Tours of Cambodia from Phnom Penh vary wildly in price, duration and itinerary, making choosing the right one a tricky proposition – so we’ve helped get you started by highlighting three of the best.
(Photo: Hoi An Express / Courtesy Tourradar.com)
Cambodia is perhaps best known for having one of the most macabre tourism sights in Asia. The Angkor Wat temple complex needs a few days to fully appreciate, while the Killing Fields are a dark reminder of humanity’s unerring ability to do one another harm under malignant circumstances. Phnom Penh itself is not without its interest and these three major sights can easily be covered in a shorter Cambodia tour. But there is so much more to experience in Cambodia for travelers and a longer tour will help to unlock pockets of the country that you might not automatically consider when putting together your own itinerary. Here are 3 great tours to inspire you.
Cambodia Highlights (6 days)
Ideal for those with limited time and budget, this small-group tour invites you to get to know central Cambodia over 6 action-packed days. Starting in Phnom Pneh and ending 300 kilometers north in Siem Reap, you’ll travel in an air-conditioned bus as part of a group of up to 15, stopping at various landmarks and places of interest along the way. Highlights include taking a look around the temple of the Emerald Buddha in Phnom Pneh, visiting the floating villages of Siem Reap, waking early to witness one of Angkor Wat’s famous sunrises, and exploring a silk farm. All entrance fees, transport and accommodation, as well as 5 breakfasts and 2 lunches, are included in the tour price. From $497 per person.
Hike, Bike & Kayak (8 days)
(Photo: Intrepid Travel / Courtesy Tourradar.com)
Energetic types keen to combine sightseeing with adventure activities may well be attracted by this 8-day tour that includes several days of cycling, as well as kayaking and hiking. Also starting in Phnom Penh and ending in Siem Reap, travelling as part of a group of up to 12 you’ll start with some free leisure time in Siem Reap, before waking early the next day for a guided cycle ride around the city. Over the ensuing days, you’ll get to enjoy more bike rides, as well as a thrilling kayak trip among the spectacular scenery of flooded forests on the Mekong River, and guided hikes in Koh Trong, where you’ll also have the opportunity to contribute to an altruistic community project by helping plant a tree. All adventure equipment is included in the tour price, along with accommodation, guide, and transport. From $1,266 per person.
Ultimate Cambodian Adventure (14 days)
(Photo: GAdventures.com)
Taking things yet a step further, this excellent 14-day tour manages to pack even more experiences into the itinerary. One of the big improvements of this extended trip is the exploration of Cambodia’s wilder side, with a chance to spot the rare Irrawaddy dolphin during a Mekong River boat trip from Kratié and, at the right time of year, the bioluminescence in the seas around Koh Rong island. This tour also includes more time at the Killing Fields and Angkor Wat, with guided tours provided. Not all meals are included in this tour, although all accommodation, transport and entry fees are. For those not moving on elsewhere when the tour ends, the itinerary handily starts and ends in Phnom Penh. From $1,034 per person.