Around Cambodia

Fly overnight to Siem Reap. Depending on your time of arrival, the rest of the day is yours to start soaking up the local culture.

Fly overnight to Siem Reap. Depending on your time of arrival, the rest of the day is yours to start soaking up the local culture.

Rising early, journey to the old city of Angkor Thom and pass through the magnificent South Gate flanked by 54 gods and demons. At Angkor Thom's centre is the enigmatic Bayon, a breath-taking temple of innumerable sculptural decorations. Also admire the Elephant Terrace and the Terrace of the Leper King. Continue to Ta Prohm before the rest of the day is dedicated to Angkor Wat, the most magnificent, and best preserved of all of Angkor's treasures.

Enjoy a traditional Cambodian cooking class with a local, learning about the flavours that go into Khmer cuisine. This evening, enjoy the talents of the Phare Cambodian Circus! This rollicking performance is delivered by graduates of a charitable performing arts college. This NGO transforms the lives of disadvantaged local youths through education and vocational training.

High Water Season (Aug to Feb) Enjoy a morning cruise on Tonle Sap Lake, visiting the floating village of Kampong Kleng and observing the way of life of these lake communities. Back on dry land, visit Beng Mealea, a mysterious temple overrun by the jungle. Return to Siem Reap via Artisan D'Angkor, an organisation working to revive traditional Khmer arts and crafts. This evening sit down to dinner and the Apsara dance show.

Begin the journey towards Battambang, stopping in Puok District to visit the National Silk Centre. Learn about the cultivation of silk, from the planting of mulberry trees used to raise the silkworms to the harvesting of silk threads. Observe the artisans using the dyed and treated silk threads to create beautiful products in the workshops. On arrival in Battambang the rest of the day is at leisure.

Head out of town to the 12th century Prasat Banan Temple and admire the breathtaking hilltop views. Return to Battambang and take a stroll through the village of Wat Kor, then explore a local house for a glimpse of traditional Khmer life. Visit a local NGO, La Maison de Coco, where traditional skills such as weaving are taught to locals before a visit to Phnom Sampov to see the bat cave.

Journey south to Phnom Penh, stopping at the former capital city Udong, a potters' village and Touch Hill.

A somewhat European city of airy boulevards and colonial villas, still marked by the events of the Khmer Regime, Phnom Penh has been engulfed by energy and optimism, making it a pleasurable place to be. Today's visits include a cyclo ride to the magnificent Royal Palace, Silver Pagoda and the National Museum. Sunset at hilltop Wat Phnom rounds off the day.

Today, reflect on Cambodia's tragic past under the Khmer Rouge regime at the Tuol Sleng Museum and Killing Fields. Later, visit the city's craft brewery for a tour and tasting, and reflect on how this reinvigorated Asian capital is moving on from the past.

Depart for the beach town of Kampot, and visit a pepper farm to learn about the renowned Kampot pepper. Enjoy a walking tour of the harming riverside town and its colonial architecture.

Enjoy a day trip to the nearby seaside town of Kep, just a little east along the coast, starting with a barbecue lunch at the sailing club before a free afternoon to explore independently. Return to your hotel in Kampot.

Return to Phnom Penh, stopping en route to see the ruins of the former military hill station, 'Bokor Mountain'. Relax in Phnom Penh this afternoon before a farewell dinner cruise on the Mekong River.