Siem Reap Airport - Siem Reap (8 km): 15 mins

Welcome to Siem Reap, the charming gateway to the famed Temples of Angkor. Be greeted by the guide and be accompanied to the hotel for check in. Settle in and enjoy some time at leisure to refresh.

In the afternoon, head out with the guide for the first round of exploration around the legendary temples of Angkor while travelling by local tuk tuk . Built during the reign of King Suryavarman II in the early 12th century, Angkor Wat was constructed following the model of the temple mountain, symbolizing Mount Meru which was thought to be the home of the gods. The divine residence of Vishnu, the King himself was to reside here after his death. 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. Moreover, 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 labour. Angkor Wat is figured on Cambodia's national flag as the temple symbolises the soul of the Khmer people.

This evening, enjoy a welcome 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

Start the day with a tour to the temples of the Small Circuit in Angkor by tuk tuk . The most illustrious of these is Ta Prohm, 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 having crumbled to the ground. This makes the ‘Tomb Raider Temple’ one of the most picturesque and memorable of the Angkor temples. The visit will also include Banteay Kdei, a Buddhist monastery from the late 12th Century, and Srah Srang, also known as the “pool of ablutions”.

From here, head to visit the massive temple complex Angkor Thom. Surrounded by an 8-metre-tall wall, the entrance to the complex is through an impressive stone gate carved with Elephants and four giant faces. On each side of the entrance path there’s a row of 54 gods or demons holding a sacred Naga snake. Continue to the Bayon Temple in the exact center of the city. This 12th century masterpiece is a study in grandeur and is well-known for its 54 towers with enigmatic faces representing the 54 provinces of the Great Khmer Empire.

This afternoon experience a memorable private helicopter flight from Siem Reap over the Angkor circuit. With a bird's-eye-view, get breathtaking views of Angkor Wat’s entire temple complex. This is the best way to grasp the sheer enormity of the former Khmer Empire’s constructions. Flying time is approximately 20 minutes for the scenic flight over the Angkorian circuit and floating villages on Tonle Sap Lake. (Note: the helicopter flight does not fly over Angkor Wat itself as this is prohibited without special permission. However, it will be possible to see the famous temple from an excellent angle).

Overnight in Siem Reap

Phnom Penh Airport - Phnom Penh (11 km): 20 mins

After breakfast, transfer with the guide to Siem Reap Airport for the short flight to Phnom Penh (45 mins).

After arriving at Phnom Penh Airport, be picked up by the guide and transfer to hotel for check in.

Phnom Penh was once considered 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.

This afternoon, be greeted by a driver and head out on a tour to the most remarkable sights of Phnom Penh in a cyclo, an original Phnom Penh means of transportation and a fun way to explore this lively city. First, visit Wat Phnom, which is situated near the northern boundary of the city. The site contains some good examples of Khmer architecture and statues.

Continue along the lively riverfront to the Royal Palace. This palace dates back to 1866 and houses the Silver Pagoda, named for the over 5,000 heavy silver tiles that cover its floors. Its original name is Wat Prakeo, meaning Temple of the Emerald Buddha. Here, view a collection of Buddhas in gold, silver, crystal, and bronze.

Then visit the National Museum, which was built in traditional Khmer style. It houses the world's foremost collection of ancient Khmer artistic, archaeological, and religious artefacts from the 4th to the 13th centuries. Over 5,000 pieces are on display, constituting a repository of the Kingdom's cultural wealth. In addition, the roof space is home to a large bat colony!

The last stop is at the riverside area of Phnom Penh, a pleasant French-style promenade that is great for people watching. In the early evening (and morning) various activities take place include exercise classes, Khmer dancing and plenty of snacking on local food. It’s possible to participate in a Khmer dance class which is a lot of fun for all!

Note: Those who are interested can learn more about the Khmer Rouge with alternative sightseeing to the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, housed in the former school that was taken over by the Khmer Rouge and used as its main detention and torture centre named ‘S-21’. Further, visit the Killing Fields of Choeung Ek. A grim, but important visit that helps to put Cambodia’s history and present in a more well-grounded perspective. For those who would like to do both the Khmer Rouge tour and visit the classic sites (National Museum, Royal Palace etc), we recommend an extra day to allow for everything to be done.

Overnight in Phnom Penh

Phnom Penh – Koh Dach (20 km): 40 mins

Today, experience life along the quiet Tonlé Sap and Mekong rivers. A full-day trip on a wooden riverboat with a large sun deck and western amenities offers a unique insight into a part of Cambodia that travellers usually don’t have access to. 

First travel south along Tonlé Sap River, past Phnom Penh’s riverside and the Royal Palace, and further to the point where Tonlé Sap feeds into the Mekong. The trip continues to the North on the Mekong to Koh Dach, a charming silk weaving village. After visiting several weaving mills, continue upstream to the Preak Bang Kang Resort, where Cambodian families gather on weekends for picnics and swimming. After a relaxing break, the Mekong’s west bank is traced back to Phnom Penh. The journey takes between six and seven hours. 

The evening is free to spend at leisure to further explore Phnom Penh’s diverse and ever-growing range of restaurants and/or an evening dance show.

Optional: Cambodian Living Arts Performance (evening)

This evening, get inspired by Cambodian arts and watch a traditional dance performance by Cambodian Living Arts (CLA). Between October and March there is a rotating program of 3 unique performances: Classical and Folk Dance (Children of Bassac), Yike (Operetta) and Sabeak Thom (Lareg Shadow Puppets). All the shows last one hour and are held in the atmospheric gardens of the National Museum. After many years of gaining recognition for preserving many Cambodian art forms the CLA are today striving towards providing the artists the tools required to make their skills sustainable and also so they can make a competitive income from their work (shows daily except Sunday).

Overnight in Phnom Penh

Phnom Penh - Kep (149 km): 2h & 20 mins

Early in the morning, leave Phnom Penh and head south to the town of Kep.

On the way, pass Tonle Bati, a recreation area where local Khmers like to spend their leisure time. However, during the weekdays, the site is quiet and peaceful. Tonle Bati is an Angkorian-style temple which remains largely intact. The pretty garden around it makes it a great treat and relaxing stop.

Continue to Kep. On the way, visit a pepper farm and have lunch at Vine Retreat.

Cambodia’s prestigious seaside resort of the 1960s is now awakening to its former glory. The small town offers reminders of the past and a growing choice of activities including island trips, a national park and the famous crab market.

Enjoy the rest of the afternoon at leisure to discover Kep independently, or just relax and unwind.

An hour-long traditional Khmer massage at the resort will help to unwind and recharge from all of the touring.

Overnight in Kep

After a breakfast by the sea, explore the delights of Khmer cuisine with a hands-on cooking class experience in the hotel gardens on the beach. A professional chef will explain the local ingredients and traditional cooking techniques. Explore the traditional methods of food preparation and discover new herbs and spices. Meanwhile, learn how to prepare traditional dishes like amok, banana flower and green mango salad, chicken-pickled lime soup or some traditional desserts like Khmer delight. The class is a true sensory experience. Afterwards, be treated to a delicious self-made meal while putting the new-found culinary skills to the test.

Enjoy the afternoon free at leisure to relax or to explore Kep independently. Don’t miss out on the popular crab market for some crabs with the world-famous Kampot pepper. The afternoon is free at leisure.

Overnight in Kep

Kep – Kampot (15 km): 30 mins Kampot – Sihanoukville (130km): 2hr

After a leisurely start in the morning, drive approximately two hours to Sihanoukville to meet a scheduled speedboat transfer (shared with other hotel guests) to the private island of Song Saa. Located in the pristine Koh Rong Archipelago, off the southwest coast of Cambodia in the Gulf of Thailand, the luxury resort of Song Saa Private Island, is a dream come true. 

Overnight on Song Saa Island

Enjoy the day at leisure.

Activities included in the  rate are:

Snorkelling around the resort, sea kayaking, bird watching from Koh Bong, in villa movies, sunrise yoga, Song Saa Conversation & Community Programme, island safari, Song Saa rainforest encounters, Koh Kong Rainforest encounter, marine safari, Buddhist ceremonies, and Song Saa cultural experiences.

Excursions that require additional payments are:

Koh Rong Beach picnic, guided snorkeling around Coral Reef Island, Five Mile Beach excursion, speed boat hire, kayak mangrove tour, Song Saa sanctuaries

Overnight on Song Saa Island

Enjoy another day at leisure. Choose one of the suggested activities or take it easy at Cambodia’s premier resort.

Overnight on Song Saa Island

Sihanoukville – Koh Kong (220km): 4hr

Enjoy some time at leisure until a shared speedboat transfer back to the mainland. After, transfer directly from Sihanoukville to Koh Kong.

After arriving at Tatai Bridge, be transferred by private boat (approximately 20 minutes) to the evening’s accommodation, a peaceful retreat with overwater tented villas, set on a quiet bend in the river with the lush Cardamom Mountains as an idyllic backdrop.

Spend the afternoon at leisure exploring the river on a kayak, swimming in its clear waters or fishing from the private terrace. Wildlife is abundant here and it’s possible to spot colourful butterflies and bizarre-looking insects as well as some of the 550+ bird species found in this area such as brahminy kites or great hornbills. In the evening, take a short boat trip to see a spectacle of nature: fireflies lighting up a tree as if it were Christmas!

Overnight in Koh Kong Province

Today, spend a relaxing day on a private excursion. Away from the tranquility of 4 Rivers Floating Lodge, the thunder of the majestic Tatai Falls reveals the river’s true power as it drops six metres to the rocks below. The day, depending on the tide, starts at around 10:00 for a 45-minute boat ride past Tatai Village to the falls. A local English-speaking guide will lead the tour.

Turning onto a tributary, head into the heart of the Cardamom jungle to the far-off sounds of exotic birds and its secretive wildlife. Arrive, within minutes, at journey’s end, gazing down into the turbulent waters of the falls. Soon after, enjoy a picnic lunch before taking a dip or enjoying refreshing drinks in the shade. Relax amongst the sights and sounds of the jungle. Kayaks are available for the last stretch to add some fun and adventure. Alternatively, stay on board the boat and just relax.

Afterwards, return to the lodge late in the afternoon  and enjoy the rest of the evening at leisure to relax, do more kayaking or go fishing on the tent platform.

Overnight in Koh Kong Province

From Tatai Bridge to Koh Kong - Thai border (25 km): 30 mins Border – Laem Sok Pier, Trat (123 km): 2 hr

After breakfast, check out and board a private boat to head to the mainland. Transfer to the Thai border at Hat Lek and enter Thailand.

Upon arrival at Koh Kong border on the Thai side, be transferred to Laem Sok Pier to embark on a join-in speedboat directly to Koh Kood and Soneva Kiri Resort. Speedboat departure at 09:00 and 13:00.

Overnight at Soneva Kiri Koh Kood

After breakfast at the resort, spend the rest of the day relaxing on the island and enjoying the amenities of the luxury resort, which provides the highest international standard in a remote environment that nurtures indigenous feel in design. Settle in and soak up the amazing tropical environment.

Overnight at Soneva Kiri Koh Kood

After breakfast at the resort, spend the rest of the day relaxing on the island and enjoying the amenities of the luxury resort, which provides the highest international standard in a remote environment that nurtures indigenous feel in design. Settle in and soak up the amazing tropical environment.

Overnight at Soneva Kiri Koh Kood

Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport – Bangkok Hotel (30-40 km): 50 min – 1 hr

After breakfast at the resort, depart by speedboat to board the luxurious Cessna Grand Caravan for the  70-minute flight to Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok.

Upon arrival at the airport, be greeted by the guide and transfer to the hotel in Bangkok by limousine.

Overnight in Bangkok

Discover Bangkok by limousine transport. Visit the Royal Grand Palace, Bangkok’s number one ‘must-see’ attraction as well as Thailand’s most important landmark. The guide will provide an in-depth journey through Thailand’s history and royal heritage. Be awed by the grandeur and majesty of the building and its throne halls. Then, check out the mysterious Emerald Buddha, the most revered Buddha image in Thailand. Afterwards, continue with a visit to Wat Pho.

Bangkok’s oldest temple, Wat Pho is home to the magnificent reclining Buddha and is considered to be the country’s first school of traditional medicine and Thai massage as well as Thailand’s first university.

Continue with a short drive to the Vimanmek Palace, the world’s largest golden teakwood mansion, built in 1900 by the royal command of King Rama V as a Summer Palace. Another Bangkok secret, Vimanmek is a delightful place to spend a morning or afternoon. (Note: Vimanmek Palace is closed on Mondays.)

(*Important note: Vimanmek Palace is closed for renovation from 21 July 2016 until further notice. Alternatively, we recommend a visit to the Ananta Samakhom Throne Hall, which is also closed on Mondays.) Leave the vehicle behind and take to the famous River of Kings. Here, board a boat across the Chao Phraya River to Siam Hotel.

In the evening, enjoy dining by the riverside at Baan Khanitha, which serves up panoramic views of the Chao Phraya River, as well as delectable Thai cuisine and legendary hospitality. The restaurant is located directly at Asiatique Riverside Pier. After that, transfer by boat to the hotel.

Overnight in Bangkok

Bangkok Hotel – Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport (32.6 km): 39 min

After breakfast at the hotel, relax at the hotel or head out to do a bit of exploration before meeting with the guide at the hotel and receiving a limousine transfer to the airport for the onward flight.