12 Days - Five Star Cambodia

Welcome to Cambodia. On arrival at Siem Reap International Airport, begin by securing your Cambodian visa (available on arrival for most nationalities). Proceed through Immigration and Customs formalities, then make your way into the arrivals area, where you will be warmly greeted by your private guide and driver. They will assist with your luggage and transfer you to your hotel in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle. Along the way, your guide can provide a short introduction to the city and help you get oriented for your time in Siem Reap. After check-in, take time to relax or enjoy your hotel’s facilities before your first taste of rural Cambodia later in the day.

In the late afternoon, step away from the lively streets of the city and venture into the Cambodian countryside for a special golden hour experience. At around 3:00pm, you’ll be picked up in a vintage open-air jeep - not only a stylish ride but one that allows access to small country roads that are inaccessible by regular vehicles. With the breeze in your hair and wide rural views all around, you’ll begin to feel the pace of the day slow as you pass through scenic rice fields and small farming communities.

Your first stop is Wat Chedai, a peaceful local temple set away from the main tourist route. Though modest in scale, this temple plays a vital role in local spiritual life. Here you’ll meet a resident monk, who will take a few moments to explain his daily rituals and the significance of the space. You’ll then be invited to take part in a traditional blessing - a unique and personal introduction to Khmer culture, believed to bring good fortune, health, and protection.

As the afternoon light begins to soften, continue deeper into the countryside. Villagers return home, children play along the tracks, and the air takes on a cooler, quieter tone. Arrive at a beautiful, open spot where you can pause and take it all in. Here, enjoy a cocktail or chilled drink and a selection of canapés as you watch the sky turn shades of gold and pink. A local therapist will offer a soothing foot massage, allowing you to fully unwind and absorb the peaceful surroundings. When you’re ready, hop back into the jeep and enjoy the drive back to town, taking in the final moments of light as Siem Reap begins to come alive for the evening.

Spend the day uncovering the secrets of Angkor alongside Mr Seng Kompheak, a respected Cambodian archaeologist with more than 17 years of hands-on experience. This isn’t a typical temple visit - it’s a rare opportunity to explore Cambodia’s ancient heritage through the eyes of someone who has helped study and preserve it.

Begin the morning at the Angkor National Museum, where Mr Kompheak, a former curator of Collections, will guide you through the exhibits and introduce the cultural and historical context of the Angkorian Empire. His deep knowledge and personal anecdotes bring the past to life, helping you understand the significance and symbolism of the temples you’ll see later in the day.

Enjoy a relaxed Khmer-style lunch in town, giving you time for one-on-one conversation with Mr Kompheak. During the meal, he’ll offer a short informal lecture - giving you even more background before your afternoon visits begin.

In the afternoon, continue to Ta Prohm, the atmospheric temple famously overgrown with trees and featured in the film Tomb Raider. Mr Kompheak’s connection to this site is personal - he was involved in its conservation and shares rare behind-the-scenes details about its restoration, challenges, and symbolism.

As the sun lowers in the sky, finish your day with a visit to Angkor Wat, entering from the quieter eastern side to avoid the larger crowds. With the soft light of dusk setting in, explore this monumental site with your expert guide, who offers historical insight alongside archaeological interpretation. By the time you return to your hotel, you’ll not only have seen two of Cambodia’s most iconic temples, but you’ll have experienced them in a far deeper and more meaningful way - guided by one of the country’s leading experts.

Step into Siem Reap’s creative heart and explore Cambodia’s vibrant contemporary art scene through a guided half-day experience that connects you with the city’s most expressive artists and galleries. Your journey begins with visits to three thoughtfully selected art spaces, each offering a different perspective on Cambodian creativity. From traditional works rooted in heritage to bold, modern interpretations of daily life and identity, these exhibitions highlight the rich and evolving artistic landscape of the country.

The experience culminates in a private session with celebrated Cambodian artist Morn Chear. Known for his playful yet deeply personal style, Morn brings everyday Cambodian scenes to life with colour, humour, and heartfelt detail. This intimate encounter offers more than just observation - it’s an open conversation with the artist about his influences, challenges, and the meaning behind his work.

Guided by Morn, you’ll then try your hand at creating your own black-and-white Cambodian block print. This traditional medium, marked by bold contrasts and layered symbolism, offers a hands-on way to connect with the culture and its stories. As you carve and stamp your design, sip a glass of sparkling wine and enjoy the relaxed, creative environment.

To close the session, unwind in a nearby garden café that often hosts rotating exhibitions by Cambodian and international photographers. It’s a calm and inspiring setting to enjoy a cocktail or mocktail, reflect on your experience, and perhaps engage in further conversation about the role of art in modern Cambodia.

Begin your day with an immersive journey into the rhythms of rural Cambodia, venturing from Siem Reap into the peaceful village of Kna Por. Surrounded by rice fields and clear skies, this Khmer farming community offers an authentic glimpse into countryside life. As you wander the lanes with your guide, visit families who open their doors - and hearts - to share their traditional crafts. Learn how rice wine (sra sor), woven mats (kantel tbanh), and handcrafted brooms (ombous) are made, each skill passed down with pride. These interactive encounters provide rare insight into daily life shaped by the land.

Next, hop into a remork (Cambodian tuk‑tuk) for a scenic drive past grazing water buffalo, children at play, and farmers tending their crops. Pause for light refreshments before exploring the serene ruins of Banteay Ampil Temple. Return to Siem Reap after enjoying a countryside lunch, enriched by a deeper appreciation of rural traditions.

Later this afternoon, journey once more into the tranquil countryside for dinner at Villa Chandara. Departing by private vehicle at 4:00pm, you’ll cross the Western Baray by boat and stroll through village paths before arriving at the villa. You'll be greeted with a glass of Prosecco and a beautifully prepared five-course Khmer or Western menu. The evening unfolds under stars, accompanied by live traditional music and free‑flow house wines, beer, cocktails, and soft drinks in an intimate alfresco setting. Available on Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday, this dinner is a magical celebration of Cambodian hospitality nestled in rustic elegance.

After a relaxed breakfast at your hotel in Siem Reap, your private guide and driver will collect you for the overland journey south to Phnom Penh. The drive takes approximately six hours and offers a changing view of the Cambodian countryside - rice fields stretching to the horizon, farmers working in the fields, roadside fruit stalls, and small towns where the pace of life slows. It’s an ideal opportunity to take in the everyday rhythms of rural Cambodia, with breaks along the way as needed for refreshments or photos. Upon arrival in the capital, you’ll check in to your hotel and have some time to rest, freshen up, or enjoy the facilities - perhaps a swim, a spa treatment, or a quiet moment on the terrace.

This evening, get a taste of Phnom Penh’s rising culinary scene on a progressive dining experience that brings together tradition, innovation, and local storytelling. Travelling by tuk-tuk with an English-speaking driver, you’ll follow a specially designed route through four distinct dining venues. At each stop, chefs will prepare exclusive tasting platters, allowing you to sample a wide range of Khmer and Asian-inspired flavours in settings that blend atmosphere with authenticity.

Begin your evening at a refined plant-based restaurant where classic recipes are given a creative twist using locally sourced ingredients and French technique. From there, continue to a beautifully restored colonial villa surrounded by tropical gardens and a peaceful setting for enjoying traditional Cambodian dishes that highlight regional herbs and heirloom recipes. Next, visit one of the country’s most acclaimed culinary destinations, where a Master Chef has designed a tasting dessert platter that fuses modern techniques with nostalgic flavours. End the night at a secret speakeasy tucked within a quiet garden courtyard, where signature cocktails are infused with ingredients like lemongrass, kampot pepper or kaffir lime.

Throughout the evening, you’ll sample 11 unique dishes, gaining insight into the country’s evolving food culture while enjoying the laid-back charm of Phnom Penh by night. This immersive dining experience is not only a highlight for food lovers, but also a fresh and flavourful way to understand contemporary Cambodia. Return to your hotel at your own pace, with your appetite fully satisfied.

Begin your day in Phnom Penh with a lively, flavour-filled immersion into the city’s daily rhythms. At 8:00am, your guide will meet you at your hotel for a private tour by foot and tuk-tuk that blends street food, history, and architecture. Start at Pshar Kandal, the city’s oldest market, where you’ll sample local favourites such as Mi Char (fried noodles), Lort Char, and Sachkor Ang (grilled beef) served with green papaya salad. Taste Nom Krok - small, coconut-filled rice cakes made in clay moulds - and hearty bowls of noodle soup, all freshly prepared and full of local character.

Continue to nearby Pshar Chas to try Banh Srung, a coconut milk noodle dish topped with crispy spring rolls, and Chek Ktis, a warm banana dessert that’s rich and comforting.

