Name: Amazing Siem Reap & Battambang Tour with Excursions
Brand: Zicasso
Price: 293 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 4.7 (29 reviews)

Colorful umbrellas at the market in Cambodia

What to expect on this itinerary

Immerse yourself in Cambodia on this custom tailored tour that will show you the giving spirit of the ruins, cities, and countryside. The sunrise casts light over historic Angkor Wat and brings the sandstone to a golden shimmer. Monks light incense and offer you blessing. Stroll alongside ornate French colonial buildings in the historic center of Battambang. Feel the cool breeze on an open platform as you travel on the bamboo train. From the ancient customs of distinct villages to classic markets that emanate fresh noodles and sweet fruit, Cambodia offers you indelible experiences and unforgettable memories.

Countries Visited

Cambodia

Places Visited

Siem Reap, Angkor Wat, Battambang, Tonle Sap

Suggested Duration

9 Days

Day 1

Historic Moments

Welcome to Siem Reap, Cambodia, a city that sits on the banks of the Siem Reap River and is known as the gateway to Angkor. The streets around Psar Chaa, the Old Market, are lively and energetic. The restaurants emanate aromas of traditional and western cuisine. Tuk tuks wind through the streets and carry tourists to and from the Angkor complex. Large cows pull large carts around the wide boulevards and away from the city center. The city is small and mixed with lavish hotels and boutique guesthouses. Your private transfer meets you at the airport and escorts you to Journeys Within, a celebrated bed and breakfast found outside of the bustling city streets. The grounds feel like a jungle oasis.

The breeze blows quietly through the surrounding trees. The greenery is endless and bright. The pool is cool and refreshing. You are greeted inside the French Colonial building that, in itself, speaks volumes to the history of Cambodia. In the evening you will return to the city to watch a fabulous rendition of a traditional dinner and Khmer performance. The dance-drama conveys classical scenes from folklore. The costumes are vibrant and characteristic of the culture. Women flex their fingers and arch their backs in exaggerated poses. They wear gilded crowns and long dangling earrings. Their movements are graceful and refined, each step telling another element of the story.

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Day 2

Understanding Storied Pasts

Outside of Siem Reap the dawn is quiet and soothing. The river gently trickles beneath the canopy and the wildlife slowly comes alive. Many people depart their hotels before sunrise and venture to Angkor Wat, the iconic temple of Angkor, to see the sun rise over the historic edifice. When you come to the entrance gate you see the dark sandstone that makes the entrance look like you are stepping into a shadow. You come to the spacious plaza and find a pond filled with flourishing lilies. The temple stands at the far end of the fertile grass. Five towers rise over the sprawling structure. Each tower resembles a beehive in shape and is textured with tiers. The central tower rises to a height of 141 feet.

The entire temple was constructed in the 12th century and displays the power of the Khmer Empire and its devotion to the deities and beliefs of Hinduism. Monks in burnt saffron colored robes walk around the pond. When you enter the main gallery you find a small shrine and burning incense. The scent of sandalwood drifts in the tiny wafts of smoke. The pillared windows and heavenly nymphs decorate the inner wall. Male figures dance and animals prance. The sheer scale of the entire temple is spellbinding. The beauty of this ancient complex is magnificent and makes you wonder how stunning it must have been almost a millennium ago.

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Day 3

A Different Representation

You rise before the sunshine hits the hills in order to experience the shifting colors of Angkor Wat. The Towers stand tall and proud over the outer gallery that covers an area of over 430,000 square feet. The light casts a glow on the sandstone that brings the dark silhouette to a golden glisten. After breakfast you make your way to Banteay Srei. The 10th century temple complex consists of low walls and is surrounded by peaked edifices made of rich red sandstone.

When you arrive near the complex you find the jungle sprawl and these how the trees separate into an open plaza. You find remaining temples standing tall against the backdrop of spectacular wild countryside. The exteriors of the central buildings contain elegant and well-preserved relief carvings. The pediments are magnificent and large with a gabled shape. Entire epic scenes are played out on the stone base. The entrances are guarded by various dvrapalas, fearsome warriors and giants often armed with a weapon. Each relief tells a different story; however, their artistry is impressively detailed and captivating, a testament to the décor and the devout.

