Cambodia, Kingdom of Wonder

📍 Siem Reap Airport - Siem Reap (50 km): 60 mins

Welcome to Cambodia! Upon your arrival in Siem Reap, you will be welcomed by your local English speaking guide who will accompany you to your hotel for check in.

Overnight in Siem Reap 

Inclusions:

📍 Siem Reap – Angkor Temples (06km): 10 mins / Siem Reap – Villa Chandara (29km): 50 mins

Start your morning temple exploration at the most illustrious of the Small Circuit Temples, Ta Prohm, traveling in an army-style Jeep and arriving just before 7:30am in order to be the first in the temple as it opens. Built in the mid 12th to early 13th centuries during the reign of Jayavarman VII, Ta Prohm is unique in that it remains largely overgrown by jungle. With many parts crumbling to the ground, it is one of the most picturesque Angkor temples. 

Next, visit another temple complex built during the reign of Jayavarman VII, Preah Khan. While Ta Prohm was built to honor the king’s mother, Preah Khan was built for his father. Although the Angelina Jolie film was shot at the former temple, Preah Khan is less-visited and more unrestored, and therefore offers more of a “Tomb Raider” experience. 

Return to Siem Reap for a midday break, escaping the heat in your hotel room, pool, or spa with lunch at your leisure. Get some rest before returning to the temples in the cooler afternoon hours. 

Departing around 3pm, head into the ancient city of Angkor Thom, the last capital of the Great Khmer Empire under the reign of Jayavarman VII. This city is surrounded by an 8m-high wall, drawing a perfect square. Pass over the city moat causeway that is flanked on either side by a row of 54 gods and demons, each holding a sacred naga snake, and through a towering entry gate decorated with three-headed elephants and capped with four smiling faces of the Buddha. 

Continue to Bayon temple in the center of the city. This 12th century masterpiece is a study in grandeur and is well-known for its 52 towers with enigmatic faces looking out over the vast provinces of the Great Khmer Empire. The nearby Terrace of the Elephants and the Terrace of the Leper King are also must-visits as they are both known for their intricate and unique carvings.

As the sun begins to set, enjoy dinner at Villa Chandara. Villa Chandara is a charming private villa located just west of the ancient city of Angkor Thom. Enjoy fine dining by candlelight, surrounded by rice paddies, a beautiful place, inaccessible to the tourist crowds.

Overnight in Siem Reap.

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🍗 Dinner

📍 Siem Reap – Angkor Temples (06km): 10 mins / Siem Reap – APOPO Visitor Center (2.5km): 7 mins

Return to the Angkor Archaeological Park today to visit the “crown jewel” of the ancient Angkor Empire, Angkor Wat. Built during the reign of King Suryavarman II in the early 12th century, Angkor Wat is constructed following the model of the temple mountain symbolizing Mount Meru, the home of the gods. Inside the temple, the walls are covered with stone carvings depicting Hindu mythology and the wars Suryavarman II fought during his reign. Angkor Wat is well known for the more than 2,000 Apsara dancers decorating the temple. Construction is thought to have taken around thirty five years of intensive labour. Today, Angkor Wat is featured on Cambodia's national flag as the temple symbolizes the soul of the Khmer people. (Note: If you wish to visit at sunrise please inform your guide the evening before as you must depart the hotel no later than one hour prior to sunrise.)

After Angkor Wat, return to Siem Reap to escape the heat of midday and freshen up at your hotel.

This afternoon, get a special insight into local artisans exhibiting their artistic crafts and skill at Satchaa. 

Cambodia is a land of resources, talents, and know-how, from natural wellness and food products to traditional arts and craft skills. We will visit a local enterprise where craftsmen and women find a safe and clean space to work as well as receive training to further hone their talent and grow themselves into artistic entrepreneurs. 

Walk through the serene, natural gardens and watch the artists carve stone, wood, weave baskets, paint and more while your guide explains some specific traits about each field of work and how the enterprise supports the Cambodian artists. We will enjoy a cup of coffee while you will also have the opportunity for a little retail therapy if you wish to do so. 

Continue to APOPO visitor’s center for an exclusive tour of this fascinating and life-saving organization. Spend up to an hour learning about the devastating impact of explosives that lie buried in the Cambodian countryside and get first-hand experience about this creative solution to the problem. 

In a simulated minefield built for training purposes, help guide the rats as they sniff their way along the ground in search of explosive material. Visit the room where the rats live and pose for a photo with the furry rodents and their handlers. Watch an informative video and take the opportunity to learn more about landmines, Cambodia, APOPO, and the HeroRATs through a Q&A session. Every guided tour is led by a mine action professional with real-life experience of humanitarian demining. 

