Luxury Cambodia: Ancient Temples, Private Islands and Jungle Retreats

It’s an early start this morning (made easier by your beautiful setting), so rise and shine with the sun, as you’ve got a full day of temple exploration ahead. You’ll be picked up from your hotel, heading for Ta Prohm (collecting your Archaeological Park passes en route). Take time to enjoy the beautiful light as you wander the ancient temple, which tree roots have gradually claimed as their own. Walk from the West to the East entrance before taking the short route through the forest to the less visited temple of Ta Nei (you might be lucky enough to have it all to yourself). No doubt you’ll have worked up an appetite, so stop for a light breakfast before exploring the next temple: Ta Keo. Also known as the ‘mountain with the bronze peaks’, discover the intriguing depths of its five-tiered pyramid structure. Meet back up with your driver, who will take you back to Siem Reap in time for lunch.

After refuelling with some delicious food, it’s time to meet your driver again, who’ll take you to this afternoon’s destination, Angkor Thom, which was the world’s largest city in the 12th century and capital of the Khmer Empire. You’ll enter Angkor Thom through the Victory Gate before heading to atmospheric Preah Palilay; next, it’s on to Phimeanakas and its beautiful surrounding waters, before you head to the imposing Baphuon. Finally, you’ll reach the impressive state temple of the Khmer Empire, Bayon. Spend time exploring the giant stone faces and detailed bas-reliefs illustrating everyday life in the Angkor era. Come sunset, hop in a traditional wooden boat for a ride through the ancient water system, with a drink in hand. Head back to your hotel for dinner in a tranquil setting.

Lap up the luxury of your accommodation as you enjoy a leisurely morning wandering the gorgeous grounds, or discovering neighbouring villages by bike. Spend the rest of the morning how you like. Siem Reap town is a must-see; we recommend exploring the plethora of shops, cafes and restaurants, as well as the many galleries showcasing local art. If you fancy yourself as a budding chef, pick up ingredients at the bustling local markets, before learning how to prepare authentic Cambodian cuisine in a cooking class at your resort. You could do worse than spending your morning basking in the Cambodian sun and cooling off in the resort pool, before an afternoon of activities.

After lunch (perhaps poolside), your afternoon adventure awaits. It’s time to take to the waters of the astonishing Tonle Sap, Southeast Asia’s largest freshwater lake. Aboard a traditional wooden boat, you’ll be guided around the ever-changing landscape, discovering the lifestyles of the communities calling the lake home. Marvel at the ingenuity of their houses, built on ten-metre-high stilts or taking shape as floating bamboo rafts. The waters of Tonle Sap vary hugely from season to season, receiving the Mekong River’s backflow during the monsoon season. See this continually shifting environment up close as you glide through the glistening waters of the beautiful lake. Cruise through the Mechrey floating village at sunset as you listen to atmospheric bird songs and take in this incredible water world. Back on dry land, why not consult our Dossier for the best eateries in Siem Reap? You won’t be disappointed.

This morning, wake up before dawn (we promise it’ll be worth it) to catch the spectacular sunrise over Angkor Wat. Constructed over 30 years during the reign of King Suryavarman II in the 12th century, Angkor Wat is the largest religious site in the world. Watch as the huge orange sun rises from behind the iconic lotus towers and bathes the complex in a warm golden light. Afterwards, wander the well-preserved archaeological site, taking in the intricate bas-reliefs depicting scenes from Hindu mythologies and ancient battles. Once you’ve had your fill of ancient Angkor, head back to your hotel to refuel with a late breakfast. Spend the rest of the morning relaxing in the peaceful setting and reflecting on the wonders of this morning’s sights.

After a filling lunch, you’ll embark on this afternoon’s adventure into the countryside, to a rural village untouched by mass tourism, just a short drive from Siem Reap. On a community-based tour here, you’ll learn about the importance of Buddhism in rural lives, travel through typical villages by ox-cart, and see the vast West Baray, a man-made reservoir once integral to the Angkorian rice irrigation system. If the weather allows, you’ll then travel by boat to a gorgeous country villa, for a dinner nestled among rice paddies. Here, enjoy the sunset in the serene surroundings with a drink in hand. While your chef prepares a delicious dinner, explore the lush grounds and take in views across the countryside. Enjoy listening to local musicians perform traditional Khmer music as you feast on an impressive five-course meal.

After dinner, it’s time to leave the country villa behind and return to your hotel. Savour a nightcap (or two) in the elegant resort lounge before heading to bed for a final night’s sleep in Siem Reap.

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel this morning, savouring the sights, smells and sounds of this peaceful place. You’ll then be privately transferred to Siem Reap airport, around an hour’s drive away. It’s time for the next leg of your trip, beginning with a short 45-minute domestic flight to the capital, Phnom Penh. Upon arrival, you’ll be met by a private driver and transferred to your elegant hotel for the next three nights. For the rest of the day, relax in your hotel (which was a favourite of Jackie Kennedy’s), enjoy the large outdoor pool and indulge in a blissful treatment at the luxurious spa. Come evening, dine in one of the hotel’s excellent restaurants or venture out into the city for one of our tried-and-tested eateries.

breakfast and strong coffee at your hotel. On the agenda today? A private tour of the city’s hidden gems, led by a local architecture student. Travelling by the traditional method of cyclo (rickshaw), you’ll experience the city at a gentle pace, allowing full appreciation of its modern architectural heritage. Chinese shop-house style buildings rub shoulders with French colonial structures and feats of the ‘New Khmer Architecture’, to create an eclectic fusion of past and present. Your knowledgeable guide will take you to the most interesting spots off the tourist-beaten track. Make sure you’ve got your camera at the ready to capture the charming chaos of the city. Along the way, stop for a drink or two and a bite to eat at a recommended restaurant.

