Join us on a unique vegan adventure as we journey through Cambodia, an incredible nation in the heart of Southeast Asia. We can’t wait to introduce you to our Khmer krousar (family) as we travel together through this breathtaking country. Welcome to ‘The Kingdom of Wonder” where the inspirational and heartwarming stories of our humble Khmer hosts will bring you closer to understanding their homeland from the times of the ancient Khmer civilization of Angkor to today.
39 Vegan meals
(14 breakfasts, 13 lunches, 12 dinners)
13 Nights Accommodations
(a combination of heritage hotels, charming bed & breakfasts, and traditional Khmer home)
*Airport pick-up is provided for free if you arrive a day or two days before the tour and stay at our group’s hotel. If you will arrive at a much earlier date, please kindly arrange your own transport. Thank you.
What’s NOT included?
International airfare, personal travel insurance, visa fee to Cambodia (if applicable), gratuities/tips, laundry, and other items of a personal nature
All Vegan Travel Asia by VegVoyages Adventures runs on a twin share basis. If you are a single traveler, we will pair you up with another single traveler of the same gender. If you would like to have your own room throughout the trip, upon making a booking, please select “yes” for Single Supplement and the cost shown below will be added to your total adventure cost.
$775 for 14 days: Cambodia Vegan Adventure
Cambodia is a charming and exciting country that will leave you yearning for more. With modern tourism only ‘discovering’ Cambodia at the dawn of the millennium, there are still many undiscovered corners and untold stories in this enchanting nation, which over the centuries has witnessed epic triumphs, as well as survived equally impactful and devastating tragedies. Join Vegan Travel Asia by VegVoyages on a unique vegan story as we introduce you to our Khmer krousar (family) who will share with us their breathtaking country. Traveling together from the bustling city of Phnom Penh, through the paddy-fields and palm trees of the countryside, to off-the-beaten track towns and the ancient capital of Angkor, you’ll make new friends along the way, while creating lifelong memories and discovering some of the more hidden corners shared through the inspirational and humbling stories of our Khmer hosts who will bring you closer to understanding their homeland.
The roots of Cambodian culture lie within the pre-Angkorian kingdom of Funan located in what is now known as southern Cambodia and southern Vietnam, which between the 1st and 8th centuries were one of Southeast Asia’s earliest civilizations. Following this period, the Khmer empire emerged and a series of powerful and revered Khmer kings ruled the region, developing their Buddhist and Hindu influences whilst expanding their foothold in Southeast Asia. During this time, they built a series of complex and vast temples at the heart of their kingdom – the most famous, epic and grand of course being the ancient city of Angkor. The mysterious fall of the Khmer empire after over 6 centuries of powerful rule in the region, was followed by 4 centuries of decline before it was colonized by the French, occupied by the Japanese, and then thrown into many years of post war turmoil and instability.
The multi layered history of Cambodia tells the story of a country that has experienced huge challenges, including the horrific rule of the Khmer Rouge regime, who oversaw a systematic genocide that lead to the tragic death of around 2 million Khmer citizens. The resilience and strong will of the Cambodian people have allowed them to develop and flourish as a nation since these dark and tragic days. The modern Cambodia of today is a fast-developing country where the young and determined population wish to put the past behind them, whilst grasping each and every opportunity that they are presented with to move forward.
With the opening scenes taking place in Phnom Penh, your “Cambodia Vegan Adventure” story with Vegan Travel Asia by VegVoyages will be unique in so many ways. A blend of personal tales, cultural experiences, historical understandings and fantastic food will be waiting for you in the bustling capital city. Then as we finally say goodbye to the somewhat chaotic yet captivating city of Phnom Penh and leave the mighty Mekong River behind us, winding our way through the seemingly never-ending rice paddies and palm fringed villages, our odyssey will continue through this enchanting country as the story unfolds.
Heading north to Battambang, we’ll be guests of a non-profit arts school that in addition to the educational and vocational opportunities, works tirelessly to preserve and develop Cambodian arts and culture. We’ll learn firsthand as guests of the founders of the school about their unique approach to preserving Cambodia’s arts and traditional culture, before making our way to the ancient capital region of Angkor. In Siem Reap we’ll join one of the headlining programs of the non-profit arts school where the incredible performers, artists and musicians will present their uniquely Cambodian story.
While in Siem Reap we will of course be exploring the magnificent temples of Angkor and surrounding villages, but we will also help you to understand and learn about the communities and families that call Siem Reap home; seeing them at work, listening to their stories and sharing vegan adaptations of delicious Khmer cuisine with them. Supporting multiple charitable organizations and grassroots programs along the way.
Join Vegan Travel Asia by VegVoyages on a personal journey into the heart of Khmer cultural and culinary traditions as guests of local vegans, families, chefs, teachers, artists, conservationists, students and activists who each share an inspirational ability to survive a tragic past, whilst looking to the future with positivity, hope and heartwarming smiles for a better today, and hopeful tomorrow.
Get day to day insight of the tour.
Susaday! Welcome to Phnom Penh, the capital of Cambodia where our journey begins. Home to nearly 17 million people, Cambodia boasts a recorded history going back well over 2000 years. A history that is marked by times of epic triumphs, thriving civilizations, one of the greatest empires Southeast Asia ever saw, and culturally productive periods of peace, as well as times of great turmoil and tragedy – all of which have contributed to what we know as Cambodia today. Over the next three days, you will be introduced to this historical and now thriving South East Asian capital by our hosts, including local vegan families and vegan restaurant and bed & breakfast owners from 4 different countries including Cambodia, who as long-time residents of the capital will share their stories and the history of Phnom Penh with you. Founded in the early 15th century, Phnom Penh was abandoned numerous times for centuries before it became the final capital of Cambodia in 1866. Phnom Penh is the most populated area of the country and though more modern buildings are beginning to fill the skyline at an alarming pace, the once “Pearl of Asia” as it was known under the French, still maintains much of its charm and historical buildings.
Highlights of the Day:
Vegan Meals Included Today: Dinner & Drinks
I have traveled on 2 adventures so far and…the personal attention, the detail of the experience, the food, etc. surpasses any other tour groups I have traveled with. Unbelievably fantastic experiences! I have traveled solo with Vegan Travel Asia (VegVoyages) and truly never felt alone.
While in Phnom Penh, we will also be introduced by locals who have a direct connection, as many families do, to the challenging recent dark history of Cambodia under the Khmer Rouge regime. Visiting the Toul Sleng Genocide Museum with them, they’ll try to help us understand those troubling times whilst also learning about how the healing and recovery process has enabled the nation to move forward. From narratives of the past, stories of survival and perseverance, through the tragic fields to the streets of Phnom Penh, during our few days in the capital you’ll hear inspiring stories from locals who persevered while they share with us their livelihoods, their culture, and their time-honored traditions.
Highlights of the Day:
Vegan Meals Included Today: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner & Drinks
After another exciting breakfast at our vegan lodgings in Phnom Penh, we will board our bus and head out of the city to Phnom Tamao Wildlife Rescue Centre. This is where the excellent ‘Free the Bears’ are located and where we will spend an enjoyable and educational day. Home to more than 120 sun bears and moon bears, this is the largest sanctuary of its type in the world. Our visit will go some way to help them with their mission which is to provide a safe space for the bears, whilst at the same time working to educate people to respect and protect both the bears and other wildlife in Cambodia and further afield. After our memorable day with the incredible team of bear experts, we will head back to Phnom Penh where we will enjoy a well-deserved vegan meal after our long day.
Highlights of the Day:
Vegan Meals Included Today: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner & Drinks
During our stay in Phnom Penh, in addition to learning about its rich cultural history and the communities that call it their home, you’ll also be introduced to the wide array of delicious local Khmer food and fusion cuisines the capital is famous for – all 100% veganized especially for us. From exploring a local bustling market, home to farm-fresh veggies, tropical fruits, and spices, to off-the-beaten-track lanes that still ring of a bygone era offering accidentally vegan street food, to relaxing riverside walks along the majestic Tonle Sap River where locals gather to chat over tasty snacks and refreshing drinks. From a delicious introduction to Khmer cuisine as guests of a local family where we’ll enjoy veganized versions of traditional classics such as lok lak and amok to a ‘vegan meet-up’ with our hosts and their vegan friends – the culinary history of Phnom Penh will come to life both in its flavors and the stories of the people behind making it.
Highlights of the Day:
Vegan Meals Included Today: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner & Drinks
Zac was an amazing and knowledgeable host. The trip was essentially stress free. Every meal was a veritable buffet. Found some really out of the way places you'd be hard pressed to explore on your own. Amazing group of people. Truly one of a kind. Will certainly be going on another trip soon.
Saying goodbye to bustling Phnom Penh, we head northwest on a picturesque train journey into the rice bowl of Cambodia. After a long but scenic day on the train, what better way to unwind than with some tasty vegan food, ice-cold drinks, and an inviting swimming pool awaiting you? That’s exactly what is on offer upon arrival at our lovely boutique hotel in Battambang, which we know you’re going to love. This will be our home for the next four nights – where you can also enjoy peaceful nearby riverside strolls in the early morning and evenings. Much of old Battambang sits and grew out along the western banks of the Sangker River and is home to some roughly 800 colonial-era decadent (but decaying in many cases) buildings dating from the 19th to 20th centuries when the backwater trading town transformed itself into a busy marketplace and administrative center.
Highlights of the Day:
Vegan Meals Included Today: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner & Drinks.
After a leisurely start to the day, we’ll enjoy a cooking demo during which we will help to prepare our own lunch under the guidance of the chef and her team. Following lunch, we will head to the Preah Sihanouk Raja Buddhist University of Battambang for our Buddhism lesson and understanding. This bespoke lesson has been created especially for us by the university teachers and our local friends, it promises to be a memorable occasion for everyone involved! Upon leaving the Buddhist University, our local friends will guide us on a heritage walk through the historical lanes, boulevards, backstreets, and back alleys of old Battambang. Our walking tour today ends with a local vegan meal at one of the two local vegetarian restaurants in Battambang, the perfect end to an enjoyable and educational day.
Highlights of the Day:
Vegan Meals Included Today: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner & Drinks
Today we will be guests of the inspirational Phare Ponleu Selpak, meaning ‘Brightness of the arts’ in Khmer. This excellent not-for-profit organization supports local children, youth, and the surrounding communities with arts, education, social, and invaluable outreach programs. While here, we will spend the day at their incredible campus meeting the team and one of the founders and learning about their remarkable vision that has been developed over the years to create this multi-functional and inspirational art and education space. We’ll also visit ‘Phare, The Cambodian Circus’ (which is 100% human-run, no animals in this circus!) when in Siem Reap, and whilst at the Phare Ponleu Selpak campus, we will learn about the performers’ training and the steps that go into mastering their art and the connection it has to their culture. We will even have the chance to see them perform as their guests in the ‘big top’, which is part of the campus. Whilst guests of Phare Ponleu Selpak, the teachers and students will also introduce us to their circus and art workshops that will be both fun and educational.
Highlights of the Day:
Vegan Meals Included Today: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner & Drinks
What a fantastic trip! It was unlike any other trip we’ve experienced. We had the opportunity to learn from and interact with people that we would never had the opportunity to meet, and it’s given us a taste for more adventurous and more rewarding travel. We can’t thank the Vegan Travel Asia (VegVoyages) team enough for all the hard work and long hours you clearly put into making your tours so rewarding!
Our day starts with another vegan breakfast next to the pool at Bambu before we head off to explore Battambang in a unique and meaningful way. Guided by Mony, our local tour leader, we will visit corners of Battambang that are most certainly ‘off the beaten track’ and certainly not on other itineraries. Called ‘Battambang Spirit’ this tour has been curated and crafted by Mony himself, in an effort to understand the life, the architecture, the art, and the history of his hometown. By visiting temples, pagodas, families, and artists we will start to appreciate what life in Battambang means to those who call it home. We will eat lots of delicious vegan food and of course, we will listen to stories from our hosts, and if you’ve all got enough energy we might just end our day by dancing and exercising with locals in the park!
Highlights of the Day:
Vegan Meals Included Today: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner & Drinks
During our time in the “rice bowl” of Cambodia – as Battambang is known, we’ll join a couple of long-time local residents and spend a full day exploring the countryside where they’ll share with us their way of life in rural Cambodia, including their culture, community, religion, traditions, and stories of growing up in the nation’s heartland. Traveling by bikes (for those who don’t ride bikes, no worries – we have alternative transport), by foot, and by tuk-tuk, they’ll share with us their remarkable Khmer spirit accompanied by of course – plenty of tasty Khmer vegan food along the way. During our time, we’ll also learn about the local harvest, the preparation of rice paper and dried bananas, and join a local family at their home for a traditional Khmer lunch made vegan, especially for us. And for our final meal in Battambang, we will be guests of a local vegetarian restaurant that has been serving veggie and vegan food in the town for more than 25 years – that’s right over 25 years now! As guests of the multi-generational vegetarian family who run this “vegetarian institution”, the 3 sisters have prepared a very special vegan Cambodian feast for us, that we are sure you’ll enjoy.
Highlights of the Day:
Vegan Meals Included Today: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner & Drinks
Today we say goodbye to Battambang and head to Siem Reap, en route will visit one of the projects that the VegVoyages Foundation, in partnership with a local foundation, has been able to support, initiate, and implement. From the installation of water wells to ensure villagers have clean water, to building classrooms with attached libraries so children can learn English, these projects are essential and we are honored to be involved in such a worthy initiative.
After lunch with the students, we’ll make the short journey to our final destination of Siem Reap – home to the country’s most famous landmark – the incredible and enormously epic temple complex of Angkor Wat! The incredible Angkor complex used to be the capital of the powerful Khmer Empire between the 9th and the 15th centuries. The magnificent Angkor Wat. within the old Angkor capital, is truly awe-inspiring – to say the least. Dating back to the 12th century, it is also known as “The Temple Mountain and was originally a Hindu temple devoted to Vishnu, but later converted to a Buddhist Temple as the country’s main religion changed. Angkor stretches over four hundred square kilometers and is home to hundreds of ancient buildings and structures. As you explore these magnificent monuments that tell the tales of times past. well introduce you to what these structures all mean, both then, and now, understanding their stories and their greater reflection of the communities they were built amongst.
Upon arrival in Siem Reap, we’ll settle into our home for the last four days of our Cambodia vegan adventure – an absolutely stunning boutique luxury resort located in the leafy old French quarter in the heart of Siem Reap, which has a huge heart of its own. The resort’s charitable foundation does some excellent work in the local community, which we will be supporting before our arrival. and during our stay. We will learn more about the important projects that they deliver and learn about the challenges facing the communities living in Cambodia’s countryside who after rebuilding from the region’s tragic history, now face the ever-growing challenges of climate change on local agrarian life and shifting economic times.
On our first night in Siem Reap, we will enjoy a riverside walk along the bank of the recently regenerated Siem Reap river which is the heartbeat of Siem Reap. We will visit the parks, home to the Royal Residence, and the adjacent Preah Ang Check Shrine, before passing through the grounds of Wat Preah Prom Rath en route to dinner.
Highlights of the Day:
Vegan Meals Included Today: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner & Drinks
In Siem Reap, we’ll experience Khmer hospitality at its best, as long-time residents treat us like family welcoming us into their homes, livelihoods, and places of work and worship, sharing their stories of living in the shadows of the larger-than-life Angkor Wat. Whilst in Siem Reap, one of your hosts Paul, with his family and friends, will share with you their favorite haunts and why in Paul’s case, after traveling to many countries as a vegan travel writer and blogger for years, he decided to call Siem Reap his home. Falling in love with Cambodia, and adopting it as his home, when not writing Paul spends his time advocating for veganism by managing the Vegan Cambodia Facebook page and working with hotels and restaurants throughout the country to help them become more vegan-friendly.
We’ll also learn more about the foundation that we have partnered with, which is dedicated to helping Cambodians overcome poverty by supporting them with healthcare, education, and direct assistance.
Just when you think the food can’t get any better, we’ll join one of the finest chefs in Siem Reap, who is a friend of Paul’s, who has converted a traditional Khmer wooden house into a veggie paradise creating local dishes using locally sourced ingredients. He has a special vegan fusion feast he is preparing for us and will share his story as a Khmer chef who has chosen to cook vegetarian and vegan food in a country where this is certainly not the norm. His passion for whole foods that are both creative and beautiful whilst at the same time, super nutritious is refreshing and inspiring.
And of course, since we are in Siem Reap after spending time with the teachers, staff, and students at Phare Ponleu Selpak in Battambang, we can’t wait for you to experience Phare, The Cambodian Circus, in their big top on the edge of town. On this very special evening, we’ll enjoy a pre-show Cambodian street food reception with pre-show entertainment, followed by an inspiring circus performance that continues the story of the people and history of Cambodia, their past, their present, and their future.
Highlights of the Day:
Vegan Meals Included Today: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner & Drinks
After yet another delightful vegan breakfast, we will be joined for coffee by our hosts who will tell us their stories and how they ended up working at the luxury boutique hotel that we call home from its inception nearly 20 years ago until the current day, including the excellent work that their foundation does.
We will then join our tuk-tuk drivers and continue our exploration of the Angkor Archaeological Park, spending the morning learning more about the complex before heading back to our hotel for lunch.
Lunch will be special, very special. Created by a chef who was the first chef to host Paul and his wife for a vegan cooking class, and to create a ‘vegan tasting menu’ for them back in 2014. Since then, his passion, creativity, and skills in the kitchen have continued to develop and our lunch promises to be a memorable one! If that wasn’t enough, we would be invited to ‘get involved and assist him and his team in the preparation and creation of our vegan lunch.
This is the only day during our tour where you have a free schedule to do as you wish, from mid-afternoon onwards. Whether that be chill by the pool, head out for a massage, or do some shopping in one of the local markets, don’t worry we’ve got you covered with tips and advice as to your best options! We will also point you in the right direction for even more delicious vegan food at one of the many vegan-friendly eateries in Temple Town.
Highlights of the Day:
Vegan Meals Included Today: Breakfast & Lunch
During our time in Cambodia, we have started to understand the culture, the country, the religion, and the way of life in this breathtaking country. We wanted you to experience Angkor Wat and the surrounding temples in a unique and enlightening way. Yes, you will marvel at the sheer scale and impressiveness of this vast temple complex, and today you will experience the much-photographed “sunrise at Angkor”, but we will also guide you through the jungle temple complex with our local friends and guides where you will catch a glimpse of real-life for the local Khmer villages who live with the temples in their back garden. We will even take you to our favorite spots for more “accidentally vegan” street food and hidden corners where we can share freshly picked coconuts whilst soaking up the jungle vibes before ending our final day in Cambodia watching the sunset from a spot where the locals go, not where the busloads of tourists go.
On our final full day in the Kingdom of Wonder (that will include both sunrise and sunset at the temples) we will enjoy a vegan lunch at an excellent NGO training school (you’re going to love this) and a gala dinner in a small restaurant, that is a favorite with ex-pats and tourists alike. Our lovely Khmer host has worked hard over the years to cater for her vegan food-loving guests making it the perfect place to support on our last night. There will be plenty of local drinks and local beers to accompany our final dinner where we will raise a glass (or two) and wish us all ‘chol muoy’ (cheers)!
Highlights of the Day:
Continue to explore the temples of Angkor on our final full day in Cambodia and get to witness both sunrise and sunset in unique and memorable locations.
Vegan Meals Included Today: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner & Drinks
One last special taste of Cambodia breakfast, followed by a morning of poolside stories with our friends, and then sadly – the journey home begins. The final chapter of your Cambodia Vegan Adventure will be a transfer back to Phnom Penh for your international flight complete with a vegan pack picnic lunch for the journey. This will be with our team of local drivers who will ensure your trip back to the city, or to the airport depending on your flight time, is one last taste of Khmer hospitality and one last glimpse of the Cambodian countryside. Thank you very, very, very much again for traveling with us and choosing a Vegan Travel Asia by VegVoyages adventure!
Highlights of the Day:
Vegan Meals Included Today: Breakfast & Packed Lunch