Monk, Angkor Wat, Cambodia

Highlights of Cambodia

  • TAILOR-MADE HOLIDAY IDEA

Duration

14 Days

Prices Start from

$5,192pp(ex. flights)

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.

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 island.

Key Highlights of this Itinerary

Ankor Wat Temple 1

Temples of Angkor

Explore the temples of Angkor away from the crowds with an expert guide.

Alila Villas Koh Russey, Ocean Pavilion, Koh Russey, Cambodia 2

Private Island Retreat

Relax on a private island amidst the aquamarine seas of the Koh Rong archipelago.

Dragon Fruit, Cambodia 3

Phnom Penh with a Local

Take an early morning walk through bustling markets for a traditional Cambodia breakfast.

Shinta Mani Wild, Waterfall, Cardamom Mountains, Cambodia 4

Jungle Trekking

Join a park ranger for a rainforest hike, checking camera traps enroute.

Explore our suggested itinerary

  • Day 1 - 3

    Phnom Penh

  • Day 4

    Phnom Penh - Kiriom National Park

    Travel overland to Kiriom National Park

  • Day 5 - 6

    Kiriom National Park

  • Day 7

    Kiriom National Park - Sihanoukville - Koh Russey Island

    Journey overland and sea to Koh Russey Island

  • Day 8 - 9

    Koh Russey Island

  • Day 10

    Koh Russey Island - Sihanoukville - Siem Reap

    Travel by boat and air to Siem Reap

  • Day 11 - 13

    Siem Reap

  • Day 14

    Siem Reap

    Depart Siem Reap

Day 1 - 3

Phnom Penh

Dragon Fruit, Cambodia

Spend time exploring the riverside town of Phnom Penh. Take an early morning walk through bustling markets for a traditional Cambodia breakfast, visit the Royal Palace and the National Museum, which houses the world’s foremost collection of Khmer art as well as browsing the array of shops and boutiques in Street 240.

Day 4

Phnom Penh - Kiriom National Park

Day 5 - 6

Kiriom National Park

Shinta Mani Wild, Waterfall, Cardamom Mountains, Cambodia

Spend three nights amidst rainforests at Shinta Mani Wild. Spend your days trekking and kayaking amidst spectacular jungle wilderness and nights under canvas, perched high above waterfalls and rivers. Join a park ranger for a rainforest hike, checking camera traps enroute.

Day 7

Kiriom National Park - Sihanoukville - Koh Russey Island

Day 8 - 9

Koh Russey Island

Alila Villas Koh Russey, Ocean Pavilion, Koh Russey, Cambodia

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.

Day 10

Koh Russey Island - Sihanoukville - Siem Reap

Day 11 - 13

Siem Reap

Stone murals and sculptures in Angkor wat, Cambodia

Spend three days exploring Siem Reap and the nearby temples at Angkor. Constructed over a period of 30 years, Angkor Wat is the largest religious complex in the world – originally a Hindu mountain temple it was converted to a Theravada Buddhist monument, a capacity in which it continues today. Explore the temples away from the crowds with an expert guide. Beyond the temples lies a rural landscape of rice paddies and traditional villages easily explored on foot of by bicycle.

Day 14

Siem Reap

Our travel experts can tailor this itinerary to suit you.

More Details

Bayon Temple, Angkor, Cambodia
Bayon Temple, Angkor Wat, Cambodia

In the Company of Experts

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.

Shinta Mani Wild, Cardamom Mountains, Cambodia
Shinta Mani Wild, Kirirom National Park, Cambodia

Waterfalls, Jungle and Conservation

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.

Irrawaddy dolphin breaching.
Irrawaddy dolphin

Optional Extension: Kratie and the Irrawaddy Dolphins

Irrawaddy dolphins are freshwater creatures who live in stretches of the Mekong in Northern Cambodia. 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.

Accommodation

Below you can see some of the wonderful places we have recommended for this journey.

Alila Villas Koh Russey £££££

  • Cambodia
  • Beach and Island Escapes

Found just a stone’s throw off the Cambodian coast, the bamboo-covered island of Koh Russey is home to the sublime Alila Koh Russey. Copper sand beaches, gentle aquamarine seas and native jungle frame this stylish and sensitively constructed resort.

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Shinta Mani Wild £££££

  • Cambodia
  • Tented Camps

Located on the banks of a fast-flowing river, interspersed with waterfalls, Shinta Mani Wild is made up of 15 spacious tents perched above the water with just the rainforest and nature as a soundtrack. The tents are classic safari in style with outdoor space to relax and soak up the surroundings as well as al fresco bathtubs.

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Belmond La Residence d’Angkor £££££

  • Cambodia
  • City

Featuring stunning Khmer architecture, Belmond La Residence d’Angkor is a small luxury hotel overlooking the tree-lined Siem Reap River. Each of the 59 suites has an outdoor space, either in the form of a balcony or terrace with direct access to the pool. At the heart of the hotel is the saltwater swimming pool, surrounded by lush vegetation, a cool oasis in the midst of the city. Additional facilities include a spa and choice of restaurants.

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A note on price

Prices will vary depending on the time of year you are travelling and accommodation choices. In this itinerary we suggest a selection of luxury hotels.

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.

This Itinerary
Low Season
From $5,192 Per person
High Season
From $6,669 Per person

When to travel

Cambodia in January

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.

Cambodia in February

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.

Cambodia in March

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.

Cambodia in April

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.

Cambodia in May

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.

Cambodia in June

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.

Cambodia in July

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.

Cambodia in August

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.

Cambodia in September

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.

Cambodia in October

The drier months run from October through to April with October being an ideal time to travel to Cambodia’s lush, green landscapes.

Cambodia in November

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.

Cambodia in December

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.

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