DAY 1 - PHNOM PENH ARRIVAL (D)

Phnom Penh

Welcome to this comprehensive 9 day tour through Cambodian culture and cuisine! An English speaking guide will be waiting at Phnom Penh Airport for a welcome greeting, followed by a hotel transfer in the city.
Phnom Penh was once considered as one of the most beautiful cities in the Orient. Despite its recent turbulent history, it still retains much of its former colonial charm. Cambodia’s capital is a bustling city, majestically located at the confluence of the mighty rivers of the Mekong and Tonlé Sap. Wide tree-lined boulevards and many colonial-era buildings reflect the glorious days and add to the allure of the city, where Asian and Western traditions meet in a fascinating way.
This afternoon depart on a Khmer Architecture walking and car tour that will take enable a fascinating discovery of Cambodian architecture from both the colonial times and the late 1950s and 1960s, a both culturally and politically vibrant time. During that era, an en vogue ‘New Khmer Architecture’ was emerging uniquely focused on integrating an international style while still being aware of local tradition, materials and climate.
This evening, indulge in a delicious Welcome Dinner at Malis Restaurant, one of Phnom Penh’s top addresses for authentic Khmer cuisine.
Overnight in Phnom Penh.
Distances and journey time:
Phnom Penh Airport - Phnom Penh (11 km): 20 mins

DAY 2 - PHNOM PENH (B,L,D)

PHNOM PENH

Spend the morning exploring the local market and learning about Khmer cuisine. While not as well-known as the neighbouring countries’ cuisines, Cambodia has a great variety of national dishes with many stories to be explained by the guide. Pick up begins from the hotel in a traditional cyclo- an authentic and unique means of traveling to the market. Walk through the aisles as the guide explains the different fruits, herbs, and vegetables and how they are used in Khmer cuisine, sampling local fruits along the way.
The walking tour will last about 2 hours before continuing to a local restaurant which uses many of the ingredients seen at the market. Various dishes come ready cooked; French-style baguettes (num pang) and the tasty nom banh chok can be ordered. This tour is ideal for foodies and lovers of local, non-touristy experiences.
In the afternoon, visit the most remarkable sights Phnom Penh has to offer. First, head to the National Museum, which houses the world's foremost collection of ancient Khmer artistic, archaeological, and religious artefacts from the 4th to the 13th centuries. Over 5,000 pieces are on display, constituting the repository of the Kingdom's cultural wealth. In addition, the roof space is home to a large bat colony!
Continue 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. Its original name is Wat Prakeo, meaning Temple of the Emerald Buddha. In this temple there is also a brilliant collection of Buddhas in gold, silver, crystal, and bronze on display.
Enjoy dinner at the renowned Foreign Correspondents’ Club located on the Riverside. The building is a colonial gem with great views of the confluence of the Upper Mekong, Lower Mekong, Bassac and Tonle Sap rivers. Dinner is à la carte with a large selection of both Western and Asian dishes.
Overnight in Phnom Penh.

DAY 3 - PHNOM PENH - BATTAMBANG (B,L)

BATTAMBANG

Travel by private vehicle over scenic backroads to Cambodia’s former capital, Oudong (transfer time 1h), about 39km from Phnom Penh. Pass rural villages, local pagodas, and scenic rice paddies before reaching the main hill of Oudong. Visit a family that is producing palm sugar at their house, and later climb to the top of the stupa-filled hill of Oudong for great views over the rural plains. Enjoy an early lunch local style in the picnic huts at the foot of the mountain.
Continue to Battambang (transfer time 4hr) and head directly to the hotel for check in. Despite being Cambodia’s second largest city, Battambang offers a unique atmosphere that’s both laid-back and charming; a relaxed river town full of fine examples of French-colonial architecture.
Overnight in Battambang.
Optional: Phare Ponleu Selpak
A special visit awaits at Phare Ponleu Selpak, the School of Music, Visual & Performing Arts. Phare Ponleu Selpak combines the Arts to provide education, support and entertainment to the poor communities. This project is a success story of how humanitarian aid work can turn into a display of zest for life, genuine warmth and creativity, against all odds. (Note: The circus performance is only performed regularly on each Monday & Thursday. However there is also a daily performance in Siem Reap as well.)
Distances and journey time:
Phnom Penh – Battambang (330km): 5hr

DAY 4 - BATTAMBANG (B,D)

Battambang’s countryside makes this pleasant town a real treat. Situated along the Sangker River, this life giving body of water winds through Battambang Province, connects the Cardamom Mountains with Tonle Sap, and feeds the paddy fields with water along the way. Thanks to this, Cambodia’s best rice that can be found in Battambang Province.
Begin the morning with a visit to some of the many cultural villages around Battambang, learning how the locals produce rice paper, prahoc (typical Cambodian fish paste), grolan (sticky rice stuffed in bamboo), and other Cambodian treats. Pay a visit also to a weaving and handicraft centre in another village.
After take a short ride on the famous Bamboo Train, an original means of transportation on the old train tracks leading to Phnom Penh. (Note: the train tracks from Battambang to Phnom Penh are currently being rebuilt. The long term future of the bamboo train ride cannot be guaranteed. Should the service stop we will arrange alternative sightseeing).
Break at hotel for lunch (at own expense).
In the afternoon explore another side of Battambang with a relaxing cyclo ride around the town. An audio set (English or French) will provide an informative guide to the history of the town during the cruise. Sit back and relax for this 2.5 hours tour as the cyclo driver cruises around the colonial streets, markets, and temples. At many stops, get off the cyclo and walk around the points of interest before moving on the next stop. (Note: only 2 cyclos are available with 1 person per cyclo only).
After the cyclo, head to Jaan Bai, a social enterprise run by the Cambodian Children’s Trust working to break the cycle of poverty in Battambang by empowering underprivileged children. Jaan Bai uses seasonal organic produce sourced from their kitchen garden, local farmers and neighbouring markets. Enjoy a tasty menu showcasing the best of South East Asia with Western influences.
Overnight in Battambang.

DAY 5 - BATTAMBANG - SIEM REAP (B,L,D)

SIEM REAP

Sail along the Stung Sangker River until reaching the Prek Toal bird sanctuary, one of the most important breeding grounds for waterbirds in the region. Continue along the edge of the largest freshwater lake in Asia, Tonlé Sap Lake, an exceptional water system which swells to almost five times its size during the rainy season. The lake is also an important breeding ground for fish, providing more than half of the amount of fish consumed in Cambodia. This particular water system requires the people living on the lake to adapt to the living conditions. Take in the many villages on the way where people live on stilted or entirely floating houses before arriving a short drive from Siem Reap town. The boat trip takes 6-7 hours depending on water levels and is a slow, but beautiful journey to take. Relax and watch village and lake life while sailing from Battambang to Siem Reap. (Note: This boat trip is only possible in the high water period from July to December as water levels are too low during the dry season and transfer times can be extremely long. From January to June alternative transfer by road.)
Arrive in Siem Reap mid to late afternoon, the gateway to the majestic temples of Angkor and a charming little city. The rest of the day is at leisure.
Enjoy dinner this evening at the stunning Chanrey Tree. One of the best fine dining restaurants in town, the Chanrey Tree offers traditional Khmer cuisine in a lush contemporary setting. Located on the riverside in heart of Siem Reap, the Chanrey Tree combines the amazing taste of only seasonal traditional Khmer ingredients, with a relaxed but lavish environment to provide a unique Cambodian dining experience.
Overnight in Siem Reap.
Distances and journey time:
Battambang – Siem Reap (174 km): 03 hours

DAY 6 - SIEM REAP (B,D)

Begin the morning temple explorations at the most illustrious of the Small Circuit Temples: the 12-13th century Ta Prohm. Ta Prohm is unique in that it has been left largely as it was found: overgrown by jungle trees and vines, with many parts of the temple crumbling to the ground. This makes the ‘Tomb Raider Temple’ one of the most picturesque and memorable of the Angkor temples.
Next pay a visit to the ancient city of Angkor Thom, the last capital of the Great Khmer Empire under the reign of Jayavarman VII. This city is surrounded by an 8 m high wall, drawing a perfect square. Enter the city through the ancient South Gate, an impressive stone gate carved with Elephants and four giant faces. On each side of the entrance path a row of 54 gods or demons is holding the sacred Naga snake.
From here continue to Bayon, a temple sitting in the exact centre of the city. This 12th century masterpiece is well-known for its 54 face-carved towers, Terrace of the Elephants and Terrace of the Leper King.
Return after the visit to the hotel for lunch (at own expense) and down time.
Optional
This afternoon, enjoy an optional tour of the Angkor National Museum. The interactive museum showcases artefacts from the Golden Era of the Khmer Empire by use of multimedia technology.
In the evening, embark on a very special tour around Siem Reap to sample delicious Cambodian dishes in several different locations. Led by a Scottish fine dining chef, explore  everything from small local restaurants and night markets to bustling street-food stands. Expect to sample everything from Cambodian BBQ to frogs stuffed with kroeung, a fragrant curry paste that is one of the defining ingredients of Khmer cuisine. We'll even throw in a few Cambodian beers if you're so inclined! The evening tour is a fun way to get acquainted with Siem Reap and Cambodian food.
Overnight in Siem Reap.
Distances and journey time:
Siem Reap – Temples (06 km): 10 mins

DAY 7 - SIEM REAP (B,L)

SIEM REAP

Begin the morning by discovering the secrets of authentic Khmer cuisine with a half-day cooking class with Mrs Kethana Dunnet. Travel 35km out of Siem Reap to a village near Banteay Srei to meet the chef at her beautiful country home. Kethana is the owner and founder of the Sugar Palm restaurants in Siem Reap and Phnom Penh and is known for her work with many celebrity TV chefs including Gordon Ramsay and Luke Nguyen. She grew up in Cambodia before moving to study in New Zealand. Living abroad, she developed a keen understanding of Khmer cuisine and how it can work in the west where some ingredients are harder to come by. Living in Cambodia since 2002, Kethana offers a truly practical Siem Reap cooking class. (Note: Subject to availability)
Over the course of the morning, learn how to prepare various dishes that are served at Sugar Palm and the differences between Khmer and other regional cuisines. The class lasts about 3 hours before sitting and appreciating the hard work with a tasting of the day’s creations (2 starters and 2 main courses).
After lunch, continue to visit the Golden Silk Pheach Farm, a local NGO which helps to revive the ancient Khmer silk trades and activities, providing job opportunities to more than 100 local staff. The farm area, mulberry trees, and weaving ateliers, can be seen as part of the guided tour. Golden Silk products are ecologically produced from the yellow silkworm which is unique to Cambodia. Some of the silk products are months, or even years, in the making and each one is unique. This is one for the connoisseurs of high quality craftwork.
Later travel to the “gem” of the Angkor area, the pretty temple of Banteay Srei. Also called the “Citadel of the Women,” this remains one of the best preserved temples in Cambodia with fine examples of classical Khmer art and remarkable bas-reliefs.
Transfer back to Siem Reap with evening at leisure.
Overnight in Siem Reap.
Distances and journey time:
Siem Reap – Banteay Srei (37 km): 45 mins

DAY 8 - SIEM REAP (B,D)

Begin the day with a ‘remork’ (tuk tuk) visit to the legendary Angkor Wat. Built in the early 12th century, the complex follows the model of the symbolic Mount Meru, the home of the gods. Inside the temple, the walls are covered with Aspara dancers and stone carvings/bas-reliefs depicting Hindu mythology. Construction of Angkor Wat, which is also found on the Cambodian flag, is thought to have taken around thirty years of intensive labor to complete.
Take a break back at the hotel until the late afternoon.
Enjoy a relaxing cruise in a gondola paddle boat at the moat of Angkor Thom compound while watching a spectacular sunset at Prasat Chroung temple. Cocktails, champagne, canapés and soft drinks will be available on the boat.
Enjoy this final night in Cambodia with a dinner at the renowned Embassy restaurant. An exclusive fine dining experience, Embassy is headed by executive chefs Pol & Sok; the “Kimsan Twins.” Having trained under Michelin-star chefs, they have created one of the most unique five-star quality cuisines that can be experienced in Siem Reap. With a constantly changing menu based around seasonality, guests can savour skilfully prepared masterpieces from multiple-course set menus, paired with a selection of fine wines.
Overnight in Siem Reap.
Distances and journey time:
Siem Reap – Temples (06 km): 10 mins

DAY 9 - SIEM REAP (B)

After breakfast, enjoy some time at leisure until the transfer to the airport for the departing flight.
Distances and journey time:
Siem Reap - Siem Reap Airport (8 km): 15 mins

*END OF SERVICE*