Siem Reap Luxurious Adventure

Upon arrival at Siem Reap Airport, the gateway to the fabled temples of Angkor, be transferred to the hotel.

After checking in, spend some time to relax and enjoy the resort facilities. In the late afternoon, listen to a lecture by a local archeologist on the history of Angkor Park.

This evening, head into Siem Reap town to enjoy a welcome dinner at the incredible Embassy Restaurant. The Embassy is an exclusive fine dining experience headed by executive chefs Pol and Sok also known as the ‘Kimsan Twins’.  Having trained under Michelin-starred chefs, they have created one of the most unique five-star quality cuisines that can only be experienced in Siem Reap. With a constantly changing menu based around season, make sure to savour the skilfully prepared masterpieces and pair it with fine wine.

Overnight in Siem Reap

Inclusions:

🍗 Dinner

Start the morning early to see the spectacular sunrise over the legendary Angkor Wat. It’s a memorable experience observing the first rays creeping across the five iconic towers. Built during the reign of King Suryavarman II in the early 12th century, Angkor Wat was constructed to symbolise Mount Meru, the mythical mountain of gods. Inside the temple, the walls are covered with stone carvings and bas-reliefs depicting Hindu mythology and the wars Suryavarman II fought during his reign. Angkor Wat’s walls are decorated with more than 2,000 dancing figures, animals and devatas (deities). The construction is thought to have taken around thirty years of intensive labor.

Then escape the crowds as the tour continues to the picturesque Srah Srang Baray. It was originally constructed by the same architect that built Pre Rup before being remodeled in the 12th century as part of Jayavarman VII's massive building campaign. A multi-tiered landing platform on the west edge of the baray is adorned with naga balustrades and guardian lions, and the sparse remains of an island temple can be seen emerging from the middle of the lake at low water, during the dry season. Here, a beautiful champagne breakfast is enjoyed, overlooking the lake on a luxurious cushion and table set up, providing an incredible and serene start to any Angkorian exploration.

Following breakfast, travel to the airstrip to board a private helicopter for a bird’s-eye view of the Cambodian landscape northwards to Preah Vihear.

On arrival at Preah Vihear Temple, be rewarded with more fabulous views of Cambodia and Thailand’s fertile plains and impressive that stretch for 500 meters up. The sanctuary is perched on the edge of the cliffs with amazing views over the seemingly endless Cambodian jungle to the south. The temple is not yet restored but has spectacular carvings and lintels which are almost as splendid as those at Banteay Srei. The temple is also known to have been dedicated to the god Shiva and was constructed during the reign of Suryavarman I (1006–1050) and Suryavarman II (1113–1150). The spectacular location and the unique temple design are the reasons why UNESCO enlisted Preah Vihear as a World Heritage Site.

Return to the helicopter and continue flying over rural Cambodia to the astonishing and rarely visited Koh Ker Temple, located 100 kilometres away from Siem Reap. It was the former capital of Khmer Empire under Jayavarman IV. Appreciate the pyramid style Prasat Thom that looks like it was moved from an ancient Mayan site to Asia!

Have lunch with champagne amongst the temple ruins.

Fly back to Siem Reap where the rest of the afternoon is at leisure. In the evening, attend a performance of ‘Phare, the Cambodian Circus’. Starting at 20:00, professional artists of Phare Ponleu Selpak (PPS) will perform an inspiring show suitable for people of all ages. PPS has played an influential role in promoting and developing Khmer culture over the years after the Khmer Rouge genocide. The hour long show mixes traditional and modern theater, music, dance, acrobatics, juggling and contortion performed in a story about Cambodian lives and society. Student performances can still be seen twice weekly in Battambang but now the circus has arrived in Siem Reap!

Overnight in Siem Reap

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch

This morning, start the journey through the seemingly endless rice fields and friendly local villages of Phnom Kulen. The mountain is considered the birthplace of the Khmer empire and a sacred place for the Khmer. At the top of Phnom Kulen, discover stone carvings in a riverbed, a large reclining Buddha from the 16th-century and visit several hidden pagodas. One of the main attractions is a waterfall where there’s a chance to take a refreshing bath.

Enjoy a luxury picnic nearby the sacred rivers before exploring the area on the back of a local motorbike, travelling through jungle roads and rural countryside.

End the day with sunset cocktails at a picturesque spot, watching the sun go down over the luscious Cambodian landscape and rice paddies.

Overnight in Siem Reap

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch

Start the morning early and continue the temple adventure travelling via tuk-tuk. Journey into the temple park to Ta Prohm which built between the mid-12th to early 13th centuries. Ta Prohm is unique as it is overgrown by jungle trees and vines, with many parts of the temple crumbling to the ground. This is a picturesque location where the famous ‘Tomb Raider Temple’ was filmed.

From here, drive through the ancient city of Angkor Thom for a quick stop at the impressive Bayon Temple before leaving the Angkor Park. Switch to an adventurous quad bike, travelling the road and dirt tracks to the relatively unknown and unvisited 12th century Chau Srei Vibol Temple.

End the afternoon at the great lake of Tonlé Sap. Board a luxury boat for a cruise amongst floating villages while watching the sunset and enjoying a glass of champagne.

Return back to the hotel to freshen up before being taken on a luxurious Khmer dining and drinking experience, taking in four amazing and intimate eateries and bars, and tasting some of the most amazing and unique cuisine that the country has to offer.

Overnight in Siem Reap

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch, 🍗 Dinner

This morning, travel to Theam’s House to meet Cambodian artist and designer Lim Muy Theam (dependent on his availability) who draws inspiration from both Khmer and contemporary international design. For more than 10 years, Theam has trained a team of artisan apprentices who work either at the studio or in their home villages. Explore the art studio and observe various works being created such as lacquer ware, paintings and fine sculptures.

Transfer to the airport for the onward departure flight.

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast