ESSENCE OF CAMBODIA 9N/10D
Land-only price per person, based on twin sharing, applicable to groups of at least 6 passengers. Rates may vary for smaller groups. Extra charges apply for single-room occupancy. contact@wanderwise.pw
Tour Price INR - Rs.2,35,000
Tour Price USD - US$ 2350
Cancellation charges are calculated according to the number of calendar days remaining before departure.
| Cancellation before departure | Charge |
|---|---|
| 121 days or more | 10% |
| 120–91 days | 15% |
| 90–61 days | 25% |
| 60–46 days | 50% |
| 45–31 days | 90% |
| 30 days or fewer | 100% |
Charges are calculated as a percentage of the applicable tour cost. Please refer to the specific cancellation terms provided with your booking. Any applicable non-refundable third-party charges should be clearly specified in your booking terms.
The tour and its arrangements are subject to circumstances beyond our reasonable control, commonly referred to as force majeure or vis major. These may include war, terrorism, civil unrest, natural disasters, floods, earthquakes, severe weather, epidemics, pandemics, government restrictions, border closures, strikes and suspension or cancellation of transport services.
Where such circumstances prevent, materially disrupt or make it unsafe or unlawful to operate the tour, Travel Option Plus / WanderWise may modify the itinerary, change travel arrangements, postpone or cancel the tour, as reasonably necessary.
We will make reasonable efforts to minimise disruption and recover payments from hotels, transport operators, airlines, guides and other service providers. Refunds, credits or alternative arrangements will depend on the services affected, amounts recoverable from suppliers and applicable law.
Deductions for non-refundable third-party costs will be limited to amounts properly incurred or contractually payable and, where appropriate, supported by supplier terms or documentation.
Additional expenses arising from unavoidable changes, including alternative accommodation, transport, meals or extended stays, may be payable by the traveller, subject to applicable law and the circumstances of the disruption.
The ordinary cancellation-fee schedule does not automatically determine the settlement for a force majeure event. Each case will be assessed according to the circumstances, services already provided or committed, and refunds or recoveries available.
Nothing in this clause excludes any rights or remedies that cannot lawfully be excluded.
TOUR SUMMARY
CAMBODIA – THE LIVING KINGDOM OF KHMER CULTURE | 9 NIGHTS / 10 DAYS Step beyond the temples and discover the living heritage of Cambodia on this immersive 9-night journey through the heart of Khmer civilisation. From the royal heritage and museums of Phnom Penh to the magnificent temples of Angkor, this journey explores the remarkable evolution of Khmer architecture, sculpture, religion, performing arts and traditional craftsmanship. Travel back even further at Sambor Prei Kuk, the pre-Angkorian capital that reveals the foundations of Khmer civilisation, and venture off the usual tourist trail to Koh Ker, the forgotten capital of the Khmer Empire.
Along the way, experience Cambodia's culture as a living tradition — meet artisans, discover silk weaving and traditional crafts, witness Kun Lbokator, experience Khmer classical dance and explore traditional theatre, music and storytelling. Visit rural communities and the waters of Tonlé Sap to gain an insight into everyday Cambodian life. The journey culminates among the extraordinary monuments of Angkor Archaeological Park, including Angkor Thom, Bayon, Ta Prohm, Angkor Wat and Banteay Srei, where monumental architecture and intricate stone carvings reveal the extraordinary achievements of the Khmer Empire.
This is not simply a tour of Cambodia's famous monuments. It is a journey through the past and present of Khmer culture — from ancient capitals and sacred temples to artisans, performers, villages and traditions that continue to shape Cambodia today.
A journey for travellers who want to understand Cambodia, not merely see it.
Best time: November–February
Detailed Itinerary👇
DAY 1 – ARRIVE PHNOM PENH: Gateway to Khmer Culture & History
Arrive in Phnom Penh, Cambodia's capital, and transfer to your hotel. After check-in and some time to relax, begin with a gentle orientation of the city, including the Royal Palace area, Sisowath Quay and the Mekong waterfront. In the evening, enjoy a welcome Khmer dinner accompanied by a traditional Cambodian music performance, introducing the sounds and rhythms that form an important part of Khmer cultural identity.
Dinner & overnight Hotel in Phnom Penh
Phonm Penh Royal palace
Silver Pagoda, Pohnm Penh
DAY 2 – PHNOM PENH: Royal Heritage • Khmer Art • Traditional Dance
After breakfast, explore the cultural heart of Phnom Penh.
Visit the Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda, followed by the National Museum of Cambodia, whose collection provides an excellent introduction to Khmer sculpture and artistic traditions from the pre-Angkorian, Angkorian and later periods.
Continue through the historic centre, with time to observe traditional Khmer architecture and everyday city life.
Cultural experience :In the afternoon, visit a Cambodian cultural organisation or artisan centre where appropriate to learn about the revival and preservation of traditional Cambodian performing arts.
In the evening, attend a performance of Khmer Classical Dance / Royal Ballet of Cambodia.
The Royal Ballet is one of Cambodia's most important intangible traditions and has been UNESCO-inscribed since 2008; its highly stylised hand gestures, costumes and characters are closely associated with the Khmer royal court.
Dinner & overnight at Hotel in Phnom Penh
DAY 3 – PHNOM PENH: Living Heritage • Crafts • Traditional Martial Arts culture
Begin the morning with a visit to a local craft or artisan community. Depending on the operating schedule, explore traditional Cambodian crafts such as:
• Silk weaving
• Traditional textiles
• Khmer ceramics
• Silverwork
• Wood carving
• Basketry
• Khmer Krama weaving
The Krama, Cambodia's traditional checked textile, is itself recognised on UNESCO's intangible cultural heritage list.
Pak Ou Caves: Visit the sacred caves containing thousands of Buddha images accumulated over generations.
Continue by boat to Ban Xang Hai, a traditional village where visitors can see local handicrafts and traditional production. Return towards Luang Prabang. After lunch, visit Ban Phanom, historically associated with traditional Lao weaving.
Meet local artisans and observe traditional weaving techniques, including the production of Lao textiles.
Traditional Martial Arts Experience :
Later, experience a demonstration of Kun Lbokator, Cambodia's traditional martial art. This is not simply a modern martial-arts show. Lbokator is deeply rooted in Khmer history and is represented in carvings and imagery at ancient temples including Angkor Wat, Bayon, Ta Prohm and Baphuon. It was inscribed by UNESCO in 2022.
Evening – Cambodian performing arts :
Attend a cultural performance featuring traditional music, storytelling, dance or theatre, subject to the programme available on the day.
Dinner & overnight at Hotel Phnom Penh
Pak Ou caves, Phonm Penh
Sambor Prei Kuk, Archaeological site
DAY 4 – PHNOM PENH → SAMBOR PREI KUK → SIEM REAP: The World Before Angkor
Early departure for Siem Reap. Break the journey at Sambor Prei Kuk, the ancient capital of Ishanapura and one of Cambodia's most important pre-Angkorian archaeological sites. This UNESCO World Heritage site dates principally from the late 6th and early 7th centuries, when the Chenla kingdom flourished. Its distinctive brick temples and sandstone decoration represent the Sambor Prei Kuk artistic style, which helped lay the foundations for later Khmer architecture. Explore the forest setting, ancient temple groups, sculptures and distinctive octagonal structures. This visit is particularly valuable because it allows travellers to understand where Khmer architecture came from before Angkor. Continue to Siem Reap.
Check in and relax.
Dinner & overnight at Hotel Siem Reap
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