Cambodia & Thailand: Angkor Wat, Koh Chang & Cardamom Mountain Adventure
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey through Cambodia and Thailand with the "Angkor Wat, Koh Chang & Cardamom Mountain Adventure." This small group tour offers a blend of cultural immersion and thrilling activities. Begin in Siem Reap with a Khmer cooking class and a sunrise tour of the iconic Angkor Wat. Venture into the lush Cardamom Mountains for trekking and glamping, supporting wildlife conservation efforts. In Thailand, explore the stunning island of Koh Chang by kayak and indulge in a progressive meal tour in Bangkok, sampling local delicacies. Travel in style with private vehicles, planes, and tuk-tuks, and enjoy comfortable accommodations in hotels and deluxe tented camps. This adventure promises a perfect mix of relaxation, exploration, and cultural discovery. ...more ...less
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Siem Reap: Welcome to the Community
Location: Siem Reap
Accommodation: Lynnaya Urban River Resort & Spa
Accommodation Name: Lynnaya Urban River Resort & Spa
Meals Included: Dinner
Your chariot awaits. So, it's not technically a chariot, it's a tuk-tuk. But not any tuk-tuk. Your drivers are women from the Lady Tuk-Tuk drivers cooperative. This group was founded to provide women in Siem Reap the opportunity to earn an income and support themselves, their families and their communities. Hop aboard, whizz through Siem Reap en route to another community tourism initiative, Spoons Restaurant. Welcome to Siem Reap, and to Cambodia, we invite you to become part of the community. ...more ...less
Spoons Restaurant hosts your first meal in Cambodia. This restaurant provides vocational training for young people in the service industry, while of course, serving up delicious specialties like Num Kruk, a corn and coconut crisply dumpling, and Steak Lok Lak. Dig in and do good.
ACTIVITY: Sit down for a delicious dinner at Spoons Restaurant, part of SPOONS a Cambodian Organization that works with underprivileged young adults and gives them the opportunity to be self-supporting by providing them with education, training, and employment opportunities in the hospitality industry. Their vision is to create a future where all young adults will have equal opportunities to gain independence and be able to shape their own lives.
ACTIVITY: EVENING Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.
Day 2: Siem Reap: Your OMG Day
Location: Siem Reap, Tonle Sap
Accommodation: Lynnaya Urban River Resort & Spa
Accommodation Name: Lynnaya Urban River Resort & Spa
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
It's possible that there is no quicker way to understand a culture than by cooking and eating. Spend the morning in the local market with a chef, smelling and tasting the local ingredients. Continue on to Chreav village just outside of Siem Reap and join the chef in cooking some delicious local dishes. With a full belly, the afternoon is yours to choose between a sunset bike ride from village to village, or a scenic boat tour to Kampong Khleang Floating Village.
Your OMG Day begins with an exclusive cooking experience in Chreav village, just a short tuk-tuk ride outside Siem Reap. In the afternoon you can choose between an exhilarating cycle through small villages, ending just in time to take in a peaceful sunset over the rice paddies with a cold drink. If you are looking to take it a bit easier, hop on a boat ride to the magnificent Tonle Sap. The boat will travel to Kampong Khleang floating village, passing by stilt houses, witnessing daily life and observing the marine flora and fauna along the way.
ACTIVITY: Option 1: Hop on a bike and cycle through the countryside of Siem Reap and enjoy the colours of sunset. Start in the streets of the city before venturing off the beaten path to ride through picturesque villages where you will make brief stops to learn about the livelihoods of the locals. Witness an authentic side of Siem Reap so few visitors get to see. Watch sunset over the palm trees with a cold beverage and a few local snacks. The activity lasts from 2:30pm to 7pm.
Option 2: Enjoy a half-day tour of Kampong Khleang Floating Village with a local guide. The drive time is about an hour to Tonle Sap, the world's second largest freshwater lake. It's here that you will board the boat and travel to the village getting a true sense of daily life on the water. The activity lasts from 2:30pm to 6:30pm.
ACTIVITY: Set off on an adventure on a Tuk Tuk orientation drive around Siem Reap finishing with a private cooking class at a local's home. Learn about the tips and tricks for preparing Cambodian specialties from your local expert and try your hand at cooking three authentic Khmer dishes. Transfer back to the hotel via Tuk Tuk.
