Two hours southwest of Siem Reap lies Battambang, a fascinating city that is only beginning to get the credit, and tourists, that it deserves.
Awash with French era colonial villas and with the unmistakable buzz that only Cambodia can provide, the town provides visitors with an authentic urban experience that cannot be found in the tourist hotspots of Phnom Penh and Siem Reap.
Providing arguably the best street food in the country and a busy central market, it is a lovely town to simply explore on foot, crisscrossing the river as you go. The best accommodation can be found in some wonderfully restored colonial villas in the heart of the city, including La Villa and Bambu. For those not ‘templed out’ by Angkor, there is the nearby Phnom Banan, a small hill temple providing a wonderful vista of the plains below and showing the scars from the civil war years.
For many, the highlight of Battambang is a sunset ride on the wonderfully imaginative and quirky bamboo train – a flat, homemade bamboo platform placed on rail wheels and then powered by an outboard motor – for a picnic in the rural paddy fields that surround the town. Evenings are best spent eating street food on the riverfront or in one of the colonial-themed cocktail bars and restaurants. Another great way to see the town is from the water as you cruise along the Sangker river, and at sunset, it provides an insight into local life residing along the banks.
Cambodia
Off-The-Beaten-Track Family Adventure
This three-week itinerary, designed for families, is a fun and original way to explore Cambodia’s diverse regions. As every journey is overland, you will soak up the atmosphere as you travel. You’ll find yourself immersed in the various sites and scenery, enthralled by stories from the past and inspired by ordinary people, purposefully embracing their future.
Highlights
Mountain camping
Camp under the stars, surrounded by nature in a sacred mountain range near Siem Reap
Eco experience
Get completely off the tourist trail in Mondulkiri
Explore Angkor
Marvel at the magnificence of Angkor and discover secret corners of the temple complex on a guided cycle ride
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Cambodia
Grand Journey Around Cambodia
Cambodia is often treated as a short must-see, stop-off on a whirlwind trip of Southeast Asia. In fact, it’s a truly remarkable holiday destination in its own right.
The vast majority of tourists come and view Angkor, which is, of course, wonderful, but explore a little further and you’ll discover a fascinating country full of hidden gems that many visitors miss. This suggested trip loops right around the Kingdom with plenty of time in each place to take in the many and varied wonders – both natural, historical and cultural. It covers 3 weeks but can, of course, be scaled back or extended to fit your timeframe.
From the famous Angkor Temples to the remote jungles of Mondulkiri, back down through the bustling capital Phnom Penh to the sleepy seaside towns of the South. This example itinerary offers an in-depth experience of a country rising out of its bloody history with resilience and sparkling energy.
Highlights
Elephant spotting
Head into the wild and grassy forests of Mondulkiri to the fantastic Elephant Valley Project
Private Angkor Experience
Discover the secrets of the incredible Angkor temples with your private expert guide
Eco experience
Explore the organic farm and experience the fantastic ethos at the Smiling Gecko project in the countryside near Phnom Penh
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Cambodia
Hidden Gems of Cambodia
As with all our holidays, this itinerary is just a starting point. We will create a bespoke package which will be completely unique for you.
Highlights
Angkor exploring
Explore secret corners of the magnificent Angkor temple complex with your brilliant local guide
Eco experience
Explore the organic farm and experience the fantastic ethos at the Smiling Gecko project in the countryside near Phnom Penh
Beach bliss
Spend time snorkelling, swimming and relaxing whilst based at an idyllic beach on tropical Koh Rong