Cambodian Romance

📍 Siem Reap Airport - Siem Reap (52 km): 1 hrs

Upon arrival in Siem Reap, be met by a local English-speaking guide and be escorted to the hotel for check-in. This charming Cambodian city is the perfect gateway to discovering the ancient temples of Angkor, the country's spiritual home and the most significant site of Khmer architecture in the world.

Tonight, experience Dining for a Cause, a gastronomical exploration of Siem Reap that focuses on restaurants with a social mission to benefit the people and communities of Siem Reap. 
Pick up from the hotel by remork (a Cambodian “tuktuk”) and drive to the first restaurant, where follows a different business model, directing their profits to various organizations. You may order any drink from the menu (they make some special cocktails and fruit mix using local ingredients) and any one appetizer (try different ones and share with each other) while exploring the large selection of second-hand books donated by their supporters in the UK.

Next, enjoy Khmer classic dishes at a restaurant which is another social enterprise restaurant providing disadvantaged youths, and underprivileged adults, professional training and employment in the hospitality industry. Learn about its efforts while dining. 

After dinner, go to a tropical garden restaurant run by an organization that operates a hospitality training school where all the restaurant workers learned (or are currently learning) their trade. Learn about how the program runs and its achievements while enjoying a creative cocktail, a glass of wine, beer, or coffee.  This stop will mark the end of the tour and your driver will bring you safely to your hotel or, at your choice, drop you off at Pub Street or in the city center of Siem Reap.

Overnight in Siem Reap.

Inclusions:

🍗 Dinner

📍 Siem Reap – Temples (06 km): 10 mins / Siem Reap – Tonle Sap Lake (20 km): 30 mins

Spend the morning at Angkor Wat and marvel at its grandeur. Learn about the reign of King Suryavarman II who built the iconic monument in the early 12th century. Hear tales of the construction process which took 30 years of intensive labour to complete. 

Take a closer look at the intricately carved gallery walls and learn about the Hindu myths and historic tales they represent. See some of the 2000 “Apsara” carvings, each one a unique representation of female guardian spirits adorning the temple walls.

Drive back to the city center and get a special insight into local artisans exhibiting their artistic crafts and skills at Satcha.

Cambodia is a land of resources, talents, and know-how, from natural wellness and food products to traditional arts and craft skills. 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. You will also have the opportunity for a little retail therapy if you wish to do so.

Enjoy lunch at Mahob Restaurant. Mahob, the Cambodian word for food, is a culinary hotspot that takes traditional Khmer cuisine to a new level. Using only locally produced ingredients, this beautiful restaurant serves up some of the best local delicacies that Siem Reap has to offer. Located in a traditional Khmer wooden house in a peaceful cosy garden setting, and away from bustling Pub Street area, Mahob provides a truly genuine Khmer experience.

This afternoon, head to the Tonlé Sap Lake where you will have the opportunity to learn about life on the lake. Drive past expansive rice fields and through local villages where rice and fish can frequently be spotted drying alongside the road. Next, board a private wooden vessel for a boat trip along a canal that leads to the Tonle Sap Lake. 

Cruise along the canal with houses on either side: depending on the time of your visit, the houses will either have immediate access to the water or stand perched on stilts high above the ground, a phenomena caused by the annual rising and receding waters of the Tonle Sap Lake, Southeast Asia’s largest lake. Pass by the boats and nets used by local fishermen, some of whom you may spot fishing in the waters through which the boat passes. As you near the lake, you will see floating houses that move location with the annual ebb and flow of the lake’s waters. (Note: Due to fluctuating water levels on the lake and canals, the village visited will depend on the date and water levels at that time).

Return by boat and car to Siem Reap.

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch

📍 Siem Reap – Temples (12 km): 20 mins

This morning, set off for a temple adventure. Travel by local remok (a Cambodian tuk tuk) into the Angkor Archaeological Park to Ta Prohm, the temple made famous by the Angelina Jolie film Tomb Raider, which is otherwise best known for the trees and vines growing atop the temple walls. The temple is a perfect example of how nature has crept in and reclaimed its land after the fall of the Angkorian Empire. Enter from the east, just as the temple opens, to avoid the crowds.

After leaving Ta Prohm, the next temple you’ll wish to visit is Bayon, the temple at the center of Angkor Thom city, built by the last great king: Jayavarman VII. A tour of the city can also begin at The Terrace of The Elephants and the Royal Palace enclosure. The forested grounds are beautiful in the morning. 

