Cambodia: Culture, Cuisine & Conservation with Colleen Patrick-Goudreau (2027)

We do realize our prices represent a significant investment. However, when compared to other luxury tours in the region, we offer exceptional value by including absolutely everything:

• all 100% plant-based meals
• all drinks (including alcohol)
• all gratuities for local guides and drivers
• exclusive extras like an amenities bag, complimentary laundry, and the incredible addition of unlimited spa treatments during our stay at Shinta Mani Wild.

You also have the rare opportunity to travel with author and advocate Colleen Patrick-Goudreau, alongside two full-time tour leaders to ensure flawless execution.

It’s also worth noting the monumental behind-the-scenes work required to run a fully vegan group tour of this caliber in Cambodia. Our trip cost factors in the intensive advocacy and education we conduct with our world-class hotel partners—including Anantara, Raffles, and Shinta Mani Wild. We spend months working directly with their executive chefs and management to veganize traditional Khmer menus, source cruelty-free room toiletries, and ensure every detail aligns with our ethics. This level of dedicated, pre-trip preparation goes far beyond what mainstream tour companies are tasked with.

Finally, we know a journey to the Kingdom of Wonder is a lifelong dream for many. To honor that, we haven’t cut a single corner. From a private archaeologist at Angkor Wat to securing a complete, private buyout of the highly sought-after Shinta Mani Wild, we have invested in privacy and exclusivity that mainstream tours cannot match.

Colleen Patrick-Goudreau is a recognized expert and thought leader on the culinary, social, ethical, and practical aspects of living vegan, Colleen Patrick-Goudreau is an award-winning author of six books. She is an acclaimed speaker and beloved host of the inspiring podcast, “Food for Thought,” which was voted Favorite Podcast by VegNews magazine readers several years in a row!

​Her compassionate living philosophy is propelling plant-based eating into the mainstream and forever changing how we regard animals. ​​

Colleen, her husband David and World Vegan Travel work closely together to create these trips which are specifically curated by Colleen to ensure the high quality that she has come to be known for.  All trips include activities and dedicated time with Colleen, such as Q&A session, round-table discussions, sharing, and more.

Absolutely!   We have many people on our trip that sign up as solo travelers.   ​However do note that single rooms availability is low, so book quickly!  Please see our COST & SIGN-UP section for more information.  

Should you still be on the waiting list when the trip closes and gets confirmed, we may be able to offer you a single room (depending on availability).

Here is the drafted Flights, Visas & Insurance section, updated specifically for the Siem Reap arrival and Phnom Penh departure, and incorporating Cambodia’s latest entry requirements:

FLIGHTS, VISAS & INSURANCE

FLIGHTS You are in charge of your own flights to our starting city (Siem Reap) and your return flight from our departure city (Phnom Penh).

For your arrival, we ask that you try to land early on the first day to ensure you have time to check in and refresh before our official Welcome Meeting and dinner in the evening. Even better is arriving one or more days before! This provides you with a chance to get over jet-lag and relax by the pool. If you arrive early, we can book you a room at our spectacular hotel—we will send out the cost for this once the trip is confirmed.

Regardless of your arrival date, we will provide a complimentary airport pickup in Siem Reap to whisk you straight to the resort.

VISAS & ENTRY REQUIREMENTS For citizens of most Western countries (including the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and the UK), a tourist visa is required to enter Cambodia. You have two easy options:

• E-Visa (Highly Recommended): You can apply online in advance through the official Cambodian government portal. This saves you from queuing at the airport after a long flight.

• Visa on Arrival: You can obtain a 30-day tourist visa at the Siem Reap airport upon arrival (typically requiring $30 USD in pristine cash).

Important Entry Details:

• Passport Validity: Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your date of entry and have at least one full blank page for the visa stamp.

• E-Arrival Card: Cambodia now requires all travelers to submit a digital e-Arrival Card within 7 days before landing. Don’t worry—we will provide all the necessary links and step-by-step instructions well in advance of the trip to make this a breeze!

TRAVEL & MEDICAL INSURANCE Medical travel insurance is mandatory for joining a World Vegan Travel trip. We need assurance that you are fully covered in the event of a medical emergency, including repatriation. You will need to send us your policy details and an emergency contact number before the trip’s start date.