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Day 4

Historic Works

Shortly outside of Siem Reap is the Rolous Group of temples. They once stood at the heart of the first capital of the Khmer Empire, Hariharalaya. The laterite and sandstone temples shine vibrant red in the morning light against the background of verdant trees and grass. Some of the temples date back far enough to have been built entirely of brick. Lolei was constructed in the 9th century and is dedicated to Shiva. Four brick temple towers stand together on a raised terrace. The dvarapala is armed with a trident and stands under an arched doorway, safeguarding the temple from spirits and people alike. False doors help to hide the main entrance.

In the afternoon you will visit the Old Market which is home to artisan workshops. The interior structure is cavernous and filled with everything from food to clothing. Wicker baskets dangle from the ceiling. Hand-woven purses surround an open store. Locally made shirts and blouses are folded neatly and stacked around the vendor. This is a piece of modern Cambodia that you find enlightening and charming. Local people come to do their marketing. The aroma of fresh noodles and fried eggs travel down the walkways. Little carts sell fresh baguettes and spreadable cheese, flavors left over from French Colonialism. You have taken a rich look into the historic and contemporary culture of Cambodia.

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Day 5

The New History

The crowds disappear behind the lush jungle as you make your way to Beng Mealea. The temple was constructed in the 12th century and only recently opened to the public for viewing. Nature is gorgeously rampant around the temple, which adds to the structure’s mystique and luster. The area is largely un-restored. Through the overtaking vines you can see Buddhist and Hindu motifs. The entire temple is almost 300,000 square feet. Wind your way around, and sometimes over, fallen masonry, through stretches of dim chambers, and alongside thick vines. The complex was at the center of the ancient road that connected Angkor to another ancient province nearby. The ambiance is quiet. The leaves rustle in the breeze and you swear they are trying to tell you about the area’s secret history. At times the overrun jungle looks like a purposeful, composed garden.

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Day 6

The French Givings

Battambang is Cambodia’s second largest city but maintains its small-town charm. The local people are friendly, always smiling and welcoming. The French Colonial architecture fills the city’s historic center. You leave behind Angkor and the bustling streets of Siem Reap and find yourself in a time warp of architecture. The Governor’s Palace was constructed in the early 1900s and upholds its regal façade and decadent décor. A long balcony extends from the second story and watches over the manicured garden. The surrounding historic district has embellishments of the French design, from pillars to wooden shutters, doorframes to pedestrian alleyways.

The scents of coffee and baguettes drift through the streets. You see an iconic façade with floral designs that looks like a building you may have seen in Paris. History thrives alongside the wide avenues, but the past has been reconstituted by Battambang to be part of its culture, as opposed to a reminder of what the city once was. In the evening you can partake in the celebrated Phare Ponleu Selpak Circus Show. The non-profit organization allows underprivileged youth to express themselves in an artistic manner, whether through dance, artwork, or even the now renowned circus performances. Children use their talents of twisting and flipping to express their culture and connection to an emotional history.

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Day 7

The Bamboo Culture

The river is serene in the morning light. The sky is pale blue. The city comes to quiet life and you make your way to the Bamboo Train. Outside of Battambang you will discover the rural life of Cambodia. Paddy fields stretch to the distant tree line. You can see farmers pulling at the rice. The marshes are sectioned and the fertile greenery glows. The Bamboo Train takes you into the classic journey of Cambodia’s rural history. The train tracks were laid by the French and have since warped or misaligned.

You climb aboard the Bamboo Train, a seven-foot long wood frame topped with bamboo slats. Other platforms have been loaded with large bags of rice before commuters use the bags as cushions. Monks have sat on the front and watched the countryside pass by. Your private cart trundles down the track. The surrounding lush trees whisper as you pass. There is only one real train a week and you think you can hear its whistle in the far off distance. The Bamboo Train is unique to Cambodia and allows you to immerse yourself in the culture of this rural landscape.

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Day 8

The Countryside of Battambang

You can hear the serene trickle of the lake that runs alongside the city. Today you will make your way outside of Battambang to venture deeper into the celebrated countryside around the city. Phnom Trong Morn Trong Tea is known for its abundance of flora and fauna. The greenery is endless, from the tall grass to the towering trees. You can see a rocky outcrop at the center of a field. Sporadic homes create an untouched vision of the landscape, until you find Barsaet Temple. The edifice was built in the 11th century and sits next to a pond over 65 feet in length.

Nature helped concave the doorframe; however, the remaining edifice is powerful in its strength. It stands as a symbol of historical perseverance in the face of time. At Wat Kor you can see the tribe that maintains their cultural values in the face of pressing modernity. Twenty-one Khmer heritage houses are made with rare hardwood. Orchard gardens surround the complex, which creates an ethereal and time-tested ambiance. In the Khor Sang House you will walk through the cherished home with bare feet. Antique furniture decorates the interior and photos give you a glimpse into the family’s personal connection to their past.

