Cambodia: Land of Ancient Wonders & Vibrant Cultures

Cambodia is a land of timeless wonder, where ancient temples, vibrant cities and off-the-beaten path villages coexist in harmony. At its heart lies Angkor. Ornamented by the finest artisans of its era, once redolent with incense and prayer, Angkor was lost beneath the sands of time, only to be re-discovered at the opening of the last century. Angkor was built between the 9th and 13th centuries when Khmer civilization was at the height of its extraordinary creativity. From Angkor, the kings of the mighty Khmer Empire ruled over a vast territory that extended from the tip of what is now Southern Vietnam, northward to Yunnan in China and from Vietnam westward too the Bay of Bengal. Angkor’s hundred or so temples, constitute the sacred skeleton of a spectacular administrative and religious center whose houses, public buildings and palaces were constructed of wood – now long decayed – because the right to dwell in structures oof brick or stone was reserved for the gods.

In contrast, the capital of Phnom Penh offers a dynamic blend of history and modern energy and an opportunity to reflect on Cambodia’s past at Tuol Sleng and the site of the Killing Fields.

When wandering off the beaten path, the charming riverside village of Kratie and the green meadows and lush jungles of Sen Monorom, offer a rare opportunity to truly immerse yourself into rural life in Cambodia.

Sample Itinerary

Day 1. Siem Reap. Enjoy a late afternoon or sunset visit to Angkor, the awe-inspiring temple complex with its iconic Angkor Wat, famous for its intricate carvings and towering spires.

Day 2. Siem Reap. A full day of tour of this ancient city includes stops at the main temples such as the Bayon, Ta Prohm, Preah Khan and the most intricate and heavenly of them all, Banteay Srei.

Day 3. Siem Reap. Set out on a day trip to Lake Tonle Sap, the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia and home to its many floating villages.

Day 4. Siem Reap. Hop on the back of a vintage vespa and head into the Cambodian countryside, past rice fields, rural villages. Stop to meet local artisans and for a taste of traditional Cambodian cuisine.

Day 5. Phnom Penh. Drive or fly to Phnom Penh, Cambodia’s capital city for an afternoon of sightseeing.

Day 6. Kratie. Make your way to Kratie, a laid-back riverside town. Board an early afternoon cruise along the Mekong for a chance to see the elusive Irrawaddy Dolphin.

Day 7. Kratie. Spend the day exploring Kho Trong Island as you travel back forty by ferry boat.

Day 8. Sen Monorom. Continue on to Sen Monorom, Cambodia’s hidden highland retreat. Afternoon trek through the surrounding jungles that are home to the indigenous Bunong people.

Day 9. Sen Monorom. Spend time at the Elephant Valley Project and learn more about this wonderful initiative that is a sanctuary for retired working elephants.

Day 10. Return to Phnom Penh and Departure.

This itinerary serves as a sample outline, providing a glimpse of what your journey could look like. However, we understand that every traveler is unique, and we are delighted to tailor every detail to your individual preferences, ensuring a personalized and unforgettable experience.

Our Top-Choice Hotel Picks:

Siem Reap:

  • Zannier Phum Bataing

  • Raffles Grand Hotel D’Angkor

  • Park Hyatt Siem Reap

  • Jaya House River Park

Best Time to Visit: 

  • November - March

Optional inclusions and activities:

  • Spend a few days in the beach town of Kep.

  • Sample great street food in Siem Reap during an evening vespa “Foodie” tour.

  • Visit some more off the beaten path temples around Siem Reap such as the Rolous Group and Koh Ker.

  • Discover the wild water birds of Tonle Sap Lake at Prek Toal, one of the most important bird sanctuaries in Southeast Asia.