Encounter a land where the past sits alongside the present on a six-day Premium adventure through Cambodia. Explore the revitalised city of Phnom Penh …
Premium Cambodia
Encounter a land where the past sits alongside the present on a six-day Premium adventure through Cambodia. Explore the revitalised city of Phnom Penh and make a sobering visit to the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum. Discover traditional Cambodian life at Skun Village as you take in quiet moments of local culture. Meet and dine with one of Cambodia’s most beloved female chefs during an Exclusive Experience at her private home. Uncover the mysteries of Angkor Wat – UNESCO World Heritage-listed temples that have intrigued the world for centuries – with a local leader and archaeological guide. Stay at a quiet boutique hotel in Siem Reap’s Royal District and end it all with a private farewell dinner under the sunset, among the rice fields of a rural village.
Sua s’dei! Welcome to Phnom Penh, Cambodia’s lively capital city. You’ll be met at the airport by a local representative and transferred to your hotel. If you arrive early, why not go for a stroll and discover the city’s French architecture or check out the National Museum and its fascinating collection of Khmer craftsmanship. Your adventure officially begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm, where you’ll meet your trip leader and fellow travellers. After, join your group for dinner at Malis Restaurant – an upmarket dining spot that’s committed to preserving and serving Cambodia’s traditional cuisine. Maybe cap off the night with a cocktail at the Le Moon Rooftop at Amanjaya Pancam Hotel.
This morning, visit the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum to learn the story of the tragic legacy of the Khmer Rouge, and the Royal Palace, where you can see Throne Hall, topped by a 59 m (193.5 ft) tower inspired by the Bayon at Angkor. Then, your afternoon is free to explore at your own pace. Maybe visit Wat Phnom – the temple that gave rise to the city’s foundation in the 15th century. Tonight, perhaps grab dinner with your group or wander the city and soak up the nighttime atmosphere.
After breakfast, journey from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap in a comfortable private vehicle. Discover traditional Cambodian life at Skun Village and learn about the town’s deep-fried tarantulas and other insects, which the locals consume daily. You’ll also visit Santuk Silk Farm to learn about silk production and its work as a social enterprise, employing local women as artisan weavers. Share a simple, rustic, local lunch prepared by the weavers before you continue to Siem Reap, stopping to see historic bridges along the way before arriving at your hotel at approximately 5 pm. You’ll love this boutique hotel’s location in the tree-shaded Royal District and its quiet pools, tropical gardens and art-filled spaces. Tonight, head out for dinner and a theatre show at Angkor Village Apsara Theatre, where you’ll watch Khmer traditional dance and dine on Khmer favourites.
If you like, head out earlier than the rest of your group to catch sunrise at the Angkor complex. After, you’ll spend the day discovering the fantastic temples with your leader. For the first half of the day, you’ll be accompanied by a private archaeological guide, who will provide expert knowledge and insight beginning at Angkor Wat – the largest and most complete structure and the only one of Angkor’s temples with an entrance facing west. Have lunch, at the Sala Bai Hotel School, where underprivileged local youths learn skills to find gainful employment in the hospitality industry. Then, visit Angkor Thom, the ‘Great Royal City’ – a temple famous for its series of colossal human faces carved in stone. From here, you’ll head out of town to an ancient working monastery to gain a special insight into the life of a monk and Theravada Buddhism. Meet the monks, enjoy a sacred water blessing for good luck and prosperity and have a red band tied around your wrist to keep you safe in your travels. The rest of the evening can be spent exploring the bars of Siem Reap or relaxing in at your resort.
After breakfast, it’s off to the Ta Prohm temple, which has large trees embedded in the stone foundations – powerful symbols of nature. Next, visit Banteay Srei to snap some pictures of the temple’s intricate stone carvings. You can head back to the resort to explore Siem Reap town or use your ticket for the Angkor ruins to continue discovering the site. Tonight, enjoy a final dinner in the Khmer countryside to say farewell to your group and Cambodia. Amid a rustic and romantic setting, you’ll sit down for a private meal in the rice fields of rural Siem Reap.
Your adventure comes to an end after breakfast this morning. If you would like to extend your stay in Siem Reap, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time.
Feel the peacefulness of Siem Reap’s tree-shaded Royal District during your Feature Stay at a boutique hotel, with playful, Angkor-inspired architecture and a serene pool.
Enjoy two days of fully guided temple tours in Siem Reap, with in-depth insights into the history of these extraordinary structures and plenty of time at Angkor Wat, plus an Exclusive Experience morning with a private archaeological guide.
Uncover Cambodia’s difficult modern history in Phnom Penh and visit the sobering Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum.
Experience authentic Cambodian cuisine when you visit the Sala Bai Hotel School for lunch, enjoy a local lunch made by expert silk weavers and enjoy an exclusive privately catered dinner in the rice fields of Siem Reap.
Discover traditional Cambodian life at Skun Village and Santuk Silk Farm, known for empowering local women as expert weavers. Learn their stories and make the most of your time with the locals.