Family Friendly Cambodia
Summary
An ancient civilisation imbues Cambodia which for centuries was the heart of the Khmer Empire which ruled much of South-East Asia. Relics of this powerful rule abound throughout the land, from the magical and mysterious Angkor Wat to the walled city of Angkor Thom. Alongside such man-made miracles is the birding paradise of Tonle Sap Lake, the tigers and elephants of the Cardamom Mountains, the beaches of Sihanoukville and Kep and of course the fascinating capital Phnom Penh. This holiday is perfect for families who enjoy being active and going off the beaten track. It is aimed at those who want to see the real Cambodia and learn about its rich history, culture and the warmth of its people. It also offers amazing experiences and some of the world’s leading hotels which are included in this itinerary.
Duration |
13 Days
Price
From $17,153.00 per family based on 2 adults & 2 children under 12Best time to go
Although Cambodia can be visited year round, November - March is the driest, coolest weather and the most pleasant time for sightseeing.
Day 1
Overnight flight to Phnom Penh.
Day 2 – Raffles Hotel le Royal, Phnom Penh (BB)
Phnom Penh was once considered as one of the most beautiful cities in the Orient, and despite its recent turbulent history, it still retains a colonial charm. Cambodia’s capital is a bustling city, majestically located at the confluence of the mighty rivers of the Mekong and Tonlé Sap. Wide tree-lined boulevards and many colonial-era buildings reflect the glorious days and add to the allure of the city, where Asian and Western traditions meet in a fascinating way.
Check into your hotel in Phnom Penh. After you have had time to settle in, a driver will take you on a cyclo tour of some of Phnom Penh’s iconic sights, including the Royal Palace. When your brief tour is complete, visit the riverside area of Phnom Penh where the locals gather in the early evening to relax and take part in a variety of activities, the city is at its most vibrant at this time and there’s plenty of activities to indulge in alongside the locals. The rest of the evening is at leisure.
Day 3 – Raffles Hotel le Royal, Phnom Penh (HB)
Today you’ll embark on your Islands of the Mekong cycling tour. You’ll enjoy a leisurely ride to the countryside around Phnom Penh by public boats and ferries and cycling on small country roads. The tour is very diverse and passes through very different landscapes. This is a low-environmental-impact tour which aims to bring you closer to the real Cambodia. In the evening you’ll enjoy dinner aboard a 2 hour Mekong river cruise.
Day 4 – Bambu Hotel, Battambang (BB)
Even though Battambang is Cambodia’s second largest city, you will find that the atmosphere is very laid-back in a charming and relaxed river town full of fine examples of French-colonial architecture. This is where you’ll truly experience the ‘real Cambodia’. The drive from Phnom Penh takes about five and a half hours with lunch included but is incredibly scenic, there will also be plenty of well thought out stops along the way to keep the kids entertained. Upon arrival in Battambang, you’ll have time to relax in your hotel, before attending a local circus show.
Day 5 – Bambu Hotel, Battambang (BB)
Enjoy lunch at Fresh Eats Café, a café run by a non profit organisation that helps orphans and vulnerable children that are homeless or have been trafficked, reintegrate into society. After lunch, embark on a Bamboo Train, a train built by the villagers to ensure the transportation of goods and people to other areas and communities. Relish the glorious landscape and rice paddies as you travel to your next destination. Arrive at Phnom Sampeau for a relaxing hike and admire the temple on the top of the hill. The hill is also home to the killing caves, a dark and cruel reminder of Cambodia’s troubled past. Here, the clash of serenity and inhumanity is represented in one place.
Day 6 – Heritage Suites Hotel, Siem Reap (BB)
Enjoy the beautiful Cambodian countryside from your very own private vehicle as you travel towards Siem Reap, where you will check into your hotel. In the afternoon, travel to the enchanting temple of Banteay Srei in a tuk-tuk, and enjoy some of the finest examples of classical Khmer art. Afterwards, choose to partake in an optional visit to the Landmine Museum, which acts as a rehabilitation centre and museum, or Banteay Srei Butterfly Centre.
Day 7 – Heritage Suites Hotel, Siem Reap (BB)
After a delicious breakfast visit Angkor Thom, the former capital of the great Khmer Empire. Afterwards, continue to Bayon Temple and admire this 12th-century masterpiece with its stunning bas reliefs. End your brief temple tour at the Ta Prohm temple. This temple is made famous by the film Tomb Raider which was filmed here. This striking temple is surrounded by overgrown jungle trees and vines, making it one of the most picturesque of the Angkor temples. The afternoon is at leisure.
Enjoy dinner at Haven, a wonderful restaurant that helps children that have left various orphanages and safe shelters cultivate a life for themselves.
Day 8 – Heritage Suites Hotel, Siem Reap (BB)
This morning you’ll set off on a quad bike tour. An unforgettable experience where you ride a quad bike specially designed for off-road terrain through the beautiful countryside of Siem Reap Province. The 12 km guided tour will take you to local villages where you can learn about the way of life in rural Cambodia
In the afternoon, visit Cambodia’s jewel in its crown Angkor Wat. After an insightful tour of the temple, appreciate a refreshing cruise in a gondola paddle boat at the moat of Angkor Thom. Canapés and soft drinks will be available on board.
Day 9 – Song Saa Private Island, Sihanoukville (FB)
Enjoy some time at leisure in the morning before your transfer to the airport for your short afternoon flight to Sihanoukville. On arrival, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Song Saa is one of Asia’s top resorts. You’ll stay in a two-bedroom overwater villa here with private pool with full board included. This is the perfect place to relax at the end of a busy holiday. The resort also offers plenty of water-sports and activities for kids.
Day 10 – Song Saa Private Island, Sihanoukville (FB)
Day at leisure to enjoy the activities on the Island.
Day 11 – Song Saa Private Island, Sihanoukville (FB)
Take a morning boat trip to explore three islands giving you the chance to snorkel, fish or just rest and relax. At the first stop, you will see colourful corals and fish at the island of Koh Chaluh. At Bamboo Island enjoy a swim in the clear waters or relax on the white sand beach with a coral reef. Have a seafood BBQ lunch with cool drinks and fruit on the beach. Finally, depart to either Koh Tres for some snorkelling or Koh Takiev.
Day 12 – Song Saa Private Island, Sihanoukville (FB)
Final day at leisure; relax in the beautiful surroundings.
Day 13
Free day at leisure until the midday transfer to Phnom Penh to connect with your flight home.
Cleveland Collection tailor makes all itineraries to include highlights of your choice. Speak to one of our travel experts to create your perfect holiday based on your travel requirements.
Includes
Accommodation and meals as specified, flights (International return flights to Phnom Penh in economy class & flight from Siem Reap to Sihanoukville), airport taxes, private transfers, activities as per itinerary.
Excludes
Meals and activities where not detailed, gratuities, souvenirs, visas and insurance
*We try to keep our 'from prices' as accurate as possible, but please do be aware that when travelling in peak times such as Christmas and school holidays, prices shown will vary considerably