Return to the hotel to freshen up. 

This evening you will have dinner at The Embassy, an exclusive fine dining experience headed by executive chefs Pol & Sok: “the Kimsan Twins”. Having trained under 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 skillfully prepared masterpieces from multiple-course set menus paired with a selection of fine wines.

Overnight in Siem Reap.

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🍗 Dinner

📍 Siem Reap – Tonle Sap (16km): 30 mins / Siem Reap - Siem Reap Airport (50 km): 60 mins / Phnom Penh Airport - Phnom Penh (11 km): 30 mins

Breakfast at hotel. 

Morning visit Tonle Sap. Aboard a luxurious lake boat and discover the varied plant, fish, and bird life that help make Southeast Asia’s largest lake one of Cambodia's most valuable ecosystems. This unique lake swells and contracts dramatically in rhythm with the monsoon season, meaning most of the houses are built on stilts or floating pontoons. As a result of these extreme changes in the water level, the experience of visiting the villages along its shores is drastically different between high and low water seasons, although both are enjoyable times to visit.

Return to the hotel (Please note the standard check out time is at 12:00). 

You will be transferred to the airport for departing flight to Phnom Penh. Upon arrival at Phnom Penh International Airport, you will be welcomed by your local English speaking guide and transferred to your hotel for check in.

Overnight in Phnom Penh 

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast

Breakfast at the hotel.

This morning visit the Royal Palace. This palace dates back to 1866 and houses the Silver Pagoda, named for the over 5000 heavy silver tiles that cover its floors. Its original name is Wat Prakeo, meaning Temple of the Emerald Buddha. In this temple you will view a collection of Buddhas in gold, silver, crystal, and bronze.

Next, gain insight into Cambodia’s recent dark history on a visit to the remarkable 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 center named ‘S-21’. Note: All visitors to Toul Sleng Genocide Museum are required to wear modest clothing: no short pants or short skirts (knees must be covered) and no sleeveless shirts (shoulders must be covered). See-through clothing will also not be allowed.

After returning to your hotel to freshen up (and lunch on your own account), take a closer look at Phnom Penh this afternoon, discovering its heritage through its architecture on an afternoon architecture tour beginning at 14:30. Start with an excursion around the city. Travel by remork (Cambodian tuk-tuk) and explore the capital with an expert from the Khmer Architecture Organisation.

The tour will focus on edifices from the 1950s and 60s. Learn about the political and cultural situation of Cambodia at that time. International influences were reaching the country and architects fused traditional design with aspects of European, Russian and American styles. The guide will explain how the architects adapted the buildings based on the materials available in Cambodia and the tropical climate. Although overlooked at the time, this style has now been dubbed ‘New Khmer Architecture’ and is recognized as a milestone in Khmer culture.

Armed with this background information, it is easier to see the influence of cultural shifts on the landscapes of Phnom Penh. See an eclectic mix of structures built during various eras of recent history. Following the architecture tour of Phnom Penh, head to a heritage building for dinner. Enjoy the colonial atmosphere of Khema la Poste, located opposite the Post Office in the heart of the old French Quarter.

Overnight in Phnom Penh.

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🍗 Dinner

📍 Phnom Penh - Shinta Mani Wild (129 km): 2hrs 30 mins

Breakfast at hotel

09:00am the representative of Shinta Mani Wild will pick you up at the hotel by luxury private car. 

Shinta Mani Wild situated in a protected river valley between three national parks - Kirirom, Bokor and Cardamom, which together make up one of the greatest wilderness areas in South East Asia - this stunning property offers a truly unique experience. The lodge provides guests luxury, safari-style accommodation, whilst maintaining its focus on the conservation of its magnificent surroundings and working together with local communities. Your luxurious tent is suspended above the river and features hardwood floors with opulent furnishings and vibrant injections of colour.

Free time at leisure or enjoy the optional activities below. 

Note: Your stay includes all meals, soft and alcoholic drinks, laundry service, and two activities per full day stayed.
 
- Head out on patrol with the rangers from the Wildlife Alliance, a wildlife NGO dedicated to stopping and catching poachers and illegal loggers in the area. The team of rangers is funded by Shinta Mani Wild and has a base just above the tents.

- Spend an afternoon on one of the custom BENSLEY designed expedition boats and explore the upper reaches of a nearby estuary. Anchor in a beautiful back water to take out the kayaks while your butler gets the barbecue going to cook up the fresh giant crabs that you just caught.
 
- Meet the chef, a master in the kitchen and an avid forager of edible Cambodian plants. Set off on a foraging expedition in our land as he shares his vast wealth of knowledge on the plants, fruits, and fungi that the forest has to offer. On your return, prepare to enjoy a cooking class unlike any other.
 