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Day 9

Endlessly Giving

You have seen Battambang and have felt its warm embrace. The serene river and gracious people have created an atmosphere of endless and relaxing acceptance. In the morning you watch the sun slowly rise higher into the pearl blue sky. Sit alongside the river at one of the charming cafes and sip a fresh coffee. You wrap your fingers around the warm cup and wait for your transfer to the airport. You have seen timeless temples and immersed yourself into the marvelous culture of the people. Cambodia has given you unforgettable memories that you happily take home with you.

Read the Cambodia travel reviews for ideas on how to extend this trip or customize it further.

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Trip Highlights

Explore the incredible Angkor complex, from the famous Angkor Wat to the ancient capital of Angkor Thom
Discover the traditions and historic culture on the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia at Tonle Sap
Visit pre-Angkorian temples that date back to the 8th and 9th centuries
Witness the charming French Colonial architecture of Battambang
Immerse yourself in the magnificent culture of Cambodia, from the cuisine to the traditions, such as a visit to the cultural theater
Ride through the immense countryside on the unique Bamboo Train

Detailed Description

Paddy fields offer endless greenery to the expansive landscape. Temples are overrun with winding roots that form towering trees. Dancers tell ancient stories as they move their hands in specific, detailed motion. On this 9-day tour through Cambodia you will immerse yourself in the past and present culture of the country. The people are gregarious and curious. The ancient citadels continue to stand despite the persistent efforts of time. You will be given the chance to make magnificent memories, filled with temples and myths, landscapes and monks.

Your journey begins with your arrival in Siem Reap. The city is filled with music and smiles on the edge of the Angkor complex. In the evening you will arrive and partake in a traditional dinner and dance show to witness the evolution of the story form. The following morning you will make your way to Angkor Wat to explore the exceptional renowned temple. In the afternoon you will venture to Angkor Thom and see the Khmer Empire’s capital city. The next day travel to Banteay Srei where the 10th century temples display tremendous carved reliefs. A tour on Tonle Sap Lake will take you to see the floating villages and traditional fish farms that have spanned the body of water for centuries.

Discover the Rolous Group, a collection of 8th and 9th century temples that predate Angkor Wat. Later in the day you will visit the Old Market and once forgotten citadel of Ta Prohm. The next morning you will arrive at Beng Mealea, a temple that has been fabulously overtaken by nature. Transfer to Battambang, where the French Colonial architecture adds a touch of the western world to the city streets. The Bamboo Train sits on the outskirts of the city and takes you on a unique tour of the countryside on the antique French railroad tracks. Explore the surrounding lush landscape where the greenery is unparalleled. On your final day you will be taken to the airport to make your flight home.

For more luxury travel options, browse additional Cambodia travel packages offered by Zicasso.

Starting Price

$2,700 per person (excluding international flights)

Your Zicasso trip is fully customizable, and this sample itinerary is a starting place for your travel plans. Actual costs are dynamic, and your selection of accommodations and activities, your season of travel, and other such variables will bring this budget guideline up or down. Throughout your planning experience with your Zicasso specialist, your itinerary is designed around your budget. You can book your trip when you are satisfied with every detail. Planning your trip with a Zicasso travel specialist is a free service.

What's Included

Accommodations
In-country transportation
Some or all activities and tours
Expert trip planning
24x7 support during your trip

Your final trip cost will vary based on your selected accommodations, activities, meals, and other trip elements that you opt to include.

4.7

Verified Traveler Reviews

Based on 29 reviews

Luxury Vietnam & Cambodia Travel Review: Hanoi, Saigon, Hoi An, Siem Reap, Angkor Wat, Tonle Sap Lake, Banteay Srei Temple

I would give the trip and company 4.5 stars, but that is not an option. Overall, the trip was interesting, and we felt the program allowed us to get a good overview of both Vietnam and Cambodia. Ms. Ha at the travel agency was excellent to work with. She was very prompt in responding to our queries, helped us plan a great itinerary, and attended to glitches right away. The arrangements, especially in Vietnam, were very good, our guides were always punctual, knowledgeable about their cities, and keen to share that knowledge with enthusiasm. We appreciated the fact that in Hanoi, our guide went out of his way to help us with money exchange and pharmacy purchases and also allowed us to fit in an unscheduled visit to the Hanoi Hilton (at our expense, of course). It was also very nice to have dinner with Ha on our final day in Vietnam.

