Siem Reap and Angkor, Northern Cambodia, Cambodia
Tonle Sap Floating Villages
Just a short drive south from Siem Reap is the northern tip of the great Tonle Sap Lake, the largest freshwater body in South East Asia.
The lake is the life-source of Cambodia, providing food, transport, communication and homes to millions of people. The water levels vary greatly depending on time of year, but the lake can be visited all year round.
With a wooden motorised boat as transport, you can jet out into the lake and experience its vastness. The lake is also home to countless floating villages. The inhabitants of these villages are nomadic tribes of fishing families, living on boats and stilted houses. Plants and vegetables are grown in floating plots of earth and pots balanced on rafts, whilst dogs and pigs live in environments most people will rarely have witnessed before! The trip is an interesting insight into the fascinating way of life of these people.
Visiting the floating villages is a half day trip from Siem Reap. This can be done in either the morning or afternoon, although it is generally better to avoid the afternoon heat. You will be collected by vehicle from your hotel and driven to the quay where the boats are docking at that time of year.
What you’ll do
- Explore Tonle Sap, South East Asia’s largest freshwater lake, by wooden motorboat
- Discover unique floating villages with stilted homes, fishing boats, and floating gardens
- Gain insight into the nomadic lifestyle of local fishing families
- Half-day tour from Siem Reap, available morning or afternoon (mornings are cooler)
Tonle Sap Lake on the map
Explore ETG's Sample Itineraries in Siem Reap
Cambodia
Rural Indochina Family Adventure
This holiday idea is an excellent opportunity for adventurous families to get under the skin of Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam.
You will see a few of the famous landmarks, but the primary focus is on the countryside, which you’ll explore with ease by bike, kayak, quad bike, and even Vespa! See the well-known highlights and what lies beyond as you cycle through hidden jungles, raft past dramatic river gorges, and get an authentic taste of the local lifestyle from a range of perspectives.
Highlights
Angkor Wat
Soaking up the atmosphere of Angkor Wat before sunrise; an early start for a magical experience
Lovely Laos
Marvelling at the dramatic riverine scenery and feeling the adrenaline as you kayak past jungles and caves in the remote Laos countryside
Vietnam adventures
Nipping along the narrow backroads of Hoi An, passing school children and farmers
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Cambodia
Luxury Cambodia Adventure
This memorable journey through Cambodia provides a feeling of adventure with accommodation in the best and most characterful hotels.
You’ll discover Cambodian culture, roam the ancient wonders of Angkor in Siem Reap and learn about the past and thriving present in Phnom Penh.
Get immersed in natural beauty at a unique luxury ‘camp’ in the jungle and at a tranquil, top-notch island resort. You’ll travel with a knowledgeable local guide to ensure that your experience is enriching and comfortable. In between, you’ll have to relax and enjoy each special hotel.
Highlights
Shinta Mani Wild
Staying in luxury tent-style accommodation in the Cambodian jungle at Shinta Mani Wild
Song Saa Private Island
Spending five nights unwinding on the coast, with your own beachfront villa with views out to the ocean
Phnom Penh
Discovering the highlights of Cambodia’s colonial capital, Phnom Penh, on our unique signature tours
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Battambang
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
Cambodia to Vietnam via The Mekong
On this holiday, you’ll experience the highlights of Cambodia and Vietnam, connected by the winding Mekong River. Travelling at a relaxed pace by river and road means you’ll truly feel the contrast between laid-back Cambodia and lively Vietnam.
Highlights
Mekong journeys
Cross the border between Cambodia and Vietnam by boat
Private Angkor Experience
Explore the timeless temples of Angkor with your expert guide
Vespa experience
Feel the atmosphere of Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) as you travel pillion on a vintage Vespa
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Battambang
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
The Mekong in Style
Take in the highlights of Cambodia and southern Vietnam and spend four days cruising along the Mekong River in the finest style. Stay in Ho Chi Minh City and Siem Reap’s best hotels and travel through the Mekong aboard the luxurious Aqua Mekong cruise.
From your hotel base, and whilst cruising, you’ll enjoy a range of specially crafted excursions to ensure you experience the region memorably and uniquely, tailored to your style.
Highlights
Aqua Mekong
Indulge yourself in a river adventure aboard the Aqua Mekong.
Song Saa Private Island
Relax in paradise on Song Saa Private Island with snorkelling, yoga, and spa treatments.
Angkor
The magnificent temples of Angkor – say no more….
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Battambang
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