Cambodia always comes in near the top of Far East travel wish lists. So these days it’s all about getting off the beaten track and really delving into the heart of this fascinating country.

Day 1: ARRIVE SIEM REAP (YOUR OWN ARRIVAL FLIGHT ARRANGEMENT)

Siem Reap is a pleasant, sleepy backwater serving as a gateway to the ancient capital of Angkor. It is difficult to believe that at its peak in the 12th century, this was one of the most advanced civilizations in the world and home to more than 1 million inhabitants. Upon arrival at the Siem Reap airport and after clearing the immigration and customs, meet with your guide and embark on your comfortable vehicle for transferring to your hotel for check-in. Early check in is subject to availability and check-in time is 14:00hrs. The remainder of the day is free at leisure.

Accommodation: Siem Reap City

Day 2: SIEM REAP (B/ –/ –)

If you’re an early riser consider catching sunrise over the royal bathing pool of Srah Srang, once used by the ancient Khmer kings and their concubines. Follow by walking in the local market seeing the local trading of buying and selling. Breakfast is set at the beautiful Khmer Traditional House. In a serene setting amid the rural village atmosphere of Angkor, offers a range of original experiences. It’s the perfect private escape from the crowds around Angkor during the heat of the day? Unwind or indulge, it’s the perfect complement to the majestic temples.

9am – Return to visit the intricately carved Khmer ruins at Angkor Wat – one of the modern wonders and most important religious monuments in the world, with a renowned Khmer scholar. He will be able to share his vast experience and give you a concise overview of Khmer history, culture, archaeology and civilization. He has been working with the Angkor Temple Conservation Institution for many years and has a detailed knowledge of the temple’s history as well as how they will be preserved in the decades to come. Take a stroll through the elaborate carved hallways of Angkor Wat as the Khmer empire is brought to life through the scholar’s explanations of the various stories contained in each of the bas reliefs and murals.

Lunch is in town or hotel (your own arrangement)

3pm – Visit the picturesque Ta Prohm. This beautiful temple is overgrown with fig trees, giving a haunting yet exotic atmosphere. The magnificent roots of the trees have merged over the centuries with the temple’s huge stone blocks, emphasizing a ‘forgotten city’ feeling.

Continue to Angkor Thom, the ancient city. Visit the Terrace of the Elephants, which served as a platform from where the King could welcome back his victorious army and the Terrace of the Leper King, which holds detailed carvings winding along a narrow passage way that leads to the Baphuon complex. Top off the day with a visit to the Ancient Royal City’s center piece; the Bayon temple. As you approach, you will notice the enigmatic faces of former King Jayavarman VII looking into every direction. Late afternoon is a perfect time to visit this highlight as crowds usually flock elsewhere; leaving the Bayon standing majestically in the beautiful late afternoon quietly. Later return to Siem Reap for a well-deserved rest.

Accommodation: Siem Reap City

Day 3: SIEM REAP (B/ –/D)

6am – The day is started with a visit to the jewel of Khmer art, Banteay Srei temple. Translating to “The Citadel of the Women”, this red sand-stone temple is one of Angkor’s most significant structures as its walls are decorated with elaborate carvings and in an amazing state of preservation. Much of the Angkor civilization can be learned here by studying the remarkable carvings. Drive on to Chau Srei Vibol which is a small charming temple on top of a hill which hardly sees any visitors – very few non-locals have heard of it, and it is set just far enough away from the main tourist routes.

Lunch is in town/hotel (your own arrangement)

3pm – Depart in the afternoon for Preah Kahn temple, situated on the Grand Circuit and often neglected by tourists, allowing you to take in the secluded atmosphere. Built in the 12th century by King Jayavarman VII to commemorate his father, it is said that it once housed over 100,000 officials and servants followed by sunset drinks on the moat of Angkor Thom, a world away from the tourist crowds.

