Highlights of Bangkok & Cambodia incl. Angkor Wat

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

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

Evening at leisure. Let’s relax and soak up our surroundings.

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. 

Experience the vibrant essence of Bangkok on our half-day tour. We start at Pak Klong Talad, Thailand's largest and most colourful flower market—take a moment to stop and smell the roses. Next, visit the iconic Wat Pho, home to one of Bangkok's oldest and largest Buddhist temple complexes. Marvel at the Giant Reclining Buddha, a stunning 46-meter-long statue with intricately carved feet.

Our journey continues 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.

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

The rest of our day is free to further explore the bustling streets of Bangkok. Our guide will be happy to tell us of further places to see.

We transfer 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 see more! We transfer for an early dinner before we experience the Phare Circus show. This modern cultural performance blends theatre, music, dance, and contemporary circus arts to tell unique Cambodian stories.

We finish late in the evening and return to our hotel.

Rise and shine! A very early departure this morning. We depart pre-dawn (approximately 5am) and drive through the forests towards the iconic Angkor Wat. We begin our walk in the dark by torchlight to the East Gate to Angkor Wat itself and take in the beauty as the sun rises over the magnificent temple.

After we return to our hotel and have an early breakfast.

Experience more on a full guided visit to Angkor Wat, a must-see temple complex 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 picturesque temple is perfect for capturing stunning Instagram shots. Join us to explore these unforgettable Cambodian treasures!

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

In the late afternoon, we meet our guide for our next excursion to Angkor Thom. On the way, visit the Apopo NGO Landmine Clearance Visitor Centre. Discover 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.

We transfer to our next stop and 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. Conclude your temple visit at the iconic Bayon, located in the heart of Angkor Thom. That concludes our afternoon of discovery and adventure as we make our way back to our hotel in Siem Reap and enjoy the evening at leisure.

We depart our hotel in 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. Once used for temple rides, these majestic elephants now roam in their natural habitat, reflecting a positive shift in tourism. We join in 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 enjoy some time at leisure.

After some rest, late in the afternoon we set out again and visit a new Cambodian handicraft visitor centre showcasing local talents and providing sustainable work and training. 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.

We 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.

Today we start with a leisurely morning. Take the opportunity to explore more of Siem Reap, shopping, or relax at our hotel.

Optional Cooking Class:

For those that want to learn about Cambodian cuisine take 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. There will be a few photo stops along the way to break our journey. 

Late in the evening just outside of Battambang (approximately 5pm) we make our way to a 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 a track to the main Pagoda at the top, the walk takes approximately 15 minutes. Let’s savour the moment and take in the beauty of the panoramic views. 

Good sturdy shoes are recommended.

Next, we 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, explore Battambang's beautiful countryside by local Remork (Cambodian Tuk Tuk) and visit local families. See traditional products like rice paper, dried bananas, and bamboo sticky rice, made the same way for generations. Learn about Cambodian rural communities and their way of life.

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, a 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 get together and enjoy dinner at a local Cambodian restaurant (included)

We depart Battambang early this morning on the brand-new road to Phnom Penh. 
The journey will take approximately five hours with rest stops.  We arrive in the afternoon and check into our hotel.

Late in the afternoon 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.

Let’s see more 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 sold 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.

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. 

We 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 visit some more of the local markets and marvel at the old French quarter with their unique old beautiful buildings. Take in some traditional dancing, or 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. 

All good things must come to an end. We transfer to the airport and say a fond farewell to our guide outside Phnom Penh Airport. We check in for our return flights home.