Quick, say, “Cambodia” and what comes to mind? Khmer Rouge, genocide, land mines, Siem Reap and Angkor Wat, are the most common responses. It was ours when we first visited Cambodia over the Millennium to spend two days in Phnom Penh and a fast visit to famous Angkor Wat. This is what most travelers did, and still do, but Cambodia has more to offer as we discovered on an in-depth tour with Explore UK in 2008.
With December rapidly approaching, I contacted my favorite Thailand tour operator, Dave at Viengtravel for suggestions on where to go and what to see in both Cambodia and Thailand. Their Cambodian counterpart replied with a tour suggestion; visit Northeast Cambodia, close to the Lao border. Hmm. Since husband Marine Steve and I enjoyed two previous visits to Cambodia, and loved Phnom Penh, it didn’t take long before a private tour in this area was worked out.
map of Cambodia
What about Thailand? We have been fortunate enough to have covered the length and breath of Thailand including a volunteer stint on an Earthwatch Archaeological Dig in Phimai. After many e-mails back and forth with Viengtravel, an “ordinary” Thai itinerary was cobbled together. This cultural itinerary would head north of Chiang Mai for five days, spend time in Bangkok (there’s no such thing as ever getting sick of Bangkok), and return to Koh Chang Island at the end for beach, sun and fun.
on a Bangkok Street, Thailand
Nothing in Asia ever stays the same and visitors can be guaranteed, there will always be something new to see and do. So, let’s return to Cambodia and Thailand…
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