Cambodia Reviews
Review 1
What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Scenery in Laos; one of the trip members falling off the elephant into the Nam Khan river (several times!); then capsizing us into the Nam Song in Vang Vieng on the very first rapid and losing her sarong.
What did you think of your tour leader?
Thinh Lai, our guide in Vietnam - the very best tour guide! We missed him on crossing to Cambodia. Other guides, with the possible exception of the Lao guide, were also very good, but Thinh was exceptional - informative, helpful, funny, friendly. He organised optional activities taiored to the group's wishes and went far beyond the call of duty.
What advice would you give to other travellers?
1. Read the pre-departure notes, and stick to the advice in it. You really don't need to take anything other than what it recommends. 2.Make use of the tailors in Hoi An - excellent value and quality of work. If you have favourite garments you'd like copied, take them with you or bring photos/patterns. 3. Make sure your insurance covers itinerary changes caused by weather. We had to but extra flights because of flooding and not all of us manged to get our money back.
Reviewed by Magdalena Styles who travelled in October 2011 on the Thai-Indochina Loop trip
Review 2
What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The whole trip was fantastic but I think Cambodia was the highlight for me. Amazingly friendly and happy people. Phnom Penh, Siem Reap & Angkor were all great places to visit. Ate tarantulas, rode an elephant & had a couple of fish massages...great experiences!
What did you think of your tour leader?
All three were excellent. Very knowledgable, approachable and friendly
What advice would you give to other travellers?
Just do it! Be open minded to everything, say yes to as much as possible and enjoy the whole experience
Reviewed by Andrew Davies who travelled in June 2011 on the Indochina Discoverer trip
Review 3
What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Each part of the tour was exciting, from Siem Reap and Angkor Wat to Chombok and the homestay
What did you think of your tour leader?
Sam was so good, he made the tour more interesting with his local knowledge. He tried hard to please everyone despite the age range of 20 to 75 years old.
What advice would you give to other travellers?
Be aware of the homestay - maybe more basic than you think. But enjoy the beautiful stars and the local night life. Try to ensure you go to Romdeng restaurant in Phnom Penh to support the street children
Reviewed by Linda Singh who travelled in May 2011 on the Cambodia in Depth trip
Review 4
What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Laos and Cambodia.
What did you think of your tour leader?
Very good. Our Laos leader was slightly impeded by his grasp of the English language, but he was very helpful.
Do you feel your holiday benefited local people?
Yes - should have with all the handicrafts I bought!
What advice would you give to other travellers?
Kick back and enjoy the experience.
Reviewed by Sadie Ellen Tobin who travelled in November 2010 on the Laos & Cambodia trip
Review 5
What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Cambodia, it was an amazing experience to visit the country
What did you think of your tour leader?
first class, especially sam (cambodia)
Do you feel your holiday benefited local people?
Yes as we managed to get off the beaten track and even went to a charity concert for a kids hospital
Do you feel that you got under the skin of a country?
yes def
What advice would you give to other travellers?
Be aware of the taxi drivers in Bangkok trying to rip you off and always ask for a meter
Reviewed by Christian Dyke who travelled in November 2010 on the Overland Indochina trip
Review 6
What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The temples at Angkor Wat were amazing. So old, so much atmosphere- unforgettable!
What did you think of your tour leader?
We had 3 leaders, two in Cambodia - both delightful guys and very efficient and caring. In Vietnam we had yet another - a charming young Vietnamese who\also couldn't be faulted in his job.
Do you feel your holiday benefited local people?
Obviously the money spent on accommodation, food etc would hopefully help and goods bought from locals - tho suspect the distribution of all these things is controlled. Loved the restaurants where the disadvantages kids are helped to learn the catering trade and giving them something to build on.
Do you feel that you got under the skin of a country?
Cambodia yes, found it very warm, welcoming country with charming people. Did not feel quite the same about Vietnam, where obviously it is more commercial, everyone working v hard and in a hurry.
What advice would you give to other travellers?
Gosh this is difficult - I think just to travel with an open mind and be warm and friendly and you will have lots of lovely moments.
Reviewed by Wendy Plim who travelled in September 2010 on the Angkor & Mekong trip
Review 7
What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The temples at Angkor Wat were amazing. So old, so much atmosphere- unforgettable!
What did you think of your tour leader?
We had 3 leaders, two in Cambodia - both delightful guys and very efficient and caring. In Vietnam we had yet another - a charming young Vietnamese who\also couldn't be faulted in his job.
Do you feel your holiday benefited local people?
Obviously the money spent on accommodation, food etc would hopefully help and goods bought from locals - tho suspect the distribution of all these things is controlled. Loved the restaurants where the disadvantages kids are helped to learn the catering trade and giving them something to build on.
Do you feel that you got under the skin of a country?
Cambodia yes, found it very warm, welcoming country with charming people. Did not feel quite the same about Vietnam, where obviously it is more commercial, everyone working v hard and in a hurry.