The cruise on Halong Bay was a bit disappointing. For people who do not want to kayak or swim, there were very few activities, and the ship spent a lot of time anchored rather than cruising. The rooms on board, however, were very good. All hotel choices were very good, and we would like to give a shout out to the hotel in Hoi An, which was a charming place to stay at.

We enjoyed Cambodia, but the 95+ degree heat detracted somewhat from our enjoyment and exploration of the temples in Siem Reap. Due to a mix-up with the operator in Cambodia, and despite our mentioning this to the guide, we went to all the temples in a single day, which was somewhat exhausting. Our guide was knowledgeable but seemed to go strictly by the book. Unfortunately parts of Angkor Wat were closed to tourists the first day because of the king's visit. The next day's excursion to Tonle Sap Lake and Banteay Srei temple was slower-paced and more enjoyable, and on our free third day, we rented a tuktuk and enjoyed a trip through the countryside to the Landmines Museum. Our guide in Phnom Penh was great and made recent history come alive.

Travel Review: Cambodia & Thailand, Bangkok, Siem Reap, Chiang Mai, Phuket, Biking, Temples, Villages

Below is a brief summary of our 2018-2019 family trip to Thailand and Cambodia. Each year on Christmas we pick a new place to explore and spend time together. As the kids get older and we see them less often, Trish and I really look forward to sharing these quality experiences with them.

Christmas is high season for SE Asia and so we knew there would be crowds. We are a very active family and prefer that most of our activities include getting out and moving, exploring and adventuring. We prefer to have a private adventure with a knowledgeable guide, rather than a group tour where there is a need to cater to the least active of the group. With that caveat, here is the report:

Day 1 – Arrival into Bangkok

The lines at Immigration in Thailand can take over an hour to get processed, we paid for a Fast Track service which was well worth it. After 24 hours of travel, the last thing you want to do is wait in an extended queue. A guide with our name placard met us as we got off the plane and led us directly to the immigration officer with no wait, and then immediately to the baggage claim. VIP service indeed.

We arrived late in the afternoon and went directly to the hotel where we had Two Bedroom Suite and a Grand Deluxe Room for the six of us. Highly recommend the hotel. Great service, city views, comfortable beds, and an amazing breakfast buffet.

Day 2 –Bangkok Biking

Most of us woke really early (the effects of jetlag) and I went for a 5:30 AM run in Lumphini Park. I was shocked to see hundreds of joggers out getting their morning exercise, running circles around a 1.5 km loop surrounding the park. It was impressive.

At 8:30 AM we were taken from the hotel to our private tour of the city and countryside on bicycles. Our guide, Aon, spent a few minutes getting to know us, and we were off. The traffic on the streets of Bangkok is madness. Motorcycles, tuk-tuks, autos, buses, and pedestrians all vying for a finite amount of tarmac. Add seven bicycles to the mix and the scene is comical with the weaving and bobbing of bodies and machines. Miraculously, we survived thanks in large part to Aon’s deft guidance.

First stop was the Farmer’s Market. The hustle and bustle of commerce were fun to see. Every type of fresh produce was available, as was live, dying, or butchered livestock and fishes. Not a place for the animal lovers and the smell was a bit horrific as the day’s juices covered the concrete streets.

Leaving the market, we boarded longtail boats with our bikes, crossed the Chao Prava river, and biked country trails which were elevated above the jungle floor. We had a good Thai meal at a local restaurant, returned to the boats and biked back.

Highly recommend this tour company. Ohn was delightful, knowledgeable, and a charismatic hostess- She got the most family votes for the best guide of the trip.

We stayed at the hotel the second night.

Day 3 – Travel to Chiang Mai

We were picked up for our short flight to Chiang Mai, which is an hour flight north on Bangkok. Upon arrival, we were met by our guide for the day, Nancy. The itinerary was seeing the Thai temples of Wat Chedi Luang, Wat Pra Sing, and Wat Prathat Doi Suthep. Lots of ornate buildings, old architecture, tons of Buddhas, history, and symbolism. At every stop, there were street food stalls and local merchants catering to the crowds. We found the coveted “elephant pants” for Bridget and Camdyn and a pretty neat high-end jade store where Trish picked out a belated birthday necklace.

