With flights from £2045
Explore the magnificent temples, turbulent history and cultural delights of Siem Reap and Phnom Penh, before exploring the beautiful countryside and fascinating coast towns to end your tour by the beach.
Highlights:
On arrival into Siem Reap, where you will be greeted and transferred to your hotel for the rest of the day at leisure.
Once you have checked into your room and freshened up, you may wish to wander into town and explore the streets and markets of Siem Reap. In the evening head to the famous Pub Street to grab a drink and a bite to eat, there’s always some excitement in the area.
Hotel: The Aviary Hotel, Siem Reap
This morning, take a Remok tour – which is a local transport similar to a Tuk Tuk, to visit the magnificent Angkor Thom – last capital of the Khmers. Here you will see the Elephant Terrace, the Terrace of the Leper King and the stunning Bayon temple.
Continue your exploration of the Angkor Temples at Ta Prohm, the temple that has been left largely in its natural state since its “re-discovery” by French explorers. Surrounded by jungle, its labyrinth of stone hallways is overgrown with the roots and limbs of massive banyan trees, which envelop the stone like tentacles.
This afternoon, your guide will drive you to visit Angkor Wat, arguably the largest religious building in the world, with a volume of stone equaling that of the Cheops pyramid in Egypt. It is unlike all the other Khmer temples in that it faces west, and is inspired by 12th Century Hinduism. Enjoy the knowledge and history your guide has, whilst watching the sunset in the evening.
Hotel: The Aviary Hotel, Siem Reap
Meals: Breakfast
This morning visit one of the more remote floating villages on Tonle Sap Lake, before continuing on to Beng Melea, the “Lotus Pond” Temple which has been left largely unrestored. There is time to wander around the exhibits at the Angkor National Museum, before a visit to Banteay Srei with its enchanting red sandstone temples.
Hotel: The Aviary Hotel, Siem Reap
Meals: Breakfast
If there is time this morning, you may wish to head out to grab some final souvenirs. Say goodbye to this magical place and head for the airport for your short flight to Phnom Penh.
On arrival, you will be greeted and transferred to your hotel. After checking in, enjoy your time at leisure.
Hotel: White Mansion, Phnom Penh
Meals: Breakfast
This morning, your guide will drive you to visit the Toul Sleng Genocide Museum, a former high school. In the Pol Pot time they took this school as a prison for detentions and torture of prisoners.
Continue to visit Cheung Ek, a profoundly moving but saddening experience. Mass graves are still there today and over 8,000 skulls are displayed behind the glass of a memorial stupa, erected in 1988 to honour those who died.
This afternoon you will visit The Royal Palace, built in 1866 by King Norodom; the Palace is made up from a number of structures within a pagoda-style compound one of which is The Silver Pagoda.
Afterwards, visit the National Museum, a Khmer temple inspired building that houses the world’s largest collection of Khmer art sculptures, ceramics and bronzes from different periods of Cambodian history.
Hotel: White Mansion, Phnom Penh
Meals: Breakfast
Depart Phnom Penh towards Kep. Your first stop will be at Tonle Bati, a small lake that is a popular weekend spot for locals. Close by is the 12th century Ta Phrom temple which like its more famous name-sake in Siem Reap, was built in a similar style in the 12th century.
After a relaxing and interesting visit, it’s time to continue on to Kampong Trach Caves just outside of Kep. You are greeted by a beautiful tropical garden and several pagodas, Khmer and Vietnamese. The caves are quite spectacular, small shrines and stupas appear as you explore deeper into the mountain.
After lunch, you will drive the short distance to the coastal town of Kep and head to the famous Kep Crab market which is a hive of activity at this time of the day.
Hotel: Veranda Hotel, Kep
Meals: Breakfast
The next day take a 20 minute boat ride to the beautiful island of Koh Tonsai where you can explore the walking trails, simply relax on the beach or take to water to go snorkelling. Enjoy a Seafood barbeque lunch before heading back to the mainland and onto Kampot.
Should the weather prevent the boat crossing over to the island, a countryside tour will be taken instead which includes a boat ride on the Kampot River.
Hotel: Boutique Kampot Hotel, Kampot
Meals: Breakfast and BBQ lunch
Depart for Sihanoukville, stopping on the way at a local pepper farm for which Kampot is famous. Continue to Kdat fishing village to observe the local lifestyle of villagers, before arriving at the pier where you will take a boat over to the idyllic island of Koh Rong.
The next day is free to take in the sea air and enjoy the fine sandy beaches – extra nights can be added if you wish to extend your stay.
Hotel: Soksan Beach Resort, Koh Rong
Meals: Breakfast
After breakfast say farewell to Koh Rong as you head back to the mainland, before driving back to Phnom Penh for your onward flight.
Meals: Breakfast
All prices are per person, based on 2 sharing a twin or double room. Seasonal variations may apply, please call Freedom Destinations for more information and availability.
Touring at its very best with a private driver/guide and vehicle. Plus time to explore at your own pace.
Your private tour includes:
Departure Dates:
Tour departs daily.