Trip Insurance (covering trip cancellation, lost baggage, flight delays, etc.) is entirely up to you, though we highly recommend purchasing it. It often comes packaged along with medical travel insurance, or you may receive coverage simply by paying for the trip using a premium credit card (please inquire with your card provider).

As we are not a travel agency or booking agents, we can’t book any flights or ongoing travel (ie hotels, transportation, etc) for you. However we can surely help with recommendations, suggestions and tips as you look into flights, or extending your holiday. It never hurts to ask, so don’t hesitate to contact us with any queries whatsoever!

Here is a draft for the Weather FAQ, balancing the reality of Cambodia’s heat with the perks of traveling during the beautiful dry season:

WHAT IS THE WEATHER LIKE IN FEBRUARY AND MARCH?

Late February and early March is widely considered one of the best times of year to visit Cambodia. You will be arriving right in the sweet spot of the dry season, meaning you can expect brilliant blue skies, abundant sunshine, and virtually no rain to interrupt our plans!

However, it is important to remember that Cambodia is a distinctly tropical country, and it will be hot.

• Temperatures: Daytime highs typically range from 32°C to 35°C (90°F – 95°F). The evenings offer a pleasant reprieve, dropping to a comfortable 23°C to 25°C (73°F – 77°F), which is perfect for our outdoor dinners.

• Siem Reap & Phnom Penh: The midday sun in the cities and at the temple complexes can feel intense. This is exactly why our itinerary is designed for luxury and comfort: we schedule our Angkor Wat explorations for the early morning or late afternoon, leaving the hottest hours of the day completely free for you to retreat to the air-conditioning, lounge by our 5-star hotel pools, or enjoy a spa treatment.

• Shinta Mani Wild: Nestled deep in the Cardamom Mountains, the dense rainforest canopy provides wonderful natural shade. The jungle mornings can feel slightly crisper and incredibly refreshing, though the afternoons will still be wonderfully warm and tropical.

Lightweight, breathable fabrics (like cotton and linen) are essential, along with a wide-brimmed hat, high-quality sunglasses, and plenty of reef-safe sunscreen. And remember, while you’ll want to dress for the heat, you must still bring lightweight clothing that fully covers your shoulders and knees for our temple visits!

Yes, your mobile phone should work, but do check with your carrier to make sure. It is highly recommended to turn off global roaming unless you carrier can offer you a package for your stay in Cambodia. Otherwise you risk being charged exorbitant fees upon you return home!

If your phone is unlocked (please check with your carrier directly) you can also purchase a local Cambodian SIM Card on arrival at the airport.

More information will be provided in the Trip Information Document we send you once you book the trip. 

Yes, our hotels have WIFI.

Here is a draft for the “How Much Money Should I Bring?” FAQ, specifically tailored to the unique currency situation in Cambodia:

HOW MUCH MONEY SHOULD I BRING?

Because this is a truly all-inclusive luxury trip, we provide all accommodation, transportation, and meals. All expenses during our included activities are taken care of, including entrance fees and all tips for local guides, drivers, and hotel staff.

You will only need cash for extra, personal purchases such as souvenirs, extra drinks outside of what’s included, additional spa treatments (outside of Shinta Mani Wild), or any independent activities you choose to do during your free time.

Cambodia’s Unique Currency System Cambodia operates on a dual-currency system. Both the Cambodian Riel (KHR) and the US Dollar (USD) are used interchangeably everywhere you go. The conversion rate is generally 4,000 Riel to $1 USD.

• Bring US Dollars: You do not need to exchange your money into Cambodian Riel before you arrive! US Dollars are widely accepted and actually preferred for tourist purchases.

• The “Crisp Bill” Rule: This is extremely important in Cambodia. US Dollar bills must be in pristine condition. Vendors and banks will reject bills that are torn, taped, faded, or heavily creased. Make sure you request clean, newer notes from your bank before traveling.

• Small Denominations: We recommend bringing a mix of smaller bills ($1, $5, $10, and $20). If you pay for a small item with a US Dollar bill, you will almost always receive your change in Cambodian Riel.

• ATMs: ATMs are widely available in Siem Reap and Phnom Penh, and they dispense both US Dollars and Riel. Keep in mind that international withdrawal fees generally range from $4 to $6 per transaction.

• Credit Cards: Visa and Mastercard are accepted at larger hotels, upscale restaurants, and some established boutiques, but the vast majority of local markets and smaller shops are strictly cash-only.

If you have any specific dietary needs or food preferences, we kindly ask you to contact Brighde at [email protected] before finalizing your booking. Please provide her with detailed information about your dietary needs or preferences, and ensure you receive a written response from Brighde before finalizing your trip booking. Your cooperation and understanding in this matter are greatly appreciated.

Please note that any additional requests made after the booking has been completed might not be able to be accommodated.

Colleen (and her husband David) is very much another traveler in our group and will be taking the same vehicles and participating in the same activities as the rest of us. You can approach and talk to her at any time, just like anyone else. Having said that, do remember that she will be as tired as everyone after a long day of travel or sightseeing, so we should just be respectful of that as we are of anyone else. ​​

HOW MUCH PHYSICAL ACTIVITY CAN I EXPECT?

This is an active trip designed for travelers who are reasonably fit and comfortable on their feet, though the level of physical exertion is highly customizable, especially during the second half of the journey.

Here is a breakdown of what to expect:

• Temple Explorations (Siem Reap): Exploring the Angkor Wat complex requires a significant amount of walking—often 2 to 4 miles (3 to 6 km) during a single excursion. You will be navigating ancient, uneven stone pathways, dirt trails, and climbing steep, narrow stone steps that often do not have handrails. You need to be steady on your feet and have good balance.

• Historical Sites (Phnom Penh): Visiting S-21 and the Killing Fields involves slow-paced walking and standing for extended periods. The terrain here is mostly flat and paved or hard-packed dirt, making it less physically demanding than the temples, though the emotional weight and heat can make it feel tiring.

• Jungle Adventures (Shinta Mani Wild): Your physical activity here is entirely up to you. If you choose to join the anti-poaching patrol or go on a jungle hike, expect uneven, unpaved rainforest terrain that requires good mobility and stamina. However, if you prefer to simply relax, get spa treatments, and enjoy a gentle stroll around the camp, that is perfectly fine too!

The Heat Factor: Keep in mind that the tropical heat and humidity of Cambodia will make physical activities feel more strenuous than they would at home.

The WVT Difference: We build plenty of downtime into the itinerary so you can rest by the pool or retreat to the air-conditioning. We also travel in comfortable, private, air-conditioned transport between all sites, and our team always has plenty of cold water on hand. Most importantly, this is your vacation. If you ever want to sit out an activity and stay back at the hotel, you are always welcome to do so.

Youth above 16 years young are welcome.    We are currently not accepting any younger children. ​

There’s no upper age limit, though do note that there is a fair amount of walking on this trip. 

We will provide water, juice, coffee, tea, some cocktails and wine/beer during lunches and all dinners and some activities. We will make it clear what’s included and what’s not. Premium alcoholic drinks (ie expensive cognac, whiskey, champagne, etc) are not included. You can pay for those on the spot or sign it to the room and pay when checking out.

LGBTQ TRAVELLERS

Cambodia is a welcoming, safe, and highly tolerant destination for LGBTQ+ travelers. Locals are generally respectful and hospitable, and you will find established, albeit small, LGBTQ+ friendly scenes in both Siem Reap and Phnom Penh.

While there are no legal restrictions on same-sex relationships, it is important to understand the broader cultural context. Cambodian society is deeply rooted in Buddhist traditions and is quite conservative regarding public displays of affection (PDA). Overt physical affection, such as kissing or holding hands in public, is generally frowned upon for all couples, regardless of sexual orientation. Keeping interactions modest in public spaces—especially around temples, historical sites, and rural areas—is simply a sign of cultural respect.

Most importantly, traveling with World Vegan Travel means you are moving within a safe, inclusive, and celebrated space. Our tour leaders and our guest host, Colleen Patrick-Goudreau, are committed to fostering a welcoming environment for everyone. Furthermore, our 5-star hotel partners—Anantara, Raffles, and Shinta Mani Wild—are world-class international properties that extend the highest level of hospitality and respect to all guests.