Dinner is at Mie Café (Khmer Cuisine Set Menu, drink is on own account)

Accommodation: Siem Reap City

Day 4: SIEM REAP (B/L/ –)

Hop in your van for driving onward to the floating community, arrive at the quay for embarking on a motorized boat to visit floating houses village offering an incredible natural phenomenon of making their lives from the lake in a respectful and meaningful way. This is a great chance to witness one of Cambodia and the world’s most amazing natural wonders. Drive back to Siem Reap. (Note***floating community is recommended from September to February). At your choice, Kayaking is available on request on Tonle Sap Lake at additional cost.

Stop at a beautiful village in the countryside, you will start to walk through the village houses, witnessing very nice and different activities from the locals for their daily life. Just as some examples: how the locals wash vehicles, selling gasoline in whiskey bottles or the small shops where the locals sell food on the side of small streets. Enjoy a 30-minute ox-cart ride through the rice paddies to reach one big local house and see how this family doing daily work, welcome with a fresh coconut and picnic lunch boxed is served.

Late afternoon, cross picturesque Siem Reap River to Wat Damnak, a living temple with monks praying, a vibrant school and a colorful “forest of stupa”. Receive a special blessing from one of the monks, which includes the tying of a blessed string around your wrist. Visit Artisans d’Angkor where you can discover traditional Cambodian handicraft skills and observe the artisans at work. Ancient techniques are still practiced here such as wood and stone carving, lacquering, gilding and silk painting. A guided tour will provide you with more insight into this organization and you may direct any questions to one of the artisans through your guide. Learn about the overall operations and their goals for the future.

This evening, enjoy a Phare circus performance at 8:00 p.m. More than just a circus, Phare performers use theater, music, dance and modern circus arts to tell uniquely Cambodian stories; historical, folk, and modern. The young circus artists will astonish you with their energy, emotion, enthusiasm and talent. Back to your hotel at 9:00 p.m.

Accommodation: Siem Reap City

Day 5: SIEM REAP – SIHANOUKVILE (CAMBODIA ANGKOR AIR/ECONOMIC CLASS) (B/ –/ –)

Morning is free at leisure until check out of hotel by 1200 noon. Then transfer to the airport for your flight to Sihanoukville/Song Saa Private Island.

Pick up upon arrival from Sihaoukville airport, transfer to the pier and take the boat 45mn down to the private Island of Song Saa.

The Song Saa property features 27 jungle, overwater, and ocean view villas, enjoying expansive terraces – all with private swimming pools. Constructed using recycled materials from the local region and designed with state-of-the-art sustainable building practices, Song Saa Private Island’s natural finishes and traditional aesthetic ensure the resort blends seamlessly into its surrounds and lives up to its ethos, ‘luxury that treads lightly’. The Song Saa Sanctuaries provide a truly world-class spa offering, boasting regenerative sites, outdoor salas, and discreet treatment villas nestled in the serenity of the rainforest and along the ocean shore.

Room rate is inclusive of:

• Room and Breakfast
• Wi-Fi throughout the resort
• Complimentary Long tail boat excursion to Sala Song Saa Village Tour
• 15 Minute Foot Ritual
• Snorkeling gear
• In Villa Coffee/Tea/Unlimited drinking water

Accommodation: Song Saa Private Island

Day 6 – 7: SONG SAA PRIVATE ISLAND (B/ –/ –)

Room rate is inclusive of:

• Room and Breakfast
• Wi-Fi throughout the resort
• Complimentary Long tail boat excursion to Sala Song Saa Village Tour
• 15 Minute Foot Ritual
• Snorkeling gear
• In Villa Coffee/Tea/Unlimited drinking water

Accommodation: Song Saa Private Island

Day 8: SONG SAA PRIVATE ISLAND – PHNOM PENH (DEPARTURE/OWN TICKET ARRANGEMENT)

This morning, you will be free at leisure to explore the wild nature and turquoise sea around your resort. Check out of hotel by 12:00 noon. Take the returning boat to the mainland, meet the guide and transfer to Phnom Penh airport for your departure flight.

Have A Good Journey!

*****

Suggested hotel in Siem Reap:

1*****Phum Baitang / Website
2*****Amansara Resort / Website

Suggested hotel in Sihanouk Ville:

1***** The Royal Sand / Website

2*****Private Song Saa Island / Website