Highlights of Bangkok & Cambodia incl. Angkor Wat & Beach Extension

Let’s depart for our holiday, first stop Bangkok Thailand!

We have arrived! Let's meet our local representative in the airport and transfer to our hotel in Bangkok.

Soak up our surrounding and relax more after our flights. 

Your holiday includes five simple lunches and set menu dinners. These included meals provide an opportunity to experience local dishes, traditional flavours, seasonal vegetables, seafood, and local produce. This will give appreciation to the culinary preparations found across Bangkok and Cambodia. 

Join us for an unforgettable day exploring the heart of Bangkok!

Discover the vibrant essence of Bangkok on our half-day tour. Kickstart  the day at Pak Klong Talad, Thailand's largest and most colourful flower market—let's stop and smell the flowers. Next, visit the iconic Wat Pho, home to one of Bangkok's oldest and largest Buddhist temple complexes. Stand in awe at the Giant Reclining Buddha, a stunning 46-meter-long statue with intricately carved feet.

Next, on to the Grand Palace, a former royal residence consecrated in 1782. This magnificent complex is one of Bangkok's top attractions and a significant pilgrimage site for devout Buddhists. Explore the majestic palace, throne hall, and the revered Emerald Buddha.

Lunch is included today.

Later this afternoon we have time to further explore Bangkok at our leisure.

Our expert guide will be happy to tell us of places to see and experience.

We say a fond farewell to Bangkok as we depart from our hotel with assistance to Bangkok airport, for our flight to Siem Reap, Cambodia. 

We have arrived! We meet our new assistant at the airport and transfer to our hotel in Siem Reap. Let’s check in and relax after our flight and recharge our batteries for this evening’s dinner and show.

Let’s experience more! We depart our hotel for an early dinner (included) before we enjoy the Phare Circus show. This modern cultural performance blends theatre, music, dance, and contemporary circus arts to tell unique Cambodian stories.

Finish late in the evening and return to our hotel for a well deserved rest.

We kickstart our very early sunrise tour with a pre-dawn drive (approximately 5am) through the forests towards the iconic Angkor Wat. Let's begin our walk in the dark, by torchlight to the East Gate to Angkor Wat itself, and fall in love with the beauty as the sun rises over the magnificent temple.

We return to our hotel after witnessing the sunrise over the mighty Angkor Wat, and have an early well deserved breakfast.

Discover more on a full guided visit to Angkor Wat, a must-see for any Cambodia trip. Marvel at the grandeur and intricate details of this iconic site.

It’s not over yet! We continue to Ta Prohm, the renowned jungle temple made famous by the movie Tomb Raider. This popular temple is perfect for capturing stunning Instagram shots. Join us to explore these unforgettable Cambodian treasures and moments!

We return to our hotel and relax before our next excursion.

Later this afternoon, we meet our guide for our next excursion to Angkor Thom. On the way, visit the Apopo NGO Landmine Clearance Visitor Centre. Uncover the unique techniques used in Cambodia and meet the stars the "Hero” specially trained African rats to locate landmines for deactivation. We enjoy a join in demonstration of the Apopo at the visitor centre before continuing to Angkor Thom.

Next stop we start our walk at Angkor Thom's remote Eastern Gate. Begin with a short climb up the giant moat walls, walking a 500m stretch of the rampart to the well-preserved Victory Gate. We finish our temple visit at the iconic Bayon, located in the heart of Angkor Thom. After we make our way back to our hotel in Siem Reap and enjoy our evening at leisure.

This morning we leave Siem Reap and drive approximately 45 minutes to the Kulen conservation area, home to over 1,100 acres of protected forest and 14 elephants of Angkor. These elephants were once used for temple rides, and now roam in their natural habitat in retirement, reflecting a positive shift in tourism. We join in on a tour and spend time observing the retired elephants and learn more about Cambodia’s elephant conservation. 

Today a simple local lunch at the Elephant camp is included.

We return to our hotel and relax more before our next excursion.

Later this afternoon we set out again and visit a new Cambodian handicraft visitor centre showcasing local talents and providing sustainable work and training. We explore six large workshops featuring wood and stone carvings, silk works, weaving, and more. For those that want to soak up the atmosphere there is a coffee and juice bar on site selling refreshments, wine and cocktails.

Finish our day in the downtown old market area that includes the famous "Pub Street" in Siem Reap. The rest of your evening is at leisure.

We start with a leisurely morning to relax before our next adventure. Take the opportunity to explore Siem Reap, do a little shopping, or relax at our hotel.

Optional Cooking Class:

For those that want to learn about Cambodian cuisine there may be the opportunity to do a cooking class on a pre bookable excursion.

Immerse yourself in the essence of Cambodian cuisine with our early morning cookery class, rooted in seasonality and the farm-to-table philosophy. Beginning at 8:00 AM, you'll depart from your hotel by traditional Remork and venture to a peaceful rural location. The day starts with a visit to the vibrant morning markets, where our expert Chef will guide you through an exploration of local fruits, vegetables, and spices. Following this, you'll join our cooking stations to prepare a traditional Khmer meal, learning step-by-step techniques. Enjoy the delicious lunch you’ve created, then depart with a recipe book and a certificate to commemorate your culinary adventure. Impress your friends with your newfound skills and savour the authentic flavours of Cambodia long after your tour.

‘Minimum numbers apply for the operation of this tour pre bookable’

In the afternoon we depart Siem Reap for Battambang approximately 3 hours (170km). First stop “Chicken Street” an interesting stop where part of the main road is lined on both sides with local style grilled chicken restaurants.

We continue to drive to the new road through the Chub Kiri region, driving past rice paddies, farmland, wetlands, and local villages. We enjoy a few photo stops along the way to break our journey. 

In the evening, just outside of Battambang (approximately 5pm) we make our way to the religious site Phnom Sampov, on a limestone Mountain. It was once known for its tragic past the “killing caves” during the Khmer Rouge rule. We drive most of the way to the top by bus and then walk the rest of the way up to the main Pagoda at the top, the walk takes approximately 15 minutes. Let’s enjoy the moment and take in the beauty of the panoramic views. 

Good sturdy shoes are recommended.

Let's see more! Witness a natural phenomenon and spectacular sight as millions of bats emerge from a cave, far above.  After this incredible sight, we make our way to Battambang. Let’s check in and enjoy dinner together in our hotel (included).

This morning, we explore Battambang's beautiful countryside by local Remork (Cambodian Tuk Tuk). We visit local families and find out about their way of life and produce they make, like rice paper, dried bananas, and bamboo sticky rice, made the same way for generations. 

We also get to visit a traditional Khmer house, enjoy seasonal fruits and refreshing coconut water, and end the morning at a memorial site for Khmer Rouge victims.  A simple lunch is included today at a Cambodian home.

After, we visit a Buddhist temple to learn about their religion that is central to Cambodian life. Next, we learn more about recent Cambodian history through French colonial architectural sites. Later we make our way back to our hotel to freshen up, before heading out again in the afternoon.

All aboard!  In the afternoon we drive out into a different direction to ride the original Bamboo train, and truly unique Cambodian experience. We sit on board the bamboo platform and depart on the tracks. Enjoy the breeze in our hair and admire the countryside on our journey.

Please note: The Bamboo train is not a traditional train journey; it is like a hand pumped section car. You will be seated on top of a bamboo platform; agility for sitting or sitting crossed legged is required as there are no seats. This is the traditional way to ride the bamboo train.

After our exhilarating Bamboo train ride, we make a quirky stop to the only Vineyard in Cambodia! Cambodia is not known for its wines, nor will it be any day soon, however the vineyard produces healthier products of fermented ginger and honey probiotics. 

We return to our hotel to rest and refresh.

Tonight, we enjoy dinner together at a local Cambodian restaurant (included)

We say farewell to Battambang early this morning and depart on the brand-new road to Phnom Penh. 
The journey will take approximately five hours with rest stops.  

In the afternoon we check into our hotel

Later, we witness Cambodia’s dark and tragic history with a visit to Toul Sleng Genocide Museum (S-21 prison), a former high school. In the Pol Pot era this school was transformed into a prison and interrogation centre. After the prisoners were transferred to the killing Fields of Cheung Ek to meet their demise. Many will remember the dramatic movie “The Killing Fields” portraying this tragic time in Cambodia.

After our sobering experience we make our way to the nearby Psah Tuol Tom Pong, a lively indoor and outdoor market selling anything from gold, gems, silk, t-shirts and food stalls.

Next, we continue to the riverside and enjoy a refreshing drink (not included) at a local bar before making our way to a local restaurant for dinner (included).

Return to our hotel after dinner and rest for the evening.

We begin our morning with an early visit to the Royal Palace, built in 1866 by King Norodom. Marvel at the Silver Pagoda (named for its 5,000 silver tiles), the solid gold Buddha encrusted in diamonds, and the emerald Buddha.

Please note: To visit the Royal Palace, visitors are required to wear proper attire to enter. Please cover shoulders and knees. This is still considered a sacred site. No shorts, short skirts or short trousers are permitted. To avoid disappointment please dress respectfully to enter.

After basking in the glory of the Royal Palace we make our way to Wat Phnom “hill temple” the tallest and most important temple in Phnom Penh. The green garden offers a pleasant respite from the noise and chaos of the bustling streets of Phnom Penh. 

Enjoy some lunch (included) at a local restaurant before returning to our hotel.

Optional Phnom Penh Street Food Tour 

In the evening, dive into the exotic local street food and vibrant nightlife of Phnom Penh. Soak up the sights, smells, sounds, and tastes of the city by Remork as we embark on a culinary journey with a local expert, learning about Cambodia’s popular dishes like Non-Ban Chok (rice noodles). Visit bustling markets and small street vendors to taste the unique flavours of Cambodian street food. The night culminates with live music from the 1960s golden era of Rock n Roll at a lively restaurant. Finally, indulge in a secret dessert stop. For those who wish to continue, enjoy the nightlife at local bars or return to your hotel. ‘Minimum numbers apply for the operation of this tour pre bookable.

Today is yours to relax more, or for those who can’t get enough of Phnom Penh explore more. Take a walk along the riverside and discover the old French quarter, with their unique old beautiful buildings. Take in some traditional dancing, shop till you drop at the Russian markets, or shopping malls to pick up some last-minute souvenirs. Your expert guide will be happy to tell you of further places of interest to visit

We depart early from our hotel and transfer on the new superhighway to the coastal city of Sihanoukville (3 hours’ drive). On arrival you will take the shared speedboat to the island of Koh Rong Sanloem approximately 50-60 minutes. Disembark the boat and meet your assistant from the hotel for your transfer.

You have arrived! Soak up your surroundings and relax for the next three nights. 

Laze on the beach, swim, or delve into a great novel you have been meaning to read, the choice is yours. 

 *Please note that your extension in Koh Rong Sanloem Island is based on an individual rather than a group format. 

We depart from our hotel to the Pier and take the shared speedboat back to the mainland where we will meet our transfer and assistant. Depart for the Phnom Penh airport for our flights home after a memorable journey through Cambodia and Bangkok.