Here is a lovely two week trip to Cambodia. Prices include flights, accommodations, bus and ferry tickets. You will need to sort some airport transportation but this is cheap and easily done. This is based on a similar itinerary I did myself last Christmas.
There are some cheaper places with hostel and backpackers from £7 a night upwards but I've picked good rated places and those I'm confident to recommend.
5th November Leave London on 5/11 and arrive into Phnom Penh on 6/11.
6-8 November You will spend 2 nights in Phnom Penh. You must visit the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum. Once a high school, Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum was used as a prison camp during the Khmer Rouge era and you may even get to meet the survivors and buy their books.b 30 minutes from Phnom Penh, the Killing Fields at Choeung Ek are a worthwhile visit of the horror of the Khmer Rouge.a The Royal Palace is a large complex of buildings near Sisowath Quay that is also worth a visit. For food and drink near the Quay there is a cafe, shop and beauty salon called 'Daughter' of Cambodia' ran by victims of the sex trade. I'd definitely recommend this.
In Phnom Penh you'll stay at the One Up Banana Hotel. I've stayed here myself and got an upgraded room and the staff were so lovely and friendly. There is also a hostel next door which has a rooftop with bar and cheap foods and markets around the corner.
8-12 November You will take the bus from Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville. There are a couple of different buses such as Giant Ibis and the VIP post vans. I've picked the VIP post vans as they are smaller buses and get there far quicker. In essence, you are travelling with the mail but it's cheaper and quicker than the large buses. In Sihanoukville you will take the ferry at 3pm and stay for 4 nights at the amazing Coconut Bungalows where you will stay on the beach in a tent for 4 nights. The place has amazing reviews https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Hotel_Review-g1808558-d8553862-Reviews-Coconutbeach_Bungalows-Koh_Rong_Koh_Kong_Province.html
12-15 November You'll catch the ferry back to Sihanoukville where you can explore the city before your flight to Siem Reap. You will stay for 3 nights at Dream Butterfly Garden, free airport pickup is also provided as well as breakfast. Of course Angkor Wat and the temples is a must see for sunrise and sunset but I also enjoyed cycling around Siem Reap, through dusty fields and enjoying the hospitality of the Cambodian people. I wasn't fussed on pub street but if you enjoy cheap drinks, food and massages you may enjoy it.
15-18 November You will take the boat to Battambang. It's a long journey but scenic and you will pass many villages and floating markets (you could take the bus both ways if travel by boat isn't one that appeals). Emerald B&B is an ideal place to stay to enjoy the colonial buildings, the different temples and also the bamboo railway.
18-20 November You will take the bus back to Siem Reap where you will stay for your final 2 nights. I've picked a nice homestay Sakura Home Stay which is popular for cycling and relaxing which is a nice end to your trip.
On 20 November you leave for your flight back to the UK. You have a very long stop in China but you do get free transit hotel due to the long flight times.
So jelous reading this, wish I could drop everything and go back.
Make sure if you're visiting Koh Rong you also visit Koh Rong Sanloem, it was my favourite island. Seemed there was only a couple of hundred people there, how I imagine some of the more popular islands being before the word was out.
Who ever is lucky enough to go out there, have a great time!
GujSehambi
1 Jun 171#25
Lol mentioned all the things in PP but didn't mention Angkor Wat in Siem Reap. I think you'll need more time there anyway
us_agent2012
31 May 17#24
Ah, well keep fighting the good fight. You will get there!
A120068020
31 May 17#23
I can't get away for financial reasons :disappointed:
fish323
30 May 17#22
I'm not looking for the cheapest route. I am looking for the route that will cause me the least amount of agro at a good price. My student days are long gone. I'd rather do a few extra hours work to pay for the extra cost. Having tried just about every sensible combination possible I know I have found the best option; especially as I travel with a kid who only turned one yesterday. If something goes Pete Tong I can just book a hotel in BKK for a few quid and sit it out, no visa required. I try not to fly Vietjet anymore to BKK even when their promotion fares are £10 as I've realised it simply isn't worth it.
Yes via Bangkok could be an option for people. In this case the main flights are £385pp from London to Cambodia return so this does seem to be cheaper than the Bangkok option. As I said it depends on dates but at the moment the cheapest return flight to Bangkok from London is around £335 upwards with China Southern and Air China or KLM/Air France which takes over 30 hrs. Then you need the return flights to/from Cambodia and the additional time and cost for a Bangkok stay, which whilst may appeal to some people, to others may be a real pain if they don't want to spend the time there. One thing to mention is that you say you travel from Vietnam back to the UK and the cheapest route for you won't always work out best for those going FROM the UK to Asia and back.
It's always worth looking at different options but in this case I don't think going via Bangkok is worth the hassle V any savings made (if any) and time.
jinkssick
30 May 17#19
I would love to travel to Cambodia. Have a trip to Vietnam this Oct that I am looking forward to, need to see more of Laos did Thailand but what sets those apart is transportation. I have done the overnight train sleeper in Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore and have stayed away from Cambodia just for the lack of transportation. I have a 4 year boy and I cannot fathom going 6-7 hours on a bus, of course when he is older. The train was different as we have our own compartment, he can sleep, play but there is no end to where I will go but need to be realistic in my choices too. I love travelling, its my passion and my boy, let alone me, have been to some incredible places. Good luck to whom ever books as its a given you will a tremendous time.
fish323
30 May 17#18
Most of those quotes look like made up ones to me. I live in Vietnam and travel back to the UK twice a year. The best way I have found to do it is Thai Airways to Bangkok, spend a day or so or overnight there, then BA back to London. I have looked at the reviews in the past and thought they were too generic and they more often than not knew the name of the cabin crew they were complimenting. Who remembers this stuff? Don't read the positive ones read the negative ones to get a better idea, cancellations/bumped from flights etc and just left stranded with no recourse. Remember with a European airline you can get great compensation for delays/cancellations. BA will be paying out millions over the recent fiasco. I've tried just about every combination to get back, via Middle East, India, HK and Manila and the easiest, shortest and one of the cheapest is via Bangkok. Good price for the holiday though but the flights can usually be bought for under £400.
scmk3000
29 May 17#17
Great price but not too sure about the airline but any airliner would beat BA at this moment in time...and for the money it's a bargain.
Tips for those heading to Siam Reap for the first time that 1) bring US dollar with you - much easier as it's accepted everywhere 2) say you have booked your transport (taxi and only 10-15 mins) when asked at immigration - we were and were almost pressured to take the 'offer' of immigration chief's friend/relative's tuktuk service. It was ok, a bit hot and sandy....We planned to just take a taxi and there were plenty outside the terminal. 3) hire a tour guide - they are inexpensive and seemed most of them are very good at English. Personally it's enough to see Angkor Wat for 4-6 hours. Probably not a full full days and definitely not three days (which they do sell as a pass). It's a wonder and what I always wanted to see it. They are scrumbling bits by bits and they just don't use their charity funding too efficiently (corruption being a major issue for years and still the case..)
Enjoy if you are heading there!! It's like less developed/less commercial Asian town with just the Angkor Wat being their playground. Like Thai small city which is more wonderful in its way. Not jealous at all...
Great work op.......very tempted got a BIG birthday in November too.
A120068020
29 May 17#7
Awesome deal. Shame I can't get away just now :disappointed:
us_agent2012 to A120068020
29 May 17#14
It's in 6 months
knockthepussyout
29 May 17#13
Agree with qwerta that it feels worlds away and it's a generally amazing country to visit. The more ruins you see, the better. Beng Melea (way under the radar) and Banteay Kdai were highlights. I recommend bringing water purification tablets or only drinking packaged beverages. This is a bucket list trip, even if you don't know it yet.
dealornodeal977
29 May 17#11
China southern is not a bad airline the only unfortunate thing is the culturally different Chinese passengers (noisy and no understanding of personal space) and borderline rude service (common place all over China). I have used them many times due to the competitive prices although I would not entertain a stop over of this length. Keep checking back as seats/routes are updated daily.
You will easily get return flights from Bangkok to Phnom Penh and Siam Reap back to Bangkok (shopping before you go home) for those dates at around £100. Flights to Bangkok are between 350-450 this time of year and you get the added benefit of not having to go back to Phnom Penh which in all honestly is an absolute dump.
rachelandgromit to dealornodeal977
29 May 17#12
Yes absolutely an option, you don't have to go back to Phnom Penh on the itinerary I posted, you fly into Phnom Penh and out of Siem Reap, with a domestic flight from Sihanoukville to Siem Reap. I guess it all depends on whether you want to visit Bangkok twice and have the time. I spent 3 weeks in China and I've flown with Air China, China Airlines and some of the lesser known domestic airlines and travel and etiquette in China certainly does take some getting use to but it's an amazing country too.
rachelandgromit
29 May 17#10
Yep not too bad for flights into PP and out of SR to save backtracking. China Southern has pretty good Skytrax reviews too here
toiletseatlicker
29 May 17#9
Yeah your flights are bloody cheap mind you !
rachelandgromit
29 May 17#8
I guess that's a good option if you want to see Thailand too but it is more expensive than the flights to Cambodia and the long stop in China is on the way back, may be a good option to see another country and you could even extend the stopover if you wanted to have longer. Another option is to go to Vietnam and take the boat to Phnom Penh (or vice versa) to/from Chau Doc. This is what I did on my trip (Vietnam and Cambodia). It depends on time constraints.
toiletseatlicker
29 May 17#6
Bangkok-London return flights for less than £450 then BKK-PP (or SR) for under £100 rtn (inc luggage) or catch the free bus from Suvi' to Don Muang airport and save a few pounds more in flights to PP. No long stop over in China.
qwerta369
29 May 172#3
I loved Cambodia. Out of all the countries I've been fortunate enough to visit, Cambodia stands out as being the country most worlds apart from any other. A real experience. Eat fish amok.
Muir to qwerta369
29 May 17#5
Eat everything. I remember being in one of the top restaurants in Siem Reap, eating a French dinner comparable to anything in London, for less than USD 10 per person.
On that note, in addition to the very good value budget options provided here, Cambodia is also a great place to experience the 'high life' at no more than a Premier Inn costs here. You can stay at some fantastic places for USD 100.
rachelandgromit
29 May 171#4
I loved it too! I liked Vietnam but Cambodia was my favourite. Thailand my least favourite but each to their own.
![Fresh Breakfast Meat Box (Using code) @ Campbells Meat [Haggis / Lorne Sausage / Bacon / Black Pudding & More]](/images/topics/208684_1.jpg)
![[Xbox One] Q. u. b. e: Director's Cut on Deals with Gold](/images/topics/208716_1.jpg)
Opening post
There are some cheaper places with hostel and backpackers from £7 a night upwards but I've picked good rated places and those I'm confident to recommend.
5th November
Leave London on 5/11 and arrive into Phnom Penh on 6/11.
6-8 November
You will spend 2 nights in Phnom Penh. You must visit the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum. Once a high school, Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum was used as a prison camp during the Khmer Rouge era and you may even get to meet the survivors and buy their books.b 30 minutes from Phnom Penh, the Killing Fields at Choeung Ek are a worthwhile visit of the horror of the Khmer Rouge.a The Royal Palace is a large complex of buildings near Sisowath Quay that is also worth a visit. For food and drink near the Quay there is a cafe, shop and beauty salon called 'Daughter' of Cambodia' ran by victims of the sex trade. I'd definitely recommend this.
In Phnom Penh you'll stay at the One Up Banana Hotel. I've stayed here myself and got an upgraded room and the staff were so lovely and friendly. There is also a hostel next door which has a rooftop with bar and cheap foods and markets around the corner.
8-12 November
You will take the bus from Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville. There are a couple of different buses such as Giant Ibis and the VIP post vans. I've picked the VIP post vans as they are smaller buses and get there far quicker. In essence, you are travelling with the mail but it's cheaper and quicker than the large buses.
In Sihanoukville you will take the ferry at 3pm and stay for 4 nights at the amazing Coconut Bungalows where you will stay on the beach in a tent for 4 nights. The place has amazing reviews https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Hotel_Review-g1808558-d8553862-Reviews-Coconutbeach_Bungalows-Koh_Rong_Koh_Kong_Province.html
12-15 November
You'll catch the ferry back to Sihanoukville where you can explore the city before your flight to Siem Reap. You will stay for 3 nights at Dream Butterfly Garden, free airport pickup is also provided as well as breakfast. Of course Angkor Wat and the temples is a must see for sunrise and sunset but I also enjoyed cycling around Siem Reap, through dusty fields and enjoying the hospitality of the Cambodian people. I wasn't fussed on pub street but if you enjoy cheap drinks, food and massages you may enjoy it.
15-18 November
You will take the boat to Battambang. It's a long journey but scenic and you will pass many villages and floating markets (you could take the bus both ways if travel by boat isn't one that appeals). Emerald B&B is an ideal place to stay to enjoy the colonial buildings, the different temples and also the bamboo railway.
18-20 November
You will take the bus back to Siem Reap where you will stay for your final 2 nights. I've picked a nice homestay Sakura Home Stay which is popular for cycling and relaxing which is a nice end to your trip.
On 20 November you leave for your flight back to the UK. You have a very long stop in China but you do get free transit hotel due to the long flight times.
Details found below.
https://www.csair.com/en/tourguide/transit_flow/transfers_hub/free_accommodations/
All the details:
Book flights with £771.94 http://www.travelup.co.uk
Book 2 nights in Phnom Penh £55 on http://www.booking.com
Bus from Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville for two $10/£7.79 book on http://www.bookmebus.com
4 nights in Sihanoukville/Koh Rong book on http://www.booking.com £47
Book ferry tickets on http://www.speedyferrycambodia.com $40/£31.14
Book flights to Siem Reap $119.60/£93.11 book on http://www.cambodiaangkorair.com
Book 3 nights in Siep Reap £71 http://www.booking.com
$50/£38.93 boat to Battambang for two book on http://www.angkorfocus.com/cambodia-boat-ticket/angkor-express-boat.html
Book 3 nights in Battambang £42 on http://www.booking.com
Book bus back to Siem Reap http://www.bookmeabus.com $7/£5.45
Book 2 nights in Siem Reap £20 on http://www.booking.com
Total £1183.36/£591.67pp
Latest comments (26)
Make sure if you're visiting Koh Rong you also visit Koh Rong Sanloem, it was my favourite island. Seemed there was only a couple of hundred people there, how I imagine some of the more popular islands being before the word was out.
Who ever is lucky enough to go out there, have a great time!
It's always worth looking at different options but in this case I don't think going via Bangkok is worth the hassle V any savings made (if any) and time.
Tips for those heading to Siam Reap for the first time that 1) bring US dollar with you - much easier as it's accepted everywhere 2) say you have booked your transport (taxi and only 10-15 mins) when asked at immigration - we were and were almost pressured to take the 'offer' of immigration chief's friend/relative's tuktuk service. It was ok, a bit hot and sandy....We planned to just take a taxi and there were plenty outside the terminal. 3) hire a tour guide - they are inexpensive and seemed most of them are very good at English. Personally it's enough to see Angkor Wat for 4-6 hours. Probably not a full full days and definitely not three days (which they do sell as a pass). It's a wonder and what I always wanted to see it. They are scrumbling bits by bits and they just don't use their charity funding too efficiently (corruption being a major issue for years and still the case..)
Enjoy if you are heading there!! It's like less developed/less commercial Asian town with just the Angkor Wat being their playground. Like Thai small city which is more wonderful in its way. Not jealous at all...
You will easily get return flights from Bangkok to Phnom Penh and Siam Reap back to Bangkok (shopping before you go home) for those dates at around £100. Flights to Bangkok are between 350-450 this time of year and you get the added benefit of not having to go back to Phnom Penh which in all honestly is an absolute dump.
On that note, in addition to the very good value budget options provided here, Cambodia is also a great place to experience the 'high life' at no more than a Premier Inn costs here. You can stay at some fantastic places for USD 100.