Cambodia: Angkor, Rainforests & Exotic Islands

Ancient temples and luscious jungle; idyllic castaway islands and charming locals…this is an undiscovered Cambodia adventure you’ll wish would never end

What's included

Accommodation in twin rooms
All activities mentioned on the itinerary
All local transport including minibus & boat
Stay in hand-picked 3-4 star hotels & lodges
10 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 5 dinners
Arrival airport transfer
Experienced Pack Leader with you throughout the trip
Max 16 travellers per group

Flashpackers must provide evidence that they have purchased travel insurance for the duration of their adventure. Remember, international flights aren't included and prices are based on sharing a twin room. If you'd like to upgrade to a single room, you can add this during the booking process or by contacting our Customer Experience team.

About your trip

Incredible history, friendly Khmer culture & idyllic tropical islands…Cambodia boasts everything you could need from your next adventure. But shhh…we’re not sure everyone knows yet.

In Siem Reap, you’ll take in the iconic temples, starting with a bucket-list sunrise at Angkor Wat (every bit as magical as you imagine). You’ll explore the buzzing streets of Phnom Penh by cyclo and meet a survivor of the Khmer Rouge regime. You’ll hike through the jungle wilderness of the Cardamom Mountains, and you’ll play castaway on the island of Koh Rong Sanloem, snorkelling and fishing in its clear turquoise waters.

From Buddhist monk blessings and Khmer cocktail masterclasses to making rice noodles with local experts, this adventure is all about being completely immersed in local life alongside the friendliest people on the planet.

In 11 days, you won’t just explore Cambodia, you’ll fall in love with it.

On Location w/ Flashpacker Gemma

Welcome cocktails & Khmer cuisine

Touch down in cosmopolitan Siem Reap, gateway to the fabled Angkor temples, where your private Flash Pack hotel transfer awaits
Journey by tuk tuk deep into the Old Market district for a cocktail masterclass set within a traditional wooden house
Round off your first day with some first tastes of Khmer cuisine at an authentic local restaurant

Sunrise at Angkor Wat

Up at dawn, you’ll witness a spectacular sunrise over Angkor Wat, one of the most magnificent monuments on earth
A moment best enjoyed away from the crowds, we’ll sneak you off to a nearby hill for a more ‘Flash Pack’ sunrise experience
Tonight, Cambodia’s Phare Circus beckons. Set up by refugees of the Khmer Rouge era, you can expect music, dancing and breathtaking acrobatics

Banteay Srei & local life

Experience a private blessing ceremony with Buddhist monks at a beautiful pagoda
Wander the ornate temple of Banteay Srei, a pink-hued complex adorned in the most intricate carvings
Step into the home of a local family where you’ll learn how to make delicate palm leaf crafts and taste some fresh bamboo sticky rice

A night out in Phnom Penh

Today it’s on to Phnom Penh, the country’s vibrant capital. It’s a six-hour journey to get there – passing picturesque rural scenes
Stretch your legs partway with a stop in Skuon, a town famed for its deep-fried tarantulas (enjoy), before arriving at your boutique hotel later that afternoon
Embrace Phnom Penh’s energy on a night tour of the city, visiting lively markets as well as a bar best-loved by locals for live music and dancing

Cyclo tours and sunset on the Mekong

Confront Cambodia’s tragic past at the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, meeting a survivor of the brutal Khmer Rouge regime
Discover Phnom Penh by three-wheeler cyclo, taking in the art deco Central Market, the charming French colonial quarter and the Wat Phnom temple
Cruise along the Mekong at sunset, enjoying the changing cityscape with drink in hand

Eco riverside living

Today, exotic Koh Kong calls – a remote province in southwest Cambodia complete with unspoilt coastline and dense forests
Hop into a local marchin boat and journey downriver to your secluded eco-resort – a cluster of thatched stilt bungalows on the river
Slow the pace and unwind, making use of the free kayaks or cooling off in a nearby waterfall

