Cambodia
This brief sojourn explores one of Southeast Asia's most important UNESCO World Heritage sites – the ancient temples of Angkor Wat. It is the perfect extension to your other explorations in Asia.
Cambodia Private Trip Overview
When you arrive in Siem Reap you will witness the latest chapter of Cambodian history being written. New hotels abound in an effort to support the curiosity of travelers eager to visit the magnificent temples of Angkor that have been, until recently, virtually unreachable by outsiders. With a past clouded by conflict in Southeast Asia, Cambodia has suffered greatly, but is facing the task of rebuilding, and reacquainting visitors with the wonders of the powerful ancient Khmer culture.
Angkor Wat is widely considered one of the world’s greatest architectural masterpieces. The Angkor complex includes 70 ruins in an area of nearly 80 square miles. Declared a World Heritage site by UNESCO in 1992, a number of organizations have been at work to restore what has been destroyed, and replicate what has been stolen. You will encounter temples in differing states of repair. Inevitably you will find yourself moved by what you see and hear: the history carved in stone, and the stories told by the Khmer people.
Cambodia Itinerary at a Glance
SAMPLE ITINERARY: Other private customized options are available.
Days 1-2: Arrive in Siem Reap, Cambodia. Discover the ancient temples of Angkor, a magnificent monument to Khmer civilization. Explore at sunrise, these hundreds of intricately carved temples scattered across a tropical landscape. Enjoy independent time to explore Siem Reap's fine restaurants in the evening.
Days 3-4: Explore Banteay Srei, regarded by many as the jewel in the crown of classical Khmer art. Picnic aside a scenic waterfall, and visit the land-mine museum, run by a former child soldier; a moving experience for many.
The Boundless Journeys Advantage
- A passion for travel. Simply put, we love to travel, and that is woven into every one of our journeys.
- Unique, award-winning itineraries. Our flexible, hand-crafted journeys have received accolades from the world’s most revered travel publications.
- Insider connections. There is simply no substitute for traveling with a knowledgeable insider.
- Small groups. We tread softly, and our average group size is just 6-8 guests.
- Flexibility to suit your travel style. We offer both small-group departures and Private Collection trips, so that you can choose which works best for you.
- Customer service that goes the extra mile. There is no request that is too big – or too small – for our staff to handle.
- Sustainability. We are committed to traveling responsibly – striving to preserve traditions and cultures around the world, and to protect fragile natural habitats.
Group Size
Trip Rating (1 Easiest - 5 Most Strenuous)
Adventure travel may involve exotic destinations, unusual levels of physical exertion, and activities that may be new to you. We want to make sure that you choose the adventure that's right for you from our many one-of-a-kind trips. Each trip is rated on a scale of 1 to 5, with 1 being the easiest, and 5 being the most strenuous. A few of our trips have had a “+” added to the number, indicating something that falls in between. Our Trip Ratings may be found on the trip schedule and on our website. Our detailed itineraries provide additional information on what to expect on the trip you are considering (detailed itineraries are available by mail, fax, or e-mail; or you can find them on our website, www.boundlessjourneys.com).We encourage you to call one of our travel experts with any questions or concerns that you may have. We are always happy to assist you in any way that we can.
EASIEST 1
Our easiest trips are generally hotel-based cultural and nature journeys that typically offer light activity. Optional walks and hikes (approximately 2 to 4 hours) through gentle terrain with little elevation gain or loss. Altitude is typically not a factor on these tours. Other activities, such as snorkeling or sea kayaking, are optional. Examples: Indochina, Vietnam, Egypt, Galapagos Islands, Botswana, Tanzania.
EASY TO MODERATE 2
Hotel nights and/or deluxe, safari-style camping. Walking, hiking (approximately 3 to 5 hours), kayaking, or other activities on most days. Trails and paths are through rolling countryside, with occasional steep trails with up to 1,000 feet of elevation gain. Many of our hotel-based walking trips are in this category. Examples: Tuscany & Umbria, Sicily, Morocco, Palau, Iceland, Turkey, Festivals of Bhutan, Costa Rica.
MODERATE 3
Full day hikes (approximately 4 to 6 hours) most days on unpaved trails and paths through hilly terrain with typical elevation gains and losses of 1,000 to 2,000 feet. There may be occasional short steep sections of trail. Examples: Chile, Scotland, Spain, Bhutan & Nepal.
MODERATE TO STRENUOUS 4
Full day hikes (approximately 5 to 7 hours) through mountainous terrain with significant elevation gains and losses (2,000 to 3,000 feet). Terrain may be rugged with uneven footpaths. The average altitude is generally no more than 12,000 feet. Options are limited. These trips typically involve some camping or simple accommodations. Examples: Tour du Mont Blanc, Peru Trek, Bhutan Chomolhari Trek..
