Highlights of Cambodia

Explore the highlights of Cambodia on this 11-day holiday and enjoy a few surprises along the way.

Visit the iconic Angkor complex with visits to the tomb Raider' temple of Ta Prohm and the sleeping giant of Beng Mealea, 'lost' in the Cambodian countryside and slowly being overwhelmed by its jungle surroundings.

Travel to the Cambodian countryside to the riverside town of Battambang and enjoy the stunning views from the back of the quirky bamboo train.

Explore the capital Phnom Penh and learn about the history of the Khmer Empire with visits to Tuol Sleng and Choeung Ek. End the trip in Kep, a sleepy seaside town with excellent seafood, for a chance to relax and reflect on your experiences in this wonderful country.

Tour Itinerary

DAY 2

SIEM REAP

Land Siem Reap and transfer to the HanumanAlaya Boutique Hotel. Afternoon at leisure.

Accommodation

HanumanAlaya

• Hotel Description

DAY 3

ANGKOR COMPLEX

Rise early and, with a packed breakfast, travel in the dawn light to iconic Ta Prohm. Explore the temple complex before the crowds arrive to see how the jungle is slowly reclaiming the site and smothering the stones. Continue onto Banteay Srei with its wonderful Angkor-era sculptures and elaborate carvings. This afternoon visit the lost temple of Beng Mealea, a mirror image of Angkor Wat. Return to the hotel. (B)

DAY 4

ANGKOR COMPLEX

This morning visit the walled city of Angkor Thom and then head to Angkor Wat, the crown in the jewel of the complex and thought to be the world's largest religious building. Learn about the impressive bas-reliefs which stretch for almost a kilometre. Return to the hotel. (B)

DAY 5

SIEM REAP TO BATTAMBANG

Depart Siem Reap today and head through the pretty Cambodian countryside to Banteay Chhmar. Clamber about this sleeping giant of a temple and enjoy a picnic lunch. Drive onwards to Battambang and overnight in La Villa Hotel. (B,L)

DAY 6

BATTAMBANG

Explore Battambang today with a visit to a local village to learn about rural life and their agricultural economy. From here take the quirky bamboo train back to Battambang. This afternoon visit the hilltop temple of Wat Banan which offers striking views of the surrounding plains. Also visit Phnom Sampeau, a sacred mountain dotted with interesting pagodas and stupas. Return to the hotel. (B)

DAY 7

BATTAMBANG TO PHNOM PENH

Depart Battambang after breakfast and head to the largest community living on Tonle Sap Lake at Kompong Luong. Explore the settlement by boat to experience realistic lake life. Enjoy lunch en-route to the Cambodian capital of Phnom Penh. Overnight Villa Langka Hotel. (B)

Accommodation

Villa Langka

• Hotel Description

DAY 8

PHONM PENH

Today there is a city tour with visits to Tuol Sleng (S21), the former high school turned into a Khmer detention centre. Today it is a moving musuem telling the story of the Khmer regime under Pol Pot. Also visit Choeung Ek, often known as the Killing Fields where prisoners of S21 often met an untimely end. Also visit the stunning Royal Palace, the Silver Pagoda, named after the 5000 silver tiles covering the floor, and the National Museum. End the day with a sunset cruise. (B)

DAY 9

PHONM PENH TO KEP

Today head south to the small coastal town of Kep. En-route stop for lunch and take a speedboat to visit Phnom Da, a pretty 8th century temple. Also visit Asram Moha Russei, a hermit's shelter carved from sandstone. End the day at Kep and the Veranda Natural Resort. (B)

Accommodation

Veranda Natural Resort

• Hotel Description

DAY 10

KEP - RABBIT ISLAND

Today enjoy a day trip to nearby Rabbit Island, a small palm-fringed island home to a small community of fishermen and farmers. Enjoy time of the island and a seafood lunch before returning to Kep. (B,L)