Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

I loved Angkor Wat and I was horrified by the Killing Fields. But, strangely, for me, there was two inspirational moments. One was Ly explaining how Buddhism helps people move on from the regime - whether that works for everyone or not is another thing, however taking those concepts on board is healthy for all of us. The other was the stilt village near Tonle Sap lake, built to cope with the massive increase in water levels during the monsoon. Seeing their resilience and acceptance was, again, another lesson to take on board.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Ly is one of the best group leaders I have experienced with Exodus - and I have probably been on around 15 or more trips now. His expertise and experience showed through, never rushing us, always foreshadowing, always being able to supply what was needed. He was the exemplary host, proud of his country, his family, his culture whilst also recognising what was not quite so great. And, of course, the stories he shared of his and his family's experiences added a resonance that we need when we are trying to comprehend the horrors of human behaviour

Advice for Potential Travellers

There is a surprisingly large amount of down time on this trip and, for a couple of us, that was quite hard to adjust to - taking a few novels helped me - but maybe its not such a bad thing really. Mainly, go now. Cambodia is changing fast now, there is a lot of building going on, the government are trying to move it forward. We went to Koh Rong island, which is idyllic -however, we came across the building site for a multistorey glass fronted hotel and heard tell of the airport being built. Everywhere has to evolve, take the chance to see a phase in Cambodia's story before it disappears. And there is plenty to do in Siem Reap if you can extend - I definitely would have seen more of Angkor Wat and also the centre for the landmine seeking rats if I had stayed longer.

Most Inspirational Moment

Difficult to say, maybe the island, maybe sunrise at Angkor Wat, maybe the palace in Phnom Penh. The tour was so varied and so good it is difficult to choose what was best.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our leader, Chan Ly, was excellent. He paced the tour well to make sure we arrived at every location at the best time to get the best light for photos and to cope with the mid day heat. He also took us to some wonderful restaurants every night and was knowledgeable and helpful.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Allow yourselves extra days both in Phnom Penh and Siem Riep but especially in Siem Riep so you can make use of the third day on your temple pass. Also don't miss the optional sunrise at Angkor Wat, visit to the villages on the Lake near Siem Riep and the dinner show, all were excellent. The free to visit Siem Riep Botanical Garden was also lovely and only a short tuktuk ride from the hotel. Also if you don't like mountain bikes send details in advance of the type of bike you would like.

Most Inspirational Moment

It was surprising given the tour includes Angkor Wat but a number of us loved the APOPO HeroRATs in Siem Reap.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Like any trip like this a lot comes down to the guide and I can honestly say Bunthoeun was extremely knowledgable, helpful, funny, and shared his own life story which was very kind of him.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Number of early starts if that is an issue for someone. The Cambodian good and beers were very good.

Most Inspirational Moment

The visit to the Tuol Sleng Prison Museum (S21) and the Killing Fields was a very humbling experience.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader Bun was brilliant! He went above and beyond in every way, arranging everything and ensuring the restaurants understood any dietary requirement.

Advice for Potential Travellers

If arriving via air, apply for the e-card and e-visa via the Cambodia visa app, it's quick and easy. Take US dollars but make sure the notes are clean/new or they won't be accepted. You will need plenty of sunscreen and don't forget a hat.

Most Inspirational Moment

Angkor Wat does take your breath away.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Ly was exceptional. Our flight on the last day was late afternoon and as we had a three day pass to Angkor Wat he kindly organised for a tuk tuk to take us and wait for we visited an extra two temples. Great advice about restaurants and choices for the evening - Cambodian food is incredibly tasty.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Only one happy loo visited out of many did not have toilet paper so always worth having some in your pocket. It is an action packed, full itinerary, which I like, but worth getting out and about and exploring on your own as well. Our guide recommended suitable laundry adjacent to hotels that charge $2 per kilogram, so easy to get sweaty clothes cleaned again. The cycling was fun and on cycle tracks for nearly all of the time.

Most Inspirational Moment

I suppose everyone expects the highlight to be the visit to Angkor Wat to see the sun rise over the temple, but for me the real wow moments came elsewhere. The cyclo ride around Phnom Penh was great fun, the bamboo train in Battambong an experience like no other. There were three boat trips to see the sunset, in Kampot, Phnom Penh and Siem Reap, all of them memorable. And then there was the two-day stay at Koh Rong island, including a delightful group meal on the beach.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Chan Ly was exceptional. He was permanently available for help and advice - even sending a WhatsApp message at 3.45am to confirm our Angkor Wat trip would go ahead as planned. He did everything with a smile and bonded well with all members of the group. He was on hand to support when various members suffered stomach upsets. Most of all his knowledge of and pride in his country enabled us to see so much of Cambodian life.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Cambodia is a rapidly developing country. I was astonished at the number of high rise buildings, many still under construction, in Phnom Penh, Sihanoukville and Siem Reap, and some of the trunk roads are in the throes of an upgrade. And beware of the monkeys. My wife lost her camera case after an unequal struggle with an aggressive macaque at Angkor. We also spent much time before heading for Cambodia trying to find an appropriate plug adaptor. Don't worry. Almost all sockets accept UK plugs. Finally, consider adding a day or two to your holiday. There is more to do in and around Siem Reap than can be fitted into the Exodus itinerary.

Most Inspirational Moment

it would be impossible to single out one moment. The visit to the Genocide Museum and subsequently the Killing Fields will stay with me for ever. The temples of Angkor Wat were astounding as was the history and stories behind them. Most warming for me were the people. Most have very little in life but they smile, cannot do enough to help you or tell you of their country - their pride and humanity is astounding. I loved Kampot, especially that lovely hotel (the Columns?) and the insights we had into the life, skills and crafts of the local people. The food was amazing throughout - I tried most things (avoided rat and frog) and loved all of it. The hospitality skills throughout were very generous at all levels of society. This was a trip that lifted me out of my own worries and those of the world - it was life affirming and I am so pleased to have been a part of it.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Fila is quite a guy. He is warm, fun, a proud Cambodian and family man. He had such an excellent knowledge of all the places we visited and if he was unsure of any of our bizarre questions he went out of his way to find out what we want to know. He met all our requests, including Happy Hour at Raffles in Siem Reap, and guided us into a diverse array of restaurants and bars, from authentic tourist locations, to "local local" establishments, including a home dining experience which, without exception, we all loved. FIla's English is good and getting better as he is determined to learn. His pronunciation lead to some minor humorous misunderstandings at times, though overall it was excellent. At times Fila tended to over explain and illustrate his point, but I think this was to ensure that we understood his thinking. Overall, he was the best of excellent guides.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Dont hesitate to take this trip if you are curious. There is so much to see and do, lots to learn if you are that way inclined, and overall it offers a great range of activities and experiences. We found Cambodia to offer an insight into "old Asia" as well as the more modern aspects - a mid may between Thailand and Malaysia ,and northern Vietnam for example. The food is amazing, the landscapes are beautiful and the palaces and temples quite exquisite. The recent history of genocide in this country needs mentioning, as its echos are still heard in the country today. An extra day in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap would be a good idea at each end of the holiday.

Most Inspirational Moment

1.5 course fish lunch in Kep Fish Market for peanuts,but superb.Straight from the sea. 2.The two night stay on the lsland. 3.The salt fields. 4.Guests and eating with a Cambodian family.(A must) 5.All the markets.Arriving on bikes and trying to speak ANY Cambodian was appreciated and great fun.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Fila is probably one of the best tour guides l have had the pleasure to be with.His English was superb,and his knowledge of his country outstanding.Throw the guide books away!! He went out of his way to help us. We became his family and he always made sure we sanitzed our hands............ Found out a lot about him and his family. When we did have an issue on ironically the last day he was very professional in dealing with the bike accident in a calm and safe manner. You need to look after him............

Advice for Potential Travellers

Cambodia has sold it's soul to China who are pouring money into the country to develop the infrastructure and tourism. IF you want to see a mess look at Shihanouk. THe beauty of this country will be gone in the next couple of years and replaced with highrise hotels aka Benidorm So the moral of the story is GO.You will not regret it.

Most Inspirational Moment

Genocide Museum and Killing Fields will be etched in my brain forever (not inspirational but memorable) Evening dinner at a family home with a great host who made us most welcome Days cycling around Battambang and Angkor Wat Sunrise at Angkor Wat and cycling round the outlying temples

Thoughts on Group Leader

Fabulous leader who spoke great English and became a friend of the group, he looked after us with great care and made sure everything was very well organised Fila made the holiday and we will never forget him

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be prepared for some long hot days - most days we set off at 8am so don't expect a lie in bed!

Thoughts on Group Leader

They don't come any better - knowledge, responsibility and professionalism.