Enjoy lunch at Fabien’s house, a traditional Khmer home tucked away in the forest north of the Srah Srang baray. Enjoy a lunch of Khmer cuisine in a setting conducive to further discussion about the attractions and activities of Siem Reap and Cambodia at large. 

In the afternoon, visit APOPO visitor’s center for an exclusive tour of this fascinating and life-saving organization. Welcome to APOPO Center’s guide and 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. 

Then, just as the sun begins to set, in late afternoon enjoy a relaxing cruise in a gondola paddle boat on the moat of Angkor Thom while watching a spectacular sunset over Prasat Chroung temple loaded with complimentary soft drinks and delicious canapés. There is also an option to include champagne to accompany the magical sunset moment. (Not included – supplementary costs apply).

Overnight in Siem Reap.

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch

📍 Siem Reap Hotel – Kbal Spean (48 km): 60 mins / Kbal Spean - Banteay Srei (14 km): 17 mins

Start the Siem Reap countryside day tour with an early morning wake up, passing local villages and farms, to Kbal Spean. This is one of Cambodia’s earliest Hindu sites and refreshingly different from the other Khmer monuments. Take a 3-kilometre trek through the jungle to appreciate the scope and beauty of Kbal Spean. The trek ends at the ‘River of 1000 Lingas’, a riverbed featuring stone carvings of Hindu gods, animals and phallic symbols. Learn about the history of Hinduism in Cambodia while exploring this unique river. (Please note the trek is fairly easy going but as the walk is uphill and on uneven ground it is most suitable for clients with an average level of fitness and not suitable for clients with mobility problems.)

Then visit Angkor Centre for Conservation of Biodiversity (ACCB), the first nature conservation project in Cambodia. A knowledgeable staff member will explain about the threats to Cambodia’s wildlife and the efforts of ACCB to protect the environment and promote wildlife conservation through education. Also see the various endangered species, reptiles and a beekeeping project that are on site.

Following lunch at a local restaurant, visit the pretty temple of Banteay Srey, the “gem” of the Angkor area. The so-called “Citadel of the Women” remains the best preserved temple in Cambodia. This 10th century masterpiece displays some of the finest examples of classical Khmer art as this small temple is noted for its truly remarkable fine bas-reliefs. Banteay Srey is unique in that it is constructed of pink sandstone, which is seen nowhere else in Angkor.

Continue on to the Landmine Museum. This remarkable project was established by Mr Aki Ra, who is reputed to have served as a child soldier during the Khmer Rouge regime. Having seen the tragic effects of landmines first hand, he has since dedicated his life to de-mining the country and helping those affected by them. The museum has incredible, thought-provoking displays about Cambodia’s tragic wartime history and the damage caused by landmines. It also has a positive side, with many stories of landmine victims who have gone on to have successful jobs and normal lives. 

After a day in the fantastic outskirts of town, the tour concludes with a drive back to Siem Reap.

End the day at Siem Reap’s most luxurious and romantic dining venues: Embassy Restaurant. The Embassy is 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, 🥘 Lunch, 🍗 Dinner

📍 Siem Reap - Siem Reap Airport (52 km): 1hrs

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for the morning flight to Sihanoukville and then transfer to the pier to take a shared speedboat to an idyllic offshore island.

Current flight schedule: K6 131 (1130-1240) – see separate price 

Afternoon free at leisure to enjoy swimming. 

Overnight on the island.

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast

Breakfast at the hotel.

Enjoy your day at leisure.

Overnight on Koh Rong or Koh Russey.

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast

Breakfast at the hotel.

Enjoy your day at leisure.

Overnight on Koh Rong or Koh Russey.

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast

Breakfast at the hotel.

Leave the idyllic resort after breakfast this morning by boat. 
Upon arrive at the mainland pier, be met with the guide and hop on a four-hour ride along to Kep. Once a famous beach resort in the 1960’s, Kep is currently undergoing something of a revival due to its serene setting, sublime scenery and spectacular seafood at it’s legendary Crab Market.

After arrival, spend the afternoon free at leisure. Take the opportunity to explore the local area or enjoy the hotel facilities. 

Overnight in Kep.

