Cambodia Discovery with Kids in Tow, Young Adventurers

Day 1

After your flight from London, arrive into Cambodia's capital Phnom Penh where you'll spend 3 nights at the charming Palace Gate Hotel. Upon arrival you'll be welcomed by your local English-speaking guide, who will accompany you to your hotel for check-in. Phnom Penh was once considered one of the most beautiful cities in the Orient, and despite its turbulent history and recent developments, it still retains much colonial charm. Cambodia’s capital is a bustling city, majestically located at the confluence of the mighty rivers of the Mekong and Tonlé Sap. Wide tree-lined boulevards and many colonial-era buildings reflect the glory days and add to the allure of the city, where Asian and Western traditions blend together. 

Day 2

After a good night's sleep and a delicious hotel breakfast, you'll be met for your half-day guided tour of the city to learn more about the history and culture of the capital. Start with a visit to the Royal Palace, built in 1866 at the end of the French colonial era. Learn about the Kingdom’s Royal Family and the role they hold in modern Cambodia, then visit the Palace’s impressive Silver Pagoda. There's also a collection of Buddha images housed in the pagoda many of which are covered in gems: see if you can find the largest diamond in the room! Continue to Wat Phnom. Don’t forget to get your fortune told inside the pagoda and then make a wish and get a blessing from Lady Penh, founder of the city. Return to the hotel to escape from the midday heat, perhaps enjoying time by the swimming pool. After your rest, travel by remork to Cambodian Living Arts for a dancing class! CLA artists will help you to put on the traditional costume, guide you through basic steps of Cambodian classical and folk dance and give you an insight into the background and meaning of the art forms, as well as into their own daily lives.

Day 3

Today you will enjoy a visit to Free the Bears: set out early for a visit to Phnom Tamao Wildlife Rescue Centre, a tranquil forested compound one-hour from Phnom Penh. Upon arrival, meet with the local staff who will explain the day’s programs and give background information about the centre. Begin the full day Phnom Tamao tour with a walk through the 7 hectare compound alongside a caretaker. See more than 100 Asian Sun Bears and black bears who have been rescued from poachers and learn about Cambodia’s wildlife trade. Although the animals are fenced off, there are plenty of opportunities to observe them. Join the caretakers to feed the bears and watch the gibbons as they swing from tree to tree. Half way through your visit, a delicious picnic lunch will be served in a bamboo hut at the centre. After lunch, visit and learn about other animals protected at the centre, more than 12,000 in total, such as elephants and gibbons that are being rehabilitated and cared for at Phnom Tamao. This is an incredible chance to see the diversity of Cambodia’s wildlife up close! Saying goodbye to the staff and animals, wrap up the Phnom Tamao tour before returning to the city. 

This evening perhaps have dinner at Friend’s Restaurant, which is run by street children and/or you could round things off with a picturesque sunset cruise along the Mekong -the best vantage point for a view of the city.

Day 4 - 7

Fly to Sihanoukville from where you will be transferred to Ream for the short boat ride (around 10-15 mins) to Alila Villas Koh Russey - where better to enjoy 4 nights of beach bliss! With picture-perfect white sandy beaches backed by swaying palm, bag a hammock or a beach lounger, find a quiet spot and soak up the views. If you're feeling more active, there's diving, snorkelling, kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding or island-hopping boat trips (supplements may apply).

Day 8

Enjoy some time at leisure until the transfer back to the mainland pier and then to the airport for your flight to Siem Reap where you'll enjoy 4 nights at Shinta Mani Shack. Upon arrival you'll meet your local English speaking guide and transfer to the hotel for check-in before spending the rest of the day at leisure.

Day 9

Begin the day with a ‘remork’ (tuk tuk) visit to the legendary Angkor Wat. Built in the early 12th century, the complex follows the model of the symbolic Mount Meru, the home of the gods. Inside the temple, the walls are covered with Aspara dancers and stone carvings depicting Hindu mythology. Construction of Angkor Wat, which is also found on the Cambodian flag, is thought to have taken around forty years of intensive labor to complete. Take a break back at the hotel for a midday respite from the heat. 

Late afternoon, why not head to 'Happy Ranch', a western-style horse ranch just outside Siem Reap. There, you' be partnered up with your horse - a pure Cambodian breed, descendant of Mongolian wild horses. Enjoy a two-hour trail ride through the countryside, rice fields and local villages to the rarely visited temple of Wat Atvea. Explore the peaceful temple ruins of the Angkor-era, a truly authentic experience.

Alternatively, If your children are old enough we can arrange bikes for you to use, as this is a great way to get around. The countryside is flat and it can be fun to cycle along some of the quieter roads, stopping off at the less visited temples. Alternatively we can arrange for you to get around by tuk tuk as this is a fun mode of transport that the children will enjoy.

When you have had your fill of temple-hopping, Siem Reap is a very pleasant town with fantastic restaurants, markets and shops. 

Day 10

Calling all Indiana Jones fans! This fun, family-focused photography scavenger hunt requires a sense of adventure and curiosity. Grab a map and a set of clues to uncover mysteries within the ancient city of Angkor Thom, the last capital of the once-mighty Khmer Empire. During the game, discover interesting facts about sites such as the historic Terrace of the Elephants and Terrace of the Leper King. Explore ancient Bayon Temple and admire the enigmatic faces that cover the temple’s 52 towers. Finish with an exploration of the forested temple complex of Preah Pithu in search of hidden statues, carvings, and chambers and your prize for completing the scavenger hunt successfully. 

After some time-down, return to Angkor and board a private gondola paddle boat for a relaxing cruise in the afternoon sunlight on the moat surrounding Angkor Thom. As you paddle along the moat filled with flowers and buzzing with dragonflies, watch for birds who flock to the trees and waters surrounding the ancient city wall. Enjoy sparkling wine, soft drinks, and canapes on the 20-minute paddle out to the southwest corner of the wall, where you can ascend to the rampart to the ruins of the small Prasat Chrung temple, overlooking the moat to the south and west. Enjoy the setting sun for a while before reboarding the gondola boat for the paddle back to the South Gate. Return to Siem Reap.

Day 11

Today we suggest you leave free to enjoy the swimming pool or explore Siem Reap town on your own.

Day 12

Free at leisure until your departure transfer from the hotel to the airport for your departure flight

recommended duration:

12 nights

pricing:

£9,990 for a family of 4 with 2 children aged 12 and under, based on travel April-September, including International and domestic flights.

call:

0845 1244455

email:

info@bushbaby.travel