By the end of the day, we had seen our fair share of Thai temples and were dropped off at a beautiful resort for the night. The resort was cottage style with cabana rooms that were nestled next to pools that weaved throughout the resort. The service here was also excellent- less refined than the last hotel but more genuine. Most of the breakfasts and dinners during our stay in Chaing Mai were here, as the hotel was a bit remote from downtown.

Day 4 – Elephants!

The next day we were picked up and taken to the Elephant Sanctuary. We spent the morning feeding them sugar cane, bananas, and protein balls for dessert. We learned about their lifestyles and behaviors and Gavin, Tegan and Camdyn ended the afternoon joining them in the mud for a good scrub down. The ability to interact directly with the animals in their natural habitat was a real treat. They truly are amazing creatures – big and beautiful. One of them was pregnant and we could see the baby move like some wild alien in her belly.

We returned to the hotel, where everyone got a massage- except for me. I went for a run.

That night, Tegan, Bridget and I went to the Sunday Night Street Market. Absolute mayhem, which was part of the fun. Part food market, part street fair, part circus, all in an open air and festive environment, the play was humming! There were times when it was hard to push through the crowds as space was defined by all of the merchant stalls that lined the streets. We ate, shopped and people watched. It was a fun evening.

Day 5 – Ah, Nature?

Nancy was once again our host for the day and she and her driver picked us up for what I thought would be a great hike up some mountain where we could stretch our legs and enjoy some wild. After all, it was described as “one of the most fertile troves of natural treasure in Chiang Mai, DoiIntanon National Park. The invigorating mountain air, the fresh, cool climate, makes it a rejuvenating break from the city.” We did get to Doi Inthanon, Thailand’s tallest peak at 2,565 meters, but it was slow-go as it was December 31and half of Chaing Mai had the same idea. Once at the top, the destination was a street food market and a couple of .5 km loops through the forest. And it was swarming with bodies. We actually couldn’t get off the hill fast enough.

We stopped briefly at the Twin Chedi - built by the Thai Airforce to honor King Bhumibol and Queen Sirikit, and at the summit - the shrine of Chao Inthawitchayanon, the former prince of Chiang Mai.

On the way back, we stopped at the impressive Wachiratharn Waterfall which was probably the best part of the day, as we were left to explore it on our own and we were able to climb to the top where the crowds preferred to remain below.

We’d skip this day again. Even without the crowds, the trip didn’t warrant the time.

Back to the resort.

Day 6 – Travel to Phuket

After a private shuttle and a quick two-hour flight south, we landed in Phuket. Phuket is an island province of Thailand known for its beautiful beaches and iconic pinnacle rock islands off its coast. We had Googled pictures of the resort online and were excited to be right on the beach in a resort with many pools and water slides for Camdyn- The Centara Grand Resort. Upon arriving, however, we were dropped off at the Centara Karon Resort- a third rate sister facility which was a 5-10 minute walk to the beach and which overlooked a crowded and unkempt street. Rooms were extremely dated, plumbing questionable, service and attitudes were poor. It was such a contrast to what we had experienced in the first two locations that I thought that it must be a mistake. There were two "Centara" hotels close to each other. The issue turned out to be the word GRAND in our itinerary, which despite also having the word Karon in it, would show up as the nice beachfront property when we Googled it when previewing the itinerary. The "Karon" had no Grand it it’s name and we now know why.

I placed a call to our trip planner at the travel company to try and remedy it. To his credit, he found a place an hour north, but that would cost us another $3,200. We were told that it was a four-bedroom house on the beach. We booked it- not willing to spend more than the single night at the “Karon”.

Day 7 – More Phuket

We arrived the next morning to the four-bedroom house with its own pool as part of the resort. It wasn’t “on the beach” as there was another house between it and the sand, but it wasn’t far and the facilities were so much better.

The beaches in Phuket are gorgeous- clear water, blond sand, and almost empty, but the waves (at least in the two places where we stayed) are small or non-existent and any swimming exposed you to painful (but not debilitating) jellyfish stings. So unless your idea of fun is laying on the beach, there wasn’t a lot to do.

Day 8 – Island Exploring, Kayaking, Swimming- Phuket area

We were excited to explore the islands today as the trip thus far was at a slower pace than we are used to. We were to “explore, kayak and swim in the area of Phga Nga Bay and James Bond Island”.

We were dropped off at the boat harbor to join the canoeing company for our tour. After waiting for everyone to arrive (how many people are on this trip!?!), we were divided into four groups of around 40-50 and herded onto four boats. Honestly, sardines have more room than we did on the boat. Fortunately, there was no smoking allowed while on the boat, so all of the chain smokers who previously puffed away while waiting to board didn’t expose us to their toxins while on the water.

“Explore” consisted of landing on a small island, walking it and viewing a unique looking rock that shoots from the sea like a construction piling and is famous for being featured in the 1974 Bond film The Man with the Golden Gun. The problem was that there were at least 300-400 others doing the same thing, reminiscent of Disneyland on Independence Day weekend. What a cluster!

“Kayak” consisted of getting into a two-man inflatable and having a “guide” paddle you through a cave- lasting around 10 minutes. If there were a hundred strokes during the trip, I’d be surprised. Oh, the adventure!

Finally, the “Swim” was at an island overrun with food and “activity” vendors where you had to remain in an area cordoned off with buoys to avoid all of the boat traffic, jet skis, and “other dangers”. It wasn’t much larger than the local public pool.

Each island stop required 15-30 minutes of sardine boating. Mercifully, we were done early afternoon and could get back to our room to create our own adventures.

This is a MUST MISS tour.

Day 9 – More Phuket

Free day. We made the most of it spending the morning reading, walking the beach along the far tarmac of the airport to see the planes take off and land up close, and watching for the storm remnants of Cyclone Pabuk (which never arrived). At the end of the day, Camdyn and I made use of the slide park at the resort and had the place to ourselves. I guess no one likes sliding in the rain??

Honestly, any return trip to Thailand would not include a stop in Phuket. Super touristy, overpriced, and a mecca for the uninspired sand kickers and urban whales.

Day 10 –Siem Reap

We flew to Siem Reap the next morning and got a shuttle to our hotel. While the Thailand traffic was crazy, the Cambodia traffic was chaos. It was amazing that we never saw a collision between the tens of thousands of vehicles and pedestrian traffic during our stay. Tuk-tuks and mopeds and motorcycles were the preferred mode of travel. We heard that the tax on vehicles was 120% of the sale price, which meant only the really wealthy could afford to drive a car.

We settled into the hotel, which was very nice for the area. The service was excellent and the staff hooked us up with dinner reservations and transportation. In the evening we visited the famous Circus Show, which was a mix between a musical, comedy, and acrobatics, with fantastic feats of strength and flexibility- all under a tent. Old school carnival style. Highly recommend.

Day 11 –Siem Reap Temples

The next day we toured the “big three” temples of Cambodia. Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom, and Ta Phrom. These were reminiscent of South American temples of the Aztecs. They were built in the 12th and 13th centuries by the kings of the day as a capital city (Angkor Thom), a monastery, university, and a temple of worship. Volcanic and limestone rock was hauled by boat, man, and elephant from 70 kms away to build the stunning architecture that has survived the centuries.

This area has a rich history so a knowledgeable guide who is able to speak English well will make the day really enjoyable. Fortunately for us, our guide Tola was every bit the knowledgeable and articulate host.

Day 12 –Siem Reap- Jeeps, Bicycles and a Boat

Our guide Chili picked us up the next morning in a couple of 1960s Jeeps, which were the spoils of the Vietnam War. Spartan and seasoned, they were every bit the “General Purpose” vehicles you’d expect to see in the jungle of Cambodia. We drove about an hour on very dusty roads to a small village where we jumped on single-speed cruiser bikes and rode to the local market. The market was an open-air version of capitalist commerce. Each stall specialized in a specific sector- produce and meats (by far the largest), electronics, house and garden, toys, clothing, hardware, etc. The place had it all.

After the bike ride, we continued by Jeep to a village on the bank of Tonle Sap Lake where we climbed the stairs of a home on stilts, 30 feet in the air, and had the best local meal of our whole trip.

Once lunch was finished, we boarded a local fishing boat and toured the floating village of Kompong Khleang. The Vietnamese Village homes of Kompong Khleang are built on objects that keep them afloat on Tonle Sap. The village moves along the river and sometimes up to the lake depending on the season. There was a floating school, a hospital, local shops, and even a hairdresser.

We finished with an open-air jeep ride back to the hotel where we all looked three shades darker with the layer of red dirt caked to every part of exposed skin. Quick showers and the rest of the afternoon and evening was spent relaxing poolside. And I went for a city “trail” run.

Day 13 – Back to Bangkok

The next morning was a short return flight to Bangkok for our final day. We were met by our guide Willow who took us to lunch and then boarded a private long tail boat for a tour of the canals of the Chao Prava River. The tour gave us a glimpse of the underbelly of Thailand- away from the tourism and commerce. The different angles of life exposed via the backyards of the neighborhoods was a cool perspective.

That evening we went to Chinatown, which is famous for its variety of food in an open-market environment. While it had received high ratings, we were mostly disappointed, although Trish and Gavin were able to find some good ramen.

Day 14 – Departure

We flew out the next morning to San Francisco via Taipei for the 20-hour trip back home.

Of note:

The people of Thailand and Cambodia are amazing. Kind, friendly and accommodating. They were the best part of the trip.There doesn’t appear to be a culture of outdoor activity and exploration, so the trails are utilitarian and not paths to scenic destinationsDo your homework on accommodations. It will make a huge difference to your stay.We preferred our time in Cambodia over that in ThailandLearn to squat. Most public bathrooms are open hole.Our trip planner at the travel company was very responsive and accommodating during our trip

Final Thoughts:

With our trips, so much of what we get out of them is our family time together- regardless of the specific sights or activities. We can make a great adventure out of a deluge in the middle of an ocean (done that). We are privileged to have four amazing kids who get along great, regardless of the circumstances. Sure, there are times when we each need some space, but those times are solved with a book, a walk, or a run. We’ll chalk this trip up as another success. Not necessarily as one that amazed us with specific adventures, but one that nourished us with the richness of being together, for two weeks, meeting great people in new lands.

Review: Southeast Asia Vacation, Cambodia & Vietnam, Hoi An, Siem Reap, Halong Bay Kayaking, Tom Coc & Angkor Wat Bike Tours

Our group (3 families) wanted to visit Vietnam and Cambodia in Dec 2017 therefore reached out to Zicasso who connected us with two tour operators in Vietnam.

We decided to work with this travel agent to set an active itinerary for the 10 of us - 6 adults and 4 adolescents (ages 17-23). We shared our overall goal of the trip, activity level, accommodation preferences (# stars), and desire to balance our time between cities & rural villages. Our travel agent delivered beautifully.

Our agent's first proposal was 90% right on and we only needed to adjust a few minor things such as hotel in HoiAn (I wanted a hotel in old town but with shuttle to the beach), and added a boat ride on Tonle Sap Lake in Siem Reap to see the fishing village on stilts. Our itinerary included 9 days in Vietnam (North and Central) and 4 days in Siem Reap, Cambodia. We loved every min of each day. The accommodations were beautiful and activities were all memorable. We also built in down-time to allow free roaming or just relaxing by the pool.

We really enjoyed working with this travel agent. He was very responsive; he seemed to be working around the clock as the time difference between US and Vietnam didn't create noticeable delay in responses.

All our local guides were friendly and knowledgeable; they kept us on schedule but were also flexible to change things up to meet the group's needs. They all spoke good English so communication was never an issue. Our agent arranged a 29-passenger bus which gave us ample room to spread out! It made some long bus rides more enjoyable.

Each family had different departure plans after the group tour, and our agent worked tirelessly to ensure we each wrapped up our vacation exactly the way we wanted. Overall everyone had a fantastic time!

Review: Luxury Tour of Southeast Asia, Thailand & Cambodia, Chiang Mai, Bangkok, Krabi, Siem Reap, Angkor Wat, Elephant Sanctuary

We recently traveled to Thailand and Cambodia and were connected through Zicasso with this travel agency and one other travel company about 3 weeks before our intended trip (we tend to work better under pressure :0). We also reached out to 3 other travel companies on our own to request help with our partially built itinerary. TThe agent from this travel company reached out to us and within the week, had put together a 15-day itinerary based on some very specific requests. During this time, the other 4 companies also sent us itineraries. I can't stress enough, how closely this agency and her team hit the mark in regards to how we wanted the trip structured, what we wanted to see and do, and how we were going to get around, whereas the other companies ignored several of our major requests and often did not acknowledge specific questions or concerns. This agent also answered every single question we asked her, not only at the beginning of the planning, but even throughout the final stages.

After we decided to follow through with booking the trip through this agent and her company, I have to admit, that we were a bit negligent in getting all of our travel information together (my boyfriend discovered that his passport had expired, our dates changed, we added a few things, subtracted a few others.....) but she was patient and made sure to follow up on all the details and never once became pushy or appeared frustrated with our changes or requests.

In regards to the trip itself, everything went smoothly. The itinerary was followed, but remained flexible, and our guides and drivers were all stellar. We had different guides and drivers for each leg of the trip: Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Krabi, and Cambodia, and the hand-off between each city and country was seamless. Checking into the hotels and getting entrance into temples and to our other booked tours was also smooth.

Our guide in Cambodia and for Angkor Wat was particularly impressive. His communication skills were almost perfect, and he was extremely personable and informative, not only about Angkor Wat, but about Cambodia and its history. He even took us off path a bit to visit a landmine museum which we were not aware existed in Siem Reap. At Angkor Wat, he made multiple efforts to take us off the beaten tourist path so that we could enjoy the temple complexes in almost complete privacy. We also visited temples that were less known, some of which seemed more impressive to me than the Angkor complex. We also liked the way the 3 days were divided, as well, starting early in the morning and finishing around 1-2pm, so that we could relax and recoup in the afternoon (it is freaking hot, humid, and buggy).

It was also helpful to have such a detailed and thorough itinerary emailed to us before we left. It had contact and emergency information and tips on making the trip more successful. My only critique would be to have more discussion on food with each guide as two of the pre-set places weren't necessarily what we would have picked out. It would be nice to have more flexibility and also more input on options.

Review: Thailand & Cambodia 10-Day Trip, Bangkok, Siem Reap, Phuket, Angkor Wat, Cave Kayaking, Snorkel

We had a very enjoyable trip to Bangkok, Cambodia (Angor Wat) and Phuket. Most of the arrangements were carried out well. The visit to Siem Reap, Cambodia to see Angor Wat and related temples was amazing and well coordinated from landing at the airport to return to the airport. The coordination of the Phuket leg of our visit was more chaotic as our guide there did not provide us with an updated itinerary and we had to keep calling in to see when and where we were to meet. Overall, I requested 4 star to 5 star accommodations, but the venues in Bangkok and Phuket seemed to be quite aged and closer to 3 star accommodations. The planning of activities by the agency was excellent and we enjoyed the bike ride tour, elephant sanctuary, snorkel trip, and cave kayaking. In general, I would recommend this agency however, I might make changes to the guides used in Phuket and also upgrade the accommodations suggested via Zicasso as most of the clientele of Zicasso is looking for at least 4 star accommodations if available.

Review: Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, Hanoi, Halong Bay, Hoi An, Siem Reap, Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Cooking Classes, Elephant Sanctuary

We had an amazing trip to the travel company, truly a life-changing experience! We visited Hanoi, Halong Bay, Hoi An in Vietnam, then traveled to Siem Reap, Cambodia, and ended our journey in Bangkok and Chaing Mai, Thailand. The travel company assigned us to very friendly, informative and knowledgeable guides in each city. Our excursions led us through the streets of Hanoi, sampling street foods and beverages, visiting floating fishing villages and the sheer serenity and beauty on Halong Bay, experiencing the Vietnamese countryside on the back of a scooter, sunrise tour of Angkor Wat, and other temples in Cambodia, Thai massage and temple tours in Bangkok, and hands-on cooking class in Chaing Mai. But our favorite adventure was caring for the elephants at a sanctuary in the mountains outside of Chaing Mai.

I cannot properly articulate how special and easy this trip was for us. Every transition to each country was smooth and relaxed. Our guides were always there to help us navigate the new cultures, tastes and experiences. The hotels the travel company booked were comfortable, luxurious and classy.

Working with the travel company was a joy! Our travel specialist adjusted our itinerary to match our interests and pace. While planning our trip, if we had questions or wanted to adjust the itinerary, our specialist returned our emails within 24 hours, and would tweak our itinerary until we were satisfied. I highly recommend the travel company!

Zicasso in the News

Amazing Siem Reap & Battambang Tour with Excursions

What to expect on this itinerary

Countries Visited

Places Visited

Suggested Duration

Customizable Itinerary

Historic Moments

Understanding Storied Pasts

A Different Representation

Historic Works

The New History

The French Givings

The Bamboo Culture

The Countryside of Battambang

Endlessly Giving

Trip Highlights

Detailed Description

Starting Price

What's Included

Verified Traveler Reviews

Customizable Itinerary

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Luxury Cambodia Tour: Siem Reap, Battambang & Phnom Penh

Romantic Getaway to Cambodia & Laos: Angkor Wat, Mekong Delta & More

Best of Siem Reap & Phnom Penh Tour

Thailand and Cambodia Tour: Ruins of Angkor & Ayutthaya to Beauties of Chiang Mai & Wildlife

Best of Cambodia Tour