MOST STRENUOUS 5
Full-day trekking (approximately 6 to 8 hours) through rugged mountainous terrain with steep climbs and descents and one or more of the following present: elevation gains and losses of as much as 4,000 feet, altitude that exceeds 12,000 feet, and rugged uneven footpaths. These trips typically offer few options and include camping.
Activity Details
Meeting Point
Departure Point
Traveling to and From
Most Convenient Airport:
Siem Reap International Airport, Siem Reap, Cambodia (airport code REP)
Meeting Time and Place:
Siem Reap International Airport, Siem Reap, Cambodia upon arrival of your international flight. Boundless Journeys must have your Arrival & Departure Information form on file at least 45 days ahead of time in order to arrange this arrival transfer.
Departure Time and Place:
Siem Reap International Airport, Siem Reap, Cambodia in time for your departing flight on Day 4. There are no scheduled activities on Day 4, so you may depart at your leisure. Please note check-out time at your hotel is noon.
WHAT TO EXPECT
Typical Trip Rating
Boundless Journeys’ trips are designed for energetic and flexible individuals who like to be active and have a spirit of adventure and a positive attitude. The Temple of Angkor is typically rated 1+, easy with some moderate options on a scale of 1-5 (with 5 being the most strenuous). Most of the walking done on this tour will be on flat terrain, in and around towns and temples, 3-4 hours per day, broken up by rest and meals. This Private Collection trip offers a certain degree of flexibility to make the trip more challenging or leisurely to suit you and your companions.
Preparing for this Trip
While this is an easy cultural exploration that can be enjoyed by anyone with a reasonable degree of health, the more well prepared you are for the activities on this trip, the more you will enjoy yourself! Consider engaging in moderate aerobic activities (walking, jogging, cycling) for at least 30-45 minutes several times a week for 4-6 weeks before the trip. Consult your doctor before undertaking any new fitness program.
Leadership
This Private Collection trip offers expert local Siem Reap guides. From your arrival to your departure, your airport transfers and daily activities will be seamlessly coordinated by our local team of transfer drivers and your guide.
Weather
The weather in Siem Reap is warm to hot year round, with a marked increase in humidity and rainfall during the summer months. Therefore, we recommend travel to Cambodia from October-March. Following are the average temperatures and precipication in Siem Reap:
high low precip.
January: 88°F 67°F 0.1"
March: 93°F 74°F 1"
May: 93°F 76°F 5.9"
July: 89°F 75°F 7.9"
October: 87°F 73°F 9.3"
November: 87°F 73°F 3.4"
December: 86°F 64°F 0.6"
You can obtain more detailed weather information at www.weatherbase.com.
When to Go
The cooler dry season lasts from October to March. In October and November, arriving just after the rainy season, you’ll have the benefit of being there for the newly greened trees and rice paddies, as well as the much clearer air quality that can be expected at this time of year. December through March remain much drier and a bit cooler than during the summer months. However, it is possible to have some rain at any time of year.
Cambodia Accommodations
Nights 1-3: Victoria Angkor Resort & Spa
Siem Reap, Kingdom of Cambodia
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A five- star hotel offering comfort, elegance and the refinement of graceful 1930's colonial architecture. Located in the heart of Siem Reap, opposite the Royal Park, the Victoria Angkor is in close proximity to World Heritage site of the Temples of Angkor and the quaint old market area of Siem Reap.
Cambodia Detailed Itinerary
SAMPLE ITINERARY: Other private customized options are available.
Day 1
Arrival to Siem Reap
Welcome to Cambodia! Upon your arrival your guide will meet you and and transfer to your hotel, where you are free to rest after your travels and explore Siem Reap independently.
If you have the energy, your guide will be available to take you to the Bayon Information Centre. This impressive new interpretive center in Siem Reap adds immense value for visitors who want deeper insights on the heritage of the Angkor area (please note the Centre is closed on Thursdays, Sundays, and Cambodian national holidays). There is also an opportunity this afternoon to visit the gallery of world-famous fine-art photographer John McDermott, whose artistic works complement the beauty of the region.
Overnight Victoria Angkor Resort, Siem Reap (No meals)
Day 2
The Temples of Angkor
Walking – easy, 3-4 hours.
The temples of Angkor, which cover an area the size of New York's five boroughs, were built from the 9th to 12th centuries by the Khmer empire that controlled not only Cambodia but also large parts of what are now Laos, Thailand and Vietnam. With their grand scale and extraordinary detail, the temples rank among humanity's most supreme artistic expressions.
This morning before sunrise, you will meet your guide and depart your hotel for Angkor Wat, the largest and most breathtaking monument at Angkor. Built as the funerary temple for Suryavarman II, who ruled from 1112 to 1152, Angkor never fails to reward the first time or repeat visitor with its grand scale, surreal bas reliefs and unbelievable attention to detail. Spend the early morning here exploring this magnificent creation before the heat of the day arrives (along with many other visitors) and before returning to the hotel for a late breakfast.
