Heart of Cambodia

Cambodia - Trip code CD Discovery
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627Kg of CO²e
Average carbon footprint per person
Carbon Footprint
You deserve to know everything about your holiday, from what is included, what to expect and every kilogram of CO2 emitted on average per person along the way.

We've partnered with ecollective to measure the carbon footprint of this tour based on an average group size. Find out more about how we calculate this and why we think it's important here.

 

Delve into Cambodia, a country rarely explored beyond the iconic temples of Angkor, on our 13-day tour. On this journey, we'll stay with locals in the countryside, motor upriver through lush jungles, and relax on deserted white-sand beaches. Our itinerary ticks off the must-sees - including Siem Reap - as well as some off-the-beaten path sites.

Why we love this trip
  • Siem Reap - Get lost among the jungle-clad temples of the famous Angkor complex.
  • Phnom Penh - Discover the history of the Khmer Rouge and tuck in to delicious street food.
  • Chi Phat - Cruise along jungle-lined rivers and stay in a community-based village of the Cardamom Mountains.
  • Included meals

    Breakfast: 12

    Lunch: 2

    Dinner: 3

  • Trip staff

    Explore Tour Leader

    Boat Crew

    Driver(s)

    Local Guide(s)

  • Transport

    Bus

    Boat

  • i

    Accommodation

  • i

    Trip pace:

    Moderate

  • i

    Group Size:

    Trip maximum 16
    Explore Average 11

Itinerary

Trip information

Climate and country information

Cambodia

Climate

Cambodia is a hot and tropical country, being hottest in April and coolest in January (still high 20s). Although rainfall is at its maximum in October, Phnom Penh and Siem Reap receive very little rain compared to the coastal areas, and when it does rain it tends to be in the form of sporadic mid afternoon downpours. There is normally very little rain between December and March.

Time difference to GMT

+7

Plugs

2 Pin Round

Religion

Buddhism

Language

Khmer

Budgeting and packing

Optional activities

The following excursions and/or activities are usually available and may be arranged locally. Estimated costs are provided below for guidance only, are on a per person basis unless shown otherwise, and may depend on the number of participants. Prices quoted are correct as of the date these tour notes were originally issued but may change at any time due to currency fluctuations. Please note: These activities are booked and paid for locally and do not form part of your Explore holiday contract.


Phnom Penh - Sunset cruise US$ 10
Siem Reap - Scenic helicopter flight over Angkor temples from US$ 135-260; Apsara traditional khmer dance and dinner US$ 22,Tonle Sap boat optional US$ 14; cookery class US$ 12; National Museum Culture Show US$ 12 (limited availability during low season May - September)
Chi Phat - Khmer massage US $ 10, bicycle rental US $5
Koh Rong - Boat and fishing trip US$ 10, Trek to waterfall (including lunch) US$ 7.50

Clothing

Shorts and bare arms are not permitted in certain temples. A waterproof jacket is a must.

Footwear

Comfy shoes or trainers with a good grip. Trekking sandles are a good compromise.

Luggage

20kg

Luggage: On tour

Should consist of a main piece of baggage and a daypack. You may have to carry your baggage on and off boats so don't overload yourself. We recommend a soft bag or rucksack as there are some journeys where hard cases are impractical.

Equipment

Bring a torch, towel, binoculars, sunglasses and a good quality mosquito repellent (5o% Deet is ideal). An umbrella can be useful in tropical conditions for both rain and to protect from the sun.

We strongly recommend that if you intend to take part in the optional bike ride on this tour, you bring your own cycling helmet with you. Cycling helmets will be available to hire locally from a reputable supplier, but we cannot guarantee the structural integrity of local equipment. Most insurance providers require helmets to be worn whilst cycling, so in the event of an accident, it is likely that any insurance claim will be invalidated if you are not wearing a helmet.

Tipping

Explore leader
Tipping isn't compulsory, and we work hard to ensure that our leaders all receive a fair wage. You may however, want to recognise a leader that's done a great job or really added to your trip by giving them a tip. We're often asked about the recommended amount. It's a tricky one, and down to personal preference, but we'd recommend between £15 to £20 per person per week as a guideline.
Local crew
Local Crew: Although entirely voluntary, tipping is a recognized part of life in this region of the world. Some local staff will look to members of the group for personal recognition of particular services provided. In order to make things easier for you, the Tour Leaders may organise a group's tips kitty and if this is the case, they will account for it throughout the tour.

Accordingly please allow about US$50.

Cambodia

Food and drink

The costs for meals may vary depending upon location, type of restaurant and number of courses eaten and so the prices given are an average guide. Local restaurants located off the beaten track may be less expensive, whereas an upmarket restaurant located in the centre of a major city may charge more.


