Cambodia in January 2025

January 20 - February 2

Romania in May 2025

May 23 - June 2

itineraries & trip details

experience

CAMBODIA

  • This trip is organized with the expertise of The Red Road Foundation in Cambodia, focusing on directly supporting local and women owned businesses.

    You’ll explore ancient temples, walk with elephants in a sanctuary, visit cultural historical sites, and swim with glowing plankton in turquoise waters.

    You’ll have expert guides and transportation included, experience seafront accommodations, enjoy delicious meals, and have options for water activities, hiking, yoga, meditation, massages, and spa time.

    All this and so much more! More details in the itinerary below.

    All photos and videos from Cambodia on Buna Travel's page are used with permission by The Red Road Foundation.

  • • all accommodations in beautiful hotels and resorts

    • all transportation in Cambodia

    • experienced guide for the trip + local, activity specific, expert guides

    • three meals every day

    • all group activities in the itinerary

    • all activity guides & entrance fees

    • daily yoga & meditation

  • • airfare*

    • travel insurance

    • alcohol

    • activities during your free time

    *The best way to book flights is to book round-trip into Bangkok. Book a single flight from Bangkok to Siem Reap for your arrival on January 20. Book Phnom Penh back to Bangkok for your departure on February 2. Please reach out with questions as you are booking your flights.

  • 14 days: January 20 - February 2

    $3,350/person - single occupancy

    $2,850/person - double occupancy (shared bed)

    Prices are in USD

  • Do I need a Visa for Cambodia as a US citizen? Yes. More information here.

    Which airports should I use when booking my flight? The best way to book flights is to book round-trip into Bangkok. Then, single flight from Bangkok to Siem Reap for your arrival on January 20. Book Phnom Penh back to Bangkok for your departure on February 2. Please reach out if you have more questions on booking flights.

    Will we have a guide for the trip? Yes, an expert one at that!

    What kind of transportation will we have in Cambodia? We will travel via taxi boats, speed boats, train, van, car, and we will take a short flight.

    Can accommodations be made for vegetarian or gluten-free meals? Yes, we will have both options for all meals. Let us know about any dietary needs and we will do our best to accommodate.

    Other questions? Please ask! cati@bunatravel.com

Itinerary: January 20 - February 2, 2025

Day 1: Welcome to Cambodia

  • Pick up from the airport

    Hotel check-in at Reservoir Hotels

  • We'll start off the trip with a delicious brunch at a woman-owned restaurant, and a much needed massage after your long flight. You'll also have the option for yoga before dinner.

  • We'll enjoy dinner and walk around to experience the energy of the local markets and take in the night life.

Day 2: Visit with elephants

  • After breakfast at the hotel we will head out to walk with the most majestic of creatures, elephants.

  • We will enjoy a lunch in nature after our walk with elephants. There will be time for a yoga class before dinner for those who wish to participate.

  • Dinner will be home-style comfort Cambodian food from a female chef, who will treat us with delicious food she learned how to make from her own mother and grandmother.

Day 3: Mountains & waterfalls

  • After breakfast at the hotel we will head out to explore the mountain's sacred and ancient Pagoda Waterfall.

  • Swimsuits required for the waterfall visit.

    We will be blessed by monks and experience a cacao ceremony.

  • We will have an early dinner and an optional restorative yoga class before an early bed time. We will be waking up at 4:30 am the next day!

Day 4: Sunrise at Angkor Watt

  • Our 4:30 am wake up call will be worth it! We will witness sunrise at Angkor Watt. We will have a picnic for breakfast as we take in the views.

  • We will spend the day here and have lunch at an outstanding woman-owned and run restaurant.

  • We will have time to relax and enjoy the pool before dinner.

Day 5: Phnom Penh & Kampot

  • We will have a slow morning to relax, have lunch at a beloved community-focused vegan restaurant, before we pack up and fly out to Phnom Penh

  • We will visit the Killing Fields and learn about this cultural site, before continuing on our journey to Kampot by car.

  • We will check in at our hotel Peam Snea.

    You'll have the option for a yoga class before enjoying dinner at the hotel.

Day 6: Relaxing day

  • We can have a slow morning and enjoy a riverfront yoga class for those who would like to participate.

  • We will visit The Red Road Foundation, our amazing collaborators for this trip, and enjoy lunch with a local family. We will also learn how to make a natural body scrub recipe and try a homemade countryside facial.

  • There will be more time to relax and unwind before dinner.

Day 7: Spa day

  • After breakfast at the hotel we will head out to Banteay Srey Spa for treatments, fresh lunch, campfire and napping in the countryside.

  • You'll have for yoga and a walk through downtown Kampot before dinner.

  • We will enjoy dinner and relax on the riverfront.

Day 8: River day

  • Choose your adventure after breakfast! Kayaking, paddle boarding, boat ride on the river - or simply just relaxing with a beverage!

  • We will learn a Cambodian recipe from an incredible local entrepreneur, a woman who provides free education and arts training to at-risk youth.

  • We will end the evening with a relaxing yoga session and a lovely dinner.

Day 9: Sunset Beach

  • After breakfast and check out we will catch a train at 10 am to Sihanoukville for a 2-hour ride, and then hop on a speed boat for 45 minutes to reach our lunch destination.

  • After our lovely lunch we will take a 20-minute taxi boat to Sunset Beach. We will check-in at a our woman-owned hotel, Paradise Sunset Beach.

  • We will have the option to participate in a wonderful yoga and sound healing class for those who are interested, before enjoying dinner in town.

Day 10: Snorkel and kayak

  • There will be another opportunity for yoga and sound healing, or just enjoying a slow morning and breakfast at the resort. You can choose to kayak, snorkel, or do it all!

  • After lunch we will do a kayak plankton tour.

  • We will have an absolutely fabulous dinner - incredible food and amazing views.

Day 11: Beach & hike time

  • We will enjoy breakfast seafront at the resort before taking a fun boat ride to our next destination.

  • We will do a light hike and enjoy the views before lunch.

  • After lunch we will enjoy another light hike for about 20 minutes through the jungle, before ending the day with another fantastic dinner.

Day 12: Phnom Penh

  • After breakfast at the resort, packing up, and a 20-minute taxi boat, we will stop for lunch before we head to our next destination.

  • Back on the speed boat for 45 minutes and van for about 2.5 hours, we will get to our fabulous hotel in Phnom Penh, Baitong Hotel.

  • We will relax at the pools and enjoy dinner before heading to bed after a long day.

Day 13: Sites and shopping

  • We will enjoy breakfast at the hotel and visit the Royal Palace and Wat Phnom.

  • We'll enjoy a fantastic lunch in the garden of a woman-owned restaurant, and then check out the local markets for the best deals! If you're looking to relax, sitting poolside is always an option.

  • We will enjoy a Cambodian farm-to-table dinner from an amazing female chef focused on sustainability.

Day 14: until next time

  • One last Cambodian breakfast before heading home!

  • Either way, here's to your next unforgettable adventure!

Our accommodations:

Questions:

step into the magic of Romania

Welcoming jar of water with lavender and lemons on an outdoor table
Fortified church view through the garden and inner courtyard in the village of Cincsor in Transylvania, Romania

  • 2024 Dates: August 30-September 9

    This trip is expertly and passionately organized by women on the ground, directly supporting local women and minority owned businesses.

    You’ll taste regional authentic food, explore castles and medieval churches, feel the energy of city life and bask in the beauty of the countryside.

    You’ll have expert guides and transportation included, experience unique and fabulous stays, and be immersed in the cultural diversity and magical lands that make Transylvania a truly special place.

  • • all accommodations in locally owned bed & breakfasts and small, boutique style hotels

    • all transportation in Romania in private vehicle for our group

    • experienced guide for the trip + local, activity specific, expert guides

    • breakfast every day

    • most lunches and dinners

    • all group activities in the itinerary

    • all activity guides & entrance fees

  • • airfare*

    • travel insurance

    • optional activities mentioned

    • meals during free time

    • activities during your free time

    *We will be starting and ending our trip in Cluj, so booking a round-trip ticket to the Cluj airport is best.

  • August 30-September 9: 10 days

    $3,450/person - double occupancy

    $4,200/person - single occupancy

    Prices are in USD

  • Do I need a visa? No

    Which airports in Romania are best for the trip? Cluj International Airport. We will begin and end our trip in Cluj. It's best to book a round-trip flight arriving in Cluj on Friday, May 23, and leaving from Cluj on Monday, June 2.

    Will we have Wi-Fi where we stay? Yes

    Can I drink the water in Romania? Yes

    Can accommodations be made for vegetarian meals? Yes, we will have vegetarian options for all meals! Let us know about any dietary needs and we will do our best to accommodate.

    What is the currency in Romania? Romanian Leu. 1 USD is about 4.7 Romanian Lei currently.

    What should I pack? We will have a list with suggestions for you. Our advice for your comfort: pack light & have layers. We strongly recommend you only bring 1 suitcase and 1 carry on.

    What will the weather be like? End of May is one of the best times of the year in Romania. Crisp mornings, sunny afternoons, cool evenings. Average temperatures 52 - 75 F.

    Other questions? Please ask! cati@bunatravel.com

Itinerary: May 23 - June 2, 2025

Day 1: Welcome to Romania

  • Welcome to the city of Cluj, our home base for the first three days! Transportation will be waiting for you at the airport to take you to our hotel in the city center. FYI: there is a 7 hour time zone difference between Romania and EST. You may feel it :)

  • Our stay in the city will be a modern and cozy local hotel, Hotel Cristal. You will have some time to unpack and unwind before dinner.

  • Your guide and fellow travelers will join you for a welcome dinner at a beloved vegetarian restaurant focused on locally sourced, seasonal vegetables.

Day 2: Exploring Cluj

  • If you’re an early riser, breakfast will be ready for you at the hotel. Relax and sleep in if you wish - we won’t officially get started until 11 am with a brunch (optional), followed by a visit to the botanical gardens. We will make a stop by a local woman-owned coffee shop & bakery for a beverage and treat (optional).

  • Our local expert female guide will show us around the beautiful city of Cluj. We will learn more about its fascinating history and multi-ethnic culture.

