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Bus, Airlines
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3 Stars Hotels
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5,416 metres
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Kathmandu
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Feb, Mar, Apr & May
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Eco-Tour, Hiking
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All meals during the trek
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English, Spanish, French, Chinese
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Easy to Moderate
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2-15
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12
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65
Overview
Welcome to the Culture and History Arts Tour of Cambodia—a captivating journey through Cambodia’s rich tapestry of culture, history, and art. Perfect for adventurous souls and history enthusiasts alike, this tour blends exploration of ancient temples, cultural immersion, and scenic beauty. Get ready for a memorable adventure that delves deep into Cambodia’s past and present.
Itinerary
Destination: Siem Reap
Meals: Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Boutique Hotel in Siem Reap
Morning:
- Arrival in Siem Reap: Upon arrival at Siem Reap International Airport, you will be greeted by our friendly representative. Enjoy a comfortable transfer to your boutique hotel, where you can unwind and freshen up after your journey.
- Welcome Briefing: Meet your expert guide, Tivorn Vun, who will give you a detailed overview of the tour. This session includes important information about the upcoming itinerary, safety guidelines, and travel tips.
Afternoon:
- Angkor National Museum: Begin your adventure with a visit to the Angkor National Museum. This museum offers an extensive collection of artifacts and exhibits that provide a profound understanding of Khmer history and culture. The interactive displays and multimedia presentations bring Cambodia’s ancient civilization to life.
- Explore the Old Market: Wander through the Old Market (Phsar Chas), a bustling hub where you can shop for local handicrafts, souvenirs, and taste traditional Khmer snacks. The market’s vibrant atmosphere and diverse offerings make it a must-visit for cultural immersion.
Evening:
- Dinner at a Local Restaurant: Enjoy a delightful meal at a well-regarded local restaurant, where you can savor traditional Cambodian dishes such as amok (a coconut curry dish) and lok lak (stir-fried beef).
- Evening River Cruise: Relax on a tranquil river cruise along the Siem Reap River. The sunset views and gentle breezes create a serene end to your first day, offering a picturesque introduction to the city.
Overnight Stay: Boutique Hotel, Siem Reap
Destination: Angkor Archaeological Park
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Accommodation: Boutique Hotel in Siem Reap
Morning:
- Angkor Wat: Start your day with a visit to Angkor Wat, the largest religious monument in the world. Admire the grandeur of this architectural masterpiece, renowned for its intricate carvings and majestic towers. Explore its expansive galleries and discover the stories etched into its walls.
- Ta Prohm Temple: Next, visit Ta Prohm, famously known as the “Tomb Raider Temple” due to its appearance in the popular film. The temple is uniquely entwined with nature, as massive tree roots and vines envelop its ancient stones, creating an enchanting and mystical atmosphere.
Afternoon:
- Lunch at a Local Restaurant: Enjoy a delicious Khmer lunch, featuring fresh ingredients and traditional flavors. This is a great opportunity to experience the culinary delights of Cambodia.
- Bayon Temple: Explore Bayon Temple, renowned for its enigmatic stone faces that gaze down from its towers. The temple’s intricate bas-reliefs and serene courtyards provide insight into Khmer artistry and architecture.
Evening:
- Dinner at a Local Restaurant: Experience more of Cambodia’s cuisine at a local restaurant known for its excellent food and ambiance.
- Cultural Performance: Attend an Apsara dance performance, where you’ll witness traditional Cambodian dance forms characterized by graceful movements and intricate costumes. This cultural performance highlights the elegance and history of Khmer dance.
Overnight Stay: Boutique Hotel, Siem Reap
Destination: Siem Reap and Surrounding Villages
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Accommodation: Lodge or Homestay
Morning:
- Artisanal Workshops: Visit local workshops to observe traditional Khmer crafts such as silk weaving, wood carving, and stone sculpting. Engage with artisans to learn about the techniques and significance of these crafts in Cambodian culture.
- Community Village Tour: Head to a nearby village for a firsthand experience of rural life in Cambodia. Interact with villagers, observe their daily routines, and gain insights into their cultural practices and traditions.
Afternoon:
- Lunch with a Local Family: Share a meal with a Cambodian family, enjoying home-cooked dishes and traditional hospitality. This experience provides a deeper understanding of local customs and family life.
- Volunteer Project: Participate in a community service project that may include educational activities, environmental conservation, or social support. Your involvement contributes positively to local development and community well-being.
Evening:
- Sunset Viewing: Relax and enjoy sunset views over the Cambodian landscape. This is a perfect moment to reflect on the day’s experiences and appreciate the natural beauty of the region.
- Dinner at a Local Eatery: Savor dinner at a charming local eatery, where you can sample more of Cambodia’s diverse culinary offerings.
Overnight Stay: Lodge or Homestay
Destination: Siem Reap and Tonle Sap Lake
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Accommodation: Riverfront Resort
Morning:
- Kayaking on Tonle Sap Lake: Embark on a kayaking adventure on Tonle Sap Lake, Cambodia’s largest freshwater lake. Paddle through floating villages and observe the unique aquatic ecosystem, gaining insights into the lives of those who reside on the lake.
- City Tour of Siem Reap: Explore key landmarks in Siem Reap, including historic temples, vibrant markets, and architectural gems. This city tour provides a comprehensive overview of Siem Reap’s rich heritage.
Afternoon:
- Lunch at a Riverside Restaurant: Enjoy lunch with a view of Tonle Sap Lake, savoring fresh local cuisine in a picturesque setting.
- Relaxation at the Resort: Spend the afternoon at your riverfront resort, taking advantage of its facilities for relaxation and leisure.
Evening:
- Dinner at the Resort: Dine at the resort’s restaurant, enjoying a relaxed evening with delicious food and tranquil surroundings.
Overnight Stay: Riverfront Resort
Destination: Banteay Srei, Banteay Samre or East Mebon Temple
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Accommodation: Treehouse or Tbeng Resort
Morning:
- Banteay Srei Temple: Visit Banteay Srei, a temple celebrated for its stunning pink sandstone carvings and intricate detailing. Known as the "Citadel of Women," this temple showcases some of the finest examples of Khmer art and architecture.
- Visit Beng Mealea Temple: Explore Beng Mealea, a sprawling temple complex partially enveloped by jungle. This temple’s atmospheric ruins offer a glimpse into the grandeur of Khmer architecture amidst a verdant backdrop.
Afternoon:
- Lunch in a Rural Village: Enjoy a traditional meal at a village setting, prepared by local families. This experience offers a unique opportunity to engage with rural communities and understand their culinary traditions.
- Explore Banteay Samre or East Mebon Temple: Choose between Banteay Samre, known for its well-preserved carvings and tranquil atmosphere, or East Mebon, notable for its ancient towers and scenic surroundings.
Evening:
- Dinner at Your Accommodation: Relish a meal at your treehouse or Tbeng Resort, where you can enjoy local dishes while immersing yourself in the natural environment.
Overnight Stay: Treehouse or Tbeng Resort (Optional)
Destination: Beng Mealea, Koh Keh, Preah Vihear
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Accommodation: Guesthouse or Resort near Preah Vihear
Morning:
- Visit Beng Mealea Temple: Return to Beng Mealea for a deeper exploration of this fascinating temple complex. Discover its hidden corners and intricate details, which are often less frequented by tourists.
- Travel to Koh Keh: Continue your journey to Koh Keh, an ancient temple site known for its remote and evocative ruins. The historical significance and unique architecture of Koh Keh offer a compelling addition to your tour.
Afternoon:
- Lunch at a Local Restaurant: Enjoy lunch on the way, savoring traditional Cambodian dishes.
- Preah Vihear Temple: Arrive at Preah Vihear, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its breathtaking location on a mountaintop. The temple’s extensive carvings and panoramic views make it a highlight of your journey.
Evening:
- Dinner at Your Accommodation: Enjoy a relaxing dinner at your guesthouse or resort near Preah Vihear, reflecting on the day’s experiences.
Overnight Stay: Guesthouse or Resort near Preah Vihear
Destination: Preah Vihear, Preah Khan Kampong Svay
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Accommodation: Boutique Hotel in Siem Reap
Morning:
- Return to Preah Vihear: If you missed any sights or wish to revisit, this morning offers another chance to explore Preah Vihear.
- Travel to Preah Khan Kampong Svay (Prasat Thom): Visit this extensive temple complex, known for its ancient ruins and serene environment.
Afternoon:
- Lunch in Siem Reap: Enjoy a meal as you travel back to Siem Reap.
- Transfer to Siem Reap: Check into your boutique hotel for an overnight stay.
Evening:
- Dinner in Siem Reap: Dine at a local restaurant, reflecting on your journey and enjoying your final night in Cambodia.
Overnight Stay: Boutique Hotel, Siem Reap
Destination: Siem Reap
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: None (Departure Day)
Morning:
- City Tour of Siem Reap: Take a final tour of the city, visiting key attractions such as the Royal Residence and Artisans Angkor.
- Transfer to Siem Reap Airport: Departure transfer to the airport for your onward journey.
Cost
The Cost Includes
- 1. Summary, Expectations, and Benefits
- • Summary: This tour offers a deep dive into Cambodia’s rich culture and history, with a focus on ancient temples, local communities, and natural beauty.
- • Expectations: Engage with Cambodia’s heritage through guided temple tours, artisanal workshops, and community projects.
- • Lifelong Learning: Enhance your understanding of Cambodian history, art, and culture, while contributing positively to local communities.
- • Impact: Support cultural preservation and community development through immersive experiences and volunteer opportunities.
- 2. Safety and Security
- • Safety Measures: We ensure safety with qualified guides, secure transportation, and comprehensive travel insurance.
- • Emergency Support: 24/7 support and emergency response plans are in place.
- 3. Experience
- • Professional Guides: Tivorn Vun and his team provide expert knowledge and a seamless travel experience.
- • Tailored Itinerary: Activities cater to diverse interests, offering a thorough exploration of Cambodia’s cultural and historical landmarks.
- 4. Philosophy of the Tour
- We are committed to delivering enriching, educational travel experiences that foster cultural appreciation and community engagement. Our goal is to create memorable journeys that not only enrich travelers but also positively impact the communities we visit.
- 5. Total Budget Costs per Person
- Option 1: Tour Guide and Transportation Only
- • Cost: $800 per person
- • Includes: Guide services and transportation (4x4, van, or bus)
- Option 2: Accommodation, Transportation, and Tour Guide
- • Cost: $1,200
- • Includes: Accommodation (Boutique Hotel), transportation, and guide services
- Option 3: Accommodation, Transportation, Tour Guide, and Entrance Tickets
- • Cost: $1,500
- • Includes: Accommodation, transportation, guide services, and entrance fees
- Option 4: Accommodation, Transportation, Tour Guide, Entrance Tickets, and Meals
- • Cost: $1,800
- • Includes: Accommodation, transportation, guide services, entrance fees, and meals
- Additional Notes:
- • Accommodation: Consider staying at a guesthouse or homestay in Preah Vihear for a more authentic experience.
- • Transportation: Arrange transportation to and from Preah Vihear, as it is located outside of Siem Reap, in the program.
- • Packing: Pack comfortable clothing, sunscreen, and insect repellent for your jungle adventures.
- Transportation Options:
- • For 1-2 people: Consider a comfortable 4x4 vehicle for off-road adventures and easy access to remote areas.
- • For 3-5 people: A spacious van or minivan is ideal for group travel.
- • For groups of 6-15 people: A comfortable minibus or coach is suitable for larger groups.
- • For groups of 16-25 people: A larger bus with ample seating and luggage space is recommended.
The Cost Excludes
- International Airfare
- Visa Charges
- Hotel Expenses(In Kathmandu, some packages do include hotel expenses)
- Your travel and medical insurance
- Personal Expenses such as shopping, bar bills, hot shower, telephone, laundry, titbits etc
- Food and accommodations in Kathmandu
- Services not mentioned or not promised by the agent/agency
- Emergency expenses such as expenses on chartered helicopter.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Annapurna Base Camp is a Grade B or a moderately difficult trekking route. So any fit person can do this trek, even if you do not have any previous experience. You should be aware of what to expect and mentally prepare for it. Then, as long as you will too, you can.
On average, you walk about 4 to 6 hours per day. One or two days can be as less as 3hrs and one or two days can be as long as 7hrs.
The highest altitude reached is 4190m. This is the elevation of Annapurna Base Camp. ABC is the highest we will climb in this trek.
Yes, you can charge batteries en route. Charger should be brought. There are hot shower facilities as well. You may have to pay a certain amount for both ($1-$2). Negotiate. Also, a hot water facility could be free at a lower elevation.
No. There are no ATMs on this trek route. You will have to draw enough cash in Pokhara or Kathmandu. There are a number of ATMs in these cities. Everything is paid in Nepali rupees. So money should be exchanged before the start of the trek.
Yes. The Internet can be accessed in most places. Sometimes, there might be some technical problems. The Internet in Nepal is not as fast as you are used to and at times you can just lose connection.
Not really. It depends on you. If you want, ABC trekking can be done independently. You could hire a guide and a porter by yourself instead of going through an agency or not hire a guide at all. Although, not having a guide can be a little problematic during the offseason.
It really depends on you. Is it your first time in Nepal? How confident are you of being able to find your way around? How pressed on time are you? If you go through an agency, it will be costlier but everything will be planned. You will only have to come, trek and return.
For the Annapurna region, pay for guides range from $20 to $30 per day and porters take $15 to $25 per day.
