Have you always wanted to travel to Cambodia but do not know where to start? Have you ever wanted to have an insiders knowledge on the best places to eat, sleep, tour and drink? Come on a Wanderlust Bespoke Tour with Marita and see the real Cambodia. The best part of this trip is that you get exclusive access to exciting projects with Cambodian Rice Run and their associated charities on the ground. This trip will change your life.

We start in the capital of Cambodia, Phnom Penh where you will discover the sad genocidal history of Cambodia in the 1970's and also get to experience the amazing food of Cambodia. After leaving Phnom Penh, we will travel by air conditioned private transport to Siem Reap where your real adventure awaits! 

Please note that there will be 3 days of volunteering throughout the tour. We encourage all participants to fundraise a minimum of $500 to put towards Cambodian Rice Run projects on top of your tour price. We can assist you to fundraise in the lead up to your trip. This is not a compulsory component of the tour, but we believe it will enhance your experience.

TWIN SHARE - $3199AUD* per person

SINGLE ROOM - $3899AUD* per person

Optional Relaxation Package of 3 nights accommodation and breakfast at the end of your tour available if you want to hang around and relax before heading home

*Tour Price is land price only and does not include international airfares

This tour has an initial $500AUD deposit with the remainder to be paid 75 days prior to departure (26th August 2024). 

All payments made by Credit Card may incur a small processing fee.

Balance of monies can be made direct to the following bank account (payment plan available):

Name: Wanderlust Bespoke Tours

BSB:  805050

Account Number:   102738269 

Cambodia uses two currencies - both USD and the local RIEL. 

Riel is essentially useless outside of Cambodia so make sure you use it up while in country as you will not be able to exchange it once you have left the country. 

It can be confusing but both currencies are used interchangeably

$1USD = approximately 4000 Riel

Up until 75 days before the start of the tour a $500 non-refundable deposit will be retained.  

* For between 75 days and 45 days before the start of the tour, 50% of the final payment (including the non refundable deposit) will be forfeited.  

* For less than 45 days or for no shows the entire amount will be forfeited as we would have already had to pay for accommodation, transport and activities, and this money will not be returned to us.  

* Once the tour has commenced no monies will be returned to you.  

* Travel Insurance is compulsory. Guests must ensure that have appropriate Travel Insurance policies in place prior to departure. 

Arrival 

Arrival is Tuesday 19th November 2024 to Phnom Penh International Airport. The Hotel is approximately 45-60 mins from Airport.

Accommodation on Arrival :  Plantation Hotel

Airport transfer is included in your tour price. Please advise us once you have your flight times.

Please note, there is no reason to arrive early for this trip as there are no planned activities until Dinnertime. Feel free to arrive at your leisure and relax.

Departure

Departure is on Saturday 30th November 2024 from Siem Reap International Airport. The Hotel is approximately 45-60 mins from Airport.

Transfer to the airport is included in your tour price.

To enter Cambodia you will need a tourist visa. 

You can either apply online or grab a visa on arrival at the airport. For ease of getting through customs, we highly recommend you apply online prior to leaving Australia. Please apply at least 1-2 weeks prior to departure. 

The official website to apply at is:  eVisa Kingdom of Cambodia (Official Government Website) 

If you have any questions, please shoot us an email.

* You are responsible for checking all testing and proof of vaccination requirements for the airlines or vessel operator/s you travel with and all countries you travel to and transit through.  For more information refer to Smart Traveller website 

* This Tour requires a moderate level of fitness - there is walking, steep stairs, uneven roads and working in hot weather on our volunteer days

* Please speak to your local G.P regarding any vaccinations needed - we personally are up to date on Typhoid, Hepatitis A & B and Tetanus. 

* Cambodia occasionally has outbreaks of Dengue Fever and/or Malaria. We recommend a good insect repellant like Bushmans 20% DEET. 

Marita will welcome you at the Phnom Penh International Airport before transferring you to our hotel, and assisting you with check-in and getting settled. 

Today is a free day to arrive in Phnom Penh. Marita is able to offer you suggestions once you have settled in, if you would like to head out and explore.

Book in for a massage to get rid of the flight tension, or relax by the pool and soak up some sun. 

Tonight we will gather for drinks so you can get to know your tour group and guide. For those with some energy leftover from their travel, Marita will happily take you out exploring the city. 

Accommodation: Plantation Hotel

Included meals: NIL

It is a big day in Phnom Penh, so get up early and have a good hearty breakfast. Meet in the foyer to head out and explore the must see sights of Phnom Penh - The Killing Fields and S21 Tuol Sleng Genocide Musuem. We will have a wonderful guide on hand to answer all your questions. Travel by tuktuk and soak up the atmostphere. 

We will head to a great little restaurant for lunch and then it is back to the hotel for a relax. You are also welcome to head to Central Markets if shopping is your thing.

