Cambodia: Angkor Wat, jungle, and tropical island

Day 1. Siem Reap — еxploring Cambodia

Upon your arrival in Siem Reap, an ancient province and gateway to the temples of Angkor, you’ll be picked up at the airport and transferred to your hotel. You can rest after your journey and relax in a comfortable room here.

In the evening, savour a gourmet dinner featuring Khmer, Asian, and European dishes, accompanied by a cultural show where you will experience Cambodian traditions through traditional dance and music. The performance begins with a welcoming blessing dance, followed by the Ramayana dance, fisherman dance, peacock dance, coconut dance, and the famous Apsara dance, embodying the myths and symbolism of ancient Cambodia.

After the show, those who wish can continue the evening on Pub Street, at the heart of city life.

Day 2. Angkor Wat Temple

Early in the morning, you will head out to witness the mesmerising sunrise at the temple of Angkor Wat, inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

After sunrise, you will enjoy breakfast on a gondola as it gently glides along the canal surrounding the ancient city of Angkor Thom. Alternatively, you can opt for a picnic on the temple grounds for a more immersive experience.

Following breakfast, your journey through time truly begins as you explore Angkor Thom, the "great capital" of the ancient Khmer Empire. You will walk through the jungle, discovering the temples of Baphuon and Phimeanakas, the ruins of the Royal Palace, the Terrace of the Elephants, and the Terrace of the Leper King, adorned with numerous ethereal bas-reliefs of departed Kings and celestial dancers known as apsaras.

The morning walk culminates with a visit to Bayon Temple, famously called the "Temple of a Thousand Faces." Its towers, adorned with numerous stone faces, create a mystical atmosphere. You will ascend to the central tower, where, at this time of the day, the sun's rays illuminate the face of Avalokiteśvara, the many-faced deity of compassion.

Around midday, you will return to your hotel to rest.

In the evening, you will experience the sunset at one of Cambodia’s most iconic temples — Ta Prohm, which many will recognise from the film "Lara Croft: Tomb Raider." You will reach the temple via a forest path through a hidden entrance. As the sun sets, the temple, entwined by the roots of ancient trees, will be enveloped in a magical twilight, and you will hear the jungle come alive.

If you wish to mark a special occasion during the tour, we can arrange an exclusive dinner within the grounds of the Angkor Temple Complex. Picture dining under the stars, surrounded by centuries of history, while watching a traditional Khmer apsara dance performance against the stunning backdrop of the temples.

Day 3. Mysteries of the ancient pyramids and the temple of Beng Mealea

Today, you will explore one of Cambodia’s most unusual and mysterious sites — the ancient temple city of Koh Ker. Hidden deep within the jungle, this city once served as the capital of the Khmer Empire and is home to unique architectural monuments known to very few. The most striking structure here is the colossal seven-tiered pyramid of Prasat Prang, ominously referred to as the Pyramid of Death.

Your journey continues to another enchanting location — the Beng Mealea Temple, reminiscent of Rudyard Kipling’s The Jungle Book, as well as a valley filled with mystical bas-reliefs dating back to the reign of King Harshavarman I. Beng Mealea is almost entirely enveloped by nature: its walls are blanketed in moss and vines, while tree roots twist through the stone ruins, creating an otherworldly atmosphere.

In the evening, you will head to Tonle Sap Lake to witness a stunning sunset. The vast freshwater lake is dotted with floating houses and fishing boats belonging to residents, including Khmers, Chams, and Vietnamese immigrants. Here, you can experience the simplicity of life on the water, where daily activities are intricately linked to the rhythm of the lake.

Day 4. Flight to Sihanoukville and Transfer to the Lodge

After breakfast, you will take a short flight from Siem Reap to Sihanoukville, a coastal province on the Gulf of Thailand, surrounded by tropical jungles and expansive beaches. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to a luxurious eco-lodge nestled deep within the wilderness. The lodge is situated amidst dense forests and waterfalls along the tranquil banks of a river.

After checking in, you’ll have time to settle into your surroundings. The lodge offers an unparalleled opportunity to connect with nature. It features elegant safari-style tents with views of the jungle and river and provides first-class service that ensures an unforgettable stay.

Day 5 — 6. Relax at the lodge

Over these days, you will have the opportunity to enjoy a variety of activities that will help you discover the beauty of the area and experience something new:

• Explore hidden pools, picturesque rice fields, and sandy beaches on a pontoon with a bar and sun loungers.
• Indulge in a facial, a foot massage by the river, a yoga class in the forest, or a body scrub at the spa.
• Take part in environmental programmes and patrols, contributing to nature conservation.
• Savour a sunset drink on a large flat rock in the middle of the river.
• Kayak down the river or zipline over trees and waterfalls.
• Forage for wild potatoes, edible mushrooms, and exotic fruits; try something unexpected, like red ants.
• Watch birds and butterflies — the lodge is home to around 140 species of butterflies and over 100 species of birds.
• Explore the cardamom rain forests and riverbank, or cycle along forest trails and local villages.
• Join a cooking class using seasonal ingredients, enjoy your culinary creations, and learn the secrets of perfect cocktail-making in a mixology class.