See the sights at a slower pace as you travel by cyclo to the National Museum, which houses a collection of rare antiquities, then it’s on to the Royal Palace. Built in 1866 by King Norodom, the palace is now home to the reigning monarch. Within the palace grounds you will find the Silver Pagoda, its floor covered by 5,000 silver tiles each weighing 1kg. But that’s not all, there is a beautiful emerald and crystal Buddha sitting on top of a gilded pedestal, and life-sized Buddha made from solid gold weighing 90kgs and encrusted with 9,584 diamonds, the largest weighing in at 25 carats! Take a sunset cruise down the river with Phnom Penh’s cityscape providing a backdrop.

Overnight in Phnom Penh.

Cambodia’s Khmer Rouge period was its darkest hour and today you will visit the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, which documents the atrocities of the Khmer Rouge against both their political enemies and many thousands of everyday Cambodians. Please note that the images on display are quite graphic and unsettling. Next drive a short distance to Choeung Ek – the Killing Fields. This particular killing field is the site of the brutal executions of more than 17,000 men, women and children. Many who had first suffered interrogation and torture at Toul Sleng and buried in mass graves. The large pits have all but gone, but a stupa filled with skulls and bones is a chilling memorial.

Overnight in Phnom Penh.

Travel out of the city about 40kms to the ancient capital of Oudong. This small collection of stupas is set high on a hill top overlooking the countryside below. The views from the top are quite impressive. You’ll find the ashes of former monarchs, battle scars from war and an interesting look into Cambodian history. Continue on to Kompong Chhnang, renowned for its pottery for a quick stop to view artisans at work. Later in the afternoon you will arrive in the sleepy riverside town of Battambang with its faded French architecture.

Overnight in Battambang.

Discover the 11th century Ek Phnom Temple with beautiful carved interiors which are still in remarkably good condition. Then admire the spectacular views of the surrounding countryside at Phnom Banan and visit Phnom Sampeau, a natural rocky hill offering a series of caves to explore. Sadly many of them were used as ‘killing caves’ during the Khmer Rouge period.

Overnight in Battambang.

Spend the morning on the road travelling to Siem Reap and the gateway to the temples of Angkor. In the afternoon start your adventure as you travel by tuk tuk to the south gate of Angkor Thom. Walk along the ancient walls to the lost temple of Prasat Chroung and on to the Bayon temple filled with enigmatic smiling faces where ever you look. Next stop is the Terrace of the Elephants, the Royal Palace and the Terrace of the Leper King.

Overnight in Siem Reap.

Feel your excitement build as you drive through towering old trees on your way to the awe inspiring Angkor Complex. Begin with the temple of Bayon, known for the hundreds of smiling faces that grace the towers. The bas reliefs are quite impressive and tell the stories of daily life and the great battles that were fought between the Khmers and ancient Thais.

Next it is on to one of the most loved temples of all – Ta Prohm. This small crumbling temple is held together by giant tree roots giving it a magical feel.  When first discovered by the French in the late 19th century a decision was taken not to embark on a full-scale restoration of the temple as the ficus and silk trees were so merged with ancient walls that eventually they became whole. Nowadays, these same tree roots are threatening the stability of the temple.

End your morning with exploring the magnificent Angkor Wat, the world’s largest religious monument. This visually spectacular temple is a massive three-tiered pyramid, rising 65 metres from the ground and crowned by five lotus towers that represent the five peaks of the sacred Mount Meru. The giant moat that stretches around the temple symbolises the oceans of the world and is more than five kilometres in length. See bas-reliefs depicting Hindu epics from the Ramayana, dancing apasara’s lining the walls and let your mind wander to days of ancient kings.

Overnight in Siem Reap.

Embrace your inner explorer as you discover the ancient ruins of Beng Melea, a forgotten and lost jungle temple on the outskirts of the Angkor Complex. It’s about a 2 hour drive to reach the Beng Melea which some say may have been a prototype for the centerpiece of the empire – Angkor Wat.  The actual history of the temple remains a mystery, although it is thought to have been built in the 12th century. Completely overgrown by jungle, the temple has an eerie, abandoned feel. There are fantastic photo opportunities of trees sprouting out of the towers, walls covered in thick green moss and tree roots entwined in the crumbling structure. No restoration work has been carried out and some parts of the temple are inaccessible, however, a large boardwalk with viewing platforms wraps around the temple.

Overnight in Siem Reap.

Your guide will meet you at your hotel and transfer you to the airport for your flight.

Upon your arrival Phnom Penh, travel about four hours by road to Kep. Nestled against a backdrop of mountains and a stone beach, this quaint seaside town was a firm favourite of the royals and jet-set crowd of the 1950s.

Overnight in Kep.

Day at leisure or you can explore the surrounding countryside on a rented bicycle, or take a boat to the nearby island of Tong Say with its deserted sandy beaches. Watch the sun set over the bay with a cool drink and a plate of freshly caught seafood – bliss!

Overnight in Kep.

Travel back to the capital of Phnom Penh then to the airport for your departure flight.