Once you’ve finished the tour of this multifaceted city, your guide will pedal you back to the hotel. Put your feet up and enjoy the hotel’s facilities this afternoon, or get out and explore the city on foot. If you fancy soaking up some culture, head to the impressive Buddhist temple, the Silver Pagoda. Another essential site is the Choeung Ek Genocidal Centre. Here, learn about Cambodia’s harrowing history and pay your respects to those killed during the Khmer Rouge regime.

This evening, it’s your pick from one of the city’s bustling restaurants, or enjoy dinner at the hotel.

This morning, make the most of the amenities at your hotel, before escaping the hustle and bustle of the capital on a relaxing boat ride to the Islands of the Mekong. Lasting around an hour, you’ll cruise past traditional houseboats and watch as the city becomes countryside. Your destination is the island of Koh Oknha Tey, also known as the ‘Silk Island’. Upon arrival, hop on a mountain bike for a leisurely 45-minute cycling tour of the island. Pedal past pagodas, orchards and market gardens, as well as learning about the traditional silk weaving industry on the islands.

It’s time to board the boat again for a short trip across the Mekong to an authentic wooden Khmer house, where you’ll be treated to an exquisite dinner. Your host (and chef) for the evening is a passionate advocate of Cambodian cuisine. Scouring the countryside for traditional Khmer recipes and ingredients, the pioneering chef creates innovative meals rooted in the country’s rich cultural heritage. Tonight, you’ll be served a sumptuous tasting menu showcasing the best of Cambodian cooking. On arrival, enjoy a drink by the pool (or take a refreshing dip), wander the gardens or relax on the terrace of the traditional Khmer house. When your culinary journey comes to an end, return to your hotel in a private car. Finish off with a drink at your hotel’s bar, toasting a wonderful couple of days in Phnom Penh.

Today, the next leg of your journey begins. After checkout this morning, you’ll be met by your driver for a private three-hour transfer to Sihanoukville. Upon arrival, depart from the mainland coast on a private boat for a 15-minute journey to Koh Krabey Island. The day’s travelling stops here, as you’ll be spending the next four nights in this beautiful island paradise. Staying in a luxurious private pool villa (part of an exclusive eco-resort), spend the rest of the day enjoying this secluded spot, nestled among the lush jungle canopies. If you can tear yourself away from your villa’s tranquil surroundings, head to one of the resort’s (equally serene) restaurants for dinner. Enjoy panoramic vistas from the elevated sunset bar as you sip on a cocktail or three (who’s counting?) and raise a toast to idyllic island life.

The next three days are dedicated to some non-negotiable R&R. Make sure to spend a healthy amount of time chilling on your villa’s decking, taking dips in the private pool and getting stuck into a good book. There’s also a private sugary white sand beach to lounge on, and ample opportunities to discover the island’s surrounding waters via snorkelling and diving trips. Enjoy spectacular sunsets from the elevated bar, wander the ocean boardwalk, drop into one of the yoga (or aerial yoga) classes, learn how to cook Khmer cuisine in a cooking class or hike through the wild jungle. We highly recommend rejuvenating with a classic treatment or traditional Cambodian healing experience at the heavenly wellness spa, which overlooks the ocean. Get your fill of activity as well as serenity, settle into the slow pace of the island and unwind in this magical setting. Feast on delightful Cambodian cuisine as you wine and dine among the trees for the duration of your stay.

This morning, it’s time to leave your island paradise (however reluctantly) and make the short 15-minute journey back to the mainland. Once you disembark from the private boat, you’ll be met by a driver for your private transfer to your next destination: the Cardamom Mountains. It’ll take around two hours to reach your accommodation, located in the heart of the forest on the border of three national parks. For the next three nights, you’ll stay in a luxurious jungle retreat: a custom-designed camp created by an internationally renowned architect. Perched on the edge of rivers and waterfalls which flow through the camp, you’ll feel at one with nature. Settle in and enjoy the spectacular surroundings before heading to the restaurant for a feast of locally foraged, sustainable produce. End your night with a drink in the eclectic bar, which overlooks an impressive waterfall. Tonight, fall asleep to the soothing sounds of the forest in your elegant tented room.

For the next two days, you’re free to explore the beautiful Cardamom Mountains and enjoy your incredible accommodation. Home to the second largest tropical forest in Southeast Asia, these mountains are abundant with rich flora and fauna, and you’re staying in the perfect spot to explore the wild ecosystem. There’s so much to get involved with, be it kayaking the backwaters, cruising down the river on an expedition boat, picnicking al fresco at a waterfall, or hiking with naturalists through the lush jungle. You can also head out on foraging trips, join an anti-poaching patrol, or whizz through the jungle on a zipline. Back at the camp, get stuck into a good book as you lounge by the tranquil swimming pool, nestled among the canopies. Make sure to maximise the unlimited spa treatments (yes, unlimited) offered at the camp too. Enjoy the rushing sounds of nearby rivers and waterfalls as you sip a drink in the bar, relax in your spacious tent and dine in the exquisite restaurant. Here, conservation is key, so sit back and lap up the luxury with a clear conscience.