Best of Cambodia

Once you have arrived at Phnom Penh International Airport, you will be met and transferred to the hotel. You will have some free time to explore or relax, before your welcome drinks with fellow travellers and your guide, who will give you a tour briefing.

Today, we explore Phnom Penh by cyclo, a bicycle rickshaw, taking in the city’s vibrant streets at a relaxed pace. We begin at Wat Phnom, the spiritual heart of the capital, before heading to the grand Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda, still home to Cambodia’s monarchy. Our morning continues at the National Museum, where centuries of Khmer art and sculpture are beautifully displayed.

We will then make our way to the Central Market, a striking Art Deco landmark, which offers everything from jewellery to local crafts. After, we will visit the deeply moving Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum. Once a school, it was turned into a prison under the Khmer Rouge, now serving as a powerful reminder of Cambodia’s recent history.

Phnom Penh - Skun - Santuk - Kampong Phluk - Siem Reap. This morning, we journey overland from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap, passing through Cambodia’s rural heartland. Along the way, we stop at Skun’s lively market, where we’ll see the famed fried spiders and other insect delicacies—a quirky taste of local cuisine. We then visit a stone mason village near Santuk, where artisans carve sandstone into sacred sculptures, showcasing remarkable traditional skill.

Near the Tonlé Sap, we explore Kampong Phluk, a floating village built on stilts above the seasonal floodwaters. We board a local boat to navigate the village and, if water levels permit, continue by small rowing boat through the flooded mangrove forest—home to rich biodiversity and a peaceful, unique landscape. Afterward, we travel onward to Siem Reap, arriving in the late afternoon to check in at our hotel. The evening is free for you to unwind or explore at leisure.

Please note: The villages are flooded for approximately half of the year, from August/September to February. If the water level of the lake permits, we will take a boat ride through the mangrove forest.

We will have an early start this morning before dawn as we head to Angkor Wat to enjoy the sunrise. After taking in the breathtaking views, we’ll explore the central complex and admire the intricate bas-reliefs in the peaceful early morning light. We will then enjoy breakfast at a local restaurant nearby.

We will then explore the southern gate of Angkor Thom, marveling at the towering stone faces of Avalokiteshvara and the stunning Bayon Temple at its centre. We visit the Terrace of Elephants and the Terrace of the Leper King, followed by the 11th-century temples Baphuon and Phimeanakas. In the afternoon, we visit Ta Prohm, famous for its ancient trees entwined with temple ruins. The day concludes with a return to Siem Reap.

Siem Reap - Damdek - Siem Reap. We start the day at Damdek’s lively local market, soaking in the vibrant atmosphere. Then we head to Beng Mealea, a 12th-century temple partly overgrown by jungle. Its sandstone blocks and detailed pediments tell stories from the Ramayana. Though rich in Hindu motifs, the temple is primarily Buddhist, highlighted by the statue of the Bodhisattva Lokeshvara now housed at the Angkor Conservancy.

After lunch at a local restaurant, we visit the finely carved Banteay Srei temple. On the return journey, we stop at the Landmine Museum, where we can see defused mines and learn about clearance efforts. Finally, we visit a village to observe traditional sugar palm production, offering a glimpse into local life and crafts.

After your final breakfast, depending on your departure flight time, you might have some time for some last-minute shopping, exploring, or relaxing before your transfer to the airport for your onward flight.