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Cambodia Thailand 15 Days Combined Tour Review By Mr Francois

On a rainy morning in France, the fresh and humid air envelops me, but already, my mind escapes to the golden dawn illuminating the majestic towers of Angkor Wat in Cambodia... This moment suspended in time, bathed in golden hues, was one of the most magical of my 15-day Cambodia Thailand combined tour. Thailand and Cambodia now resonate in me as a promise of wonder, a land of stories and contrasts where every moment is transported between ancestral traditions and vibrant scenes of life. This trip became even more memorable thanks to Autour Asia, a local travel agency in Cambodia, whose professional organization and commitment allowed for enriching and unforgettable experiences.

I. How to spend 15 days in Cambodia and Thailand ?

1. Cambodia Tour - What to do in Cambodia?

My 15 days Cambodia Thailand combined tour was an unforgettable adventure, filled with cultural discoveries, breathtaking scenery and warm encounters. As soon as I arrived in Siem Reap, I was warmly welcomed and taken to the hotel. After a short break, I started exploring the city by tuk-tuk, passing through busy streets and colorful markets. One of my first visits was the Angkor National Museum, where I immersed myself in the fascinating history of the Khmer civilization.

The interior of the museum, much more impressive than its exterior, reveals beautifully appointed galleries. A spiral staircase provides access to the main rooms and was once used to transport heavy stone artifacts. Of the eight galleries, the Gallery of 1000 Buddhas particularly impressed me with its elegant display cases containing statues made of wood, jade and other precious materials. A beautiful tribute to the rich Khmer heritage, making this Cambodia tour even more unforgettable!

The next stop on my Cambodia Thailand combined tour, I had a magical experience flying over the temples of Angkor in a hot air balloon at sunrise. The view of the entire complex is breathtaking. I then explore iconic temples such as Angkor Wat, with its intricately carved reliefs, and Angkor Thom, where the mysterious Bayon Temple stands and its colossal faces. Ta Prohm, invaded by the roots of hundred-year-old trees, transports me to a world where nature and history intersect.

Another day took me to Kbal Spean, an ancient Angkorian site in Phnom Kulen National Park. Its name, which means "Bridgehead" in Khmer, comes from a natural sandstone bridge over the Kbal Spean River. Located in the Banteay Srei district, this sacred place, nestled in the jungle, reveals ancient carvings carved under the riverbed. After an hour of hiking, I was fascinated by these timelessly beautiful Hindu motifs.

In the afternoon, this Cambodia tour took me to Banteay Srei, a thousand-year-old temple located about 32 km northeast of Siem Reap and 21 km from Bayon. Access is made easy by well-maintained roads and clear signs, allowing you to get there by car in about 45 minutes. Nicknamed the "temple of women", it is famous for its exceptionally fine sculptures, carved in pink sandstone and representing Khmer mythological scenes. I also had the opportunity to visit a silk craft workshop, where I was able to learn about the different stages of production, from the breeding of the silkworms to the final weaving.

My Cambodia Thailand tour continues on the Tonle Sap Lake, where I discover the floating life of villages like Kampong Pluk and Prek Toal. The latter is a unique village where everything happens on the water: no streets, but a large canal lined with colorful houses resting on cans or directly on boats. Here, people travel only by boat: the inhabitants do their shopping in boats, while long canoes loaded with goods go at high speed in a deafening din. After this fascinating immersion, I visited the temples of Roluos, witnesses of the beginnings of the Angkorian era, and climbed to the temple of Bakong to admire a peaceful sunset.

In Battambang, and first discovery of the surroundings with the visit of the Ek Phnom temple, an eleventh-century site marked by history. Right next to it, a huge statue of a seated Buddha dominates the ruins. After a short break, head to the Banon Temple: 358 steps to climb before being rewarded with a breathtaking view of the Cambodian countryside. On the way, stop in a traditional village to observe the artisanal making of rice cakes and discover the local vineyards. It's impossible to resist a small wine and fruit juice tasting.

In the late afternoon, we will go up to Phnom Sampov, a site steeped in history but also known for its fascinating natural spectacle: at dusk, thousands of bats dart out of the caves, drawing black waves in the sky. The next morning, depart for a bike ride through rice paddies and villages, an essential experience on a Cambodia Thailand combined tour. Meetings with the locals, discovery of local specialties: prahok, banana chips, sticky rice with bamboo... An authentic immersion full of smiles. Before leaving Battambang, the last unmissable stop: the bamboo train. Sitting on the small wooden platform, the cool wind caresses the face as the rice fields pass by at full speed. A great way to end this timeless parenthesis.

2. Thailand Travel: Places to go in Thailand ?

After the wonders of Angkor, my 15 days Cambodia Thailand combined tour ended in Thailand, ready to discover a different side of Asia. Bangkok is, as always, a whirlwind of energy, but what I'm looking forward to is Amphawa, a peaceful little town by the water.

My first discovery during this trip to Thailand is the Wat Bang Kung temple. Imagine a sanctuary entirely embraced by the thick roots of a century-old banyan tree. There is something mystical, almost unreal about the place. Inside, a golden Buddha statue sits in a subdued light. I stay for a moment to observe the faithful praying, lulled by a strange serenity. In the evening, I go by boat on the canals to observe the fireflies. Seeing these thousands of small lights twinkle in the darkness is magical, a bit like the stars have taken the wrong sky.

The next morning, I go to the Maeklong market, famous for its stalls set up on the train tracks. I had seen videos before I came, but watching this perfectly orchestrated ballet live is fascinating. Each time the train passes, in a few seconds, everything disappears and reappears as if nothing had happened. A controlled chaos, which is part of the daily life of the sellers. An unmissable stop on this Cambodia Thailand tour, where every moment has its share of surprises and authenticity.

In the afternoon, I go to the Wat Bang Khae Noi temple, a true teak wood masterpiece. As soon as I arrived, I was struck by the elegance of its architecture. The interior is even more impressive: the exquisitely carved walls tell the story of Buddha's past lives. Every detail seems to be inhabited by a story, and I get lost for a moment observing these scenes engraved in the wood. The atmosphere is peaceful, conducive to contemplation. Sitting for a moment, I let my mind wander, absorbed in the serenity of the place. A stark contrast to the hustle and bustle of Bangkok, which makes this visit even more valuable.

I left Amphawa after an authentic morning with a Thai family, where I learned the art of weaving delicate palm leaves into small "pla tapian" fish, symbol of the region. After a lunch with local flavors, I took the road to Kanchanaburi. On the way, a stop at Wat Tham Sua allows me to admire its impressive architecture perched on a hill.

Wat Tham Sua Kanchanaburi, also known as the Tiger Cave, is an emblematic place of Buddhism in Thailand. This temple, a must-see on a 15 days Cambodia Thailand combined tour, is home to sacred tiger paw prints, a huge Buddha statue at the top, and several majestic stupas. For the brave, a staircase of 1,260 steps leads to the top, offering spectacular panoramic views of the valley. Fortunately, a small cable car also makes it easier to get there. In the late afternoon, I settled into the peaceful life of the Royal Riverkwai Resort & Spa, a true haven by the river.

The next day, I arrived at the station to board the famous "Death Train," a deep remnant of World War II history. The journey, crossing hilly landscapes and vertiginous bridges, takes me to another era. After being immersed in this story, I head to "Elephant Haven", a sanctuary where elephants are protected and cared for with respect. Feeding these majestic pachyderms and then swimming with them in the river remains an unforgettable experience, full of emotions and a connection to nature.

The adventure continues in Erawan National Park, where you can marvel at the seven-tiered waterfalls with turquoise waters. This Cambodia Thailand tour offers me a refreshing break, and I enjoyed a relaxing time by swimming in these natural pools before returning to Ayutthaya. The former capital of the Kingdom of Siam welcomes me in a timeless atmosphere. In the evening, I settled in Baan Tye Wang, a peaceful little paradise with traditional charm.

The next day is entirely devoted to exploring Ayutthaya. I wander among the majestic ruins of Wat Mahathat, where the head of the famous Buddha seems to have melted into the roots of a hundred-year-old tree, Wat Phra Sri Sanphet, a former royal temple with majestic chedid flowers, and Wat Chai Watthanaram, a brilliant testimony to Siamese architectural sophistication. In the late afternoon, I boarded a traditional boat for a peaceful cruise on the Chao Phraya River, gliding between the villages on the ground and the barge carrying the rice to Bangkok.

The capital opened its arms to me in the last days of my Cambodia Thailand combined tour. I begin my exploration with the Royal Palace, an architectural masterpiece featuring Wat Phra Kaeo and an emerald Buddha statue of rare beauty. I continue to Wat Pho, famous for its giant statue of a reclining Buddha, and then cross the river to reach Wat Arun, the "Temple of Dawn", where the mosaic-covered spires shine in the sun. A long-tail boat ride through the canals takes me to the other side of Bangkok, amidst floating markets and stilt houses, revealing why the city has been dubbed the "Venice of the East."

Before leaving Thailand, I allow myself one last day off, enjoying the delights of Bangkok at my own pace. Stroll through the bustling alleys of Chinatown, get lost among the fragrant stalls of the flower market, sip a cup of iced tea by the river or indulge in the ultimate Thai massage... An ideal interlude to end this trip to Thailand.

The journey is over, but the memories remain alive. From the rich Khmer heritage of Cambodia to the natural and cultural wonders of Thailand, every moment has been a source of wonder. This Cambodia Thailand tour allowed me to dive into the heart of fascinating traditions and breathtaking landscapes. It's only a goodbye... One day, I will return, guided by the same curiosity, to explore even more facets of these bewitching lands.

II. Conclusion

The Cambodia Thailand trip is much more than just a trip; it is an immersive adventure organized by a local travel agency in Cambodia that leaves a lasting imprint in the heart of every traveler. From discovering the ancient temples of Angkor to Bangkok's bustling beaches, every moment is a celebration of culture, history, and nature. In the end, this 15 days Cambodia Thailand combined tour enriches not only my knowledge of the two countries, but also my understanding of the human values and traditions that unite them. Whether you are a history buff, nature lover or epicurean, this tour will meet all your expectations and leave you with unforgettable memories.