Trip Overview

This eight-day journey delves deeper into the unique characters of Thailand and Cambodia, balancing exhilarating urban energy with serene coastal beauty and profound historical exploration. Students will experience the thrilling contrast of Bangkok’s non-stop buzz and the tranquil beaches of Sihanoukville, all while stepping back in time at the world-famous Angkor temple complex. This itinerary is designed to be a rich cultural immersion, offering everything from ethical animal encounters and ancient ruins to hands-on community visits and relaxing beach time, providing a well-rounded and unforgettable Southeast Asian experience.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival & Pattaya’s Vibrant Energy
We’ll greet you at Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) and immediately begin our adventure with a transfer to the vibrant coastal city of Pattaya. After checking into our hotel, we’ll enjoy a welcome dinner together. To experience the local nightlife culture, we’ll take a walking tour through the famous Night Street Walking Pub area, observing the bustling energy before turning in for the night. The schedule for this arrival day is flexible and will be adjusted based on your flight’s arrival time.

Day 2: Botanical Wonders & Return to Bangkok
After breakfast, we visit the incredible Nong Nooch Tropical Botanical Garden. We’ll spend the morning exploring its beautifully landscaped gardens, watching a captivating cultural and animal live show. After lunch, we’ll depart Pattaya and return to Bangkok. In the evening, we’ll experience the city from its iconic river on a dinner cruise along the Chao Phraya, passing illuminated temples and modern skyscrapers.

Day 3: Bangkok’s Modern Thrills & Sky-High Views
Today is a fun-filled day in Thailand’s capital. We’ll head to Dream World, a popular amusement park with rides and attractions for all tastes. For lunch, we’ll dive into the chaotic and delicious Pratunam Street Market. As the evening sets in, we’ll ascend to the Baiyoke Sky Hotel observation deck for a stunning 360-degree panoramic view of Bangkok’s vast skyline spread out below us before enjoying dinner.

Day 4: Sunrise at Angkor & Temple Exploration
We take an early morning flight to Siem Reap, Cambodia. The moment we land, we head straight to the Angkor Archaeological Park. We’ll witness the magical sunrise over the majestic Angkor Wat temple, an absolutely breathtaking sight. After breakfast, we continue our temple exploration with the enigmatic faces of Bayon Temple at Angkor Thom and the jungle-covered ruins of Ta Prohm, before checking into our hotel in the afternoon.

Day 5: Sacred Mountain & Floating Villages
After breakfast, we journey to the sacred Koulen Mountain to see the river of a thousand Lingas and visit a large Buddha statue. In the afternoon, we take a boat trip to the floating village of Kampong Khleang on Tonlé Sap lake, one of the largest and most authentic floating communities, offering a fascinating glimpse into a unique way of life tied to the water.

Day 6: Phnom Penh’s Royal & Cultural Heart
We fly to Cambodia’s capital, Phnom Penh. Our tour today focuses on the city’s grandeur and culture. We’ll visit the magnificent Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda, see the Independence Monument, and climb the historic hill at Wat Phnom. We’ll also explore the bustling Central Market, a classic Art Deco building filled with everything from souvenirs to spices.

Day 7: A Somber History & Sunset Cruise
This day is dedicated to understanding Cambodia’s modern history with a visit to the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S-21) and the Killing Fields of Choeung Ek. These sites are handled with great respect and provide a crucial, though sobering, lesson in resilience. The afternoon lightens with a visit to Oualam Pagoda and a beautiful sunset cruise on the Mekong River, offering a moment for reflection.

Day 8: Beach Day & Departure
For our final day, we transfer to the coastal city of Sihanoukville for some well-deserved relaxation. We’ll enjoy swimming in the ocean, optional jet ski rides, and a final beautiful sunset over the Gulf of Thailand. Afterward, we will transfer to the airport for your international departure. The schedule on this day will be carefully arranged according to your flight times.

Cost Included

The trip price covers seven nights in 4–5 star hotels, all breakfasts, lunches, and dinners, a dedicated travel guide throughout, comprehensive travel insurance, all domestic flight tickets within the itinerary, all ground transportation including private coaches and boats, and entrance fees to all temples, museums, and sites listed.

Cost Excluded

The price does not include international airfare to/from Southeast Asia, personal expenses (e.g., shopping, additional snacks, souvenirs), or any optional activities such as visits to Chinatown or specific showrooms.

Additional Program Elements

Educational Value: This trip offers a deep dive into the ancient Khmer Empire, modern Cambodian history, Thai culture, and comparative religious studies (Buddhism). It also incorporates lessons in environmental science and community sociology through the visits to floating villages.

Safety & Logistics: This is an active itinerary covering multiple cities. We use private, air-conditioned coaches and domestic flights for long transfers to maximize comfort and time. Our local guides provide essential cultural translation and logistical support.

Group Requirements: A minimum of 10 participants is required. The optimal travel period is during the cool, dry season from November to February.

Note: The day covering the Khmer Rouge historical sites is conducted with sensitivity and is appropriate for mature students. The final itinerary’s order may be adjusted based on domestic flight schedules to ensure the smoothest travel experience. A detailed schedule is provided upon booking confirmation.