Temples of Angkor
Explore the temples of Angkor away from the crowds with an expert guide.
Cambodia
The perfect itinerary for a first time visitor to Cambodia. From the bustling streets of Phnom Penh to Cambodian jungles, a tropical island retreat and the sublime complex of temples at Angkor.
Explore the temples of Angkor away from the crowds with an expert guide.
Relax on a private island amidst the aquamarine seas of the Koh Rong archipelago.
Take an early morning walk through bustling markets for a traditional Cambodia breakfast.
Join a park ranger for a rainforest hike, checking camera traps enroute.
Cambodia has the heritage, the history, the Angkor temples and is a great example of a nation of people who are bouncing back. With some of the kindest people you could wish to meet, what makes this holiday stand out is the way in which you see the iconic sites. Join a renowned archaeologist to explore the temples of Angkor, local residents for breakfast in Phnom Penh and passionate conservationists at a luxury jungle camp. Top it off with time to relax on a secluded, tropical island.
An expert guide can be the difference between a great holiday and an amazing one. Mr Po-Thai is just that, a local Cambodian and one of the country’s top archaeologists. Working alongside organisations such as the World Monument Fund and other esteemed archaeologists for over 20 years, he has also featured in documentaries by the BBC and National Geographic as an expert on the temples of Angkor. Spend a day exploring Angkor with him which will surely be a highlight of your holiday.
Sihanoukville is the stepping stone to the tropical island archipelago of Koh Rong, located in the Gulf of Thailand. Spend three days at the exclusive Alila Koh Russey Resort on a bamboo covered island, surrounded by jungle, turquoise seas and warm sandy beaches. Around 85% of the island has been left to nature and the villas infused with Khmer culture and charm, where privacy, nature and local hospitality take centre stage.
The resort of Song Saa is another option for a beach stay – more remote than Alila, the reefs here offer some excellent snorkelling and diving.
Spend three nights amidst the rainforests of Kiriom, Cardamom and Bokor National Parks, home to the Koh Kong wildlife corridor. Although much wildlife was lost through intense Khmer Rouge fighting, wildlife is slowly returning to the area through hard work by conservation organisations. Gibbon, reptiles and plenty of insects and wonderful fauna can be spotted. Although sightings are rare, these jungles are also home to species such as clouded leopard, Asian elephant and pangolin.
Shinta Mani Wild is a luxury camp bordering three National Parks within South East Asia’s first private nature reserve. Spend your days trekking and kayaking amidst spectacular jungle wilderness and nights under canvas, perched high above waterfalls and rivers.
Irrawaddy dolphins are freshwater creatures who live in stretches of the Mekong in Northern Cambodia. Shy in nature, their shrinking numbers make it even more special when a snub nose breaks the surface of the water. Distinct to marine dolphins there are no acrobatics and most sightings are fleeting as they breach briefly before disappearing below water again. The journey up to Kratie can take around seven hours so it really is for the determined visitor, but a special experience that few can claim.
In 2005, the World Wildlife Fund established the Cambodian Mekong Dolphin Conservation Project with support from the government and local communities, whose aim it is to support the survival of this unique and beautiful creature, through targeted conservation activities, research and education.
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01285 601 784Prices will vary depending on the time of year you are travelling. Prices do not include international flights. Please ask one of our Travel Experts for an accurate quote. Flights purchased through Steppes Travel departing from the UK are ATOL protected.
Cambodia is generally an all-year-round destination, with good weather and two clear seasons – dry and wet. During January, Cambodia will experience average temperatures of 25.C as the country’s driest month.
Similarly to January, February will experience high temperatures with little rainfall and daily sunshine, ideal to travel all around Cambodia from the coastal destinations to some of Cambodia’s most famous sites.
At the end of the dry season, both March and April experience high daily temperatures of approximately 30.C. Daytime sightseeing is best undertaken in the mornings or early evenings when temperatures are cooler.
Temperatures will continue to rise, and Cambodia will experience some of the warmest temperatures in April. The country will experience averages of 35.C, high levels of humidity and a small chance of rainfall is likely towards the end of the month, prior to the monsoon rains.
From the end of May through to September, the country will experience the southwest monsoon rains. The humidity levels will rise as rainfall increases however during these months; it can be an ideal time to visit Cambodia’s countryside where the monsoon rains have helped create the lush, green vegetation.
Attractions throughout Cambodia are often much quieter during the monsoon season so when visiting Cambodia’s religious temples, such as Angkor Wat, you will see fewer crowds. Due to the heavy rains in the south, coastal destinations are best avoided.
Frequent rainfall and thunderstorms can be experienced throughout Cambodia, although you will still be able to experience temperatures averaging 26°C, lower levels of humidity and regular spells of sunshine.
During Cambodia’s monsoon season, rainfall will occur daily with heavy downpours both in the northern regions and along the coast, meaning some regions of Cambodia will become inaccessible during the monsoon season.
Prior to the dry season, September will experience very heavy rainfall, yet towards the end of the month, rainfall will be less frequent creating the perfect opportunity to visit Cambodia’s countryside.
The drier months run from October through to April with October being an ideal time to travel to Cambodia’s lush, green landscapes.
The best time to travel the country is during our colder, winter months, when temperatures are comfortable and the humidity is low, making it easier and more comfortable when travelling around.
A perfect destination for some winter sun, travelling to Cambodia in December means highs of 30°C and excellent weather on the country’s beachfront destinations.
Our knowledge and expertise sets us apart. So too our curiosity. A curiosity of the world and of you, and your passions. It is this that drives us to create a journey that is really bespoke to you.
Are you ready to discover extraordinary?