Is my money safe if I book with you?
Absolutely. We are a member of ABTA and we also hold an Air Travel Organiser's Licence issued by the Civil Aviation Authority. ABTA and ATOL members help holidaymakers to get the most from their travel and assist them when things do not go according to plan. The air inclusive holidays that we arrange are ATOL protected if the first leg of your trip departs from the UK. Where a holiday is ATOL protected, the CAA will ensure that you are not left stranded abroad and refund any money for an advance booking in the unlikely event of our insolvency. If your holiday does not include flights, ABTA will financially protect your holiday in the same way except that, if already abroad, you will be returned to the point where your contracted arrangements with us commenced. For further information, visit www.atol.org.uk and www.abta.com for a copy of the guide to ABTA’s scheme of Financial Protection. Also see our Terms and Conditions for more information:
Can I pay in instalments?
At the time of booking we will need to collect the following deposits based on the time until your departure date:
Over 3 months before departure: 25% of the total Travel Plan Price
1-3 months before departure: 50% of the total Travel Plan Price
Less than 1 month before departure: 75% of the total Travel Plan Price
Do I need to pay for my flights separately?
International Flights must be paid for in full before the ticketing deadline. If your flights have been placed on hold, your travel specialist will inform you of the ticketing deadline.
What makes Cambodia Travel Plan different?
We’re a tour operator with a twist, offering you a really unique way to experience Cambodia. Instead of group tours, we offer you the chance to build your own trip with our range of bite-sized tours lasting a few days each. Our trips are all about flexibility, freedom and independence. When you arrive in Cambodia, you’ll be given a welcome pack including all of your local transport tickets and accommodation vouchers, but you’ll travel independently during your holiday, joining a small group for some of the excursions and activities.
Are these group tours?
No. Our trips are independent, giving you the freedom to choose your own route. This also means that your trip does not run the risk of being cancelled due to lack of numbers. You’ll travel independently throughout most of your trip, joining a small group for some of the excursions and activities. During these excursions, you'll be escorted by an english-speaking guide and the group size is normally around 8-12 people. This means that you won't be travelling with the same group of people or guide throughout your whole trip.
Do you tailor make itineraries? Can we request specific hotels?
Although we do create itineraries for travel through Cambodia, these are based on a series of our modules rather than specific requests. You can combine these modules in a number of different ways, and we can add extra nights in any of the destinations featured in your trip. All you need to do is list the modules that appeal to you, and we’ll link them together using our local knowledge.
What happens if I want to visit a destination that you don’t offer within your modules?
We believe that we cover the most interesting and beautiful places in Cambodia with our modules, so we don’t offer any destinations that are not featured on the website. If, however, you would like to visit somewhere that we are unable to book, this is no problem at all. We can leave a gap within your itinerary and you can arrange this part of your trip separately.
Can you also book my flights?
Of course! We have the expertise and the airline deals to come up with the right flights for you. We'll ensure that your flights are perfectly co-ordinated with your itinerary, giving you the convenience of booking everything under 'one roof'. In addition, we'll keep you up to date with any airline schedule changes that might occur while you're away, and reshuffle your travel plans where necessary.
What if I’ve already booked my flights?
No problem, you can still make use of our services as we can help organise just your land arrangements.
Is there an age limit and do I need to be in really good shape for these trips?
Not at all. We offer a mix of active, adventurous modules as well as more relaxed cultural tours, so you can build an itinerary that is as action-packed or as laid back as you like. This means that we’re suitable for all ages and fitness levels. Our friendly travel specialists will be able to point you towards the modules that match your own personal fitness levels and wishes.
Are prices the same for single travellers?
We can organise trips for single travellers, but please do bear in mind that we do not organise group tours and all of our prices are therefore based on 2 people travelling. Our trips are independent therefore there will be a single supplement for your hotels, but during your tours you will join with a small group of other travellers.
Will we get much free time or is it a strict itinerary?
Our trips are all about freedom and independence, so you’ll have plenty of free time to enjoy your surroundings at your own pace. We offer city tours, cooking classes and local excursions that we believe will really enhance your trip, but you can opt in and out of these as you wish. As you’re in change of building your own itinerary, you can factor in as much free time as you need.
Do you have a brochure you can send me?
We are an online travel company and as such don't produce any brochures. All of the information about our trips can be found on our website. If you have any questions or would like any further information about our travel options, please feel free to contact me on 01273 322042 or you can reply to this email with any queries you may have.
Accommodation
What standard of hotel do you use?
We prefer to steer clear of multinational /chain hotels and luxury resorts as these often lack character and atmosphere. Instead, we personally source with a range of small-scale, locally owned properties, all with clean, comfortable rooms and warm welcomes. We believe that you’ll get a far more interesting and authentic experience by travelling this way without sacrificing basic comfort.
What star rating are the hotels?
Rather than using star ratings to classify our accommodation, we go by different comfort levels, as explained on our accommodation page. All the accommodation suggested for you in this Travel Plan is comfort level 3-4. If you would like something even more special, just let me know and I'll upgrade you where possible.
Why can’t you tell me the names of my accommodation before booking?
We personally source small-scale, authentic accommodation for our trips, and these often have only a handful of rooms. Consequently, we choose a small pool of accommodation options in each destination, so if one is fully booked we can offer you another one of the same quality. We continually check to ensure that the quality is consistent across all of our choices. Therefore, like many other adventure travel companies, it is not possible to name the accommodation in advance of booking. However, once the final booking has been made, we can provide you with the full list of names of all of your hotels. In the meantime you can find out more about the style of accommodation we use and an explanation of our comfort levels on our accommodation page:
During your trip...
What kind of support can I expect when I am on my trip?
After you’ve booked your trip, we’ll email you a package of travel documents with details about our local partners with offices in Cambodia. This will include an emergency contact number and the addresses of each office. Our local agents will be on hand 24/7 to lend a hand with anything that you need during your trip. Being located within Cambodia, they are in a strong position to help with any issues that arise.
How will I get around during my trip?
We prefer to use local transport and therefore support local communities within Cambodia wherever possible, as we believe that this creates a really memorable Cambodia experience.
What happens after I have made my booking?
Once you're happy with your Travel Plan, just complete the booking form. Once we receive the booking form we will need to collect a down payment, and then we’ll send off your request to our local office to get it confirmed. Once everything has been confirmed, we’ll collect the rest of the balance (if you’re leaving within 3 months of your booking date). We’ll then email all your travel documents, including the details of your accommodation. If during the confirmation process the accommodation or modules are not available, we’ll work with you to re-arrange alternatives, which could have a small bearing on the price, but we’ll always get something sorted.
Is it possible to travel in Cambodia with children?
Yes, Cambodian people are very friendly in general and the culture is very child friendly and family orientated. Some hotels are able to offer a child cot for infants (ask your Travel Specialist about this) although you may decide to bring your own travel cot. It is worth bearing in mind that some of the bus journeys are quite long and although the roads are improving, they are still not the smoothest of rides. In some cases we are able to offer private transfers between towns which you may find more comfortable. In the larger towns and cities, basic provisions for children are available but if your child is very young and/or has specific dietary needs, we would recommend you to carry plenty of provisions with you.
What happens if I don’t like Cambodian food?
As with most Asian countries the staple food is rice. Cambodian or Khmer cuisine is an interesting mix of tropical fruits, rice, noodles, fish, meat and various soups. A real highlight is Amok Trey which is fish wrapped in banana leaves and steamed with kroeung and coconut milk. However, if you get bored of the local food, miss home or simply don’t like Cambodian food in the first place, you’ll be pleased to hear that there are more and more restaurants serving Western style food springing up, as well as decent Indian and Chinese cuisine too, particularly in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap.
Will anybody speak English?
As tourism picks up in Cambodia, more and more people are speaking English. There are good English speaking guides at the main sites such as Angkor Wat and the Killing Fields and War Museums. There are often student at these sites too who want to practice their English with the tourists. As tourism hasn’t reached the scale of other Asian countries yet, the Cambodian people are not so jaded by it and although often shy are usually happy to try to communicate with hand gestures and smiles.
What are the likely costs when I’m out there?
The Cambodian currency is the Riel. £1 British Pound (GBP) is currently worth approximately 7300 Riel; however currency exchange rates fluctuate all the time. The Riel is not widely used by tourists as everything tends to be quoted and accepted in US Dollars, so make sure you take some US Dollars with you. Cambodian street food is colourful delicious and extremely cheap! In restaurants, a meal can cost anything between $1 for cheap and cheerful local food at a roadside restaurant and $18 for a good Western meal or an upmarket restaurant catering for tourists or wealthy Khmers. In general, entrance fees to the main tourist sites are not expensive, the highest fee is probably for Angkor Wat and currently costs $60 for a seven day pass or $40 and $20 for a three day and one day pass respectively. Don't forget to save some dollars for the departure tax that must be paid at the airport when departing Cambodia. Departure tax for international flights is currently $25 US Dollars, and $6 Dollars for domestic flights.
What shall I bring with me?
The Khmer people, particularly women have a relatively conservative style, therefore it is probably best to try and match it. It is respectful to wear long sleeves and trousers when visiting sacred sites and particularly the wats that are still in use. Make sure you pack a decent mosquito repellent containing DEET (the active ingredient). Hotels and guest houses without air conditioning tend to supply mosquito nets, but if you are planning to get right off the beaten track then you may want to consider packing your own. A head torch can be really useful as some of the roads are not very well lit at night. It saves time, money and hassle to take some passport photos with you for obtaining visas and US dollars in cash can also be very useful at border crossings. A high factor sunscreen is always advisable and of course, a camera!
Is it safe to travel in Cambodia? I’m concerned about safety regarding land mines.
Cambodia is one of the safest countries in the world. Despite the multitude of people living in Cambodia, crime is very sporadic and you can easily walk across the streets in the evening, even beyond the larger cities. For the most up to date travel advice for Cambodia, visit the Foreign & Commonwealth Office web site. In smaller towns and in the vicinity of Angkor there are hidden landmines in some areas. It's important to remain vigilant and keep an eye out for warning signs in these areas.
Currency, passports and other important documents are best kept in a safe in your hotel. Nearly all Cambodia Travel Plan hotels have a safe available to you. Never leave important documents unattended in your room. All cleaning personnel have keys to your room. It's also best to avoid walking around with all your valuables, especially in the evenings.
Are there any festivals worth checking out in Cambodia?
Chinese New Year – Both Chinese and Khmers celebrate this festival in January or February (depending on the lunar calendar) with lanterns, feasts and dragon dancing.
Chaul Chnam – The Khmer New Year is celebrated over three days during this festival in mid – April which is mainly centred around the ways where Cambodians make offerings for luck and absolution.
Visakha Puja – This festival is best celebrated at Angkor Wat where you can observe beautiful candle-lit processions of monks marking Buddha’s birth, enlightenment and passing to Nirvana. Check out the date though as it falls in May or June on the eighth day of the fourth moon.
P’chum Ben – This is the Cambodian version of the Day of the Dead in Mexico but a little less hectic. Khmer people make offerings at the wats from mid – September to early November.
Bon Om Tuk – This festival celebrates the reversal of the Tonle Sap River and boat races take place in early November. There is also a real party atmosphere across the country with lots of bright lights and street parties.
Absolutely. We are a member of ABTA and we also hold an Air Travel Organiser's Licence issued by the Civil Aviation Authority. ABTA and ATOL members help holidaymakers to get the most from their travel and assist them when things do not go according to plan. The air inclusive holidays that we arrange are ATOL protected if the first leg of your trip departs from the UK. Where a holiday is ATOL protected, the CAA will ensure that you are not left stranded abroad and refund any money for an advance booking in the unlikely event of our insolvency. If your holiday does not include flights, ABTA will financially protect your holiday in the same way except that, if already abroad, you will be returned to the point where your contracted arrangements with us commenced. For further information, visit www.atol.org.uk and www.abta.com for a copy of the guide to ABTA’s scheme of Financial Protection. Also see our Terms and Conditions for more information:
Can I pay in instalments?
At the time of booking we will need to collect the following deposits based on the time until your departure date:
Over 3 months before departure: 25% of the total Travel Plan Price
1-3 months before departure: 50% of the total Travel Plan Price
Less than 1 month before departure: 75% of the total Travel Plan Price
Do I need to pay for my flights separately?
International Flights must be paid for in full before the ticketing deadline. If your flights have been placed on hold, your travel specialist will inform you of the ticketing deadline.
What makes Cambodia Travel Plan different?
We’re a tour operator with a twist, offering you a really unique way to experience Cambodia. Instead of group tours, we offer you the chance to build your own trip with our range of bite-sized tours lasting a few days each. Our trips are all about flexibility, freedom and independence. When you arrive in Cambodia, you’ll be given a welcome pack including all of your local transport tickets and accommodation vouchers, but you’ll travel independently during your holiday, joining a small group for some of the excursions and activities.
Are these group tours?
No. Our trips are independent, giving you the freedom to choose your own route. This also means that your trip does not run the risk of being cancelled due to lack of numbers. You’ll travel independently throughout most of your trip, joining a small group for some of the excursions and activities. During these excursions, you'll be escorted by an english-speaking guide and the group size is normally around 8-12 people. This means that you won't be travelling with the same group of people or guide throughout your whole trip.
Do you tailor make itineraries? Can we request specific hotels?
