come solo! We have designed our trips specifically with solo travellers in mind, so you can be assured you’ll meet lots of others travelling alone like yourself along the way. This of course doesn’t mean our trips are only for solo travellers, but it does mean that you don’t need to worry you’ll be surrounded by a group that already knows each other.