Classic Cambodia

Upon arrival into Siem Reap, as you depart the plane our team will be waiting to greet you and assist you through the airport. Taking care of you and fast-tracking you through the passport procedures, assisting when needed with your luggage, where you will then be transferred to your hotel for check-in. Rest of day day is free to settle into your new surroundings.

Meals: None
Accommodation: Heritage Suites - Heritage Room

Cambodia is perhaps best known for its temples and one in particular, Angkor Wat. Begin by unravelling the mysteries of the bas-reliefs that tell of tales from Hindu mythology and of the glories of the Khmer empire. Stretching for almost one kilometre, these intricate carvings are a candidate for the world’s longest unbroken piece of art. Continue to the upper levels of the inner sanctuary. The final steps to the upper terrace of Angkor are the steepest of all. Finally the pinnacle, the sacred heart of Angkor Wat, a blend of spirituality and symmetry so perfect that few moments will measure up. After strolling the corridors of Angkor Wat, continue to Ta Prohm.

The ‘jungle temple’ Ta Prohm has been abandoned to the elements, a reminder that while empires rise and fall, the riotous power of nature marches on, oblivious to the dramas of human history. Left as it was ‘discovered’ by French explorer Henri Mouhot in 1860, the tentacle-like tree roots here are slowly strangling the surviving stones, man first conquering nature to create, nature later conquering man to destroy. Return to your hotel. Afternoon is free at leisure.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Heritage Suites - Heritage Room

For many Siem Reap means just Angkor Wat, but today you shall go further and discover that Siem Reap really has a lot more to offer! Drive east towards Tonle Sap Lake and discover the Rolous Group of temples and the highlight of Bakong Temple. This temple’s pagoda is still used to this day and is in great condition as you will see by the murals on display. Afterwards head to the fisherman’s village of Kompong Phluk and explore Cambodia’s great lake. A local boat will take you out onto Tonle Sap Lake which is home to many who live in stilted houses. Their daily life is dependent on the lake and recently their life is changing due climate change and other issues. The entire ecosystem is threatened, and your expert guide will explain all about this and the lives of the locals. We then head back to Siem Reap after having a real glimpse into real Cambodian life.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Heritage Suites - Heritage Room

Upon arrival in Phnom Penh, after going through immigration/custom formalities and collecting your baggage, you will be welcomed to Cambodia by your guide at the exit hall, where you will then be transferred to your hotel for check-in. Rest of day is free to settle into your new surroundings.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Palace Gate Hotel & Resort - Royal Deluxe

Free morning to relax and explore your surroundings at your leisure.

In the afternoon visit the harrowing genocide museum at Tuol Sleng and the Killing Fields of Choeng Ek, both enduring memorials to the gruesome and brutal rule of the Khmer Rouge. Afterwards return to town and visit the Central and Russian Markets. The Central Market (Psar Thmey) is distinctive for its central domed building built by the French in 1937 with 4 wings leading off it. The Russian Market (Psar Toul Tom Pong) is an excellent place to pick up a few bargains, especially antiques, souvenirs and cheap brand-name clothes.

Note: A visit to Tuol Sleng and the Killing Fields is a very disturbing experience for many, and guests should be forewarned as to the extent and graphic nature of such a visit. It remains a terrifying reminder of the atrocities committed under Khmer Rouge rule and visitors will walk away having gained some understanding of what happened to a generation lost and the turmoil it placed on Cambodian society.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Palace Gate Hotel & Resort, Royal Deluxe

Today, your guide will escort you to the Cardamom Mountains for the next few days back to nature, a journey of about 2 hours. Cardamom is considered to be South East Asia mainland's largest remaining tract of virgin forest. From here you can make forays into the forests to look for wildlife and visit the villages.

At Shinta Mani Wild, there are many activities available for guests to choose from and so we list a few options below:

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Shinta Mani Wild, Wild Tent

Free days to relax and explore your surroundings.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (Full Board)
Accommodation: Shinta Mani Wild, Wild Tent

At a prearranged time, your guide will escort you to Sihanoukville pier, approximately a 2 hour drive. Take the resort boat, shared with other guests, to Royal Sands Resort in the Koh Rong Archipelago – a 45-minute speedboat ride from Sihanoukville Port.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Royal Sands Koh Rong, Ocean View Villa

Free days to relax and explore your surroundings.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Royal Sands Koh Rong, Ocean View Villa

Depart Royal Sands Koh Rong by the resorts shared ferry at 0930 hrs or 1400 hrs for the 40 minute crossing to Sihanoukville port. Here you driver will be waiting for you and will transfer you to Phnom Penh Airport by private vehicle for your flight to your onward destination.

Meals: Breakfast