Holiday bookings to Cambodia set to soar in 2019

InsideAsia Tours sees growing trend fuelled by famous fans and luxury boom

InsideAsia Tours, the leading specialist in holidays and tours to Southeast Asia, saw a 35% increase in bookings to Cambodia in 2018, and this Southeast Asian destination is set to become even more sought-after in 2019, having featured in the National Geographic Cool List 2019 and in TripAdvisor’s Top 25 Destinations 2019. Once a backpacker’s stopover for a couple of nights, Cambodia is now very much a holiday destination in its own right; travellers are not just stopping to see the ancient temples of Angkor but are going deeper and exploring Cambodia’s opulent palaces and colonial heritage in capital Phnom Penh, relaxing on idyllic and untouched islands in the south and trekking alongside elephants and gibbons in the dense jungles of remote areas.

Beyoncé, Angelina Jolie, David Beckham and Kate Hudson are all fans of the country, which is seeing a boom in new luxury hotel openings in 2019, including Six Senses Krabey Island (opening early 2019) – an indulgent, eco-friendly retreat on an idyllic 30-acre tropical island, with villas featuring private infinity pools and panoramic views of the jungle and ocean – and wilderness escape Shinta Mani Wild (opened December 2018), nestled deep within the wilderness and tipped as a “radical new concept”. Designed by prolific hotel designer Bill Bensley, the 15 luxury tents are perched above a river and surrounded by waterfalls and forests.

InsideAsia Tour’s Senior Southeast Asia Product Executive, Chris Greener, says: “We saw Cambodia thrive as a holiday destination in 2018 and we’re predicting an increase in bookings for 2019 as more people discover this beautiful and diverse country, where adventure, culture and relaxation are all part of the experience. We’re seeing visitors young and old book tours to explore Cambodia and all it has to offer, from Angkor’s vine-entangled temples (which sit alongside the pyramids of Egypt and Macchu Picchu on the world-class archaeological site list), and the sites of the dark days of the Khmer Rouge, to its wildlife-filled jungles and the pristine white sand beaches of its undeveloped islands. The latest high-end resorts are also attracting a new kind of visitor looking for a little luxury as part of their far-flung adventure.”

InsideAsia Tours is offering a brand-new and exciting tour in 2019 to showcase some of Cambodia’s best new high-end offerings, along with its traditional and much-loved spots…

NEW: Cambodia Under Canvas: A Luxury Adventure – from £7,165 pp

This ultra-glamping adventure combines exciting exploration in the jungles of Cambodia to indulgent luxury at the new and hotly-anticipated Six Senses Private Resort on Koh Krabey Island. Begin in Siem Reap, taking in the jungles and temples of Angkor, and stay in unique tented lodges. Your guided tour will include the historical landmarks Angkor Wat, archaeological site Angkor Park and the incredible city of Angkor Thom. Fly to Cambodia’s southern coast and journey by boat to the secluded 4 Rivers Floating Lodge in Koh Kong, where 12 floating, eco-friendly tented bungalows offer panoramic views of the Tatai River along with a floating pool, fabulous restaurant and well-stocked bar, plus activities like kayaking and nature walks.

You’ll travel deep into the remote Cambodian wilderness of Botum Sakor National Park on an exploratory hike to learn about the conservation and protection work of Wildlife Alliance and have the chance to spot wildlife including macaques, gibbons and hornbills before resting your head at the sustainable Cardamom Tented Lodges.

Head to the Southern Cardamom National Park and Cambodia’s newest and most luxurious wildlife experience, The Shinta Mani Wild, arriving Indiana Jones-style via a 380m zip line over the river and waterfalls below (Jeep transfers are also available!) before you are greeted by your personal butler. He or she will look after you for your entire three-night stay and will arrange your bespoke itinerary, perhaps including kayaking, river safaris, foraging for local ingredients, studying the flora and fauna and trekking with park rangers to check wildlife camera traps.

End the incredible journey by taking a speedboat to the private island of Koh Krabey, to indulge in three nights at the Six Senses Private Resort and take time out to relax on the white-sand beach, enjoy your villa with private pool, take in a spa treatment or snorkel and dive in the beautiful surrounding coral reefs.

This 13-night fully-tailored journey costs from £7,165 pp (two sharing), including 13 nights’ B&B, transfers, five lunches, six dinners and guided activities as per the detailed itinerary. International flights extra.

For information on other Cambodia holidays offered by InsideAsia Tours, visit https://www.insideasiatours.com/southeast-asia/regions/cambodia/

For more information, or to talk to an expert, call InsideAsia Tours on 0117 244 3380 (www.insideasiatours.com).

InsideAsia Tours Ltd is an award-winning travel company offering group tours and tailored travel and cultural experiences across Japan, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos and Burma.

Press enquiries: Please contact Kate Chapman or Jackie Franklin at Travel PR, tel: 020 8891 4440; email k.chapman@travelpr.co.uk or j.franklin@travelpr.co.uk.