Explore the incredible Angkor Wat temples and Ta Prohm's vine-covered ruins • Kayak at a luxurious floating resort • Bask in the serene beauty of the Royal Palace • Reflect on Cambodia's tragic history at Tuol Sleng • Learn the art of Khmer cooking. Combine the magnificence of the Khmer Empire with lively Phnom Penh on this gay tour of Cambodia. Witness the grandeur of ancient Angkor Wat, see the carved enigmatic faces of the Bayon Temple, confront the tragedy of the recent past, and bask in the present while on a sunset kayak.
Combining the magnificence of the Khmer Empire with lively Phnom Penh, this luxurious tour to Cambodia is the perfect way to get acquainted with the country, all with other gay travellers. Witness the grandeur of ancient Angkor Wat, see the enigmatic faces of the Bayon, confront the tragedy of the recent past and delight in the hopes for the future on this classic Cambodian adventure. It is recommended to combine this trip with our Northern Thailand Luxury Gay Tour & Myanmar Gay Tour.
• Expert Local Guide from beginning to end of tour
• 7 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches, 2 Dinners
• Arrival airport transfer to joining point hotel
• Transports as detailed in itinerary
• Accommodation at centrally located 4 star hotels
• Flight from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap
• Guided tour of Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum
• Guided tour of Choeung Ek Killing Fields
• Royal Palace & Silver Pagoda
• Sunset Cruise in the Rain Forest
• Unguided Kayaking
• 3 day Angkor Pass
• 2 days with local Angkor guide
• Catch your own dinner from your private terrace
• Firefly Kayaking
• Waterskiing
• Angkor Centre for Conservation of Biodiversity
• Lunch at Sala Bai Gourmet Community Project
• Travel insurance package covering medical, trip interruption & baggage loss.
• International Airfare
• Departure Transfer
• Meals and activities not outlined in itinerary
• Tips and other gratuities
4 Star Hotels (5 nights), Luxury Eco-Lodge (2 nights)
We have carefully chosen these gay-welcoming properties with you in mind. They have the right balance of comfort while still being locally owned.
Joining Point Hotel
The Plantation Urban Resort and Spa, Phnom Penh
The Plantation hotel is located directly behind the Royal Palace in the historical center of Phnom Penh and is walking distance to the National Museum, Wat Botum (Royal Pagoda), the riverside with its bustling nightlife and the lively street 240, considered by many to be the shopping and dining center of the city.
The Plantation resort & spa offers all of the services you'd expect of a quality resort... right in the center of the city. Spread over half a hectare, the Plantation hosts 70 rooms, two swimming pools, a restaurant, two bars, a gym, a meeting room and even a luxurious rooftop suite. And of course, all this is located at a two minute walk from the some of the "must see" places in Phnom Penh.
A complimentary arrival transfer is included on day 1 of this trip. Please advise your flight arrival details at least 14 days prior to your departure. If you plan to arrive earlier, this arrival transfer can only be offered in conjunction with pre-tour accommodation booked through us. Your driver will be waiting for you as you leave the customs hall, holding an OUT Adventures sign bearing your name.
Finishing Point Hotel
Royal Bay Inn Angkor Resort, Siem Reap
The Royal Bay Inn Angkor hotel is a beautiful four-star hotel, it is located in the heart of Siem Reap French Quarter, only 15 minutes from the international airport and just 10 minutes from the World Heritage Site of Angkor Wat. All rooms overlook the swimming pool, and are decorated in vibrant colors that help to enhance the natural environment. Enjoy Khmer, Asian and Western cuisine at the Tropicana Restaurant.
Physical Rating
This trip is a relaxing break. You don't have to worry about being able to do anything physically demanding unless you want to.
Culture Shock
You may be shocked by the culture, but this is offset by plush, comfortable accommodation. Days of being on the move are well interspersed, communication with the outside world is ever-present and a wide variety of food is available.
Group Size Maximum of 16 travellers per group. Departure is guaranteed, subject to 4 people travelling.
Budget Allow USD $400 for meals not included.
Days 1 and 2 Sua s'dei! Welcome to Cambodia.
Phnom Penh is a friendly riverside city with loads of Khmer charm and faded French-colonial style. And while it's very much a place on the move, it retains a distinct and at times quite complex personality. Confront the tragic history of Cambodia on a visit to the Tuol Sleng Museum, before paying respects to the thousands of Cambodians who died during the Pol Pot regime at the Killing Fields. Then, take the opportunity to wander through the serene Royal Palace with its spectacular Silver Pagoda.
Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6pm on day 1, followed by dinner to welcome you to Khmer food.
You can arrive at any time as there are no activities planned until this important meeting; please ask the hotel reception where it will take place. If you can't arrange a flight that will arrive in time, you may wish to arrive a day early so you're able to attend. We'll be happy to book additional accommodation for you (subject to availability). If you're going to be late, please inform the hotel reception.
You'll be met on arrival at Phnom Penh airport and transferred to your hotel. Please advise flight arrival details at least 14 days prior to departure if you wish to have this transfer provided.
On day 2 we visit the serene Royal Palace with its spectacular Silver Pagoda. Afterwards there is free time to delve deeper into Khmer history at the National Museum, hunt for silver and local crafts in the Russian Market or take a sunset stroll along Sisowath Quay. Indulging in a strong coffee is a Phnom Penh experience not to be missed - the caffeine hit should certainly fuel some independent explorations. Cambodia's capital is a friendly riverside city with loads of Khmer charm and faded French-colonial elegance. Confront this country's tragic past on a visit to the Tuol Sleng Museum and the Killing Fields of Choeung Ek.
At the Choeung Ek Memorial there is a stupa made up of some 8,000 human skulls marks the site of the infamous Killing Fields. This was the execution ground for the torture victims of Tuol Sleng and standing in this peaceful setting it's almost unthinkable to imagine that to date nearly 9000 corpses have been exhumed from the area.
Phnom Penh, Cambodia's capital, is set on a major junction of the Mekong and Tonle Sap rivers and boasts some fine examples of French-inspired architecture.
For those with extra time, consider a visit to Wat Phnom, a peaceful temple situated on a hill for which the city is named - according to legend, a 14th-century woman named Penh found sacred Buddhist objects in the nearby river and placed them here on the small hill.
Included Activities
• Complimentary arrival transfer
• Guided tour of Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum
• Guided tour of Choeung Ek Killing Fields
• Guided tour of Royal Palace & Silver Pagoda
Optional Activities
• Wat Phnom, Phnom Penh - USD 2.00
• National Museum, Phnom Penh - USD 3.00
• Cycle tour, Phnom Penh - USD 3.00
Accommodation
The Plantation Urban Resort and Spa, Phnom Penh - 4 star Hotel (2 nts)
Days 3 and 4 We bid farewell on the morning of day 3 by private bus and travel to Tatai, in the Cardamam protected area. Journey to our remote but luxurious floating eco-lodge in the protected Cardamom region - one of the world's biodiversity hotspots.
Our accommodation is in luxurious tented villas located on the Tatai river with views of the Cardamom mountains. This is your chance to truly unwind, be adventurous, or possibly both!
On the evening of day 3 we will leave our worries behind as we cruise of into the sunset aboard a private boat. Sit back and enjoy a glass of wine while the sun paints the sky with an array of colours.
Day 4 is yours to explore. Enjoy a book on your private waterside balcony or choose from a number of exciting excursions. What will you choose?
Included Activities
• Sunset cruise
• Unguided Kayaking
• Catch your dinner (fish from your private terrace)
• Firefly kayaking
• Waterskiing
Optional Activities
• Tatai Waterfall by boat (every second day)
• Mangrove Tour
• Jungle Trek
Accommodation
4 Rivers Floating Lodge, Tatai, Koh Kong - 4 star Hotel (2 nts)
Days 5, 6, 7, and 8 Fly to Siem Reap, gateway to one of the most significant archaeological sites in the world. Once the pre-eminent influence in South East Asia, the temples at Angkor were believed to represent the cosmic world. Discover the fascinating history and mythology of Angkor Wat, the Bayon and the jungle-clad Ta Prohm with an exclusive local guide. Marvel in the bask of a beautiful sunset surrounded by palm trees and rice paddies while you feast on a meal that you cooked in a private Khmer cooking class.
The small but expanding town of Siem Reap is the gateway to Angkor. It's markets are a great place to shop or to try some cheap, delicious street food.
On day 5 we leave our floating retreat and transfer to Phnom Penh airport and fly to Siem Reap, gateway to one of the world's most amazing archaeological sites. Built between the 9th and 13th centuries when the Khmer Empire was the pre-eminent influence in South-East Asia, the temples at Angkor were believed to represent the cosmic world and were set in perfect balance, symmetry and composition.
Overnight we stay in a centrally located 4 star Royal Bay Inn Angkor Resort Hotel with swimming pool (3 nights).
On days 6 & 7, we make the most of our visit to the world-famous Angkor complex with our local guide, temple-hopping from sun-up to sundown. The temples of Angkor were built between the 9th and 13th Centuries when the Khmer Empire was the pre-eminent influence in South-East Asia. The temples were believed to represent the cosmic world and were set in perfect balance, symmetry and composition. The intricately carved bas-reliefs and architectural designs are mind-blowing and there are spectacular photographic opportunities at any time of day. The ruins are scattered over an area of some 160 sq km, but the main cluster of temples is close to Siem Reap so we will have plenty of time to fully appreciate the great archaeological sites of Angkor Wat.
While in Siem Reap we participate in a Khmer cooking class. First at the market the Chef will explain to you about varieties of rice, fruit, vegetables and spices. You will have enough time to walk around and take pictures and watch vendors selling their products. During the class you will have a cookery demonstration of the dishes that you will later prepare. At the end of the day you will receive a booklet with the recipes of the day. Finally you can taste and enjoy your own culinary creation in a convivial Khmer setting.
Visit the Angkor Centre for Conservation of Biodiversity (ACCB) - an Intrepid Foundation project that we support. This centre rehabilitates animals that have fallen victim to wildlife trafficking and is a breeding facility for highly endangered animal species. It's also a centre of education and information for the local population.
Enjoy a delicious khmer lunch with our friends at local organization, Sala Bai - a training centre that is working with disadvantaged family's to develop a career in hospitality.
There are no activities planned for day 8 and you are able to depart the hotel at any time. Check out time from the hotel is at 12 noon. If you are departing later, you can arrange luggage storage at the hotel.
Included Activities
• 3-Day Angkor Pass
• 2 days with a local guide
• Angkor Centre for Conservation of Biodiversity
• Lunch at Sala Bai
• Khmer cooking class
Optional Activities
• Khmer traditional massage, Siem Reap - USD 10.00
• Remork to Tonle Sap Lake, Siem Reap - USD 10.00
• Boat trip, Tonle Sap Lake - USD 15.00
• Landmine Museum, Siem Reap - USD 3.00
Accommodation
Royal Bay Inn Angkor Resort, Siem Reap - 4 star Hotel (3 nts)
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