DAY 1 - ARRIVE SIEM REAP (D)

On arrival into Siem Rep, home to the fabled temples of Angkor, you will be met by your English speaking guide and transferred to you hotel for check in.
After having some free time to relax at the hotel, this evening you will enjoy dinner at the Embassy Restaurant, an exclusive fine dining experience unparalleled in Siem Reap and headed by executive chefs Pol & Sok; the “Kimsan Twins”. Their experience has taken them to different continents and under the mentoring of Michelin starred chefs they have created one of the most unique five-star quality cuisines that can be experienced in Siem Reap. With a constantly changing menu based around seasonality, guests can savour skilfully prepared masterpieces from multiple-course set menus, paired with a selection of fine wines.
Overnight in Siem Reap.
Distances and journey time:
Siem Reap Airport - Siem Reap (8 km): 15 mins

DAY 2 - SIEM REAP (B,L)


Rising early this morning you will be taken into the Angkor park by ‘remork’ (similar to the Thai tuk tuk), for a sunrise visit to Bakheng Temple. Climbing through the darkness and forest, you will hit the summit of the hill and Bakheng Temple where you will witness a spectacular sunrise over the Angkorian plains.
After your early morning visit you will escape to the picturesque Srah Srong baray. Originally constructed by the same architect that built Pre Rup and remodeled in the 12th century as part of Jayavarman VII's massive building campaign. A multi-tiered landing platform on the west edge of the baray is adorned with naga balustrades and guardian lions and the very sparse remains of an island temple can be seen poking from the middle of the lake during the dry season when the water is low.
Here you will enjoy a beautiful champagne picnic breakfast overlooking the lake on a luxurious cushion and table set up, offering an incredible and serene start to your Angkorian exploration.
After breakfast, continue on to the the incredible Ta Prohm temple, built in the mid-12th to early 13th centuries. Ta Prohm is unique in that it has been left largely as it was found: overgrown by jungle trees and vines, with many parts of the temple crumbling to the ground.
Return back to Siem Reap for lunch at the beautiful social enterprise restaurant; Marum, for some tasty local cuisine.
This afternoon you will continue your Angkorian exploration with a visit to the legendary Angkor Wat. Built during the reign of King Suryavarman II in the early 12th century, Angkor Wat is constructed following the model of the temple mountain symbolizing Mount Meru, the home of the gods. Inside the temple, the walls are covered with stone carvings and bas-reliefs depicting Hindu mythology and the wars Suryavarman II fought during his reign. Angkor Wat is well known for the more than 2,000 Apsara dancers decorating the temple. Construction is thought to have taken around thirty years of intensive labor.
From here continue to the ancient city of Angkor Thom. Angkor Thom was the last capital of the Great Khmer Empire under the reign of Jayavarman VII. This city is surrounded by an 8 m high wall, drawing a perfect square. Enter the city through the ancient South Gate, an impressive stone gate carved with Elephants and four giant faces. On each side of the entrance path a row of 54 gods or demons is holding the sacred Naga snake.
After a wonderful tour at the temple, enjoy a relaxing cruise in a gondola paddle boat at the moat of Angkor Thom compound while watching a spectacular sunset at Prasat Chroung temple. Cocktails, champagne, canapés and a soft drink will be available on the boat, as your boat paddles slowly along the ancient moat.
Dinner under your own arrangements before this evening attending a performance of ‘Phare, the Cambodian Circus’. Starting at 8pm, professional artists of Phare Ponleu Selpak (PPS) will perform an inspiring show suitable for people of all ages. Set up in Battambang in 1994 by young returnee Cambodians from the refugee camps who learned about using art as a means of coping with trauma, PPS has played an influential role in promoting and developing Khmer culture over the years after the Khmer Rouge genocide. The hour long show mixes traditional and modern theater, music, dance, acrobatics, juggling and contortion performed in a story about Cambodian lives and society. Student performances can still be seen twice weekly in Battambang but now the circus has arrived in Siem Reap!
Overnight in Siem Reap.
Distances and journey time:
Siem Reap – Temples (06 km): 10 mins

DAY 3 - SIEM REAP (B)

