Off-The-Beaten-Track Family Adventure

Day 1 Depart the UK

Depart the UK on your overnight flight to Phnom Penh.

Day 2-4 Farmhouse Smiling Gecko

On arrival at Cambodia's capital, Phnom Penh, meet your guide and driver for a transfer directly to Farmhouse Smiling Gecko nearby. Ease your way into the adventure here at this beautiful boutique resort that doubles up as a training school and social enterprise. There is an impressive organic farm on the grounds, and you can learn the ropes of rice farming, bamboo production and much more. There are plenty of activities if you want to get stuck in, but you'll be supporting this great project just by being here, so there is no need to feel guilty if you just fancy relaxing by the pool with a book. 

Day 5 & 6 Battambang

Head north with your driver and guide bound for Battambang, Cambodia's second city. Halfway along the route, you can break the journey at Krakor and board a boat to explore Kampong Loung, the largest floating village on Tonle Sap lake but one that tourists often overlook.

Once in Battambang - get stuck into the bustling market and what many say is the country's best street food. If you're a family who likes to try new food, then Battambang is the ideal place to try out a Khmer cooking class. There is plenty of fun in the surrounding countryside, too - from Buddha caves to Bat Caves to a ride through the surrounding paddy fields on the famous Bamboo Train.

Day 7-9 Siem Reap & Angkor

Head east to Siem Reap, home to the famous Temples of Angkor. Spend time exploring them by tuk-tuk or guided bike tour. You'll uncover some genuinely magnificent sights - teenagers tend to especially enjoy the mysterious off-the-beaten-path structures left to the jungle over the years.

Beyond the temples, an absolute must is an evening at the Phare Circus - a modern theatre experience that tells stories of traditional Cambodian life. The circus is fun and a great night out, but it's also a tremendous social-enterprise initiative that provides many people with education, opportunities and freedom from poverty. 

Day 10 Kulen Mountain Camping

Veer a little off-piste today towards Phnom Kulen - a range of mountains and part of a national park located approximately 2 hours away from Siem Reap. Considered the birthplace of the Khmer empire - there are several intricate pre-Angkorian sites to behold, but the magic of this experience is simply being outdoors in nature overnight. Camp next to a river, trek through the jungle, swim in waterfalls and enjoy the food and hospitality your guides provide. 

Day 11 & 12 Kratie & Chhlong 

Now it's time to venture towards the remote Northeast, first to Kratie province. The mighty Mekong dissects Kratie, and this particular stretch of the river is known for sitings of the rare Irrawaddy Dolphin. Spend some time exploring the waters by boat or kayak in search of the elusive species and stay at a lovely riverside colonial villa. Most people come here primarily to explore the Mekong river, but it's well worth taking time to experience the rhythm of typical rural Cambodian life in the sleepy, remote town. 

Day 13 -15 Mondulkiri

Travel onwards into remote Mondulkiri Province nr the Vietnam border. Few tourists visit this rural, naturally beautiful part of Cambodia. The scenery is entirely different from the rest of the country, with rolling grass hills rather than paddy fields. There are villages to be explored and local markets and waterfalls where you can enjoy a scenic picnic lunch. Spend a full day at the fantastic Elephant Valley Project, a centre dedicated to the preservation and protection of elephants. Then head to the forest and the Bunong ancestral lands, where you'll stay at a fascinating eco-tourism project that helps preserve the habitat of the world's largest population of two species of rare gibbon.

Day 16-17 Phnom Penh

Continue south to the capital Phnom Penh. Accommodation is in a family suite next to the Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda, so covering these main sites is a breeze. Enjoy lots of tasty food here and take a cycle tour of Koh Dach island - just a short boat ride across the Mekong from the city centre.

You'll also have the option to visit Toul Sleng Museum, formerly used by the Pol Pot regime as a detention centre. The museum is a moving example of the difficulties faced by Cambodia between 1975 & 1979.

Day 18-21 Kep & Kampot

For the final part of the adventure, you'll travel south to your base in the coastal town of Kep. During your stay, there is time to explore Kept itself, the surrounding countryside, and neighbouring Kampot.

Kampot is famous for its pepper (some say it's the best in the world), and Kep is renowned for its crab. A meal at the famous crab market is a must in Kep, or take a food tour with a chef in Kampot. Explore Bokor Mountain and its surrounding caves or take it easy and stroll around the faded colonial buildings and the colourful boat yards.

Day 22 Fly Home

Today it's time to bid farewell to Cambodia and fly home from Phnom Penh. Alternatively, stay for a few more days and head down to the Koh Rong Archipelago for some time on an island. 

 

Your bespoke proposal with Experience Travel Group will include:

• International Flights (we can omit if you prefer)
• Accommodation as described
• Privately guided tours and transfers
• Tips for guides and drivers
• Original Experience Travel Group "signature" experiences 
• Full financial protection (ABTA and ATOL bonding.) 
• 24-hour in-country backup while away
• Your dedicated travel expert in the UK