Although we do create itineraries for travel through Cambodia, these are based on a series of our modules rather than specific requests. You can combine these modules in a number of different ways, and we can add extra nights in any of the destinations featured in your trip. All you need to do is list the modules that appeal to you, and we’ll link them together using our local knowledge.
What happens if I want to visit a destination that you don’t offer within your modules?
We believe that we cover the most interesting and beautiful places in Cambodia with our modules, so we don’t offer any destinations that are not featured on the website. If, however, you would like to visit somewhere that we are unable to book, this is no problem at all. We can leave a gap within your itinerary and you can arrange this part of your trip separately.
Can you also book my flights?
Of course! We have the expertise and the airline deals to come up with the right flights for you. We'll ensure that your flights are perfectly co-ordinated with your itinerary, giving you the convenience of booking everything under 'one roof'. In addition, we'll keep you up to date with any airline schedule changes that might occur while you're away, and reshuffle your travel plans where necessary.
What if I’ve already booked my flights?
No problem, you can still make use of our services as we can help organise just your land arrangements.
Is there an age limit and do I need to be in really good shape for these trips?
Not at all. We offer a mix of active, adventurous modules as well as more relaxed cultural tours, so you can build an itinerary that is as action-packed or as laid back as you like. This means that we’re suitable for all ages and fitness levels. Our friendly travel specialists will be able to point you towards the modules that match your own personal fitness levels and wishes.
Are prices the same for single travellers?
We can organise trips for single travellers, but please do bear in mind that we do not organise group tours and all of our prices are therefore based on 2 people travelling. Our trips are independent therefore there will be a single supplement for your hotels, but during your tours you will join with a small group of other travellers.
Will we get much free time or is it a strict itinerary?
Our trips are all about freedom and independence, so you’ll have plenty of free time to enjoy your surroundings at your own pace. We offer city tours, cooking classes and local excursions that we believe will really enhance your trip, but you can opt in and out of these as you wish. As you’re in change of building your own itinerary, you can factor in as much free time as you need.
Do you have a brochure you can send me?
We are an online travel company and as such don't produce any brochures. All of the information about our trips can be found on our website. If you have any questions or would like any further information about our travel options, please feel free to contact me on 01273 322042 or you can reply to this email with any queries you may have.
Accommodation
What standard of hotel do you use?
We prefer to steer clear of multinational /chain hotels and luxury resorts as these often lack character and atmosphere. Instead, we personally source with a range of small-scale, locally owned properties, all with clean, comfortable rooms and warm welcomes. We believe that you’ll get a far more interesting and authentic experience by travelling this way without sacrificing basic comfort.
What star rating are the hotels?
Rather than using star ratings to classify our accommodation, we go by different comfort levels, as explained on our accommodation page. All the accommodation suggested for you in this Travel Plan is comfort level 3-4. If you would like something even more special, just let me know and I'll upgrade you where possible.
Why can’t you tell me the names of my accommodation before booking?
We personally source small-scale, authentic accommodation for our trips, and these often have only a handful of rooms. Consequently, we choose a small pool of accommodation options in each destination, so if one is fully booked we can offer you another one of the same quality. We continually check to ensure that the quality is consistent across all of our choices. Therefore, like many other adventure travel companies, it is not possible to name the accommodation in advance of booking. However, once the final booking has been made, we can provide you with the full list of names of all of your hotels. In the meantime you can find out more about the style of accommodation we use and an explanation of our comfort levels on our accommodation page:
During your trip...
What kind of support can I expect when I am on my trip?
After you’ve booked your trip, we’ll email you a package of travel documents with details about our local partners with offices in Cambodia. This will include an emergency contact number and the addresses of each office. Our local agents will be on hand 24/7 to lend a hand with anything that you need during your trip. Being located within Cambodia, they are in a strong position to help with any issues that arise.
How will I get around during my trip?
We prefer to use local transport and therefore support local communities within Cambodia wherever possible, as we believe that this creates a really memorable Cambodia experience.
What happens after I have made my booking?
Once you're happy with your Travel Plan, just complete the booking form. Once we receive the booking form we will need to collect a down payment, and then we’ll send off your request to our local office to get it confirmed. Once everything has been confirmed, we’ll collect the rest of the balance (if you’re leaving within 3 months of your booking date). We’ll then email all your travel documents, including the details of your accommodation. If during the confirmation process the accommodation or modules are not available, we’ll work with you to re-arrange alternatives, which could have a small bearing on the price, but we’ll always get something sorted.
Is it possible to travel in Cambodia with children?