This morning travel to the “gem” of the Angkor area, the pretty temple of Banteay Srei. The so-called “Citadel of the Women” remains the best preserved temple in Cambodia. It displays some of the finest examples of classical Khmer art as this small temple is noted for its truly remarkable fine bas-reliefs. Banteay Srei is unique in that it is constructed of pink sandstone, which is seen nowhere else in Angkor.
Continue to visit the Golden Silk Pheach Farm, a local NGO which helps to revive the ancient Khmer know-how in silk activities and provides job opportunities to more than 100 local staff. The farm area, mulberry trees and weaving ateliers can be seen as part of the guided tour. Golden Silk products are ecologically produced from the yellow silkworm which is unique to Cambodia. Some of the silk products are months, or even years, in the making and each one is unique. This is one for the connoisseurs of high quality craftwork.
Return to Siem Reap town where you will have some free time for lunch (own expense).
This afternoon you will be driven through the countryside to Kompheim Village, a beautiful small farming village where life revolves around the seasons and family, located approximately 25 minutes outside of Siem Reap. Here you will be taken on an incredible walking tour through the village and local community, learning about their simply way of life and getting a chance to interact with the local people along the way.
Life is simple here, and while Siem Reap town is rapidly changing, change here is slow, giving you a chance to see the simple Cambodian way of life. Wander past rise fields, buffalo and oxen at work, or rest of and experience the smiles as the children rush to greet you.
You will also stop at a local pagoda for an intimate monk blessing before finishing the day at a local house for a glass of wine, canapés and to watch an amazing sunset over the surrounding rice paddies.
Evening at leisure.
Overnight in Siem Reap.
Distances and journey time:
Siem Reap – Banteay Srei (37 km): 45 mins
Siem Reap – Kompheim Village (11km): 25 mins

DAY 4 - SIEM REAP - PHNOM PENH (B,D)

This morning transfer to the airport for the flight to Phnom Penh. Upon arrival at Phnom Penh airport, you will be greeted by your local English speaking guide and transferred to your hotel in the heart of the city.
Phnom Penh was once considered as one of the most beautiful cities in the Orient, and despite its recent turbulent history, it still retains a colonial charm. Cambodia’s capital is a bustling city, majestically located at the confluence of the mighty rivers of the Mekong and Tonlé Sap. Wide tree-lined boulevards and many colonial-era buildings reflect the glorious days and add to the allure of the city, where Asian and Western traditions meet in a fascinating way.
After checking into your hotel you will venture out to the historic and luxurious Raffles for afternoon tea along with a glass of champagne, getting a chance to sample some of the colonial history of the city.
You will have a little time at leisure before taking an evening sunset cruise on the luxurious Kanika boat on the Tonle & Mekong Rivers, before enjoying dinner at the stunning Malis Khmer fine dining restaurant to sample some of the capitals best local cuisine.
Overnight in Phnom Penh.
Distances and journey time:
Siem Reap - Siem Reap Airport (8 km): 15 mins
Phnom Penh Airport - Phnom Penh (11 km): 25 mins

DAY 5 - PHNOM PENH (B,L)
 

This morning depart on a walking tour of this fascinating capital. Starting in the leafy suburb of Boeung Keng Kang, travel through the small streets to Wat Lanka, one of the oldest pagodas in Phnom Penh and then onto the Independence Monument.
Continue to the historic ‘White Building’, designed by the famous architect Vann Molyvann in the 1960’s. This once pristine housing complex now has a facade stained by time and lack of care. As you peek inside the doors and meet the residents, though, and a whole new picture emerges of a close-knit community. The Cambodian Living Arts organization has its roots in this building where their life and artists begin. Take a tour along the street by one of the artists and residents, visit the rehearsal space where it all started out and sit down in local coffee shop to learn about the history of the building, the Cambodian Living Arts, their life and and stories in this fascinating area.
From here continue through the picturesque Wat Bottom Park and along the lively riverfront to the Royal Palace. This palace dates back to 1866 and houses the Silver Pagoda, named for the over 5000 heavy silver tiles that cover its floors. Its original name is Wat Prakeo, meaning Temple of the Emerald Buddha. In this temple view a collection of Buddhas in gold, silver, crystal, and bronze.
Lunch will be at the iconic FCC (Foreign Correspondence Club) on the riverfront before having the rest of the afternoon at leisure, with the option to explore the colourful markets of Phnom Penh. Your choice here is either the Central Market, an art deco landmark and one of the largest markets in the city, if not all of Cambodia, where you can find clothes, souvenirs, jewellery, and food. Or alternatively the famous Russian Market, the best place in the city for wood and stone carvings, jewellery, clothes and Cambodian silk souvenirs.
Overnight in Phnom Penh.

DAY 6 - PHNOM PENH - SIHANOUKVILLE    (B)


Start early today and head to Wat Botum. Originally founded in 1422, Wat Botum is one of Phnom Penh's five original wats. It is known as the ‘Temple of the Lotus Blossoms’ and the compound displays many beautifully decorated stupas, some of which contain the ashes of royalty. Wat Botum is the seat of the Thammayut (royalist) Buddhist sect, the smaller of the two main Buddhist sects in Cambodia. Here, Buddhist monks will celebrate a private blessing ceremony for you, wishing your health and a safe journey – a very special experience!
From here continue to Cambodia’s premier beach destination Sihanoukville.
Afternoon at leisure to relax on the beautiful white sandy beach of Otres 2.
Overnight in Sihanoukville.

DAY 7 - SIHANOUKVILLE    (B)

Full day at leisure.
Overnight in Sihanoukville.

DAY 8 - SIHANOUKVILLE (B)

Full day at leisure.
Overnight in Sihanoukville.