Romantic Cambodia Stay

DAY 1 – ARRIVE SIEM REAP

Welcome to Siem Reap, home of the fabled Angkor temples! Upon arrival, our driver and English speaking guide will be waiting to provide transport to the hotel for check in.

After having some free time to relax at the hotel, enjoy a dinner at Embassy Restaurant, an exclusive fine dining experience unparalleled in Siem Reap. Headed by executive chefs Pol & Sok (the “Kimsan Twins”), these highly experienced chefs have traveled and studied in different continents under the mentoring of Michelin starred chefs, creating one of the most unique five-star quality cuisines in Siem Reap. With a constantly changing menu based around the seasons, guests can savour skilfully prepared masterpieces from multiple-course set menus, paired with a selection of fine wines.

Overnight in Siem Reap.

DAY 2 – SIEM REAP CITY

Rise early for an unforgettable trip via remork (local tuk tuk) into the Angkor Park for a sunrise visit to Bakheng Temple. Climbing through the darkness and forest, hit the summit of the hill where Bakheng Temple sits, and wait for the spectacular sunrise over the Angkorian plains.

After the early morning visit, escape to the picturesque Srah Srong Baray. Enjoy a beautiful champagne picnic breakfast overlooking the lake on a luxurious cushion and table set up, offering an incredible and serene start to the day.

After breakfast, continue on to the the incredible 12th century Ta Prohm. This temple is unique in that it has been left largely as it was found: overgrown by jungle trees and vines, with many parts of crumbling to the ground.

Return back to Siem Reap for lunch at the beautiful social enterprise restaurant Marum, for some tasty local cuisine.
This afternoon continue the Angkorian explorations with a visit to the legendary Angkor Wat. Built in the early 12th century, Angkor Wat is constructed to represent the mythical Mount Meru. Inside the temple, the walls are covered with stone carvings, bas-reliefs, and over 2,000 Apsara dancers. Construction of this national icon (found on the Cambodian flag) is thought to have taken around thirty years of intensive labor to complete.

From here, continue to the ancient city of Angkor Thom. The last capital of the Great Khmer Empire, this city is known for its 8-meter-high wall drawing a perfect square around its perimeter. Enter the city through its impressive, ancient South Gate, carved with Elephants, four giant faces, and lined with the mythical Naga snakes.

Continue with a relaxing cruise in a gondola paddle boat in the city’s encapsulating moat. Catch a spectacular sunset over Prasat Chroung temple while enjoying cocktails, wine, canapés, and soft drinks on board.

Take an independent dinner before attending an 8PM performance of ‘Phare, the Cambodian Circus’. The hour-long show mixes traditional and modern theater, music, dance, acrobatics, juggling and contortion performed in a story about Cambodian lives and society.

Overnight in Siem Reap.

DAY 3 – SIEM REAP CITY

Begin the morning with a visit to the “gem” of the Angkor area, the pretty temple of Banteay Srei. This so-called “Citadel of the Women” remains the best preserved temple in Cambodia, displaying some of the finest examples of classical Khmer art with its remarkable bas-reliefs.

Continue with a visit to the Golden Silk Pheach Farm, a local NGO which works to revive the ancient Khmer know-how in silk production, providing job opportunities to more than 100 local staff. Explore the farm area, mulberry trees, and weaving ateliers during the guided tour. Golden Silk’s products are ecologically produced from the yellow silkworm which is unique to Cambodia; some products take months (or even years) to complete!

Return to Siem Reap for lunch (at own expense).

This afternoon, transport will be provided 25 km from Siem Reap through the countryside to Kompheim Village. Enjoy an incredible walking tour through the village and local community, learning about their simply way of life and getting a chance to interact with the local people along the way; a true reflection of modern day rural Cambodia.

After exploring the village, stop at a local pagoda for an intimate monk blessing before finishing the day at a local house for a glass of wine, canapés, and to watch an amazing sunset over the surrounding rice paddies.

Evening at leisure.

Overnight in Siem Reap.

DAY 4 – SIEM REAP – PHNOM PENH

Begin the morning with an early airport transfer for the flight south to Phnom Penh. Upon arrival, our guide and driver will be waiting to provide transport to the hotel.

Sitting at the confluence of the Mekong and Tonle Sap rivers, Phnom Penh was once considered one of the most beautiful cities in the Orient. Despite its recent turbulent history, the city still retains much of its former colonial charm with wide tree-lined boulevards and many colonial-era buildings.

After checking in to the hotel, venture out to the historic and luxurious Raffles Hotel for afternoon tea and a glass of champagne, getting a chance to sample some of the colonial history of the city.

Enjoy some down time before taking an evening sunset cruise on the luxurious Kanika boat along the Tonle Sap & Mekong Rivers. End the day with dinner at the stunning Malis Khmer fine dining restaurant to sample some of the capital’s best local cuisine.

Overnight in Phnom Penh.

DAY 5 – PHNOM PENH CITY

Spend the morning on an incredible walking tour through the capital. Starting in the leafy suburb of Boeung Keng Kang, travel through the small streets to Wat Lanka, one of the oldest pagodas in Phnom Penh and then onto the Independence Monument.

Continue to the historic ‘White Building’, designed by Cambodia’s famous architect Vann Molyvann in the 1960’s. Despite its worn facade, peek inside for a different view, where the Cambodian Living Arts organization is based. Take a tour along the street with one of the artists and residents, visit the rehearsal space and sit down in local coffee shop to learn about the history of the building, the Cambodian Living Arts, and stories of life in this fascinating area.

From here continue through the picturesque Wat Bottom Park and along the lively riverfront to the 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. Inside, take note of the collection of Buddhas in gold, silver, crystal, and bronze.

Lunch will be held at the iconic FCC (Foreign Correspondence Club) on the riverfront followed by an afternoon at leisure, with the option to explore the colourful markets of Phnom Penh. Explore either the Art-Deco Central Market (one of the largest markets in the country) or head to the Russian Market, known for its wood and stone carvings, jewellery, clothes and Cambodian silk souvenirs.

Overnight in Phnom Penh.

DAY 6 – PHNOM PENH – SIHANOUKVILLE

Begin the day with a visit to Wat Botum. Originally founded in 1422, Wat Botum is one of Phnom Penh’s five original wats. It is known as the ‘Temple of the Lotus Blossoms’ and the compound displays many beautifully decorated stupas, some of which contain the ashes of royalty. Wat Botum is the seat of the Thammayut (royalist) Buddhist sect, the smaller of the two main Buddhist sects in Cambodia. Here, Buddhist monks will perform a private blessing ceremony, wishing health and safe journeys – a very special experience!

From here continue to Cambodia’s premier beach destination Sihanoukville.

Afternoon at leisure to relax on the beautiful white sandy beach of Otres 2.

Overnight in Sihanoukville.

DAY 7 – SIHANOUKVILLE

Full day at leisure.

Overnight in Sihanoukville.

DAY 8 – SIHANOUKVILLE

Full day at leisure.

Overnight in Sihanoukville.

DAY 9 – SIHANOUKVILLE – KEP

Begin the morning with a transfer from Sihanoukville to the seaside town of Kep (transfer 3h). Cambodia’s prestigious beach resort of the 1960s, Kep is now re-awakening to its former glory.

Check into the resort, consisting of four modernist 1960’s villas, sitting right by the sea.

Enjoy some time at leisure before paying a visit to the popular Kep crab market. See the crabs being stored in baskets in shallow water to later be cooked in the market (learn from the guide which crabs are the tastiest.) The dozen-plus rickety old wooden shacks that hug the water’s edge next to the market serve fresh seafood at its best. Enjoy lunch at one of these shacks before returning to the hotel.

For a unique and unforgettable dining experience, the Sailing Club’s “floating” dinner is an ideal choice to celebrate the time in Kep. The floating dinner includes a welcome cocktail and a 3-course meal.

Overnight at Knai Bang Chatt.

DAY 10 – KEP

Optional: Begin the day early with a 1 hour yoga session from 6-7AM

Begin the morning with a short tuk-tuk ride, followed by a 25-30 minute journey by private fisherman’s boat to the rustic shores and sandy beaches of Koh Tonsay (Rabbit Island) just 4.5km off the south coast of Cambodia.

A truly relaxing and seemingly remote destination, the island is blissfully undeveloped and is the perfect place to enjoy snorkeling in the shallow waters. Alternatively, read a book in the shade or simply relax and soak up the sun while the guide whips up a BBQ feast of fresh seafood served on the beach.

This evening, enjoy a farewell rooftop dining experience in the iconic blue villa of Knai Bang Chatt. Offering total privacy, enjoy a four-course dining experience under the beautiful starlit sky overlooking the garden and the sea.

Overnight in Kep.

DAY 11 – KEP – PHNOM PENH – DEPART

This morning, transport will be provided back to Phnom Penh airport for the departing flight.