What advice would you give to other travellers?
Gosh this is difficult - I think just to travel with an open mind and be warm and friendly and you will have lots of lovely moments.
Reviewed by Wendy Plim who travelled in September 2010 on the Angkor & Mekong trip
Review 8
What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Cycling in Hue amidst the mass of other cyclists and motorcylclists was an unforgetable, if scary ( and I am an everyday cyclist)experience.
What did you think of your tour leader?
Each was obviously an individual. Our leader in Cambodia was brilliant; full of fun and enthusiasm. Regretably this could not be said of the Vietnamese leader. The Thai leader was fine.
Do you feel your holiday benefited local people?
I hope so.
Do you feel that you got under the skin of a country?
Yes I do.
What advice would you give to other travellers?
This is our fourth holiday with IT. This holiday probably involved the most travel time, so be prepared to either spend your time watching the world unfold, which I found fascinating or bring lots of reading matter. I did very little reading and was never bored.
Reviewed by Mark Goulbourn who travelled in September 2010 on the Indochina Discoverer trip
Review 9
What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
So many to choose from...Hiking around rice paddies and spectacular scenery whilst staying with hilltribes and engaging in local practices like drinking rice whisky.Drifting around Halong Bay and eating the best seafood I have ever eaten caught fresh off the boat. My eyes being opened to the atrocities that occured in Cambodia at the Tuol Sleng prison and torture center. Getting a sense of what it was like to be a Viet Cong soldier crawling around the tunnels in Cuchi while it was pouring with rain. Going with "Mr Handsome" and Handsome sandwiches and laundry to watch ringside Thai boxing on Ko Penang.
What did you think of your tour leader?
Excellent, they all go out of their way to ensure you have the best possible experience.
Do you feel your holiday benefited local people?
Absolutely, as we were taken to more out of the way places we got to support the local economies there.
Do you feel that you got under the skin of a country?
Definately.Prior to trying an Imaginative Traveller trip I always thought it better to do independent travel but both trips I have done I got to have experiences and see places I never would have if I had gone to that country on my own.
What advice would you give to other travellers?
Although taking an imaginative trip may seem expensive at first when compared to organising it yourself, you get to experience so much more with the experienced guides who have been there and done that.
Reviewed by Kirsty Gilmour who travelled in July 2007 on the Hanoi to Singapore trip
Review 10
What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
So many to choose from...Hiking around rice paddies and spectacular scenery whilst staying with hilltribes and engaging in local practices like drinking rice whisky.Drifting around Halong Bay and eating the best seafood I have ever eaten caught fresh off the boat. My eyes being opened to the atrocities that occured in Cambodia at the Tuol Sleng prison and torture center. Getting a sense of what it was like to be a Viet Cong soldier crawling around the tunnels in Cuchi while it was pouring with rain. Going with "Mr Handsome" and Handsome sandwiches and laundry to watch ringside Thai boxing on Ko Penang.
What did you think of your tour leader?
Excellent, they all go out of their way to ensure you have the best possible experience.
Do you feel your holiday benefited local people?
Absolutely, as we were taken to more out of the way places we got to support the local economies there.
Do you feel that you got under the skin of a country?
Definately.Prior to trying an Imaginative Traveller trip I always thought it better to do independent travel but both trips I have done I got to have experiences and see places I never would have if I had gone to that country on my own.
What advice would you give to other travellers?
Although taking an imaginative trip may seem expensive at first when compared to organising it yourself, you get to experience so much more with the experienced guides who have been there and done that.
Reviewed by Kirsty Gilmour who travelled in July 2007 on the Hanoi to Singapore trip
Review 11
What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
There are so many memorable times and things Angkor Wat was a big highlight as was the border crossing and journey by pickup trucks! The Cambodian people and their smiles I will always remember. Great company in the evenings and fantastic food.
What did you think of your tour leader?
Brilliant Shane really looked after us all made us all welcome and did more than expected spending each evening with us sorting out meals and drinks and generally keeping us all more than happy and well looked after.
Do you feel your holiday benefited local people?
Yes absolutley using the loacla guides and resturants
Do you feel that you got under the skin of a country?
definatly
What advice would you give to other travellers?
Try your company cant fault you guys at all
Reviewed by Diane Kavanagh who travelled in November 2008 on the Cambodia Discovery trip
Review 12
What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
There are so many memorable times and things Angkor Wat was a big highlight as was the border crossing and journey by pickup trucks! The Cambodian people and their smiles I will always remember. Great company in the evenings and fantastic food.
What did you think of your tour leader?
Brilliant Shane really looked after us all made us all welcome and did more than expected spending each evening with us sorting out meals and drinks and generally keeping us all more than happy and well looked after.
Do you feel your holiday benefited local people?
Yes absolutley using the loacla guides and resturants
Do you feel that you got under the skin of a country?
definatly
What advice would you give to other travellers?
