Traveling to Cambodia during traditional celebrations has always been a dream, so I finally took the leap with an all inclusive Cambodia holiday package. Thanks to this type of all-inclusive stay, I was able to fully enjoy authentic Khmer traditions: no stress about planning, just discovery, encounters, and unforgettable moments of joy. In this travel story, I share what an all-inclusive package includes, the most important festivals in Cambodia, and my memorable experience during the Khmer New Year. If you’re also planning to visit Cambodia during Khmer New Year for an immersive and hassle-free journey, you’re in the right place!
Before diving into my story, let me explain what an all inclusive Cambodia holiday package represent. It is a fully included tourist package that covers all essential expenses at a fixed price. Unlike à-la-carte trips, it removes budget surprises and allows me to relax completely.
Here are the main elements included in my Cambodia holiday package:
Round-trip flights: from Paris, Hanoi, or Ho Chi Minh City, with comfortable flights.
Accommodation: 3- to 5-star hotels or resorts equipped with pools, spas, and stunning views.
Daily meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner, and non-alcoholic drinks included; some even include wine or cocktails.
Internal transportation: airport transfers, buses, or private cars for excursions.
Activities and guided tours: visits to historical sites, festival participation, with French-speaking guides.
Insurance and support: basic coverage and 24/7 assistance.
The advantages are clear: savings of 20–30% compared to separate bookings, especially during crowded holiday periods. For an all inclusive Cambodia holiday package, I paid about €1,500 to €2,500 per person for 10 days via agencies like Expedia or Club Med. Of course, there are disadvantages, such as fixed itineraries limiting flexibility, but for a first trip, it was perfect. If you enjoy free adventure, choose flexible options, but avoid exclusions such as visas (free for Vietnamese, payable for French nationals).
Cambodia celebrates many colorful festivals, often linked to the lunar calendar, allowing you to experience Khmer culture up close. To prepare a Cambodia all-inclusive holiday tour, here are the main events to know in 2025. Dates may vary slightly each year, so check before booking.
Khmer New Year (Chaul Chnam Thmey): April 13–15, 2025 – one of the most important festivals in Cambodia, with traditional games, dances, and major celebrations.
Water Festival (Bon Om Touk): November 14–16, 2025 in Phnom Penh – boat races, fireworks, and activities on the riverfront.
Pchum Ben (Ancestor’s Day): September 29–October 1, 2025 – moments of remembrance and offerings in pagodas.
Vesak (Buddha’s Birthday): May 11, 2025 – lantern processions and prayers in temples, especially at Angkor Wat.
Royal Ploughing Ceremony: May 15, 2025 in Phnom Penh – traditional rites predicting the next harvest.
Independence Day: November 9, 2025 – official parades and patriotic ambiance nationwide.
This year, I opted for all-inclusive Cambodia holiday tour, and it was a total immersion into Khmer culture, especially around Khmer New Year in Cambodia. My 4-day package in Siem Reap, organized by a reliable agency, included everything: transport, accommodation, meals, and guided activities. Here is my day-by-day story, with magical moments that stood out. If you are planning an all-inclusive tour in Cambodia, this tour is ideal to combine history, traditions, and nature!
As soon as I landed at Siem Reap airport, the guide welcomed me with a warm smile and escorted me to the hotel for check-in. After a tiring flight, I appreciated this free-time moment to relax by the pool and adapt to the tropical heat. The afternoon passed calmly, allowing me to wander through the lively streets of the city.
In the evening, the highlight of the day: the guide and driver took me to a restaurant for the Apsara Dinner Show. I enjoyed exquisite Khmer cuisine—dishes such as fish amok and fresh salads—in a traditional setting adorned with carvings. The Apsara dance performance, with graceful dancers in golden costumes representing celestial nymphs, transported me into Cambodia’s ancient history. It was a perfect cultural introduction, and everything was included in all inclusive Cambodia holiday package!
After a hearty breakfast at the hotel, we left for a full guided day exploring Angkor’s temples. Everything began at the South Gate of Angkor Thom, with its four giant carved faces symbolizing compassion. I was amazed by Bayon Temple and its more than 200 smiling faces that seem to observe every visitor. We then visited Baphuon, Phimeanakas, the Terrace of the Leper King, the Terrace of the Elephants, and especially Ta Prohm—the temple invaded by giant tree roots, made famous by “Lara Croft: Tomb Raider.” Banteay Kdei, with its peaceful atmosphere, offered serene contrast.
After an included lunch (delicious Khmer noodles!), we explored the incredible Angkor Wat, a UNESCO site and the world’s largest religious monument—a must during Cambodia all-inclusive tours. Its exquisite bas-reliefs and architecture representing the universe left me speechless. Late afternoon, we climbed Bakheng Temple to admire the sunset over the jungle—a magical moment filled with orange-colored skies.
Back at the hotel, I enjoyed a Mudita Signature spa treatment, a famous spa in Siem Reap: a herbal compress massage that perfectly relaxed my muscles after a long day of walking. This well-being moment, included in all inclusive Cambodia holiday package, offered a peaceful and rejuvenating end to the day.
This day was entirely dedicated to Khmer New Year traditions, which made my Cambodia all-inclusive holiday package truly memorable. Visiting Cambodia during Khmer New Year allows you to experience local customs up close: in the morning, we discovered pagodas where people were preparing food offerings, washing Buddha statues, and making donations to monks. I took part in a blessing ceremony during which a monk poured flower-scented water over my head while reciting prayers to purify the soul—a deeply calming and spiritual moment.
We also participated in building small sand stupas in the pagoda courtyard, forming structures facing east to symbolize future prosperity.
In the afternoon, we headed to Tonlé Sap Lake, the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia. A boat ride offered stunning views of the lake. We spent the rest of the day in Kompong Phluk, the largest floating village, discovering the way of life on stilts. Seeing colorful houses, fishermen, and children paddling canoes gave me a fascinating insight into daily life on the water. It was emotional and authentic!
After a final breakfast at the hotel, I enjoyed a few free hours to shop at the local market. I found lovely souvenirs, including krama scarves—an emblem of Khmer craftsmanship. The guide then escorted me to the airport, ending this Cambodia all-inclusive holidays package filled with discoveries. I left with a heart full of images and unforgettable moments, with a small regret of having to leave this warm country so soon.
In conclusion, choosing an all inclusive Cambodia holiday package allows you to discover the country in total peace of mind, with complete immersion in its traditions. Khmer New Year, in particular, offers an authentic insight into local culture, between rituals, celebrations, and Khmer hospitality. To organize this type of stay, Autour Asia - travel agency in Cambodia - and other trustworthy providers offer accessible packages, often ranging between €1,000 and €2,500. Good preparation, especially regarding visas and April weather, guarantees a pleasant trip filled with lasting memories.
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