The ultimate highlights of Cambodia

Discover this charming city with a wealth of history and unique architecture. We will arrange specialist guides and unique excursions so you see the best of Phnom Penh.

Cruise along Sisowath Quay on the Tonle Sap and Mekong rivers. A river view gives possibly the best view of Phnom Penh and its ever evolving skyline, lit up in the twilight sky.

The peaceful stretch of green fields of Cheung Ek, known as 'The Killing Fields', 17km (11 miles) from Phnom Penh, may not indicate what kinds of horrors have taken place there. A large memorial has been built to commemorate the 17,000 victims who died here under the reign of Khmer Rouge leader, Pol Pot. The remnants inside the memorial and the mass graves that dot the area remind you of the suffering of the victims. It will give an appreciation of the struggle that Cambodian people have faced and their tremendous courage to move on and rebuild their nation.

Phnom Penh is an increasingly cosmopolitan city and its ochre-colored colonial buildings, bustling squares, trendy cafs, and frangipani-lined boulevards create an atmosphere that is unlike any other city in Southeast Asia. Discover the city in more detail with a tour led by our local guide who has studied Phnom Penh for many years. The tour will follow the city’s history through five distinct periods: French Protectorate, Norodom Sihanouk years, The Khmer Republic, Democratic Kampuchea, and the People’s Republic of Kampuchea and pay a visit to the following sites: Post Office square, the Hainan temple, the station square, the official buildings surrounding Vat Phnom, the former Cantonese temple, the providence church, the Chinese district, Vat Unnalom, and several important monuments around town.

During your time in Siem Reap we can arrange privately guided specialist tours to show you the best of city, Angkor Wat and the Khmer temples in the region.

Travel by road to Srah Srang and then continue to Ta Prohm, pausing to collect your entry passes at the Archaeological Park Entrance. Take your time to walk through the temple from the West entrance to the East entrance where you will rejoin our driver. From the Northwest of Ta Prohm, walk 15 minutes through the forest to the seldom visited temple of Ta Nei. There is a reasonable chance of having this beautiful Angkor temple all to yourself. Pause for a light breakfast around this peaceful area before exploring further. End the morning at Ta Keo temple, known as the 'mountain with bronze peaks', and admire its five-tiered pyramid structure.

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.

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.

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 make palm leaf weaving and folding animals.

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.

This red sand-stone temple is one of Angkor’s most significant structures as its walls are decorated with elaborate carvings which have been preserved remarkably well. Built in the 10th century, it was dedicated to the Hindu god - Shiva. Visit Banteay Samre afterwards, a structure often compared to a mini Angkor Wat. Built in the 12th century, the temple served as a Hindu temple.

Set within a shaded grove of palm and bamboo trees, late this afternoon enjoy a private Khmer cooking course. Your class includes a short walk in the local village to meet a local family to learn about food and its role in Cambodian life. You will also have the opportunity to learn about traditional beliefs, customs and superstitions regarding indigenous foods, herbs and spices. Savour your Khmer cuisine as you dine on your very own culinary creations in a private stilted pavilion perched over a lily pond.