- A team of naturalists living at Wild that is studying the flora and fauna has a number of hikes for all abilities to take guests on. They have several research projects going on so join in as they check their camera traps and bring the forest alive as they get carried away talking about what they love most, which ranges from Orchids and birds to animal behavior.
 
- The Boulder Spa by Khmer Tonics offers a rejuvenating range of treatments based on traditional Khmer herbs and healing rituals to reduce stress and reset inner balance.
  
Overnight at Shinta Mani Wild.

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🍗 Dinner

Free time at leisure or enjoy the optional activities below. 
 
- Head out on patrol with the rangers from the Wildlife Alliance, a wildlife NGO dedicated to stopping and catching poachers and illegal loggers in the area. The team of rangers is funded by Shinta Mani Wild and has a base just above the tents.

- Spend an afternoon on one of the custom BENSLEY designed expedition boats and explore the upper reaches of a nearby estuary. Anchor in a beautiful back water to take out the kayaks while your butler gets the barbecue going to cook up the fresh giant crabs that you just caught.
 
- Meet the chef, a master in the kitchen and an avid forager of edible Cambodian plants. Set off on a foraging expedition in our land as he shares his vast wealth of knowledge on the plants, fruits, and fungi that the forest has to offer. On your return, prepare to enjoy a cooking class unlike any other.
 
- A team of naturalists living at Wild that is studying the flora and fauna has a number of hikes for all abilities to take guests on. They have several research projects going on so join in as they check their camera traps and bring the forest alive as they get carried away talking about what they love most, which ranges from Orchids and birds to animal behavior.
 
- The Boulder Spa by Khmer Tonics offers a rejuvenating range of treatments based on traditional Khmer herbs and healing rituals to reduce stress and reset inner balance.
  
Overnight at Shinta Mani Wild.

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch, 🍗 Dinner

Free time at leisure or enjoy the optional activities below. 
 
- Head out on patrol with the rangers from the Wildlife Alliance, a wildlife NGO dedicated to stopping and catching poachers and illegal loggers in the area. The team of rangers is funded by Shinta Mani Wild and has a base just above the tents.

- Spend an afternoon on one of the custom BENSLEY designed expedition boats and explore the upper reaches of a nearby estuary. Anchor in a beautiful back water to take out the kayaks while your butler gets the barbecue going to cook up the fresh giant crabs that you just caught.
 
- Meet the chef, a master in the kitchen and an avid forager of edible Cambodian plants. Set off on a foraging expedition in our land as he shares his vast wealth of knowledge on the plants, fruits, and fungi that the forest has to offer. On your return, prepare to enjoy a cooking class unlike any other.
 
- A team of naturalists living at Wild that is studying the flora and fauna has a number of hikes for all abilities to take guests on. They have several research projects going on so join in as they check their camera traps and bring the forest alive as they get carried away talking about what they love most, which ranges from Orchids and birds to animal behavior.
 
- The Boulder Spa by Khmer Tonics offers a rejuvenating range of treatments based on traditional Khmer herbs and healing rituals to reduce stress and reset inner balance.
  
Overnight at Shinta Mani Wild.

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch, 🍗 Dinner

📍 Shinta Mani Wild - Ream jetty (112 km): 01h30 mins / Ream jetty - Six Senses Krabey Island (20 km): 15 mins

This morning, Shinta Mani Wild’s representation will transfer you to Ream National Park where the Six Senses private pier is located. 
 
Take a boat to Six Senses Krabey Island, scheduled at 13:00pm or 16:00pm depending on your arrival time. The duration of the boat is approximately 15 mins. 
 
Overnight on Koh Krabey.

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast

Breakfast at the hotel.

Enjoy your day at leisure, perhaps with an optional activity, such as diving, snorkeling, kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding and island-hopping boat trips. Contact your Travel Consultant for more details, including supplemental charges.

Overnight on Koh Krabey.

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast

Breakfast at the hotel.

Enjoy your day at leisure, perhaps with an optional activity, such as diving, snorkeling, kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding and island-hopping boat trips. Contact your Travel Consultant for more details, including supplemental charges.

Overnight on Koh Krabey.

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast

📍 Sihanoukville – Phnom Penh (206 km): 2h30 mins

Breakfast at the hotel.

Enjoy some time at leisure until your transfer back to the mainland pier and then onto Phnom Penh or your next destination with driver only.
 
(Note: For a morning departure by land transfer to Phnom Penh, a supplementary charge will apply).

Recommend: Evening flight departure. 

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast