Cambodia Family Holiday

Sousadei. Welcome to Cambodia.

Arrive in the heat, hustle and bustle of Phnom Penh. Once considered the Paris of the East it is an exciting and absorbing city where scooters pack the streets and temples stand defiantly alongside modern developments. Decimated by years of civil war the city has stepped out of the shadows and the charm of yesteryear is reemerging.

Our hotel is in the heart of this incredible city. A welcome group meeting will be held today at 5pm with an optional group dinner after the meeting. Accommodation in Phnom Penh at a well-located family style hotel.

This morning we take a Cyclo Centre cyclo (bicycle rickshaw) trip to explore some of the historic buildings in the riverfront area.Visit The private quarters of the Royal Palace are home to King Sihamoni and closed off to the public, but you will be able to visit the sacred Silver Pagoda that lies in the palace complex. Afterwards there is free time for exploring.

Today we travel by private bus through the countryside to Battambang. The journey takes around 4.5 - 5 hours and we will stop to see local pottery-making along the way. Cambodia's second-largest city, Battambang, (pronounced Battambong) is an attractive riverside town with traces of French elegance, friendly Khmer people and well-preserved colonial architecture.

Tonight, after settling in, we journey by remork to a local family’s house to enjoy a home cooked Cambodian dinner and hear about life in Cambodia.

A half day bike trip takes us through the beautiful surrounding countryside of Battambang. We stop along the way to discover the local rural way including small cottage industries producing sticky-rice cooked in bamboo, rice paper making, dried banana’s (like a roll up), and smelly fish paste making. It is an easy ride and bicycle is the best way to explore the quiet countryside. Helmets and smaller bikes and a bike attachment called a “tag along” are available for children. For those unable to ride there is also a remork (local tuk tuk) available.

Today after breakfast, check out of your hotel and journey by private minivan to Siem Reap. Siem Reap is the gateway to the UNESCO World Heritage Angkor Archaeological Park which is roughly 7 kilometres away. However, the town itself is worth exploring with day and night markets, Khmer massage and spa treatments, a variety of great cafes and restaurants, and even fish massage. After checking into your hotel, you and your family will jump in Tuk Tuk to visit the Rokkhak Women Handicraft centre which is a business based-sustainable development that connects socially conscious travellers with traditional local crafts. Watch the weavers at work, learn about their craft and try your hand at water hyacinth weaving using leaves which have been dried and prepared for you by the centre’s expert weavers.

After breakfast it's off to explore the remarkable temples of Angkor. 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. There will be plenty of opportunities to capture the perfect family photo and stop to see the monkeys that gather on the temple ruins.

Tonight after dinner experience Phare the Cambodian Circus which is sure to be a highlight for the whole family. Coming from vulnerable households the performers have gained international recognition through their art practice. Like a Cambodian Cirque Du Soleil, modern Khmer tales mix theatre, music, dance, acrobatics, juggling, aerial acts, and contortion.

Today your family will discover the secrets behind famous Cambodian cuisines with a hands-on cooking course. First up is a visit to a local morning market to shop for fresh ingredients then once in the kitchen, a chef will explain each of the ingredients and help your family prepare a delicious feast for lunch.
The afternoon is free for you to enjoy. You may like to visit the exquisite Banteay Srey (“Citadel of the women”) temple or Banteay Srei Butterfly Centre, which features a live display of the stunning variety of Cambodian butterflies. If travelling with older kids you may also like to pay a visit to the Landmine Museum which was set up in 1997 by former-child soldier Aki Ra. The Museum aims to tell the story of landmines in Cambodia and to inspire people to make a difference.
Tonight you will have the option to enjoy a final group dinner to celebrate an amazing adventure together.

After breakfast, there are no activities planned, and you’re free to leave at any time.If you would like to explore more of Cambodia, you might like to arrange a trip to the Tonle Sap Lake – a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve or if staying longer in Siem Reap, speak to your booking agent to assist with organising additional nights accommodation.