Real Cambodia

Intrepid Travel · 10 days

4.6

20 Reviews

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Duration

10 days

Tour Type

Small Group

Accommodations

Basic

Physical Rating

Light

Guide Language

English

Experience Overview

On this 10-day trip through Cambodia, you’ll start in Vietnam’s Ho Chi Minh City with your group, then hightail it to Phnom Penh, where you’ll set sail on the Mekong River over sunset and kindle the flames of friendship.

Highlights

Spend a night in at your rural homestay in Sambor Preikuk, right in the heart of everyday life in Cambodia – walk through the village, see locals working the rice fields and learn about the community-led efforts to preserve this area's cultural heritage.
See the sunrise over the incredible Angkor complex and take a guided tuk-tuk tour of all the best sites (including Angkor Wat and jungle-covered Ta Prohm) with a company focused on employing local women in the community. 
Enjoy tonnes of free time swimming and soaking up the sun on the sands of Koh Rong Island – the perfect spot for long beach days, jungle hikes, waterfalls expeditions and a drink (or two).
Tuck into some local food sure to delight the tastebuds – including a homecooked Khmer dinner and breakfast at your homestay, local market delights and street eats sure to please.
Learn more about Cambodia's confronting but important history with included visits to the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S21) and the Killing Fields of Choeung Ek.

Trip Details

Duration

10 days

Transportation

Private minibus,Public bus,TukTuk,Speed Boat

Tour Type

Small Group

Guide Language

English

Starts

Ho Chi Minh City, Cambodia

Finishes

Bangkok, Cambodia

Accommodations

Basic

Travel Style

18 - 39 Year Olds Only

Physical Rating

Light

Itinerary

Day 1: Ho Chi Minh City

Xin chao! Welcome to Ho Chi Minh. Your Cambodian adventure starts with a dip into Vietnam and a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight. There's nothing planned for the first day, so feel free to get amongst the chaos of the city. A good place to start is the Ben Thanh Market, where you can snack on chao tom (barbecued shrimp paste on sticks of sugar cane). If you have time, a visit to Reunification Palace or the War Remnants Museum are recommended. Tonight, why not get your new friends together and enjoy a group dinner to kick off your journey.

Optional Activities:

Ho Chi Minh City - War Remnants Museum (40000 VND)
Ho Chi Minh City - Reunification Palace (40000 VND)

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 2: Phnom Penh

Today, travel to Phnom Penh on a public bus – this is a long journey that includes two border crossings and a stop where you can grab some lunch. Have your favourite books or road trip games ready – this is a great opportunity to get to know your fellow travellers better. Your guide will assist with the formalities at both sides of the border. When you arrive, why not treat yourself to a traditional Khmer massage to ease the tension. Look no further than Seeing Hands – a great organisation supporting visually impaired masseurs.

Included Activities:

Phnom Penh - Orientation Walk

Optional Activities:

Phnom Penh - Khmer massage (8 USD)

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 3: Phnom Penh

Today, you’ll have an authentic local breakfast near one of the markets. Then, the group will head to Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S21) and the Killing Fields of Choeung Ek – both sobering but important and informative experiences in Cambodia. After, you may like to explore some of the sights in your own time, like the Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda, which both offer brighter aspects of Cambodia's past. You might also head for the National Museum or Wat Phnom – a Buddhist temple built in 1372. The main centre of the city sits on the Western bank of the Tonle Sap and Mekong rivers. In the evening, you’ll head out with your group for a sunset river cruise and enjoy an included drink as you sail along the water and see the city from a different perspective. Then, you might like to hit up a rooftop bar with some amazing views of the city – there are lots of options to choose from, so just ask your leader. 

Included Activities:

Phnom Penh - Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S21)
Phnom Penh - Killing Fields of Choeung Ek
Phnom Penh - Local Breakfast
Phnom Penh - Sunset River Cruise

Optional Activities:

Phnom Penh - Wat Phnom (2 USD)
Phnom Penh - National Museum (10 USD)
Phnom Penh - Cyclo tour (4 USD)
Phnom Penh - Royal Palace & Silver Pagoda (10 USD)

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 4: Koh Rong

Today, leave Phnom Penh on a private bus to Sihanoukville. Then, you’ll take a speed boat to the paradise of Koh Rong. You’ll have a couple of days on the island to really bliss out and adjust to island time – this afternoon is for swimming, relaxing on the warm sandy shores of the beach and walking along the coast in the balmy evening in search of somewhere for dinner (your leader will have some great recommendations).

Accommodation:

Bungalow (multi-share) (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 5: Koh Rong

Today is another free day to chill at the beach. Soak in the sun, order a few cocktails or cold beers to cool down and go swimming in the serene waters of Koh Rong. If you’re looking for something active, maybe ask your leader for your hiking options, as there’s plenty of gorgeous jungle and hidden waterfalls waiting to be discovered inland. Tonight, why not party it up at Nest Beach Club – a lively spot known for its nightlife.

Accommodation:

Bungalow (multi-share) (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 6: Sambor Prei Kuk

This morning, you’ll leave the island behind and head to your homestay in Isanborei – a rural community that maintains a traditional lifestyle. This community lies within Sambor Preikuk, a UNESCO World Heritage site with more than 100 ancient temples. This is also home to a Cambodian community-based tourism project involving seven Khmer villages that collaborate to conserve the historic area and provide residents with job opportunities. When you arrive, take a tour of the village with your local guide, who will introduce you to the local people, your homestay and your hosts. Tonight, catch the sun setting over the rice fields before unwinding as you enjoy a traditional homemade Khmer dinner with your host family.

Included Activities:

Sambor Prei Kuk - Khmer Dinner
Sambor Prei Kuk - Homestay

Accommodation:

Homestay (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 7: Siem Reap

Enjoy breakfast prepared by your local host this morning. If you didn’t get a chance yesterday, you can visit the nearby Sambor Preikuk Temple – some of the oldest ruins in the country (dating back to the 6th century). Maybe opt to cycle over the rural roads through the village, passing locals working in the rice fields, or perhaps try a sample of Sombai Cambodian Liqueur. After a day of exploring, say goodbye to your homestay hosts and travel on towards Siem Reap – home to the bucket list site, Angkor Wat. When you arrive, maybe spend some time looking around the central markets and pick up some delicious local food for dinner tonight. 

Included Activities:

Sambor Prei Kuk - Local Community Guide
Sambor Prei Kuk - Village Walk
Siem Reap - Orientation Walk

Optional Activities:

Sambor Prei Kuk - Temple Visit (10 USD)
Sambor Prei Kuk - Sombai Cambodian Liqueur Tasting (3 USD)
Sambor Prei Kuk - Bike Rental (3 USD)
Siem Reap - Landmine Museum (5 USD)
Siem Reap - Three day Angkor Pass (62 USD)

Accommodation:

Hostel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 8: Siem Reap - Angkor Wat Sunrise

Early this morning, you’ll visit the mighty Angkor complex at sunrise – this is the largest religious structure in the world, and it’s pretty special to see the dawn rise over the temples. Get the camera ready because these 400 acres are full of picturesque settings. You’ll take a guided tour of the complex on a tuk-tuk with a local social enterprise that focuses on providing employment opportunities for women in the community – and see the larger-than-life Angkor Wat, the grand Bayon and the jungle-covered Ta Prohm. Some buildings are over a thousand years old from the Khmer Empire – these beauties were known to represent the cosmic world and were set in perfect balance, symmetry and composition. If you like, try to catch the majesty of the temples at sunset, too – you can even head back to your accommodation after your guided tour for a nap and then re-enter the site in the late afternoon.

Included Activities:

Siem Reap - Angkor Temples Guided Tour by TukTuk
Siem Reap - Angkor Wat Sunrise
Siem Reap - One day Angkor Pass

Optional Activities:

Siem Reap - Phare Circus Ticket (18 USD)
Siem Reap - Angkor Zipline Silver Tour (54 USD)
Siem Reap - Angkor Zipline Gold Tour (87 USD)

Accommodation:

Hostel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 9: Bangkok

Goodbye Cambodia, hello Thailand. Drive from Siem Reap to Bangkok in a private minivan today. After a long travel day, arrive in Bangkok. The khlongs (canals) are a great way to escape from all the chaos – maybe take a boat to the popular Chinatown for a delicious street food dinner. A traditional Thai massage may also be a good option to relax into the evening. There’s some great nightlife and rooftop bars to explore here, so be sure to stake out a place with your travel buddies and watch day turn to night, celebrating your final evening.

