Upgraded - Highlights of Cambodia

Our tour starts in Siem Reap, the gateway to the world-famous temples of Angkor and a lively town filled with colorful markets, vibrant cafes and traditional Khmer hospitality. Depending on your arrival time, you may wish to explore the nearby Old Market area or simply relax at the hotel before the group meets this evening.

For those arriving on time, our tour leader plans to meet you in the hotel reception at 6pm for a welcome meeting. If you miss the welcome meeting, your tour leader will inform you of any essential information on day 2.

After the welcome meeting, we'll head out together for our first group dinner at a local restaurant, where you can enjoy authentic Khmer dishes and get a delicious introduction to Cambodia's rich culinary traditions.

A transfer from Siem Reap Airport (SAI), around a 60-minute drive from the hotel, is included on all trips in our Upgraded range regardless of your arrival day, provided we receive your flight details no later than 14 days before departure.

\nowidctlpar\hyphpar0\sb120\sa420 In preparation for tomorrow's temple explorations, today, we visit Les Artisans d'Angkor, a renowned social enterprise dedicated to preserving and promoting traditional Khmer arts and crafts. As you walk through the workshops, we'll see skilled artisans carving stone and wood, painting silk and creating exquisite lacquerware - all using time-honoured techniques passed down through generations. It's a fascinating window into the craftsmanship that helped build and decorate the magnificent temples of Angkor.

We then head to Siem Reap's local market with our tour leader for an introduction to Cambodia's vibrant food scene. The market is alive with colours, sounds and aromas - stalls piled high with tropical fruits, fresh herbs, spices and street food favourites. We'll learn how everyday ingredients like lemongrass, galangal, and palm sugar shape the country's cuisine.

This afternoon is yours to explore more of Siem Reap at your own pace. Wander through the town's charming streets, visit boutique shops and cafes, or cool off by your hotel pool. If you'd like to start exploring the temples, consider an optional excursion to Banteay Srei, often referred to as the 'Citadel of Women', admired for its delicate pink sandstone carvings that are among the finest in Angkor.

You could also visit the APOPO Visitor Centre, one of Cambodia's most inspiring and little-known stories of innovation and recovery. Here, you can learn how specially trained African giant pouched rats (nicknamed 'HeroRATs') are helping to clear landmines and make Cambodia safe again.

For a different kind of hands-on experience, visit the Khmer Ceramics & Fine Arts Centre, where you can learn about Cambodia's ancient pottery traditions dating back to the Angkorian period. Watch artisans shape, glaze and fire elegant pieces using traditional techniques, or try your hand at the potter's wheel to create your own ceramic souvenir to take home.

In the evening, don't miss a performance by the Phare Cambodian Circus. More than just a circus, Phare combines theatre, acrobatics, dance and live music into a powerful performance that tells uniquely Cambodian stories. The talented young artists are graduates of a social arts school that provides opportunities for disadvantaged young people.

We have a very early start ahead of us today to catch the breathtaking sunrise over the world-famous Angkor Wat - a magical moment as the 12th-century temple glows in the morning light. Built by King Suryavarman II as a Hindu temple dedicated to Vishnu, it later became a sacred Buddhist site, making it one of the largest religious monuments in the world. As you wander its expansive galleries, the intricate carvings reveal timeless stories of gods, battles and legends.

We will return to the hotel in time for breakfast and a pause before we head back in to the temples of Angkor. Next, we head to Angkor Thom, the 'Great City'. This massive walled capital has five grand gates, each guarded by stone elephants and rows of statues representing gods and demons from Hindu mythology. Once inside, explore the Bayon Temple, famous for its maze-like corridors and more than 200 giant serene stone faces gazing in every direction.

The day continues at Ta Prohm, where nature has reclaimed the temple with dramatic beauty. Enormous tree roots twist through crumbling stone walls, creating an atmosphere both haunting and captivating. Left largely in the state it was found, Ta Prohm offers a striking contrast to the restored monuments nearby and remains one of Angkor's most evocative sites.

We finish the day at Phnom Bakheng, one of Angkor's oldest hilltop temples, where we can soak in the panoramic views of the surrounding jungle and the spires of Angkor Wat in the distance. As the sun sets, the temple is bathed in warm golden light, creating a truly memorable way to end the day.

In the evening, you might like to head to Pub Street - a neon-lit pedestrian strip filled with music, street performers and plenty of character - for a dose of Siem Reap's lively nightlife. It's a little chaotic, but well worth a visit for the atmosphere alone.