Try your company cant fault you guys at all
Reviewed by Diane Kavanagh who travelled in November 2008 on the Cambodia Discovery trip
Review 13
What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Cambodia - loved the people (especially the little kids) loved the atmosphere and loved the scenery. I also enjoyed the unusual truck ride from the border to Siem reap!!
What did you think of your tour leader?
I found the tour leader a little patronising but he had some extremely useful local knowledge. He was also very keen to stay as part of the group and joined us for meals etc which i thought i was nice.
Do you feel your holiday benefited local people?
Our tour guide did mention about some local projects but not in any great detail
Do you feel that you got under the skin of a country?
We were only in each location for a few days at a time so we didnt get to fully experience each country (but that isnt a negative of the trip as we were looking for a short tour)
What advice would you give to other travellers?
What ever price they offer you - don't be embarrassed to cut it in half!!
Reviewed by Sian Peach who travelled in May 2008 on the Majestic Angkor trip
Review 14
What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Cambodia - loved the people (especially the little kids) loved the atmosphere and loved the scenery. I also enjoyed the unusual truck ride from the border to Siem reap!!
What did you think of your tour leader?
I found the tour leader a little patronising but he had some extremely useful local knowledge. He was also very keen to stay as part of the group and joined us for meals etc which i thought i was nice.
Do you feel your holiday benefited local people?
Our tour guide did mention about some local projects but not in any great detail
Do you feel that you got under the skin of a country?
We were only in each location for a few days at a time so we didnt get to fully experience each country (but that isnt a negative of the trip as we were looking for a short tour)
What advice would you give to other travellers?
What ever price they offer you - don't be embarrassed to cut it in half!!
Reviewed by Sian Peach who travelled in May 2008 on the Entry point from Thailand to Cambodia trip
Review 15
What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The Temples at Siem Reap were beautiful and that was probably my favourite day of the tour.
What did you think of your tour leader?
Excellent, you could tell that Krista loves Cambodia, and enjoys showing others around the country.
Do you feel your holiday benefited local people?
Definitely, we gave blood at the Childrens Hospital in Siem Reap, and took fruit and supplies to the Landmine Museum, amongst other things.
Do you feel that you got under the skin of a country?
Yes, absolutely.
What advice would you give to other travellers?
Enjoy all that this beautiful country has to offer.
Reviewed by Emily Ashdown who travelled in February 2008 on the Majestic Angkor trip
Review 16
What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
trekking and staying at the homestays and our stay at Halong bay, also visiting the killing fields in Cambodia.
What did you think of your tour leader?
Excellent, they were all fantastic, had a lot of knowledge about the places we visited, always on hand to help with any inquires.
Do you feel your holiday benefited local people?
Yes definetly.
Do you feel that you got under the skin of a country?
Yes, every country I visited.
What advice would you give to other travellers?
Do as many trips as possible, they are safe, affordable and offer great services.
Reviewed by Laura Morris who travelled in June 2007 on the Hanoi to Singapore trip
Review 17
What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
trekking and staying at the homestays and our stay at Halong bay, also visiting the killing fields in Cambodia.
What did you think of your tour leader?
Excellent, they were all fantastic, had a lot of knowledge about the places we visited, always on hand to help with any inquires.
Do you feel your holiday benefited local people?
Yes definetly.
Do you feel that you got under the skin of a country?
Yes, every country I visited.
What advice would you give to other travellers?
Do as many trips as possible, they are safe, affordable and offer great services.
Reviewed by Laura Morris who travelled in June 2007 on the Hanoi to Singapore trip
Cambodia Forum Feedback
Indochina Adventure, 18/12/09
So, I took the plunge and booked this tour today, and I know time's going to drag between now and December as a result, particularly as I pretty much can't have any time off work until I go! Anyway, I just thought I'd get in early and start a topic for anyone who's taking the tour, to say hello etc. Apparently only me and one other person have booked so far (feel free to step out of the shadows and say hello, whoever you are), so we could do with at least another 4 of you signing up too - that way the tour will be guaranteed to run. :D Look forward to hearing from you! Dom
Entry point from Thailand to Cambodia
Hi, I'm leaving for a Cambodia trip next month. Per the info I got from you guys we're going to travel from Thailand and enter Cambodia through Poipet. I just got an e-visa and it says that entering through Poipet is fine. In one of the forum threads here somembody mentioned that the entry point can sometimes change. I wanted to know if this is going to be a problem for me because I acted on the assumption that the entry point is Poipet. The e-visa clarifies that it might not work from some entry points. Thanks Gaurav
Heart of Indochina - Sept 08
Hi Can you let me know if there will be an extensive walking with our backpacks on this tour or the Highlights & Hilltribes SAHH one? Theres a 3 hour trek mentioned which sounds great but just need to know if it will be with full backpack on... :O) Anyone out there is thinking of going on the Indochina trip in Sept be great to hear from you! Cheers Julie
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