Sophisticated Thailand and Cambodia Explorer

Siem Reap offers a step into the crumbling world of the lost Khmer Empire. Whilst Siem Reap has its charms, the showpiece is naturally Angkor. Encircled by tropical forest, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is adorned with grand lotus towers and ornate carvings and reigns as the largest religious monument in the World.

Our expert guides will bring the history of Angkor Wat to life as you meander through peaceful Buddhist temples, getting up close to exquisite bas-reliefs as the sun rises over huge smiling faces.

Travel by road to the Victory Gate of Angkor Thom. You have the choice of either walking along the path along the city wall to the Death Gate or continuing around by road. En route to the Terrace of the Leper King, you'll stop briefly to see an imposing statue found in Bayon which is now displayed at Vihear Prampeilveng. Begin again at the atmospheric Preah Palilay and walk through the shaded parkland behind the terraces, past Phimeanakas with its beautiful lakes, and the imposing Baphuon to finally reach Jayavarman’s state temple of Bayon at the centre of the city. Explore this important temple with its many captivating giant stone faces. Your guide will point out the most interesting of the detailed bas reliefs illustrating everyday life in the Angkorian era.

Begin your two-wheeled adventure at Srah Srang before cycling 11 km onwards to Ta Prohm where you will take your time to walk through the temple from the West entrance to the East entrance (a 1–2 km journey) where you'll pick up our bikes again and continue to ride for 15 minutes through the forest to the seldom visited temple of Ta Nei. There is a reasonable chance of having this beautiful Angkor temple to yourself to explore.

You'll then pause for a light breakfast at this peaceful area before exploring further. The morning ends with at Ta Keo temple, the 'mountain with bronze peaks', to see its unique five-tiered pyramid structure. Return to Siem Reap by road.

This evening you'll head out on a foodie adventure, stopping off at some of the hotspots popular with Siem Reap’s locals. Explore the city by Vespa, the perfect way to experience the hustle and bustle, and enjoy trying exotic fruits, fried creepy crawlies, grilled meats and other treats, all washed down with local beer, rice wine and soft drinks. You'll awaken your senses to the sweet, bitter and unique flavours that are difficult to find outside Cambodia.

The great Tonle Sap lake is the richest fresh water fishing ground in the world, a national treasure producing an ever-changing landscape. The communities that live around the margins of the lake cope with huge seasonal variations in water levels by building their homes on floating bamboo rafts or 10m (30 foot) stilts. Depending on the water levels, visit the village of Kompong Khleang or Kompong Phluk to get a glimpse into life on the lake. Take the opportunity to pause at the stilted houses to learn how a subsistence fishing family lives, before continuing by boat along the margins of the lake. While you explore the life on the water we will have prepared a picnic lunch for you to enjoy on-board while absorbing the atmosphere of this unique locality.

Explore Siem Reap's rural landscape beyond its temples, which has changed little since the days of Jayavarman VII. After a short drive from Siem Reap, visit a colourful contemporary pagoda to understand more of the importance of Buddhism in these rural communities and seek a blessing from the monks. Buy seasonal fruits straight from the tree, speak to families who have been baking sticky rice in bamboo for over 30 years and gain hands-on experience of the essential rural skills of the rice harvest, thatching, fishing, or even making a simple meal over an open fire.

Then, take an ox-cart ride through typical villages followed by an easy 20-minute walk to bring you to the vast Western Baray. An impressive engineering feat, this man-made reservoir was once integral to the complex Angkorian rice irrigation system which you will voyage by boat (depending on water level). This will be both an education and an adventure from a slower, more romantic era of travel. Then reach the villa, surrounded by rice paddies, across a stream to the north of a village where tourists are rarely seen and the greetings for visitors are warm and generous. This is a wonderful spot to relax in the quiet of the countryside and enjoy sunset drinks. While the chef prepares your dinner, wander across the levees of the rice paddies, look for fish traps, or walk a short distance to a viewpoint over the ancient reservoir, whilst listening to the elegance of traditional Khmer music played by local musicians, before enjoying your evening meal.

Visit Angkor Wat, one of the modern wonders of the world, and watch the sun rise behind this ornate temple. Be amazed by the sheer size of the temple and learn how the Khmer Empire prospered between the 9th and 13th centuries, around the time when Angkor Wat was built. Stroll through the intricately carved hallways that show hundreds of fine carvings and discover small shrines still in use today by the local people.

Bustling and energetic, Bangkok has something for everyone. A haven for foodies, historians and culture seekers alike, the capital is an integral part of any Thailand itinerary. The gleaming, regal collection of buildings that make up the Grand Palace will awe even the most discerning temple-goers. Shoppers will delight in the magnitude of the malls around Siam Square and those looking for a local experience, pay a visit to the atmospheric Chinatown; with its neon lights and hawker stalls, it is a fascinating area to explore.

Today, you'll make an early start to visit the revered Wat Pho and witness the morning chanting ritual of the monks which begins at approximately 9 a.m. Most find the chanting ritual to be an uplifting and often quite a private experience. After the ritual, you'll get a tour of the temple grounds where you can't fail to be impressed by the mighty 45-metre famous statue of the reclining Buddha. You'll then continue on to the Grand Palace, one of Thailand’s most important landmarks, to see the grandeur and majesty of the building and its throne halls first hand. You'll also get to see the mysterious Emerald Buddha, the most revered Buddha image in Thailand.

This evening, experience the Bangkok in style on a luxury Manohra rice barge cruise that has been converted into one of Bangkok’s finest dining venues. Cruise along the Chao Phraya River, passing glittering sights, from the stunning Temple of Dawn, the illuminated Grand Palace, magnificent temples, striking bridges and other landmarks, the cruise offers a perfectly relaxing night experience in Bangkok that you will never forget. On board, you will enjoy a sumptuous five-course dinner to enjoy whilst cruising up the river before returning to your hotel.

Bang Krachao is an idyllic network of peaceful roads, waterways and villages just moments from Bangkok's bustling center, an area so wonderfully untouched by modern life that it's easy to forget you're still in the city.

This two-hour bike ride takes you past local markets, traditional Thai houses and golden temples, all under the peaceful canopy of tropical jungle. In Bang Kra Jao, the ride is partially on narrow 1m wide and 1m high elevated pathways over the mangroves. All riders and especially children need to be comfortable navigating such pathways.

If you're cycling here on a Saturday or Sunday, you will also be able to experience the weekend Bang Nam Phueng market - a focal point of life for this charmingly rural community.

Head out on a buzzing tuk tuk into the streets of Bangkok to try some if its famous street food accompanied by a guide.