Please note, to make sure we get the best possible experience, our tour leader might adjust the itinerary according to local conditions.

This morning, we say goodbye to Siem Reap and set off on a scenic drive through the Cambodian countryside, passing lush rice paddies, small villages and rural landscapes that offer a glimpse into everyday life outside the city. Along the way, we stop at Kampong Kdei Bridge, a historic 12th-century stone bridge built during the Angkor period. As we explore the site, you can appreciate the craftsmanship of the ancient Khmer builders and learn about the bridge's historical and cultural significance.

In the afternoon, we arrive in Kampong Chhnang, where we'll spend the night at Smiling Gecko, a sustainable resort offering comfortable Khmer-style bungalows. The resort is a peaceful oasis, inviting guests to relax and unwind amid tranquil surroundings. Upon arrival, we'll be warmly greeted by the staff and taken on a guided tour of the property, visiting the different community development projects run by the resort. Here, we can see firsthand how the local community learns and practices sustainable farming techniques, from growing their own vegetables to building furniture and managing fish farms. The projects aim to empower local families, teach valuable skills and promote self-sufficiency while preserving traditional Khmer practices.

In the evening, we come together for a fine dining experience at the resort's restaurant, voted one of the best in Cambodia. The meal combines traditional Khmer flavors with modern fine dining techniques, offering a true farm-to-table experience where ingredients are sourced directly from the resort's own sustainable farms.

Most of this morning is left free for you to fully enjoy the resort and its facilities. Take advantage of the swimming pool, unwind at the on-site spa with a range of treatments, or simply relax and soak in the tranquil surroundings before we continue our journey at around 11 am.

Later, we set off for Phnom Penh, a drive of less than two hours through scenic Cambodian countryside.

Upon arrival in the capital, we visit the Killing Fields and S21 Museum, both powerful reminders of Cambodia's recent history under the Khmer Rouge. These sites provide a deeply moving and emotional experience, offering insight into the resilience of the Cambodian people and the importance of remembrance.

To end the day, we gather at one of Phnom Penh's famous rooftop bars to enjoy a cocktail together while taking in stunning 360-degree views of the city skyline, the Mekong River and surrounding areas.

We then settle into our hotel, located in the heart of the city and renowned for serving some of the best Khmer dishes in Phnom Penh. The hotel is a peaceful haven amidst the bustling capital, offering a warm, home-like atmosphere and excellent spa services to help you relax and recharge.

This morning, we head out on awalking tour through Phnom Penh, uncovering both its vibrant energy and its quieter, lesser-seen corners. Along the way, we'll meet locals, learn about daily life in the capital, and discover hidden gems that reflect Cambodia's resilience and cultural spirit. A special highlight of the morning is a visit to a local temple, where we receive a blessing from the resident monks - a peaceful and humbling experience. Donations from our visit help support ongoing community initiatives.

After the walk, we hop into tuk-tuks and head to the iconic Central Market, a striking Art Deco landmark and a bustling hub of local life. Here, you can browse colorful stalls selling everything from clothing and jewelry to souvenirs and street snacks. If you're feeling adventurous, you might even try fried tarantula or the famously pungent durian fruit. Lunch is included at one of the market's lively food stalls, where you can sample authentic Cambodian dishes right in the heart of the city.

The afternoon is free to explore Phnom Penh at your own pace. You might choose to visit Silk Island (Koh Dach), a small island on the Mekong River known for its traditional silk weaving communities. A short boat ride takes you across the river to this peaceful rural setting, where you can observe artisans at work using age-old weaving techniques and learn about the process of silk production from cocoon to finished fabric. Alternatively, you could visit the Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda to admire their ornate architecture and gain insight into Cambodia's royal heritage.

Later in the day, you may wish to take a cruise along the Mekong River, offering a relaxed perspective of the city.

For dinner, you have the option to join your fellow travelers for a final group meal at one of Phnom Penh's excellent local restaurants - a perfect way to reflect on your Cambodian journey and share memories of the week together.

Our trip ends after breakfast at our hotel in Phnom Penh.

There are no activities planned today, so you're free to depart from Phnom Penh at any time. If your flight is departing later in the day, luggage storage facilities are available at our hotel. If you'd like an airport transfer today, you'll need to depart from Techo International Airport (TKI), which is a 60-minute drive from our hotel.

We highly recommend adding extra nights in the city, or you might prefer to unwind on Thailand's beautiful beaches with our Koh Samet beach extension starting in Bangkok - a short flight from Pnomh Penh.