Siem Reap Phnom Penh Tour - 9 days

Day 1 - Arrive into Siem Reap

We meet you from your flight with a private transfer to your chosen hotel. You may wish to consider a VIP arrival option to fast track the visa application and baggage collection process.

In the afternoon you will have your first taste of the Angkor temples. Explore the sprawling labyrinth of Banteay Kdei with the Hall of the Dancing Girls. A short distance from here is one of our special spots for sunset drinks: Recline on giant sun warmed sandstone slabs, G&T in hand and watch the sun set over the moat, disturbed only by the sound of cicadas.

Day 2 - Secret Temples of the Forest

Rise early to beat the crowds at the photogenic Ta Prohm temple of "Tomb Raider" fame.

Coordination with the driver allows you to wind your way through temple sites without having to retrace your steps. Ta Prohm is magical: Undisturbed by crowds of tourists you can better appreciate the interplay of man and nature.

Following mid morning coffee at the temples walk through the forest to the seldom-visited Ta Nei temple before ending the morning on top Ta Keo, an imposing temple mountain with challenging steps.

After lunch and perhaps a swim or massage, enter the ancient city of Angkor Thom at the Victory gate before uniquely walking along the 8m high wall through the forest to the seldom visited Death Gate. Passing behind the terraces of Elephants and Leper King walk though the shaded parkland to Phimeanakas and Baphuon temples, learning about the trees and fruits used locally. Bayon temple rounds off our afternoon with its iconic carved faces.

Day 3 - Angkor Wat & stilted fishing village

Optional early start for the sunrise exploration of Angkor Wat, one of mankind's architectural gems. Take advantage of the relative cool and tranquility of the morning to explore the central complex and surrounding bas-reliefs, taking either a local breakfast or returning to the hotel for a late breakfast. After such an early start you can decide if you feel like exploring Siem Reap town in the mid-late morning, more temple sites or relax with a massage and swim before lunch.

Travel by car through the cambodian countryside to the photogenic village of Kompong Khleang some 45km from Siem Reap. A world away from the touristic Chong Kneas floating villages this largest stilted village in Cambodia sees few visitors. Climb up into a house to see how a subsistance fishing family lives. Return towards Siem Reap via serene Bakong Temple, often deserted around sunset, to listen to the chanting monks and receive a blessing.

Day 4 - Waterfalls and Jungle temples

Across ancient reservoirs and through pretty villages and rice paddies, we travel by road to Banteay Srei to see the finest Angkor-period carvings, before proceeding to Phnom Kulen, with its linga river carvings, waterfalls and shrines. You can swim under the waterfall - bring a towel. After enjoying a local lunch, we can continue by road to Beng Mealea, a large ruined temple still in the grip of the jungle.

Day 5 - Lightly scheduled day in Siem Reap

In the morning, learn to cook a selection of Khmer dishes at a cooking class and enjoy your creations for lunch, alternatively watch the countryside go by at a relaxed pace, traveling by horse and cart with your own picnic lunch. Private transport is available to take you to one of Siem Reap's championship golf courses, or to pamper yourself at one of our recommended local Spas if you would prefer. Ask us for advice and details.

Day 6 - By road to Phnom Penh (see pricing for flight option)

Explore the villages, markets and rural scenery along the road to Phnom Penh. Your driver will stop on request and at points of interest. Kompong Thom is a large and colorful market town, home of the Sambor Prei Kuk temple ruins; stop in Skuon to see (try?) the deep fried spiders. After checking in to your Phnom Penh hotel, relax and enjoy a private boat cruise on the Tonle Sap and Mekong rivers to watch the sunset.

Day 7 - Khmer Rouge & Jewels of Phnom Penh

A tough beginning to the day, with visits to the Choeung Ek Killing Fields and Tuol Sleng (S21) Prison, where only 7 survived from 1000s incarcerated. You will make more sense of modern Cambodia with a familiarity of the events of the late 1970s and how the country continues to recover from this tragedy.

We continue to the Royal Palace built in 1866 by King Norodom, and the Silver Pagoda with the floor of over 5,000 silver tiles. We then head to the small hill within the city to see Wat Phnom and learn how the city got its name.

Day 8 - Lightly scheduled day in Phnom Penh

Private transport is available to take you to one of Phnom Penh's championship golf courses, or to pamper yourself at a recommended local Spa or simply relax and explore Phnom Penh's shopping opportunities. Optionally, arrange a trip to the silk weaving village of Okgna Tei, or explore the countryside towards Takeo by private boat and road transport.

Day 9 - Day of Departure

Depending on your time of departure, take a tuk tuk to explore local markets; Russian and Central Markets for typical souvenir shopping or visit the National Museum which houses the world's foremost collection of Khmer art and the surrounding shops of street 178 for a glimpse of the contemporary art scene, selling all kinds of painting, carving and sculpture.

Private transfer to your onward flight.