With your appetite satisfied, take a walking tour through the French Quarter, beginning at the historic post office. Admire the fading but elegant colonial facades, including the once grand French administration building, now used in part as a coal store. Your guide will bring to life Phnom Penh’s architectural diversity and the stories behind these crumbling but evocative buildings.

Next, visit Wat Phnom, the small hilltop temple that gives the city its name. Built in 1373, it remains the tallest religious structure in the capital and offers insight into the spiritual side of local life. As you continue on foot, pass the stately National Library and the iconic Raffles Hotel, opened in 1929 and steeped in stories from Cambodia’s modern history.

Your final stop is Psah Thmey, or Central Market, a spectacular 1930s art deco structure designed by French architect Louis Chauchon. Once the largest market in Asia, its yellow domed halls are filled with everything from gold jewellery to fresh fish, textiles, flowers, and electronics. You’ll have the chance to meet a traditional Cambodian fortune teller (optional, USD 5) and try a glass of Teuk Ampil, a chilled sugarcane juice that’s a local favourite.

After a sensory-filled morning, return to your hotel by tuk-tuk and enjoy the afternoon at your leisure -perhaps with a rest, a dip in the pool, or a visit to one of the city’s cafés.

Your final morning in Phnom Penh offers a chance for reflection before the next chapter of your journey begins. After breakfast, meet your private guide and driver for a deeply moving and informative experience exploring Cambodia’s recent history. Start at the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, once a high school that became Security Prison 21 (S-21) under the Khmer Rouge. Today, the site is preserved as a memorial, where haunting exhibits, photographs and personal accounts reveal the suffering and resilience of those who endured this dark chapter.

Continue just outside the city to Choeng Ek, known as the Killing Fields. Now a peaceful memorial site, this location contrasts the horrors of its past with the calm of rural surroundings. A stupa filled with victims' skulls stands as a stark reminder, while the walking paths provide space for contemplation. Though emotionally challenging, these visits provide vital context and insight into Cambodia’s past and its ongoing journey toward healing.

Return to your hotel, check out, and begin the drive southwest to Shinta Mani Wild, a luxurious tented camp set in a private nature sanctuary in the Cardamom Mountains. After approximately 2.5 to 3 hours, you’ll arrive at a place where high-end design, conservation, and wilderness come together.

Created by designer Bill Bensley, Shinta Mani Wild offers an extraordinary experience with tented suites perched above a river and waterfalls. This is not just a stay, but an all-inclusive adventure where you’ll be looked after by your personal Adventure Butler and welcomed into one of the most unique eco-luxury lodges in Asia.

Your stay at Shinta Mani Wild includes:

• All meals and drinks, including premium wines, beers, and spirits

• In-villa dining with a choice of menus

• Daily spa treatments at the Khmer Tonics Spa

• Fully stocked in-room bar and locally sourced snacks

• Personal Adventure Butler to assist with all arrangements

• A range of private guided excursions and activities including forest hikes, river kayaking, foraging with the chef, and patrols with Wildlife Alliance rangers

• Pop-up jungle picnics and sunset drinks

• Complimentary daily laundry service (excluding dry cleaning)

• Return transfers to and from the lodge

Spend your first evening settling in, with the sounds of the jungle around you and the river flowing nearby. Whether you choose to relax with a cocktail by the water or plan the next day’s explorations, this is where adventure and indulgence meet in perfect balance.

Wake to the sounds of the jungle and enjoy your first full day at Shinta Mani Wild, set within a private nature sanctuary along the Tmor Rung River. With no fixed schedule, today is yours to slow down and savour this rare natural escape.

Ease into the day with a gentle yoga or meditation session on your tent’s expansive deck. Afterwards, indulge in a signature treatment at the Khmer Tonics Spa, where therapies use natural local ingredients and take place in open-air pavilions surrounded by forest.

In the afternoon, your personal Adventure Butler can guide you on a range of included experiences. Opt for a river safari by kayak or boat, join a chef-led foraging walk through the jungle, or visit the camp’s conservation centre to learn about Shinta Mani’s work with the Wildlife Alliance. End the day with sunset drinks on a secluded platform or by the river’s edge.

Today invites more active exploration of the rainforest that surrounds you. Begin with a thrilling zipline ride into the Landing Zone Bar, a one-of-a-kind arrival that blends adrenaline with scenery. Then head out with park rangers and Wildlife Alliance staff on a forest patrol - a hands-on opportunity to witness conservation in action and help protect the area from illegal activity.

Later, trek into the jungle with a naturalist guide to learn about the flora and fauna that thrive in this biodiversity hotspot. Keep an eye out for gibbons, hornbills, and butterflies along the trails. If you prefer something slower paced, visit the on-site garden and sustainability centre or enjoy a guided nature walk focused on birdlife and forest ecology.

Back at camp, unwind with a drink or soak in your outdoor bath, listening to the forest settle for the evening. Whether you spend today in motion or stillness, it’s a rare chance to connect deeply with one of Southeast Asia’s last great wildernesses.

After a final breakfast at your luxury tented camp, take the morning to savour the atmosphere of Shinta Mani Wild one last time. Whether it’s a stroll along the riverbanks, a final spa treatment, or a quiet moment on your deck surrounded by forest, the hours are yours to enjoy as you please.

Late morning, meet your private driver for the journey south to Sihanoukville, a drive of approximately 2.5 hours through rural landscapes and changing scenery. Upon arrival, you’ll be assisted to the pier, where a shared speedboat will whisk you away across the Gulf of Thailand to your next destination - Song Saa Private Island.

Located in the Koh Rong archipelago, Song Saa is a sanctuary of barefoot luxury, sustainability, and seclusion. The resort’s philosophy blends high-end comfort with deep care for the surrounding environment and local communities. On arrival, settle into your villa and ease into the island’s slower rhythm.

Please note that Song Saa Island operates on a time zone that is one hour ahead of the Cambodian mainland.

Your all-inclusive stay at Song Saa Private Island includes:

• Breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks at both Vista and Driftwood venues

• In-villa dining (based on the resort’s in-villa menus)

• One destination dining experience per stay (shared, weather and availability dependent; private dining available at additional cost)

• Unlimited house wines, house beers, house spirits, handcrafted cocktails and non-alcoholic beverages

• Access to non-motorised water sports: kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, snorkelling gear, windsurfing equipment and Hobie sailboats

• Daily-restocked mini bar with selected snacks, soft drinks and alcoholic beverages

• Shared return speedboat transfers between the island and Sihanoukville pier (according to resort schedule)

• Three pieces of laundry per guest, per day (non-accumulative)

• One shared complimentary longtail boat excursion to Sala Song Saa village (subject to availability and resort schedule)

• A 15-minute foot ritual and 15-minute neck/head/shoulder massage per guest, once per stay

Arrive, unpack, and let island life begin.

Today is yours to embrace the beauty, peace, and rhythm of island life on Song Saa. Start the morning with a beachfront yoga session or a sunrise meditation, both designed to harmonise body and mind in the stillness of your tropical surroundings. After breakfast, wander the jungle trails or explore the surrounding marine reserve - snorkel through coral gardens teeming with vibrant sea life, or glide across calm waters in a kayak or paddleboard.

For those seeking relaxation, the island’s overwater spa offers signature treatments using ethically sourced local ingredients and traditional Khmer techniques. You may also opt for a private wellness consultation or guided mindfulness session to deepen your sense of retreat.

Throughout the day, take time to enjoy handcrafted cocktails at the Driftwood Bar, graze on locally inspired dishes, or simply unwind by the infinity pool with uninterrupted views across the Gulf of Thailand. For the culturally curious, join a marine biologist for a reef talk or take part in a sustainability-focused workshop that shares insight into the island’s environmental efforts.

As evening sets in, dine under the stars, request a destination dining experience, or linger at the water’s edge with a glass of wine and the sound of gentle waves. At Song Saa, every moment invites stillness, connection, and indulgence.

Enjoy a relaxed morning with breakfast at your villa, soaking in the final moments of island tranquillity. After checking out, you’ll be transferred by shared speedboat to Sihanoukville Port, gliding across the water one last time.

At the port, your private driver will be waiting to greet you and assist with luggage before continuing the journey to Phnom Penh International Airport. Travel in comfort along the modern expressway, a drive of approximately 2.5 hours through southern Cambodia’s changing landscapes.

Depending on your flight time, there may be opportunities to stop for refreshments or simply reflect on the remarkable journey you’ve had - one that’s blended cultural immersion, natural beauty, and exceptional comfort from start to finish. Upon arrival at the airport, your guide will assist with luggage and check-in if required.

We hope you leave Cambodia with lasting memories and a deep connection to its people, stories, and spirit. Safe onward travels.