Day 3: Siem Reap: Sunrise Angkor Wat
Location: Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom, Ta Prohm, Siem Reap
Accommodation: Lynnaya Urban River Resort & Spa
Accommodation Name: Lynnaya Urban River Resort & Spa
Meals Included: Breakfast
The ruins of Angkor Wat stand as a testament to the dynamic history of the Cambodian people. Though they, like all ruined structures, are little by little being reclaimed by the jungle around them, luckily for us they defiantly remain standing ready to be admired. Witness sunrise at Angkor Wat with your fellow travellers and expert guide.
Your new friends from the Lady Tuk-Tuk cooperative greet you again just before sunrise to zoom you to Angkor Wat. Enjoy a magical sunrise over the ruins and then continue on exploring Angkor Thom and Ta Prohm with your local guide. The rest of the afternoon is yours to enjoy a well-deserved bit of rest, or a dip in the pool.
FREE TIME: AFTERNOON Spend the afternoon in Siem Reap on your own. Consider a CEO-led visit to the Cambodia War Museum, or the Phare Circus. Dinner will be on your own tonight.
ACTIVITY: Travel by Tuk Tuk and enjoy a tour of impressive ancient ruins with a local professional guide. Wake early to watch the sun rise over the magnificent Angkor Wat temple. Visit the enigmatic faces of Bayon within the walled city of Angkor Thom, and tour Ta Prohm (aka the "Tomb Raider" temple), which is slowly being swallowed by the jungle.
Day 4: Cardamom Mountains: Into the Jungle
Location: Cardamom Mountains
Accommodation: Cardamom Tented Camp
Accommodation Name: Cardamom Tented Camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Established in 1993, The Botum Sakur National Park in southern Cambodia, home to the Cardamom Mountains, has been continuously threatened by illegal logging and the poaching of endangered wildlife. The dense jungle of the Cardamoms is one of Asia's seven remaining elephant corridors and is home to gibbons, pangolins and hornbills. This remote and wild place is being protected by an alliance between a number of organizations, and our exclusive stay at Cardamom Tented Camp helps fund the Wildlife Alliance and its partners in protecting this vital piece of our planet.
After a short flight and transfer West, board a small boat to head down the Prek Tachan river. Spot birds overhead as you make the half hour journey to camp. Cardamom Tented Camp is our home for our jungle expedition the next two days, and a homemade Cambodian meal awaits you after settling into your tent. Oh, and don't forget to look up-the nighttime sky here is out of this world. (See what we did there?)
TRANSPORT: Look! Up in the sky! It's a bird! It's a plane! It's... yup, it is a plane, actually.
TRANSPORT: Drive from Sihanoukville to the boat launch to catch your small boat to Cardamom Tented Camp. Enjoy an included lunch en route.
TRANSPORT: Enjoy a leisurely boat ride from Cardamom Pier to Cardamom Tented Camp for your OMG stay. You will travel along the Preak Tachan river.
Day 5: Cardamom Mountains: Trekking and Kayaking
Location: Cardamom Mountains
Accommodation: Cardamom Tented Camp
Accommodation Name: Cardamom Tented Camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Waking up in the jungle, in a safari style glamping tent, with the sound of the birds and the monkeys rustling overhead is probably not an experience you associate with Cambodia, but from now on it will be. After a refreshing sleep, it's time to explore the Cardamoms. Kayak downriver first en route to the old ranger station. Trek through the lush forest on old logging trails, crossing streams from time to time. Your local Cambodian guides let you in on the history of this special place while you explore.
After a morning of exploration, return to camp for another home cooked Cambodian meal. The afternoon offers you some much deserved leisure time to enjoy this remote paradise. Swim in the river or kayak the narrow tributaries looking for birdlife.
ACTIVITY: Embark on a kayak excursion to the old ranger station before taking to the trails and walking back to camp for lunch.
Length: 2-5km
Duration: 3.5-4 hours
FREE TIME: AFTERNOON Spend a free afternoon enjoying the surroundings of your remote camp. Explore the trails close to camp, swim in the river, or go kayaking in search of wildlife.
Day 6: Koh Chang: Elephant Island
Location: Koh Chang
Accommodation: The Dewa Koh Chang
Accommodation Name: The Dewa Koh Chang
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
As locals approached Koh Chang by boat four centuries ago, they remarked that the island's shape looked like an Elephant and thus Koh Chang translated to Elephant Island. Although it is possible to spot elephants here, the island is also home to an abundance of other bird, mammal and marine wildlife. Eighty percent of Koh Chang is designated as National Park and your exploration begins with a CEO-led excursion to a nearby waterfall.
Today, cross the border from Cambodia into Thailand. Take a short ferry to Koh Chang and explore the island with your CEO in the afternoon. A beachside barbecue is the perfect way to celebrate your first evening in Thailand.
TRANSPORT: MORNING Enjoy a boat trip from Cardamom Tented Camp.
TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the comfort of your private vehicle. Transfer to Cham Yeam/Khlong Yai for the Cambodia/Thailand border crossing and continue on to Trat for your boat transfer to Koh Chang.
TRANSPORT: Take a public ferry from Ao Thammachat Pier to Koh Chang and then transfer approximately half an hour to your hotel in Koh Chang.
FREE TIME: AFTERNOON Free afternoon in Koh Chang. Opt to visit Klong Plu Waterfall or relax on the beach.
Day 7: Koh Chang: Kayak Exploration
Location: Koh Chang
Accommodation: The Dewa Koh Chang
Accommodation Name: The Dewa Koh Chang
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Thailand shines in this full day exploration of Koh Chang by kayak. Paddle from island to island, stopping to jump into the refreshing water. Paddle to Koh Yuak where you stop for lunch and to snorkel the turquoise waters.
This full day adventure offers plenty of opportunity to get in the water and explore Thailand's marine life. Professional kayak guides lead the days's adventure from island to island.
ACTIVITY: After a safety briefing enjoy a kayak tour around Koh Chang. First stop is Koh Man Noi for a swim and some fresh fruit. Then, kayak further out to sea towards Koh Man Nok and Koh Phil. Lunch will be served near your snorkelling spot on Koh Yuak.
Distance kayaking: 10-15km
Hiking: 1-5km
Day 8: Bangkok: Sunset Dining
Location: Koh Chang, Bangkok
Accommodation: Riva Surya Bangkok
Accommodation Name: Riva Surya Bangkok
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
After departing Koh Chang, arrive to Bangkok and explore its iconic food scene in an exclusive gastronomic adventure. Board a private longtail boat to head to your first stop-to try the one and only Pad Thai. Created by a politician during World War II, Pad Thai is the most famous gastronomic export from Thailand, and a trip to Bangkok wouldn't be complete without sampling it. Afterwards, head by tuk-tuk convoy to Rattanakosin Historical Island to sample a few more small bites. A sweet bite, like Mango and sticky rice, is the finishing touch on delicious evening. A sweet way to end an epic adventure.
Depart Koh Chang by ferry returning to Thailand mainland. Board a flight back to Bangkok. The afternoon is at leisure to relax and rest up before your final group meal.
TRANSPORT: Look! Up in the sky! It's a bird! It's a plane! It's... yup, it is a plane, actually.
TRANSPORT: Get to the next spot on your route aboard a convenient and efficient ferry boat.
ACTIVITY: Sip a sunset drink by the river on the hotel terrace. Then, board a private longtail boat and ride to a restaurant along the river for some delicious Pad Thai. After eating your first course, board a tuk-tuk for the famous street food area of Bangkok where you will sample more Thai specialties. Cap it off with a local dessert and travel back to the hotel via tuk-tuk.
Day 9: Bangkok
Location: Bangkok
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today your adventure comes to an end. We hope you loved visiting Southeast Asia as much as we do! We promise you won't need a vacation after your vacation, but we guarantee you'll be ready for another adventure with G.
Depart at any time.
ACTIVITY: Not ready to leave? Your CEO can help with any onward travel arrangements you require.
What's Included
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Accommodation
Hotels (6nts), Deluxe Tented Camp (2nts). -
G for Good Moment
Enjoy a dinner at Spoons Restaurant in Siem Reap, which supports underprivileged young adults by providing them with education, training, and employment opportunities in the hospitality industry.
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Welcome Moment
Meet your Chief Experience Officer (CEO) and group upon arrival.
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OMG Day
Choose between a sunset bike ride or a half-day tour of Kampong Khleang Floating Village in Siem Reap.
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Foodie Moment
Participate in a cooking class in Siem Reap.
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Complimentary Arrival Transfer
Enjoy a complimentary transfer upon arrival.
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Welcome Dinner
Join a welcome dinner to kick off your adventure.
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Angkor Wat Sunrise Visit
Experience a sunrise visit to the iconic Angkor Wat.
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Cooking Class in the Cambodian Countryside
Take part in a cooking class in the Cambodian countryside.
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Kayak & Trek in the Cardamom Mountains
Engage in a kayaking and trekking adventure in the Cardamom Mountains.
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Full Day Kayak Excursion in Koh Chang
Enjoy a full day of kayaking in Koh Chang.
What's Not Included
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CEO and Porterage Tips
Tips for the Chief Experience Officer (CEO) and porterage are not included.
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Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and drinks are not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is recommended for all travelers.
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Optional Activities
Optional activities and excursions not listed in the itinerary are not included.
Accommodation
Enjoy a comfortable stay in hotels for 6 nights and experience the unique charm of a Deluxe Tented Camp for 2 nights during your adventure.
Transport
Private vehicle, plane, walking, tuk-tuk, longtail boat, public ferry.
Meals Included
8 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 5 dinners
Group Size
Max 12, avg. 10
Solo Travellers
We believe solo travellers should not have to pay more to travel so our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travellers joining group trips are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip. Some of our Independent trips are designed differently and solo travellers on these itineraries must pay the single trip price. ...more ...less
Meals
Eating is a big part of traveling. G Adventures understands the importance of breakfast to start your day, we strive to include a basic breakfast wherever possible. A typical breakfast may include toast, coffee and tea, however, they may also be Asian style, consisting of noodles, congee (rice porridge), bread or eggs; this may vary depending on the city we're visiting. Vegetarians will be able to find a range of different foods, although in some areas the choice maybe limited. Should breakfast not be included, your CEO can suggest some local options.
Travelling with G Adventures you experience the vast array of wonderful food that is available out in the world. Generally meals are not included in the trip price when there is a choice of eating options, to give you the maximum flexibility in deciding where, what and with whom to eat. It also gives you more budgeting flexibility, though generally food is cheap. Our groups tend to eat together to enable you to taste a larger variety of dishes and enjoy each other's company. There is no obligation to do this though. Your CEO will be able to suggest favourite restaurants during your trip. While trekking in remote regions, food is included, plentiful and made of fresh local ingredients. For all trips, please refer to the meals included and budget information.
For all trips please refer to the meals included and budget information for included meals and meal budgets.
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Mode of Transport
Travel in style with a mix of private vehicles, planes, walking, tuk-tuks, longtail boats, and public ferries, ensuring a seamless journey through Cambodia and Thailand.
Local Dress
In Asia the dress standard is more conservative than it is back home. When packing try to pick loose, lightweight, long clothing that will keep you cool in the usually hot and humid climate of Asian summers. In predominately Buddhist, Hindu and Muslim countries we ask that you dress respectfully and avoid very short shorts/skirts and singlets/tanktops when visiting temples or mosques or other holy sites. In Pakistan we recommend a head scarf for women while walking around. ...more ...less
Important Notes
1. COMBO TRIP
Please note that this trip is a combination of multiple G Adventures tours. As such, the staff and/or particular vehicles operating your tour may change between tour segments. You may also expect some group members to join or leave the tour, between tour segments. Also note that in some major cities in Vietnam, many hotel rooms do not have windows.
2. WEIGHT RESTRICTION
There may be a weight restriction for the internal flight on this tour. Each passenger is allowed to carry one checked bag with a maximum weight of 20kg (44lbs). Additional bags or excess weight charges may apply. These charges are the responsibility of the passengers.
3. ACCOMMODATION NOTE:
Please be aware that properties we stay in with only two stories may not have elevators installed and climbing the stairs with your luggage will be necessary.
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Group Leader
All G Adventures group trips are accompanied by one of our Chief Experience Officers (CEO). The aim of the CEO is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. They will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the countries visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects. We also use local guides where we think more specific knowledge will add to the enjoyment of the places we are visiting- we think it's the best of both worlds. ...more ...less
About Accommodation
A variety of styles of hotels/guest houses are used on this trip. In many instances they might not be like what you are used to back home as service and efficiency can vary. In some areas we stay in simple local guest houses in stunning locations - rooms are small and simple and there may only be shared toilet facilities and showers. ...more ...less
What to Take
What you need to bring depends on the trip you have chosen and the countries or regions you are planning to visit. We suggest that you pack as lightly as possible as your are expected to carry your own luggage. As a rule we try not to have to walk more than 15-20 minutes with your bags which is why we recommend keeping the weight of your bags between 10-15kg/22-30lb. Suitcases are not recommended for G Adventures trips! Most travellers carry a backpack or rolling bag of small to medium size (no XXL ones please!) as they need to fit under the beds when travelling on sleeper trains. You will also need a day pack/bag to carry water, cameras and other electronics like ipods and mobile phones. If your trip involves overnights in homestays, villages or camping then you usually have the opportunity to rent sleeping bags if need be instead of bringing them with you. ...more ...less
Spending Money
Every traveller is different and therefore spending money requirements will vary. Some travellers may drink more than others while other travellers like to purchase more souvenirs than most. Please consider your own spending habits when it comes to allowing for drinks, shopping and tipping. Please also remember the following specific recommendations when planning your trip. ...more ...less
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of transportation is used during the tour?
The tour uses a variety of transportation methods including private vehicles, planes, walking, tuk-tuks, longtail boats, and public ferries.
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What type of accommodation is provided on this tour?
The tour includes stays in hotels for six nights and a deluxe tented camp for two nights.
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What activities are included in the Cardamom Mountains?
In the Cardamom Mountains, you will engage in trekking and kayaking. You'll kayak downriver to the old ranger station and trek through the lush forest on old logging trails.
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What can I expect during the visit to Angkor Wat?
You will witness a magical sunrise over Angkor Wat and then explore Angkor Thom and Ta Prohm with a local guide.
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What is the focus of the cooking class in Siem Reap?
The cooking class in Siem Reap focuses on learning to prepare authentic Khmer dishes with a local chef, starting with a visit to a local market to explore ingredients.
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What is the purpose of the stay at Cardamom Tented Camp?
The stay at Cardamom Tented Camp helps fund the Wildlife Alliance and its partners in protecting the Cardamom Mountains, which are home to endangered wildlife and one of Asia's seven remaining elephant corridors.
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What kind of meals are included in the tour?
The tour includes 8 breakfasts, 5 lunches, and 5 dinners.
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What is the maximum group size for this tour?
The maximum group size for this tour is 12 people, with an average of 10.
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What is the significance of the dinner at Spoons Restaurant in Siem Reap?
Dinner at Spoons Restaurant supports a Cambodian organization that provides vocational training for underprivileged young adults in the hospitality industry, helping them gain independence and shape their own lives.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
G Adventures was established in 1990
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Most of our trips do not have a single supplement. This means that the accommodation is on a twin share basis and, if travelling on your own, you will be sharing a room with another G Adventures traveller of the same sex. Some tours have an optional single supplement. An optional service that may be available is called "My Own Room". This service allows solo travellers to request their own room.
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
It's extremely difficult if not impossible to join a tour after it has begun. It is possible to leave a tour early however you will be responsible for your own arrangements from the moment you decide to leave the tour. You would also be responsible for all costs associated with joining a tour late or leaving one early. If you feel this may be necessary, please consult us before you book.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
https://www.gadventures.com/travel-with-confidence/
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
https://www.gadventures.com/about-us/core-values/
Reviews of this operator
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Book with Confidence
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Free Date Changes
G Adventures allows you to make 10 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 0 days before the start of the tour.
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Low Deposit
G Adventures requires a minimum deposit of 350 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of g adventures charges.
Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 59 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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Terms and Conditions
Cambodia & Thailand: Angkor Wat, Koh Chang & Cardamom Mountain Adventure
9 Days Starting in Siem Reap, Cambodia and ending in Bangkok, Thailand
Visiting: Siem Reap, Tonle Sap, Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom, Ta Prohm, Cardamom Mountains, Koh Chang, Bangkok ...more ...less
Tour operator:
Tour code:
25950
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 12
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians, Vegans
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
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