Intrepid jungle hiking

Wake to the sound of birdsong and gibbons, sipping fresh coffee as the morning mist rises over the Cardamom Mountains
Embark on an adventurous nature walk through the jungle, looking out for monkeys, hornbills and snakes with your local guide
Enjoy a picnic lunch by a small waterfall before returning to your lodge for (more) off-grid relaxation

Journey to Island paradise

Onwards to tropical Sihanoukville, where you’ll catch a ferry to the island perfection of Koh Rong Sanloem
You’ll be staying at a low-key resort, surrounded by powder-white sands and a jungled interior for ultimate castaway vibes.
Spend the rest of the day at your leisure, swimming in the warm turquoise sea, or simply kicking back in a hammock

A day of snorkelling & fishing

Board a private longtail boat and head out onto the warm turquoise waters of the Gulf of Thailand
Try your hand at fishing the traditional way – perhaps even landing your lunch
Snorkel among vibrant coral reef – spotting anything from parrotfish and seahorses to large schools of yellow goatfish

Sunset skyline drinks

Travel back to Phnom Penh for a free afternoon. Continue exploring or book a treatment at the hotel’s spa
Enjoy sunset drinks at a rooftop bar before your final dinner in a colonial building that once served as the headquarters of a French army commander

Farewell, Cambodia

After breakfast, it’s time to say goodbye to your group and make your own way to the airport
Return home feeling inspired and humbled by a destination that surprised you at every turn. From grand temples and tragic histories to off-grid island beauty and a people of endless positivity – all experienced alongside new friends; your Cambodia adventure will stay with you for a lifetime

Where you'll be staying

We often feature these unique hotels on this trip, with final options confirmed a month before departure. We work with these or similar hotels to ensure a stylish and comfortable stay every time.

Treeline Urban Hotel, Siem Reap

An art-filled boutique bolthole in a leafy riverside spot, perfect for post-temple lounging. Fuel up at the noodle bar, stop by the eco-spa for a tamarind & honey scrub or soothe tired muscles with some gentle laps in the Insta-worthy infinity pool.

Tribe Hotel, Phnom Penh

Part collaborative workspace, part social hub, this design hotel overlooking the the Mekong River is full of boutique personality. Think ultra-modern rooms with bold prints and colour, an open-air saltwater pool and a chic rooftop restaurant with stunning skyline views.

Thansur Tatai Eco Resort

Wake up to the sounds of nature at these rustic floating bungalows and stilted villas, set amongst the mangroves of the tranquil Tatai River. Accessible by boat, you’ll feel a million miles from civilization with days spent kayaking, hiking or relaxing by the natural pool.

La Passion Resort, Koh Rong Samloem

Harness your inner Robinson Crusoe at this secluded island resort, lapped by the aquamarine waters of picturesque Saracen Bay. Luckily, the elegant jungle villas, beachfront infinity pool and exotic Khmer restaurant come as standard. Sunset cocktail, anyone?

Adventure FAQs

Which airport do I need to fly in and out of? Plus airport code

Fly into Siem Reap International Airport (REP) or Siem Reap Angkor International Airport (SAI) and out of Phnom Penh (PNH).

What time do I need to arrive (in time for the welcome meeting)?

Please try to arrive before 2 pm on Day 1, although we will arrange an airport transfer for you regardless of when you arrive.

What time should my flight depart on the last day?

There are no planned activities on the final day, so depart at your own leisure.

Are airport transfers included?

If you arrive on Day 1 of your adventure, or you book pre-tour accommodation with us, your airport arrival transfer will be included. If you book alternative pre-tour accommodation or are arriving by another mode of transport you must arrange your own arrival transfer.

Arrival transfers are private to Flash Pack and will be in groups depending on flight times. Sometimes this means waiting in the airport for a short while until other flights have arrived.

We don’t offer a departure transfer as Flashpackers leave at different times of the day and many stay for extra nights. Your hotel in Phnom Penh is about an hour away from the airport and a taxi costs around 30 USD. We will offer you support with arranging a local transfer.

Do I need a visa?

Up-to-date visa and entry information can be found using our official partner, Sherpa, who can help you arrange a visa if needed.

You can also find essential travel advice – including security and local laws, as well as passport and visa information – on the government website of your home country:

UK residents: review the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) Travel Advice before your adventure.
US residents: consult the US Department of State Travel Advice for important travel information.
Australian residents: check the Smart Traveler website for up-to-date travel advice.
Residents of other countries: refer to the travel advice provided by your own government or local consulate.

Please be aware that passport and visa requirements can change before departure, so it’s important to stay updated with the latest information.

Everything you need to know about Cambodia's new e-arrival card system

Effective from July 2024, all inbound travellers to Cambodia arriving via flights into Phnom Penh and Siem Reap must complete a mandatory electronic arrival card (e-Arrival) before entry. This system consolidates the immigration form, health declaration, and customs documents into one online submission. It’s recommended to submit the form prior to boarding. Currently, paper forms remain in use for land borders and other airports.

Details of how to complete the form can be found here – https://www.exotravel.com/blog/en/cambodia-e-arrival-card/

What vaccinations and medication will I need?

While we are not medical professionals and cannot offer personalised medical advice, we want to ensure you have a safe and enjoyable adventure. Here are some tips to help you prepare.

1. Consult with a healthcare professional

We recommend scheduling an appointment with your travel nurse or doctor at least eight weeks before your adventure. This will give you ample time to receive any necessary vaccines or medications.

2. Up-to-date medical advice

UK residents: visit the NHS Fit For Travel website for the latest medical advice.
US residents: check the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for specialised health information.
Australian residents: refer to the Smart Traveler Health website for current medical advice.

3. Government travel advice

UK residents: review the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) Travel Advice before your adventure.
US residents: consult the US Department of State Travel Advice for important travel information.
Australian residents: check the Smart Traveler website for up-to-date travel advice.

4. Medication tips

If you take prescription medication, ensure you bring enough to last the entire adventure, plus a few extra days in case of travel delays. Carry a copy of your prescription with you in case you need to visit a clinic while abroad.

We hope this information will help you prepare for a safe and healthy adventure.

What will the riverside eco-lodge be like?

Staying at the sustainable eco-lodge is a real off the beaten track experience surrounded by pristine nature – the perfect antidote to stressful modern life.

As with any nature-based experience, you should expect to encounter animals and insects, especially after heavy rain.

Accommodation will either be in floating bungalows on the river or stilted villas next to the river. Both options are comfortable but rustic, and open to the elements.

Due to limited availability, Flashpackers will be split between two room types. There are only two twin rooms and two single rooms available for the floating bungalows. Once these are filled, the stilt villas will be used.

Please also note that the eco-resort is in a remote location, with fewer activities available on site and slower service.

How adventurous is the jungle hike?

This half-day hike will be on a narrow path through the jungle, where you will in contact with tropical foliage. In the rainy season (and sometimes in the dry season) you are likely to get wet feet and there may be some small harmless leeches around, so long trousers and sleeves are recommended.

What level of fitness will I need?

Overall, this trip is fairly relaxed with walks from place to place long easy flat terrain. A moderate level of fitness is required for the Tatai River hike as you will be walking for several hours through the jungle, including some uphill sections.

Are tips included?

Please note that tips are not included in the cost of this adventure. Suggested amounts per person are:

Pack Leader: 5-7 USD per day
City transfers: 1-2 USD per journey
Bus boy (helper): 1 USD per person
Tuk-tuks: 2 USD per tuk tuk
Hotel porters: 2 USD per luggage
Waiters: 1 USD per person

Some Pack Leaders will collect a kitty at the welcome meeting to take care of local tips. However, all tips are at your discretion depending on what you feel comfortable with.

How much should I budget per day for extras?

Excluding alcohol, we’d suggest budgeting 50 USD. That said, if you’re willing to eat like a local it can be a lot less. It is still possible in Cambodia to buy a plate of food for 1-2 USD.

Will this itinerary change?

Please be aware that the itinerary, activities and hotels are subject to change. These changes can happen with little notice due to availability, poor weather, seasonal changes, or other circumstances beyond our control – but we’ll always do our best to ensure it has little impact on your experience. From time to time, we may also make changes to your itinerary to try out new ideas and keep things fresh and exciting.

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