This afternoon, we shift focus to Angkor Thom, including Pimeanakas, Baphuon, the Terrace of the Elephants, the Terrace of the Leper King and finally, the Bayon, with its mysterious towers and beautiful bas reliefs. Our day ends with a visit to Ta Phrom, built in 1186 and dedicated to the mother of Jayavarman VII. Unlike the other temples of Angkor, Ta Phrom has been left to the elements, and looks very much like the other temples must have when 'discovered' by French explorer Henri Mouhot in 1860. The serpentine tree roots wending their way among the weathered stones make for beautiful photographs.
Overnight Victoria Angkor Resort, Siem Reap (Breakfast and lunch included)
Day 3
Banteay Srei
Walking – easy, 3-4 hours.
This morning, along with your private guide, venture into the countryside to visit the mid-10th century Banteay Srei, regarded by many as the jewel in the crown of classical Khmer art. This well-preserved site and its amazing relief carvings are amongst the most accomplished Angkor has to offer. For an outstanding example of its deep relief, explore the east pediment of the southern library, which shows Ravana trying to shake Mount Kailasa. We enjoy a picnic lunch by a waterfall on the Kbal Spean and take time to explore this jungle river and its intricately carved, almost surreal riverbed.
En route back to Siem Reap, we stop to visit the Land Mine Museum. The curator, Ra, a former child soldier, was forced by the Khmer Rouge to lay thousands of mines as a child, and has now devoted his life to clearing them and has removed 50,000 to date. The facility he runs is part museum, but also an orphanage, school and clinic to victims. Our visit here provides context for the lives of modern Cambodians and the challenges they have faced in rebuilding after many years of conflict.
Overnight Victoria Angkor Resort, Siem Reap (Breakfast and lunch included)
Day 4
Departure
Enjoy breakfast and a leisurely morning (check out time is noon). You will be transferred to the airport in time for your departing flight.
Breakfast included
Suggested Trip Length
When to Go
Upcoming Trips:
2013 Land Cost
From $1045 per person
2013 Land Cost Details
High Season (October 1-April 30; December holidays excluded): $1095 per person
Quiet Season (May 1-September 30): $1045 per person
All rates based on a minimum of two guests. Please inquire for solo traveler pricing and dates past October 1, 2013. Holiday supplements apply over December holidays.
Single supplement:
Single Supplements:
Accommodations (hotels, tents, cruise cabins) are based on double occupancy. A single supplement may be charged to participants who specifically request single accommodations, subject to availability. We have made every effort to eliminate or greatly reduce this cost for most of our scheduled small-group departures; however, these savings are limited to two single supplements per departure. Therefore, the first two single participants to reserve will receive the savings. This is not applicable to our Private Collection journeys.
If you are traveling alone and wish to share accommodations, we will try to match you with a roommate of the same gender. If you reserve at least 90 days ahead and a roommate is not available, you will only be charged a “forced” single supplement in the amount of 50% of the standard single supplement (unless otherwise noted in the detailed itinerary).* Single accommodations are limited so you are encouraged to reserve early!
*This does not apply to cruises in the Galapagos Islands or Antarctica. Please see these trip pages for more details.
What's Included
- Expert local guide
- All accommodations and transfers
- Meals as noted in the itinerary
- Entry fees
- All activities as noted in the itinerary
Please complete the following information to request a reservation. A trip deposit of $500 per person is required to confirm your reservation (payable by check or major credit card). Once we receive your request we will contact you within one business day to confirm availability and answer any questions you may have.
About our guides
With a Boundless Journeys guide, your experience is that of friend and local adventurer. We believe strongly in working with local guides, experts in the areas to which we travel, and they hold the keys to unlocking the hidden delights of your chosen destination. Although you will never know they are at work – the mark of a truly great leader – our guides make magical things happen and add a dimension to your trip that you could not experience on your own.
Over the years we have forged bonds with some of the best guides in the world, and we typically work with a small team of guides in each region. You will be informed of the guide for your trip one month prior to your departure.
Featured Guide
Soeun Kong: One of our most experienced guides in Siem Reap, Soeun has been dedicated to welcoming visitors to his native Cambodia for nearly 20 years. His commitment to quality guiding has made him a leader in his field, and when not introducing travelers to the history and rich culture of Siem Reap and its surroundings, Soeun enjoys training new guides.
Picture Yourself Here:
Exploring the bustling street and market areas of Siem Reap
Immersing yourself in the history of Angkor Wat and other Khmer temples
Learning about one former child soldier's efforts to eradicate land-mines from his homeland
Upcoming Trips:
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