Yes, Cambodian people are very friendly in general and the culture is very child friendly and family orientated. Some hotels are able to offer a child cot for infants (ask your Travel Specialist about this) although you may decide to bring your own travel cot. It is worth bearing in mind that some of the bus journeys are quite long and although the roads are improving, they are still not the smoothest of rides. In some cases we are able to offer private transfers between towns which you may find more comfortable. In the larger towns and cities, basic provisions for children are available but if your child is very young and/or has specific dietary needs, we would recommend you to carry plenty of provisions with you.
What happens if I don’t like Cambodian food?
As with most Asian countries the staple food is rice. Cambodian or Khmer cuisine is an interesting mix of tropical fruits, rice, noodles, fish, meat and various soups. A real highlight is Amok Trey which is fish wrapped in banana leaves and steamed with kroeung and coconut milk. However, if you get bored of the local food, miss home or simply don’t like Cambodian food in the first place, you’ll be pleased to hear that there are more and more restaurants serving Western style food springing up, as well as decent Indian and Chinese cuisine too, particularly in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap.
Will anybody speak English?
As tourism picks up in Cambodia, more and more people are speaking English. There are good English speaking guides at the main sites such as Angkor Wat and the Killing Fields and War Museums. There are often student at these sites too who want to practice their English with the tourists. As tourism hasn’t reached the scale of other Asian countries yet, the Cambodian people are not so jaded by it and although often shy are usually happy to try to communicate with hand gestures and smiles.
What are the likely costs when I’m out there?
The Cambodian currency is the Riel. £1 British Pound (GBP) is currently worth approximately 7300 Riel; however currency exchange rates fluctuate all the time. The Riel is not widely used by tourists as everything tends to be quoted and accepted in US Dollars, so make sure you take some US Dollars with you. Cambodian street food is colourful delicious and extremely cheap! In restaurants, a meal can cost anything between $1 for cheap and cheerful local food at a roadside restaurant and $18 for a good Western meal or an upmarket restaurant catering for tourists or wealthy Khmers. In general, entrance fees to the main tourist sites are not expensive, the highest fee is probably for Angkor Wat and currently costs $60 for a seven day pass or $40 and $20 for a three day and one day pass respectively. Don't forget to save some dollars for the departure tax that must be paid at the airport when departing Cambodia. Departure tax for international flights is currently $25 US Dollars, and $6 Dollars for domestic flights.
What shall I bring with me?
The Khmer people, particularly women have a relatively conservative style, therefore it is probably best to try and match it. It is respectful to wear long sleeves and trousers when visiting sacred sites and particularly the wats that are still in use. Make sure you pack a decent mosquito repellent containing DEET (the active ingredient). Hotels and guest houses without air conditioning tend to supply mosquito nets, but if you are planning to get right off the beaten track then you may want to consider packing your own. A head torch can be really useful as some of the roads are not very well lit at night. It saves time, money and hassle to take some passport photos with you for obtaining visas and US dollars in cash can also be very useful at border crossings. A high factor sunscreen is always advisable and of course, a camera!
Is it safe to travel in Cambodia? I’m concerned about safety regarding land mines.
Cambodia is one of the safest countries in the world. Despite the multitude of people living in Cambodia, crime is very sporadic and you can easily walk across the streets in the evening, even beyond the larger cities. For the most up to date travel advice for Cambodia, visit the Foreign & Commonwealth Office web site. In smaller towns and in the vicinity of Angkor there are hidden landmines in some areas. It's important to remain vigilant and keep an eye out for warning signs in these areas.
Currency, passports and other important documents are best kept in a safe in your hotel. Nearly all Cambodia Travel Plan hotels have a safe available to you. Never leave important documents unattended in your room. All cleaning personnel have keys to your room. It's also best to avoid walking around with all your valuables, especially in the evenings.
Are there any festivals worth checking out in Cambodia?
Chinese New Year – Both Chinese and Khmers celebrate this festival in January or February (depending on the lunar calendar) with lanterns, feasts and dragon dancing.
Chaul Chnam – The Khmer New Year is celebrated over three days during this festival in mid – April which is mainly centred around the ways where Cambodians make offerings for luck and absolution.
Visakha Puja – This festival is best celebrated at Angkor Wat where you can observe beautiful candle-lit processions of monks marking Buddha’s birth, enlightenment and passing to Nirvana. Check out the date though as it falls in May or June on the eighth day of the fourth moon.
P’chum Ben – This is the Cambodian version of the Day of the Dead in Mexico but a little less hectic. Khmer people make offerings at the wats from mid – September to early November.
Bon Om Tuk – This festival celebrates the reversal of the Tonle Sap River and boat races take place in early November. There is also a real party atmosphere across the country with lots of bright lights and street parties.