Lunch price
£8.00 - 10.00
Dinner price
£10.00 - 12.00
Beer price
£2.00
Water price
£0.60
Foreign Exchange
Local currency
Cambodian Riel.
Recommended Currency For Exchange
In Cambodia, US$ and Cambodian Riel are the most commonly used currencies (small denomination notes are easier to use).
Where To Exchange
Large towns.
ATM Availability
There are ATMs in most towns and cities.
Credit Card Acceptance
Credit cards are accepted in some large shops and restaurants in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap.
Transport, Accommodation, Food & Drink

Transport Information

Bus, Boat

Accommodation notes

During our tour of Cambodia, we stay in predominantly comfortable-grade accommodation. Accommodation has been chosen based on location and authenticity, to bring us closer to local life in our destination.
In general, comfortable-grade accommodation is three-star with good facilities such as en-suite bathrooms, air conditioning and WiFi. Most hotels will have added amenities such as a restaurant or bar, or a swimming pool.
Accommodation in Sambor Prei Kuk is limited and quite basic, reflecting the area's rural setting. Rooms are simple, usually with a fan instead of air conditioning, and basic furnishings. Bathrooms may be shared and feature cold-water showers. While the facilities are modest, the hospitality is warm and welcoming, offering a genuine glimpse into everyday life in the Cambodian countryside. It's a great option for travellers looking for an authentic, off-the-beaten-path experience.
Accommodation in Chi Phat is very simple and rustic. Most options are homestays or basic guesthouses run by local families. You'll find wooden houses with thin walls, basic beds with mosquito nets, and shared bathrooms - often with cold-water bucket showers or simple pipe systems. There's no air conditioning, and electricity can be limited at times. Wi-Fi is usually unavailable or unreliable. It's not about luxury - it's about immersing yourself in authentic village life and connecting with the community and nature.
For a more comfortable homestay experience, consider bringing your own towel and pillow.
See your final documentation for a list of confirmed hotels for your departure.

Cambodia

Food and drink

Can you drink the water? 
The  water quality is poor and therefore it is recommended to avoid drinking tap water during your trip.

 

Essential Information

Government Travel Safety Advice

We strongly recommend that you check your government's travel advisory for up-to-date information and advice about your destination's safety and security, entry requirements, health, local laws and customs. Relevant government website links for UK, US, Canadian, Australian and New Zealand citizens are available on our Travel Safety page.

If you'd like some inital information on country-specific entry requirements, such as visas or any health declaration forms, please refer to our Entry Requirements page.  The services and information on this page are provided by a third party, and so we will still recommend that you cross check this against your government website for the latest advice.
 

Under 18 immigration guidance

Please note that some countries require proof of parental consent when travelling overseas with under 18s. Please check requirements with the relevant embassy or consular office well in advance of travel if this applies to your party.

Price Guarantee

Once your booking has been confirmed we guarantee the price will not increase, whatever the circumstances. However, please note that if you voluntarily make any changes to your booking including changing your trip or departure date, any additional costs or charges incurred will not be covered. Before booking please ensure you have read our important tour pricing information.Booking Conditions
 

Visa and Passport Information

A single visa is required by UK, New Zealand, Australian, USA & Canadian citizens.
All arrivals into Cambodia will be required to complete the e-immigration application prior to proceeding to the immigration counter upon arrival. No paper immigration documents will be accepted. The registration needs to be completed within 7 days of arrival via the official app or website \ul www.arrival.gov.kh \ulnone

We would recommend paying for the visa on arrival but alternatively, you can also obtain it online prior to arrival.

At present, this process is applicable to travelers who arrive by flights into Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, and Sihanoukville airports. Those entering Cambodia by land crossing or boat will still use the traditional paper-based immigration forms at this time.

All visa related issues including information for other nationalities should be confirmed with the relevant Embassy prior to departure.

Please note that it is a pre-requisite for entry into Vietnam and Cambodia that your passport is valid for a minimum of 6 months from your date of entry.


If you do require assistance in obtaining a visa then you may be able to apply through Explore's recommended visa service in the UK, Travcour. See www.travcour.com to download the relevant visa application for your trip, if applicable (UK citizens only), along with details of how to apply for your visa through Travcour. The Team at Travcour will be happy to answer specific questions relating to visa applications, please call them directly on 0208 5431846.

It is your responsibility to ensure that you are in possession of a full passport, with the correct validity for your chosen destination.
 

Booking conditions

Before booking your Explore trip, please ensure that you read both our Essential Information and Booking Conditions.
 

Minimum age restrictions

For our group tours, the minimum age is 16. The minimum age on Family trips varies between 7 and 11 - please check the 'Family information' section of the trip page for more information. 


