Essential Thailand and Cambodia

Sawasdee and welcome to the land of smiles. Your tour begins in Bangkok, the center of Thailand and known worldwide for its abundance of sensational foods, glamorous shopping malls, historic sights and sizzling nightlife.

Upon arrival to the airport, our representative will take you to the Anantara Sathorn Bangkok in downtown Sathorn for check-in and refreshment.

Soak up the sun and bask in the breathtaking views from the sundeck, or cool-down with a swim in the stunning 32-metre long infinity pool overlooking the city’s skyline during your day at leisure.

Meals: No meals

Accommodation: Anantara Sathorn Bangkok Hotel

Explore Bangkok’s famed cultural and historical attractions with a private tour through the city utilizing the iconic tuk-tuk, long tail boat, and by foot. Visit the Phra Nakorn area of Rattanakosin Island along the Bangkok Noi and Bang Luang Canals. Wander through Bangkok’s impressive golden Grand Palace before stopping at Wat Pho to see the immense reclining Buddha. Shop for exotic flowers in the local markets before perusing the finest Thai art collections in the National Museum.

After lunch, journey to Bangkok’s shopping and business center, Ratchaprasong, to discover glistening skyscrapers, massive shopping malls, and a cosmopolitan buzz.

A shopper’s paradise, any manner of item can be bought for a great price. The afternoon is free for you to discover at your leisure, whether you would like to visit the Bangkok Art and Culture Center, the picturesque Lumpini Park, the impressive Hindu Erawan Shrine, or simply to shop until you drop.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation: Anantara Sathorn Bangkok Hotel

After breakfast, journey 1.5 hours south to Damnoen Saduak, a town famous for its morning floating market selling produce and tourist trinkets. Hop on board a small canoe and row through the stalls, and practicing your bartering skills during this classic Thai experience. After the boat ride, you will have an hour to explore the market on your own before settling down for lunch.

Continuing onwards, we will drive 2.5 hours north to Ayutthaya, the former capital of the Kingdom of Siam from 1350-1767. Although most of the city was destroyed when it was sacked by Burmese troops in 1767, there are still nearly 100 ruins left to admire and visit throughout the island at your leisure. Make sure to see the Bodhi Tree at Wat Phra Mahathat and the marvelous Wat Chaiwatthanaram. 

Depart Ayutthaya in the late afternoon and return to Bangkok for an evening free at leisure.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation: Anantara Sathorn Bangkok Hotel

Savor morning breakfast before transferring to the Bangkok airport for a short 1-hour flight to the Kingdom of Wonder, Cambodia. Begin your discovery of the country in Phnom Penh.

Stroll along the Sisowath Quay Riverwalk and enjoy the wide boulevards flanked by leafy palm trees on either side until we reach the Royal Palace, gleaming in all of its golden glory. As it is the official residence of the King and Queen of Cambodia, most of the complex is off-limits; however, there is still plenty of opportunity to visit famous sites such as the Throne, Moonlight Pavilion, and of course, the Silver Pagoda, home to the Emerald Buddha and 90 kg solid gold Buddha encrusted with diamonds and jewels.

As the sun begins to set, board your riverboat for a stunning sunset dinner and cocktail cruise along the Mekong and Tonle Sap Rivers. Enjoy a different vantage point of the glittering Royal Palace as the boat gently glides by, and watch the twinkling Phnom Penh skyline as you savor delicious Khmer food and beverages.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodation: La Rose Suites

This morning drive to one of the most infamous Killing Fields, Chuong Ek. Just one of the 20,000 mass grave sites found within the country, Chuong Ek is now a Buddhist memorial to the many lives that were lost between 1975 and 1979. It is also a monument to the many who survived the atrocities committed and an educational tool to ensure history does not repeat itself. It is believed that 17,000 men, women, and children were slaughtered here.

After your visit finishes, journey back to Phnom Penh and stop at Tuol Sleng Prison, a former school-turned torture center and only 1 of the 150 execution centers used by the Khmer Rouge regime. Nowadays, it is a Genocide Museum dedicated to the victims and survivors and holds many artifacts kept by the Khmer Rouge such as photographs, clothing, preserved prison cells and other items.

After lunch, the rest of your day is free to discover the city on your own. For those that love history, the National Museum of Cambodia, which holds the world’s leading collection of Khmer art and sculptures and Wat Phnom, a Buddhist temple built in 1373 and the founding site of the city, are perfect ways to spend the afternoon while shoppers can visit the Russian Market or Phsar Thmei to peruse the local wares.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: La Rose Suites

After breakfast, transfer to Phnom Penh Airport for a short 40-min flight to Siem Reap, the gateway to the magnificent 8^th wonder of the world, Angkor Wat. Upon arrival to Siem Reap, the rest of the day is free for leisure as the town is home to many great restaurants, shopping opportunities, and spa treatments to indulge in.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Sofitel Angkor Phokeethra Golf & Spa Resort

A delicious breakfast awaits you before a 1-hour drive north  to Banteay Srei, the citadel of women. Constructed from pink sandstone, Banteay Srei is unlike any other temple in the country. Banteay Srei is also renowned for its detailed classical Khmer art carvings. Afterwards, we will visit Banteay Samre, another temple  notable for its well-preserved libraries.

After lunch, return to Siem Reap for an afternoon at leisure.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Sofitel Angkor Phokeethra Golf & Spa Resort

Meet Cambodia’s epic past with a tour of the Angkor Archaeological Park. One of the most important historical sites in the entire region of Southeast Asia, the City of Temples will surely amaze and astound even the most experienced traveller.

Built between the 9^th-15^th centuries, each complex was at one point the capital of the Khmer empire. Your tour will begin with sunrise at Angkor Wat, the masterpiece of Angkor Park, often considered one of the best preserved ancient monuments in the world. Carry on by bicycle to Angkor Thom, famous for its carved faces pointing out in either direction on top of massive 75 ft. (23 m) towers. Within is the mysterious Bayon Temple, the Mona Lisa of Southeast Asia, located at the exact center of Angkor Thom, with a total of 216 carved faces.

Stops will also include the Elephant Terrace, the Leper Terrace, before moving on to the popular Ta Prohm, recognizable from the film Tomb Raider.

Return to the magnificent Angkor Wat. In the afternoon sun, it seems as if the entire complex is sparkling. Depart from the park in the early afternoon or stay to see the beautiful sunset and return to your hotel in the early evening.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Sofitel Angkor Phokeethra Golf & Spa Resort

Enjoy your last day in Cambodia with a day free for your leisure until your transfer to the airport for onward booked travel.

Meals: Breakfast