Khmer heritage

Chum Reap Suor and welcome to the Kingdom of Wonder, Cambodia. Upon arrival to Phnom Penh Airport, our driver will greet you and transfer you to the historic Raffles Hotel, a colonial wonderland surrounded by tropical gardens in the middle of the hustle and bustle of the city.

Enjoy the day free at leisure to acquaint yourself with the capital before attending the classic performance and national dance of the country, the Apsara, at the Cambodian Living Arts, inside the grounds of the National Museum which also coincidentally holds the world’s leading collection of Khmer art and sculptures within.

Meals: Dinner

Accommodation: Raffles Hotel Le Royal Phnom Penh

Learn about the recent dark history of Cambodia by visiting the infamous sites left from Pol Pot and the Khmer Rouge, the Killing Fields of 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.

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.

Take some time to decompress from what you have learned by walking along the Sisowath Quay Riverwalk, enjoying the wide boulevards flanked by leafy palm trees on either side until reaching 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.

Return to your hotel in the mid-afternoon free at leisure to explore Phnom Penh on your own. Shoppers can visit the Russian Market or Phsar Thmei to bargain for local wares or visit Street 178 to peruse local trendy art galleries and boutiques.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Raffles Hotel Le Royal Phnom Penh

This morning journey to the coast with a 3-hour drive through the countryside from Phnom Penh to the lovely seaside town of Kep. A bygone era ago, Kep was called Kep-sur-Mer—and it was the premiere beach getaway for French colonials and Cambodian high society. Drive past abandoned colonial villas, iconic crab shacks, and the beautiful Mermaid statue which keeps guard of the town before checking in to your very own remodeled French Villa at the luxurious Knai Bang Chatt, enjoying the rest of the afternoon free at leisure.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Knai Bang Chatt

Enjoy your day in Kep free at leisure to relax on the beach or by the infinity swimming pool.

Optional day excursions include a visit to the rustic shores of Rabbit Island, located 4.5 km off the coast of Kep. The island is blissfully undeveloped, making for an idyllic adventure to the past while exploring the beaches and snorkeling in the shallow turquoise seas. Enjoy a freshly prepared BBQ seafood picnic lunch before returning to your Kep accommodation in the afternoon.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Knai Bang Chatt

Leave Kep today and travel 45 minutes along the coast to the sleepy riverside town of Kampot. En route, explore Phnom Chhnork, a historical cave temple and if you fancy, pause for a swim in the Secret Lake, established through hard labor under the Khmer Rouge regime.

Upon arrival to Kampot, check-in to Boutique Kampot Hotel in the city center and admire the room’s original décor and design. In the late afternoon, join a 3-hour walking tour of the city to explore numerous historical sites including old villas and shop houses along Kampot River, the Old Market, the Red Cross Building, and the French Governor’s House. As the sun begins to set fireflies fill the air and trees, creating a truly magical moment.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Boutique Kampot hotel

Hop into a tuk-tuk and discover what Kampot is so famous for today, spices! First stop is a salt farm to learn about the importance of the salt industry to the local Kampot community. Next visit the well-known pepper industry at a pepper plantation to learn about the different varieties cultivated in the country.

Afterwards, put your knowledge to use with a highlight of the tour—a cooking class with a local family on their organic farm outside of Kampot. At the Khmer Roots Café the owners will teach you how to prepare 2 Khmer dishes, such as Fish Amok, Massaman Curry and Banana Flower Salad. Wander around the farm collecting the ingredients and enjoy the experience of interacting with locals and seeing how rural family businesses operate.

Return to Kampot in the late afternoon and have the rest of your day free at leisure.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Boutique Kampot hotel

Transfer from sleepy Kampot this morning 90-minutes west to Sihanoukville to catch your flight to the gateway to Angkor, Siem Reap. Upon arrival to Siem Reap Airport, our driver will transport you to the tropical gardens and scenic Cambodian countryside of Phum Baitang. Check-in to your very own Khmer wooden stilt house and sink into the large oval bathtub or dip into your private pool as all your cares float away.

In the late afternoon, have a proper welcome to Siem Reap with a sunset cruise in the largest freshwater lake in all of Southeast Asia, the Tonle Sap. Admire this immense ecosystem while sipping a sunset cocktail and munching on privately prepared canapés as your private wooden ship glides along the waters.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Belmond La Residence Phou Vao

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 a picnic breakfast 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.

After lunch, 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: Belmond La Résidence d'Angkor

The day is free to appreciate the many services, on-site activities, and amenities of your luxurious accommodation in Siem Reap.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Belmond La Résidence d'Angkor

Your day is free at leisure to explore Siem Reap on your own before a transfer to the airport for onward booked travel arrangements.

Meals: Breakfast