Your safety and enjoyment on tour

We want everyone to have a safe and enjoyable holiday, so we ask you to confirm when booking this trip that you are fit and able to fully participate in all elements of the itinerary. If you have any concerns about your fitness or ability to complete any of the activities, please get in touch with our Customer Relations team at cr@explore.co.uk as soon as possible. Our tour leaders are trained and experienced in managing differing abilities within a group, but if they have concerns about a group member’s ability to safely participate in any element of the itinerary or believe someone’s presence could affect the safety or enjoyment of the holiday for others, in accordance with our Booking Conditions our tour leaders have the authority to ask an individual to miss an activity or activities. This decision would never be taken lightly, but on the rare occasions our tour leaders ask someone to sit out part of the tour, refunds will not be offered and individuals may be liable for additional costs incurred. 
 

Your Tour Leader

All tours aside from extensions, Galapagos cruises and polar expeditions will be led by one of our experienced Tour Leaders. We believe that our Tour Leaders are the key to the success of our tours; they are local experts who are bursting with first-hand knowledge which they love to share, and their unique insights will bring the destination to life. Your Tour Leader will be on hand throughout your tour to make sure arrangements run smoothly, to organise all the local logistics and to keep you safe. Your Tour Leader should be your first point of contact if you encounter any difficulties or disappointments in country – please raise any concerns, however small, with your Tour Leader as they are best placed to assist you.

Transfers

Find out more about Trip Transfer Terms and Conditions before you book.

Booking a land only package with Explore

Customers who have chosen to book on the ‘Land Only’ arrangements of our tour, please ensure that you have checked your tour specific ‘Joining Instructions’ prior to booking your own travel arrangements. Your joining instructions can be found below in the dates and prices information. 

You may also be eligible for the Free Explore Transfer.


Joining Tour Abroad

Customers booked on the ‘Land Only’ arrangements will receive a Free Transfer, provided you arrive and depart on the tour only itinerary start and end dates. The complimentary transfers will be arranged from the Explore designated airport or train station to your trips joining point, and then back from the ending point to the designated airport or train station. Generally the airport or station that Explore have selected will be the one that is closest to the town or city where the trip starts, or the one nearest to the joining point. It will be either an airport or train station but not both.

The exception to this rule is customers who are booked on a tour where the joining and ending point is at the designated airport or train station.  

Free transfers are not available for Polar customers.

If you are not eligible for the Free Transfer then you will need to make your own way through to the joining and ending point. On a majority of our tours Explore will be able to provide a private transfer at an additional cost. Please ask for a quote at the time of booking.  

For more information regarding the Explore Free Transfer click here

Insurance

It is a condition of booking with Explore that you have adequate valid travel insurance. It is your responsibility to arrange appropriate travel insurance and ensure you have read and understood the full terms and conditions of your travel insurance policy to ensure that you are covered for all activities you intend to undertake whilst on the tour, including all optional activities. Your Insurance Policy must fully cover you for medical expenses and emergency repatriation to your home country. Please ensure your policy includes medical emergency helicopter evacuation in the event of illness or injury and covers the entire duration of your holiday. If you are trekking at altitude please ensure that there is no upper altitude limit which may limit or exclude cover for your trip. The cost of many of our Polar Voyages will exceed the capped amount covered by standard insurance premiums and you will be required to pay an additional premium to cover the full value of your trip. Please ensure that you are covered for the full amount of your holiday cost, as insufficient cover could invalidate a claim under the policy. Medical and repatriation insurance cover is not mandatory for UK residents who are travelling on trips within the United Kingdom.
Read more information about what travel insurance is required.

Flight information

Explore can arrange your flights for you, to make joining and leaving our trips easy. Read more about them here.


Flight Information

You are able to book this tour on a 'land only' basis or as a ‘flight inclusive’ package. Your flight inclusive package will be fully protected by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) ATOL protection scheme.

 

Booking a flight inclusive package with Explore

We have a good selection of flights not only from London but from many regional airports around the UK allowing us to compare fares between scheduled carriers as well as low cost and charter airlines. Our dedicated flights team will match the best flight options to your arrival and departure airport.

On our website we display the price of the tour only. Please call us or select the flight option during the online checkout to receive a quote for a flight inclusive package. To avoid paying supplements or to secure your preferred flight option, we recommend booking as early as possible, especially for peak travel dates.

Cambodia

Vaccinations

Nothing compulsory, but we recommend protection against malaria, infectious hepatitis, tetanus, typhoid, diphtheria and polio. Consult your GP regarding tablets advised for malaria. Though not compulsory, travellers may wish to immunise themselves against japanese encephalitis. Please check the latest requirements with your travel clinic or doctor prior to departure. The above is not an exhaustive list. Information regarding vaccinations and travel health advice can be found by on the NaTHNaC website and from your local healthcare provider. Visa and vaccination requirements are subject to change and should be confirmed by you before travelling.

Discovery information
Award Winning Explore Leaders
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Price Guarantee Promise
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Airport Transfers
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Print Trip Notes

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