Inspiration for your own tailor-made trip
Cambodia in Style Siem Reap, Phnom Penh & the Coast
Cambodia - Siem Reap - Phnom Penh - Koh Krabey
Start in Siem Reap to explore Angkor's temples and savour Khmer cuisine, before a boat trip in Tonle Sap Biosphere Reserve to spy water-based wildlife. Phnom Penh is up next, where you’ll dive into the troubled past of Cambodia and sample plenty more delicious street food.
Then, round out your adventure in the best way possible: with an idyllic island getaway on the shores of Koh Krabey. Now that’s what you call a healthy balance.
Itinerary
100% customisable for you
The day of your highly anticipated Cambodia adventure has arrived. Head to the airport, breeze through security and dip into the lounge for some complimentary drinks and snacks. Your flight to Cambodia connects through a Southeast Asian transit city and takes 14 and a half hours, so relax and crack open a good book before (hopefully) catching some shuteye.
Land in Siem Reap the following morning, ready to grab your bags and hop in a private transfer to the city centre. Check into your hotel for four nights and do a spot of unpacking before indulging in some post-journey-stretching.
The afternoon is free for you to spend as you please. If you’re raring to go, step out for an exploratory stroll. But if you’re tired from your travels, simply kick back at your hotel in the lead up to dinner.
Rise and shine – it's time to kick the trip off by hitting up those iconic temples. Angkor Pass in hand, step out after breakfast to meet your private driver and journey to the UNESCO-listed Angkor complex.
Begin at the atmospheric Ta Prohm temple, famed for the kapok tree roots that grip its stonework. Accompanied by a private local guide, dodge the crowds while learning more about the significance of this sacred site.
Then, after breaking for lunch, head to Angkor Thom, the last (and largest) capital of the Khmer Empire. Inside the complex, you can discover some of Cambodia’s most impressive temples, including Bayon and Baphuon. There’s also the Terrace of Elephants, the Terrace of the Leper King and Palilay Temple.
After filling your camera roll here, return to Siem Reap this evening to rest your legs and unwind before dinner.
You know what they say: good things come in threes. After a tasty breakfast this morning, meet your private guide to spend a day exploring three iconic temples and temple complexes.
Start at the Roluos temples, an early collection of ninth-century Khmer constructions. Then, visit Chau Srei Vibol, one of the oldest temples in the Angkor area. Finally, head to Banteay Chhmar, a vast complex buried in the wilds of the jungle – talk about atmospheric.
Once you’ve admired the exceptional bas-reliefs and giant heads adorning these sacred sites, return to Siem Reap for an evening of excellent eats. Hop in a tuk-tuk to crisscross the city and sample traditional flavours at a string of local eateries.
Leap out of bed this morning, because a big day awaits. After fuelling up on a bountiful breakfast, head to the Angkor complex with an archaeologist from the World Monuments Fund to peek behind the veil of these iconic sites.
Kick off with a brief walk to the Phnom Pakheng temple. Then, stroll through the rest of the complex to learn more about the conservation methods being used here, the challenges of preserving ancient monuments and the research that supports ongoing restoration projects.
Come evening, make the most of your last night in Siem Reap by reaching out to our local Concierge for some stellar restaurant recommendations. Let’s dig in.
Say goodbye to Siem Reap this morning as you check out and hop in a private transfer to reach the edge of Tonle Sap, Southeast Asia’s first freshwater lake.
Cruise along the water to Kompong Kleang village, weaving through a series of scenic canals. Keep your eyes peeled for fish along the way – bonus points if you encounter the protected Mekong giant catfish. There’s also a diverse array of birdlife here, such as the spot-billed pelican and Bengal florican.
Pull up to the riverbank this afternoon to catch a private transfer to the airport ahead of a one-hour flight to Phnom Penh. After landing, grab your bags and check into your centrally located hotel.
This afternoon is dedicated to a private art and cuisine tour of the city. Step out with a friendly local to weave through hidden alleys in search of murals and tasty morsels. Now that’s what you call a warm welcome.
You’ve already spent a few days discovering the ancient history of Cambodia, so now it’s time to turn to the country’s more recent past. While peaceful now, Cambodia was once the site of unimaginable cruelty and, although the sites documenting this are harrowing, they are also a necessary part of any visit to Phnom Penh.
Head to the renowned Toul Sleng Genocide Museum today to learn more about this period of history with an expert local guide. Afterwards, visit the Choeung Ek Genocidal Center, the final resting place of those who lost their lives at the hands of the Khmer Rouge.
Following some downtime this afternoon, step out to enjoy the charms of modern-day Phnom Penh with a local guide. The city comes alive at night, so let curiosity lead the way as you rub shoulders with the locals and discover a few lesser-known gems.
Hear that? Island life is calling. Indulge in a delicious breakfast this morning before loading up the car for your private transfer to Sihanoukville, three hours away. Cue road trip tunes and plenty of window watching.
When you reach the shore, climb into a speedboat to cross to Koh Krabey Island, just 15 minutes away. Then, check in for a five-night stay and settle in with a welcome drink. It’s time for the remote R&R to begin.
Over the next few days, you’ll be free to live out your island fantasy. Koh Krabey is home to rocky coasts, jungle-covered cliffs and beautiful white-sand beaches, inviting all who visit to reconnect with nature.
When you’re not sipping on an umbrella-topped cocktail, there are a range of water sports to try your hand at. You could don a mask to snorkel with vibrant marine life or master the art of stand-up paddle boarding. Kayaks can also be rented or, if you're looking for something a little less active, opt for a boat trip instead.
However you chose to spend your last few days under the Cambodian sun, just be sure to end on a high note with a decadent dinner and a farewell toast
Sadly, your time in Cambodia comes to an end today. Delight in one last leisurely breakfast this morning before checking out and heading back to the shore to cross to Sihanoukville. From here, you’ll hop in a private transfer to the airport in Phnom Penh.
Your return flight connects through Southeast Asia and takes just over 16 hours, so you’ll spend the night onboard and arrive the following morning. The sun may have set on your Cambodian adventure, but the memories – and the desire to explore further – are bound to live on.
Why visit Cambodia with Original Travel ?
Each of our trips is entirely tailor-made with originality, quality and cultural immersion in mind. Our team of destination specialists will craft itineraries based on your tastes, using their first-hand knowledge and the help of our in-country team of Concierges and guides. All trips are accompanied by a wide range of additional services, including a 24-hour helpline, the Original Travel app, fast-track airport services and much more.
Enquire nowA few of the benefits of travelling with us to Cambodia
- Our local Concierges
- The Original Travel app
- Wi-Fi router and e-Sim
- Destination Dossier
- 24-hour helpline
- Expert guides
- 100% carbon absorption
