Breathtakingly iconic sites to see, a peaceful pace to enjoy, buzzing big cities to explore, rural beauty to gaze at, and a food scene that’s equal parts underrated AND delicious… what’s not to love about Cambodia?
In our humble opinion over here at Intrepid, the answer is: not a lot.
Less well-known but no less magnificent than neighbours such as Vietnam and Thailand, it’s a gem of a Southeast Asian nation. And one that should be on your list. So, to encourage you to make said list a reality, we sent photographer Ryan Bolton (he’s amazing; check out his website and Instagram) on one of our many trips there to capture its allure.
Our 12-day Cambodia Adventure tour starts in Bangkok, ends in Ho Chi Minh City, and spends all the time between in beautiful Cambodia. In case you’re wondering, here’s what the Cambodia segment looks like. (Spoiler alert: beautiful, jam-packed and oh so enticing…)
Siem Reap
The gateway to the ruins of Angkor, Siem Reap is a great town to spend a few days exploring. Don’t leave without dropping by the Old Market, grabbing a drink on Pub Street and taking a Khmer cooking class.
Siem Reap’s Pub Street
A lively evening in Siem Reap
Angkor Wat
Intrepid’s Cambodia Adventure trip comes with a one-day Angkor Pass (and temple tour). Make the most of it – and cross your fingers for an iconic sunrise at Angkor Wat.
The Intrepid group at iconic Angkor Wat
A special moment in a special place
Angkor Thom, the last capital city of the Khmer Empire
Kompong Cham
If you want to experience small-town Cambodia, look for further than Kompong Cham. Hire a bike and explore the surrounds, or visit the 11th-century Wat Nokor.
A tasty Cambodian meal in Kampong Cham
Soaking up the local culture in Kampong Cham
Phnom Penh
Cambodia’s capital is a fascinating place. Pay your respects to the devastating genocide at the Killing Fields, but also visit the Royal Palace, Silver Pagoda and the city’s plentiful restaurants and markets to get a more well-rounded view.
READ MORE: 5 ESSENTIAL SPOTS TO VISIT IN PHNOM PENH
Taking in the Norodom Sihanouk Memorial
The sights and delights of Cambodia’s capital
Phnom Penh is a special city
CHECK OUT INTREPID’S RANGE OF SMALL GROUP TOURS IN CAMBODIA
Chambok
Get an insights into rural Cambodia by spending time in the lush region of Kampong Speu. Here you’ll find waterfalls, swimming holes and mountain vistas aplenty.
The rural region of Kampong Speu
Cambodia’s unparalleled beauty
Visit with Intrepid and you’ll spend the night with a local family. Enjoy an authentic Khmer dinner, find out about the community’s ecotourism focus, and even get treated to a traditional dance performance.
Arriving at Chambok village to stay with a local family
The joys of being treated to a traditional Khmer dinner
Joining a local family in their home is unforgettable
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Sihanoukville
A stunning spot to enjoy a few nights in, Sihanoukville is all about chilling at the beach, or one one of countless islands. Consider a boat trip, windsurfing, kitesurfing or venturing to wildlife-filled Ream National Park.
Taking a boat to one of Sihanoukville’s nearby islands
The beaches around Sihanoukville are blissful
Intrepid travellers relaxing in Sihanoukville
Phnom Penh
Time for one last night in Phnom Penh before the tour’s final stop: Ho Chi Minh City. If you’re looking to relax, you can’t go wrong with a visit to the Seeing Hands massage parlours, which support visually impaired masseurs.
READ MORE: MEET CHANNA, THE CAMBODIAN INTREPID LEADER WITH AN INCREDIBLE STORY
‘ An Intrepid traveller enjoying a tuk tuk ride in Phnom Penh
A street food stall in the capital
Drinks with Intrepid friends
To enjoy all the amazing experiences pictured above, check out this 12-day Cambodia Tour.
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(All images c/o Ryan Bolton for Intrepid Travel.)