Optional Activities:

Bangkok - Thai Massage (300 THB)

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 10: Bangkok

There are no activities planned for today and your trip comes to an end. Bangkok is full of things to do, including the Grand Palace, Temple of the Emerald Buddha, or the Jim Thompson Museum. If you’d like to stay in Thailand for longer, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time.

Optional Activities:

Bangkok - Jim Thompson's House (200 THB)
Bangkok - Khlong boat canal tour (900 THB)
Bangkok - Grand Palace (500 THB)
Bangkok - Wat Pho (300 THB)
Bangkok -Tuk Tuk Experience Urban Adventure (2500 THB)
Bangkok - Chinatown Sights and Bites Urban Adventure (1960 THB)
Bangkok - Temple & River of Kings Urban Adventure (2900 THB)

Exclusions

Flights to and from origin and destinations
Airport transfers (arrival and departure)
Anything else not explicitly listed in tour inclusions
Recommended gratuities/tipping
Optional activities/tours
Personal expenses
Travel insurance
Visas, meals and beverages not stated in the list of inclusions.

Important Information

Meals

When meals are not included, your tour leader (where available) will be happy to help with restaurant recommendations, bookings, and directions. Please let us know if you have any dietary needs or preferences. We willdo our best to accommodate these, though we cannot guarantee that every request can be met.

Luggage

You are responsible for your personal belongings throughout the tour. You will need to carry your own bags between the vehicle and your hotel room. Drivers will assist with loading and unloading luggage from the vehicle.

Mobility

Travellers requiring wheelchair access should contact our sales and service team, who can make enquiries on your behalf.

Fitness Level

This tour requires an Average level of fitness. Activities are paced gently and include leisure time. You may be expected to join guided walks of up to one hour, navigate short stairways and mild inclines, and manage your own luggage. You should also be able to board and exit all transport without assistance.

Travellers are expected to be self-sufficient and capable of handling all aspects of their journey. Please discuss your circumstances and support needs with your booking agent to confirm this trip is suitable.

If you are unsure, we recommend consulting your doctor before booking or travelling. (Note: I assume each tour has a different description depending on level of fitness required).

Sightseeing

If a planned site visit is unavailable due to changes in operating hours or holiday closures, the itinerary may be altered, or a comparable activity will be substituted where possible and subject to availability.

Visas

Visa conditions can change. Once you receive your travel documents, check with the relevant embassy, consulate, or immigration office of your destination for the latest information.

It is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct and valid travel documents and to comply with all entry requirements.
Non-Australian citizens must also confirm visa and identification requirements with the appropriate consulate or visa agency.
Certain occupations (for example, journalists, government officials, or those working in charities) may face additional restrictions when applying for visas, which could affect the type of application required.

Departure Dates & Surcharges: See checkout for live dates and availability.

AUD $1,040

(Tour only)

Per Person Twin Share

Duration: 10 days

Trip Type: Small Group

Activity Level: Light

Check Availability Brochure

Price based on per person in Double Room for departure 16 Apr 2026

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Customer Reviews

Overall Rating

Excellent

4.5

Guide

Excellent

4.5

Itinerary

Excellent

4.5

Accommodations

Excellent

4.5

Transportation

Excellent

4.5

Tour Operator

Excellent

4.5

Food

Excellent

4.5

Kylie

Traveled, April 2024

04/27/2024

Real Cambodia was an exciting, quick trip through many destinations in Cambodia. There were a lot of travel days, but that allowed us to see so much of the country in so little time. It’s truly a beautiful place with kind and resilient people.

5.0

Freya

Traveled, March 2023

04/26/2024

I loved the Intrepid tour of Cambodia - it was an incredible place with very memorable activities. Bo was a great tour guide, he was really informative and we were definitely in good hands. Koh Rong was also a particular highlight of my whole trip

Tour Operator

Intrepid Travel is a global adventure travel company, dedicated to providing sustainable, experience-rich travel opportunities. They’ve been the leader in ethical, small-group travel since 1989 - taking people around the world for more than 30 years. They’re the world’s largest travel B Corporation - dedicated to being the best travel company for the world. In 2002, they established The Intrepid Foundation so their travellers could make a lasting impact on the communities they had visited. Although Intrepid Travel absorbs all administrative costs of The Intrepid Foundation, they are separate legal entities, allowing The Intrepid Foundation to grow independently. Intrepid Travel is made up of a collection of tour operator brands and 28 destination management companies all united by one vision: To change the way we all see the world.

In Business Since 1989

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