  • A little free time to freshen up before dinner, where you’ll experience authentic Romanian food at another beloved local restaurant. Pofta buna!

Day 3: Sighisoara

  • Saying “la revedere” to Cluj, we will make a couple of stops on the way to the medieval city of Sighisoara. First, we will have lunch on the farm of an amazing local female cheese producer. There will be cheese!

  • We will visit the tea shop of a woman owned local business, and learn a thing or two about the local teas!

  • We will have a free evening with a great option for you for a local dinner spot with authentic cusisine in the center of Sighisoara.

Day 4: Sighisoara and Viscri

  • We will start the day with a walking tour through the cobblestone streets of medieval Sighisoara, led by one of our local expert female guides. You will be awed by the magic of this city and feel as if you’re transported to a different time.

  • We will head over to the nearby picturesque village of Viscri for a 3-course lunch at a local bed & breakfast, female co-owned, with the kitchen led by an incredible female chef. We will enjoy our meal in their apple orchard. Pofta buna!

  • We will spend the afternoon in Viscri visiting the impressive Fortified Church. We’ll make a stop on the way back to Sighisoara at a minority-owned tea garden. You are going to love this place!

Day 5: Brasov

  • Our next stop on the way to the city of Brasov is to visit a Romanian Monastery and learn about its history and significance to the region.

  • Welcome to the beautiful mountain city of Brasov, our home base for the next three days! We’ll check in to our fabulous hotel, Schuster Boarding House, in the cty center and head out to lunch to enjoy modern Romanian food from an incredible female chef and restaurant owner.

  • We’ll do a walking tour of Brasov with an expert female guide, taking in all the sights and views of this picturesque mountain city. We’ll take a break and regroup for dinner at a local restaurant serving traditional regional food.

Day 6: Carpathian Mountains

  • We’ll hit the road after breakfast for a beautiful, easy morning hike, followed by a day full of activities.

  • You’ve heard of it. We know you have to see it :) Brace for crowds, we will make it a good time.

  • This will be the most epic lunch view of the trip - from the restaurant of a mountain top minority-owned hotel. It will take your breath away. We will float back down to Brasov in time for dinner.

Day 7: the heart of Transylvania

  • Take your time and enjoy our last morning in Brasov. We’ll head out around noon.

  • We will stop in the village of Cincsor for a gourmet lunch in a woman & minority owned bed & breakfast and restaurant. We’ll visit the fortified church next door before heading out to meet more locals.

  • Welcome to the village of Richis, the most ethnically diverse village in Romania, and our home for the next four nights. We will check in at Casa Noah, a Saxon home turned into an amazing bed & breakfast owned by host Catrinel and her husband Paul. We’ll enjoy a wonderful locally prepared dinner.

Day 8: Sibiu Day Trip

  • We will join a local female guide for a tour of this quirky city, where the rooftops seem to be watching your every step. We’ll take in the sights and have a little brunch (optional).

  • You’ll have some free time and options for a museum visit or connecting with a local woman-led foundation. We’ll give you all the details!

  • After taking in the city sights we will head to Sibiu’s little sister village, Sibiel. We will end the day with a lovely stroll and have a unique dinner experience in the home of one of the village aunties - “tanti” in Romanian. We’ll have a home cooked meal, made with love. Pofta buna!

Day 9: Villages of Transylvania

  • We will enjoy the morning in our host village, Richis. After breakfast we will head out for a guided tour of the local church, with fascinating stories from our expert female & minority local guide.

  • Lunch will be a real treat: we’ll enjoy it at an organic woman owned and operated farm. She’s also the chef - and a really good one too :) You’re going to love this meal and this entire experience.

  • Our expert female guide will take us on a walking tour of the town of Medias. We will enjoy delicious coffee shop treats and delicacies along the way. We’ll end the day with dinner in the village of Alma Vii, made by a local female cook. You’re going to be eating well on this trip!

Day 10: back to Cluj

  • You’ll have time for a leisurely breakfast and packing, or more time for a massage for those who still need one! We’ll say “la revedere” to Casa Noah and Richis, and head out around noon for a stop on the way back to Cluj.

  • First things first - lunch in the village of Copsa Mare, prepared locally by a beloved local woman chef. We will take our happy bellies and head over to the nearby charming village of Biertan, where we’ll visit the beautiful fortified church and take in the picturesque views from its hilltop grounds. We will be back in the city of Cluj for our last evening.

  • We will be back in Cluj, check in to Hotel Cristal for the night, take some time to refresh and regroup for our last dinner. We’re going to a fancy restaurant - yes, of course it’s female owned by a female chef. Let’s celebrate and do it big before we go home!

Day 11: “La revedere” - travel day

  • Travel day back home. Flights back to the US usually leave early in the morning - we’ll make sure you get to the airport! “La revedere” is the greeting used as “goodbye” in Romanian. It translates to “until we see again”. Until we see you again, friend.

  • Are you not ready to say la revedere? We got you. Let us know if you must see Romania’s capital city before you head back across the ocean. A quick flight from Cluj and you’ll be there. We’ll organize the weekend for you.

Our accommodations:

Join us!

Questions: