Cambodia is a country that was devastated by a regime that tore through its heart and wiped out almost an entire generation. Today it is a destination filled with pride and a people that welcome visitors with warm smiles and a boundless enthusiasm to show off their national treasures. It isn't just about the wondrous Angkor temples, which should be on everyone's bucket list, but now it is a one stop destination for history, culture, adventure and beach- with a world class dining scene that melds Michelin starred restaurants with training kitchens for street kids.
ESSENTIAL CAMBODIA
HIGHLIGHTS
- Exploring Bangkok's traditional backwaters by private long tail boat.
- Witnessing the horrors of the Khmer Rouge regime at Tuol Sleng and the Killing Fields of Choeung Ek.
- Visiting the most extraordinary of all Angkor temples, Preah Khan, and the less visited Phnom Bakheng.
- Lunch at a traditional Khmer house that others won't find.
- Happy hour at Kep's sailing club, listening to entertaining stories from the locals as you dine on fresh Kampot crab.
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Arrive
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Day 1 Arrive Bangkok
Arrive in Bangkok and transfer privately to Sala Rattanakosin on the banks of the Chao Phraya River - your home for the next two nights.
Overnight: Sala Rattanakosin
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Day 2 Exploring Bangkok
Enjoy a morning's private guided tour to include Bangkok's highlights, with a visit to the Grand Palace and a private long tail boat tour of the khlongs (canals) to see a more traditional way of life.
Option: Experience Thailand's street food scene by tuk-tuk this evening. Your guide will show you the hidden gems of the city with stops at back street cafés and restaurants as well as the incredible flower market. Whizz around the city at night and see the iconic temples illuminated. A highlight of any stay in Bangkok.
Overnight: Sala Rattanakosin
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Day 3 Bangkok - Phnom Penh
Fly to Phnom Penh and enjoy an afternoon's sightseeing to take in the former Royal Palace and time to browse the treasures of the National Museum. Your hotel is ideally located by the Palace, so a perfect base from which to explore Southeast Asia's fastest growing city.
Overnight: Palace Gates Hotel
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Day 4 Phnom Penh - Siem Reap
Though deeply upsetting, the terrifying reign of the Khmer Rouge should not be ignored. The former high school of Tuol Sleng and the Killing Fields of Choeung Ek lay bare the reality of Cambodia's recent past, allowing a far greater appreciation of this fascinating country. Fly in the early evening to Siem Reap and transfer to your hotel.
Overnight: Maison Polanka
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Day 5 Remote Temples & Tonle Sap Lake
Your time will be carefully planned to avoid the crowds where possible whilst capturing key images in their best light. Experience Ta Prohm at dawn, climbing through the tree roots which are reclaiming a beautiful temple, made famous by the film Tomb Raider. Venture on to see the most elaborate carvings found at Banteay Srei. So fine is the detail here that it is assumed to have been made by women rather than men! Variety is added with a short trek to the fascinating carved riverbank of Kbal Spean and a cruise through medieval floating villages on the Tonle Sap Lake.
Overnight: Maison Polanka
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Day 6 Angkor's Temples & The Phare Circus
Lasting memories will include a dramatic sunrise over the majestic Angkor Wat and the 216 enigmatic faces of the Bayon, which overlook the immense walled city of Angkor Thom. Enjoy an early lunch at a beautiful Khmer house close to the Royal bathing pools at Sra Srang before moving on to arguably the most extraordinary of all temples, Preah Khan, ending at Phnom Bakheng where limited numbers are allowed to view sunset from the top floor. Finish today with an evening performance of the Phare Circus - a magical spectacle in which the performers are street kids who have been given a second chance and trained to be incredible acrobats.
Option: Extend by a night to enjoy a full day's countryside tour, riding pillion on motorbikes - each with a professional driver/guide. Enjoy Khmer cuisine as you interact with farmers and locals in the rural villages off the beaten track.
Overnight: Maison Polanka
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Day 7 Siem Reap - Kep
Fly south to Sihanoukville and be driven two hours to the charming coastal village of Kep in the Kampot province. The area is famous for crabs, so a visit to the crab market should not be missed. Nor should happy hour at the sailing club where locals gather every evening and share remarkable stories over a cocktail or a cold beer.
Check into your hotel for the next few days of leisure. This is an exceptionally relaxing retreat with a lovely infinity pool and gardens as well as a peaceful spa.
Overnight: Knai Bang Chatt
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Day 8 - 9 Relaxing in Kep
Two full days at leisure to relax by the pool, have a spa treatment, enjoy watersports at the Sailing Club next door, or venture out into the peaceful surroundings of this quiet fishing province.
Overnight: Knai Bang Chatt
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Day 10 Depart
At the appropriate time you will be privately driven the three hour journey back to Phnom Penh to catch your flight home.
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Depart
GUIDELINE PRICES - Per Person
Currency
| High | £ 2,995 | $ 4,434 |
| Low | £ 2,798 | $ 4,143 |
BOOKING NOTES
- Price is per person based on two people sharing a room.
- If you are interested in adding any of the optional enhancements listed, please speak to your specialist about prices and how best to fit them into the itinerary.
INCLUSIONS
- All accommodation as detailed in the itinerary.
- Daily breakfast.
- Private transfers throughout.
- All sightseeing, entrance fees and guide services as detailed in the itinerary.
- Private English-speaking guide for all sightseeing.
- Internal flights where detailed in the itinerary.
EXTRAS
- International flights.
- Meals not indicated in the itinerary.
- Items of a personal nature such as laundry, drinks, gratuities (discretionary).
- Entrance fees and excursions not specifically mentioned as included.
- Travel insurance or visa fees.