For those of you that have already been to Cambodia, the day is yours. Jump in a tuktuk and head to Central Markets, or ask Marita for other suggestions to fill your day. 

Either way, meet at 5pm in the Foyer for our amazing food tour by tuktuk. Cold beers in hand, jump in a tuktuk and be swept through the streets stopping at all the best local restaurants and street stalls to try the food the locals love! End our night on top of the world at a Sky Bar having a nightcap while we reflect on your first full day in Cambodia

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner (and drinks!)

Today we take an airconditioned minivan from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap. This trip will take approximately 6 hours. 

Once we have arrived and checked in, the night is yours! Join Marita for dinner at one of her favourite restaurants or explore on your own. Ask Marita for some great restaurant and bar ideas!

Included Meals : Breakfast and Lunch

Accommodation: Koulen Central Hotel (or similar hotel)

 Today have a sleep in and a lazy breakfast, before getting out to explore the beautiful Siem Reap. 

Visit the Angkor Musuem and APOPO Hero Rats Centre, do a spot of shopping in the local markets and sip on a latte at one of the many cool cafes. 

Marita will be on hand to assist you with transportation providing you with your own personal tuktuk driver, map and crafting a day to suit your interests. 

We have new people joining our tour today and tonight we meet up for our Official Welcome Dinner as a group! 

Accommodation:

Included Meals: Breakfast & Dinner (and drinks)

Start the day off with a beautiful Buddhist Water Blessing. We head to a local temple for a full body water blessing. Prepare to get wet! Don't worry though, we have you covered with towels, sarongs and donations to the Temple! 

Afterwards we will head back to the hotel for a rest / relax / lunch. 

In the afternoon, join us on The Great Race Siem Reap. If you have ever tuned in to the Amazing Race on television, you know how this goes! Explore Siem Reap in tuk-tuks racing to complete challenges and get to the finish line first! 

Afterwards, relax, grab a massage or keep exploring.

Included Meals : Breakfast

Included Activities: Water Blessing, The Great Race

Today you have some options to consider. We want you to love your time in Cambodia and today its time to choose your own adventure.

Pick from one of the following Options:

1. Morning adventure at the Angkor Zipline Adventure Park

 -  Experience the thrill of ziplining through the jungle canopy, just a short distance from the temples at Angkor. With 2 courses, 6 single ziplines, 2 super ziplines, 1 double zipline, suspended sky bridges, a Spiderman bridge and an abseil descent, you'll be sure to have an amazing time.  

 -A once in lifetime opportunity to experience a world-class zipline inside the UNESCO World Heritage designated Angkor Archaeological Park. Spend 2 to 2.5 hours in the ancient jungles of Cambodia on a safe, educational adrenaline rush for the whole family. The entire adventure, from start to finish, is 1-3 hours depending on group size. Surrounded by wildlife, butterflies, flowers, fauna, and towering trees, two of our certified Sky Rangers will lead you and your group of no more than 9 guests on a safe journey. We promise you a rainforest eco-adventure you will never forget. 

- Option to hire a photographer and/or GoPro incurs additional fees

2. Floating Village Tour with Community First 

- Head out for an afternoon sunset tour of Kompong Khleang Floating Villages. Experience life on the Tonle Sap lake with a fantastic local charity group Community First. Get away from the touristy floating villages and experience this one for an off the beaten path experience

3. Lotus Farm & APOPO

 -  Discover Siem Reap beyond temples at Lotus Farm’s hands-on workshops.
From lotus spinning to exquisite handicraft creation, our experiences, guided by experts, redefine attractions in Siem Reap. Immerse yourself in sustainable practices and book your workshop online for an innovative journey. 

- Participate in a 2 hour Lotus Discovery workshop where you will do the following:      
● Fold your Lotus Flower
● Make your own lotus paper
● Create your own Lotus Yarn bracelet
● Make your own Lotus Seeds Bracelet
● Create own Lotus Meditation Wicks
● Make your own Lotus Incense sticks 

and last but not least visit the Lotus Lake, before heading off to explore APOPO.

- At APOPO find out all about how they train their amazing HeroRATs to find landmines and you can meet them, too. A visit to the APOPO Visitor Center is considered to be one of the top attractions in Siem Reap, and among the best things to do in Cambodia for children. It’s also a great way to complement your visit to the tourist sites of Siem Reap such as Angkor Wat, other ancient temples, and national parks. Cambodia is one of the most land-mine affected countries in the world, but for the last 25 years APOPO has worked to clear landmines here and across the world. They train African giant pouched rats (they are much cuter than they sound and super smart, too!) to sniff out the TNT in explosives in the ground. Their work keeps people safe by reclaiming land from the dangers of landmines, and returning it to farmers and local communities, allowing them to thrive once again. 

4. Cooking Class

Spend a morning exploring the local markets, before heading to the Cooking School to learn how to cook traditional Cambodian fare! 

5. Kulen Elephant Farm (Optional upgrade - $30USD per person)

In the foothills of Kulen Mountain, lies the Bos Thom Community Forest, 1100 acres of protected forest inhabited by the former elephants of Angkor. For 22 years, these elephants have given rides to visitors in the temples of the world heritage site. Today, they roam free in their natural habitat and are living testimony of a changing world.

With 75 remaining captive elephants in Cambodia, the protection of this amazing animal is more critical than ever. A visit to the Kulen Elephant Forest will not only help the elephants of Angkor but all elephants in Cambodia through the KEF’s longer term objectives, for they believe in the power of education and tourism as drivers for conservation.

 Choose from a morning or afternoon tour and spend time walking in the forest with your new Elephant Friends and spending time getting to know them. 

Included Meals : Breakfast (some tours above may include lunch also - ask Marita for more details)

One of the most favourite days from last years tour.. participate in taking 40+ children to the Siem Reap Aquarium for an educational day out. A portion of your tour price goes to funding this day out for children, who would never be able to afford a trip to the Aquarium otherwise. To make it even more special, we take the children out for lunch afterwards. For most of these children, it will be a first to eating in a restaurant. This truly is a special day out and I guarantee you will love it. 

Included Meals : Breakfast & Lunch

Included Activities: ABCS & Rice School Excursion

100 kilometres from Siem Reap lies the Butterfly English School run by Piset. Cambodian Rice Run are the proud sponsors of its Lunches with Love program, where sponsors pay $5 per week towards feeding 100 children a healthy meal twice a week. Today we travel by bus to the village where you will get to assist in cooking and serving meals to the children, taking a tour of the school and village and visiting some of the houses that Cambodian Rice Run have built in the last couple of years. This day out will be another highlight of your trip, taking you away from the touristic villages and allowing you a glimpse of rural life reality. 

Included Meals : Breakfast & Lunch 

Included Activities: Lunches with Love

After last year tour, the overwhelming feedback we got was that you guys needed free days to recover... from the heat, from the activities, from the emotion of your time in Cambodia... so we have listened. 

This is a chance for you to regroup after a couple of big charity days, but if you are wanting to keep exploring Marita has some fantastic ideas lined up for you to keep exploring based on your preferences. 

Chat further to Marita and lets craft your holiday around YOU. 

Tonight we will head to the Phare Cambodian Circus for dinner and VIP seats at the Circus. 

Dinner is self pay

VIP Ticket to Phare is included

Included Meals: Breakfast

Included Activities: Phare Circus VIP ticket & Transport

 For those of you keen enough to experience this once in a lifetime event, its a 4.30am start to get out to Angkor Wat for a sunrise you will not forget.

After witnessing this sunrise, we will sit down to eat a packed breakfast, before heading off to explore the Angkor Wat Temple Complex ahead of the day's crowd. 

We will have a tour guide on hand for those interested in the history behind the temples or feel free to explore at your own leisure if you prefer to just take photographs and soak in the beauty.
 

You have the option to explore just for the morning, or if temples are your thing, you can go all day (stopping for lunch in town for a cool down). 

If you are all templed out, retreat back to our hotel for a massage or a swim. 

For our returning guests, who have already experienced the temples on last years  trip, Marita has a day organised for you at a swish spa in town or alternatively you can choose to spend the day with the elephants at Kulen Elephant Forest if being pampered is not your thing. 

For dinner, join the group or head off on your own. Ask Marita for some local suggestions.
 

Included Meals: Breakfast & Lunch 

Included Activities:  New Guests: Angkor Wat. Returning Guests: Choose from a Spa Day at Bodia or the Kulen Elephant Forest.

 Today we head to ABCS & Rice school where it all began... where Cambodian Rice Run's Founder, Marita sold a dream to the founder of ABCS, Tammy. Each month, these two charities deliver rice and fresh groceries to 40+ families on the last Friday of the month, and you get to participate! It's hot, it's sweaty but its rewarding. 

Afterwards share a lunch of Fried chicken and rice with the kids before running off that energy with some games! Think.. What's the time Mr Wolf, and other childhood classics.

Collapse back to the hotel in a sweaty mess for a swim, a drink, a massage and some reflection on your journey, before joining your new life long friends in the tour group for a farewell dinner and drinks. 

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Activities: Rice Run Day at ABCS, Farewell Dinner

Today there are no planned activities and time to head home. If you would like to stay extra time, you can add on an extra 3 night package to relax or speak to Marita if you want a customised plan.

Your Airport transfer is included so just advise Marita ahead of time your flight details!

Meals: Breakfast