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast

0900 Today, spend a morning at La Plantation pepper farm. Upon arrival at La Plantation, enjoy an informative presentation to learn about different types of Kampot pepper, tasting the various forms grown on the farm. 

Next, learn to cook traditional Khmer dishes prepared exclusively with La Plantation spices and then lunch on the dishes that have been prepared along with a selection of seasonal fresh juices, home-
made ice-teas, or other refreshments. (Note: cooking class is a joining class)

After dining, enjoy some leisure time at the open-air restaurant where you can enjoy the view or shop for various pepper products, including black, pink, and salted pepper, as well as locally-produced Samai pepper-infused rum (provided they have some of the rum on hand, which uses pepper from the farm and is incredibly popular). 

Drive back to Kep and afternoon at leisure. 

At the end of the day, enjoy a join-in sunset cruise. The sunsets from Knai Bang Chatt are beautiful but nothing beats being on the water around sunset. Just sit back and enjoy the ride.
Our converted fishing boat will take you along the coastline for a different perspective of this beautiful seaside town.

Overnight in Kep.

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch

After breakfast, transfer three-hours back to Phnom Penh by private vehicle. Check-in to the hotel around midday.

Explore the tragic recent history of Cambodia at Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, also known as S-21. Originally built as a school, the compound was taken over by the Khmer Rouge and used as its main detention and torture centre. Take a sobering tour of the site, learning about the prison’s history and hear the stories of the people held within its walls.

Note: All visitors are required to wear modest clothing. See-through clothing will also not be allowed.

If time permits, stop at the Russian Market. This bustling bazaar earned its name in the 1980s as the expat Russian population often shopped here. These days the market is filled with everything from souvenirs to local handicrafts, silver jewellery to electronic goods. 

Transfer back to your hotel for leisure time. 

Late in the afternoon, pick up from the hotel by remork (a Cambodian tuk tuk) to transfer to the starting point of the walking tour. Begin near the southwest corner of the Royal Palace, an area famous for sun-dried buffalo jerky. From here walk south, past Wat Botom, stopping along the way to pick up additional take-away treats. 

At the corner of Independence Park make some stir fried corn, customizing the dish to your taste: if you like, you may be able to even cook it yourself! Take a stroll through the park where you will see local’s playing games and exercising on the way to an area with various street food stalls. Grab a table and enjoy the assortment of dishes you have picked up along the way.

Next, stroll a few blocks to a popular street side BBQ restaurant, where flame-grilled fish, frogs, and other local delicacies are available. A local guide will help order a well-balanced meal. Finally, walk to a nearby “street bar” that serves creative cocktails with local ingredients and often has live Cambodian music!

Return to the hotel by remork or stay and explore the nearby bars of this vibrant nightlife area.

Overnight in Phnom Penh.
 

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast

This morning, take a tour to the most remarkable sights of Phnom Penh on a cyclo, an original Phnom Penh means of transportation and a fun way to explore this lively city. 

First, head to 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 view a collection of Buddhas in gold, silver, crystal, and bronze.

The next stop is the National Museum, built in traditional Khmer style. It houses the world's foremost collection of ancient Khmer artistic, archaeological, and religious artifacts from prehistory to the 16th century. Over 5,000 pieces are on display, constituting the repository of the Kingdom's cultural wealth. In addition, the roof space is home to a large bat colony! Then continue to visit Wat Phnom, the birthplace of the city, situated near the northern boundary of the city. The site contains some good examples of Khmer architecture and statues. 

Afternoon free at leisure.

This evening continue to the riverside where a boat is waiting. Climb aboard and cast off onto the Tonle Sap and Mekong Rivers for a sunset cruise. Admire the views of the city as the last light of day casts brilliant colours across the skyline.

Return to the shore of the river at dusk, just in time for dinner at Sombok restaurant. Sombok is a celebration of Khmer cuisine, ingredients and the strength and creativity of Khmer women. All of their cuisine is born from the best local produce alongside the finest international ingredients. The menu has been carefully crafted by the Kimsan Twins, internationally trained chefs who have run a successful well-known Embassy Restaurant in Siem Reap.

Overnight in Phnom Penh.

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🍗 Dinner

📍 Phnom Penh – Phnom Penh Airport (11 km): 30 mins

Breakfast at the hotel.

Enjoy some time at leisure until the  transfer to the airport for the departure flight.

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast