Wonders of Cambodia

Welcome to the Cambodian capital, a city alive with glistening temples, backstreet bars and an epic history. Arrive to a warm A&K welcome and enjoy private transfer to your luxury accommodation, before spending the afternoon on a fascinating guided walking tour. Meander along the tree-lined boulevards to the National Museum of Khmer Art and Archaeology, one of the finest museums of classical Cambodian art. Continue on to the Sosoro Museum where you’ll learn all about Cambodia’s economic and political journey through 2,000 years of history. Marvel at the role money has played in shaping Khmer society, from pre-Angkorian times to the modern era.

This evening if yours to discover this intriguing city at your leisure. Perhaps head to one of the many delicious eateries along the banks of the Mekong.

Rosewood Phnom Penh Hotel

Uncover the secrets of Phnom Penh with a renowned anthropologist, who’ll share their passion for the city and ancient kingdom stories, as you wander through the bustling city. Later, continue your historical exploration with a visit to the thought-provoking Tuol Sleng Museum, which promises a deeply moving understanding Cambodia’s more recent turbulent history. Step into the cells of ‘Security Prison 21’, as they were before the Khmer Rouge fell in 1979 — a sombre and reflective experience. The rest of the day is yours at leisure. Savour culinary excellence at one of six restaurants and lounges at Rosewood, or perhaps take to the rooftop bar for unobstructed views across the fabled Mekong.

Rosewood Phnom Penh Hotel | Meals: BL

Transfer to the airport for your onward flight to Siem Reap, the gateway to Angkor, and a lively hub with a creative spirit. While visitors come to follow the ancient temple trail, there is so much more to this cosmopolitan city from chic shopping, and world-class dining, to a creative arts scene including Cambodia’s leading contemporary circus. This afternoon, explore a collection of Angkorian artifacts at the Preah Norodom Sihanouk Angkor Museum. With an impressive array of archaeological objects, — from rare Buddha images to pottery — delve into the evolution of Khmer art and life through history.

Siem Reap’s Khmer cuisine — one of the oldest cuisines in the world — is an integral part of the Cambodian experience. This evening, a gourmet experience awaits. Travel by tuk tuk to the finest kitchens in Siem Reap led by the country’s top chefs. Start with a cocktail at an intimate lounge that harks back to the speakeasies of the 1920s. Whet your tastebuds with appetisers at a traditional house and garden serving sophisticated Khmer cuisine followed by mains at an authentic home-style eatery that serves timeless recipes. Complete your meal with dessert at a contemporary venue dishing up Cambodia’s culinary heritage with a twist.

Park Hyatt Siem Reap| Meals: BD

Rise early this morning and join a professional archaeologist for an exclusive tour of legendary Angkor Wat at sunrise — one of the final vestiges of the Khmer Empire and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Angkor Wat is the largest religious monument in the world and is matched only by the likes of Machu Pichu, and Petra. Images of Apsara dancers decorate the five famous towers which replicate the universe according to Hindu mythology. Experience the dramatic sunrise as the first rays of the day touch this magnificent monument. Your archaeologist will then take you on an hour-long tour of the beautifully decorated temples.

Afterwards, toast the day with a champagne picnic breakfast on the banks of the ancient reservoir at Srah Srang Baray, before visiting the temple of Ta Prohm to discover an intriguing history hidden among strangler figs and kapok trees. Marvel at towers etched with bodhisattva faces and bas-reliefs revealing ordinary Khmer life. A photographer’s paradise, in places, the temple seems to be held together by thick winding tree roots. After a once-in-a-lifetime morning, your afternoon is at leisure.

Perhaps embark on an afternoon excursion to Siem Reap’s outer villages and visit the exquisitely preserved Banteay Srei temple, nicknamed the ‘Citadel of Women’ due to its pink sandstone façade. Continue to a local family home to learn about the Cambodia Clean Water Project, an Abercrombie & Kent Philanthropy (AKP) initiative installing wells to provide much-needed clean water. Meet one of the recipient families to see firsthand how this project is changing lives, one well at a time. If you would like to find out more, or to get involved, visit www.akphilanthropy.org.

This evening, you may choose to experience sunset on the great Tonle Sap Lake, the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia and one of the world's richest sources of fish. A crucial source of life for many Cambodians, this ever-changing landscape creates the perfect setting for blissful sundowners. With drinks and canapés in hand, relax on your private, custom-designed boat while colours dance across the lake, fishermen head home and water birds fly overhead (additional cost). Exquisite.

Park Hyatt Siem Reap | Meals: BL

Take a morning trip by private vehicle, or if you’re feeling active, by bike, to the former capital of the great Khmer Empire, Angkor Thom. Embark on your guided discovery at the glorious Bayon in the heart of the ancient city. Take in the 37 stone faces of this elaborate temple, wandering through the perfectly square, walled city and stopping awhile at the sanctuary of Baphuon. See where kings once worshipped at Phimeanakas Temple and imagine life in the Royal Palace, visiting the impressive Terrace of the Elephants and fascinating Terrace of the Leper King, with its fascinating bas-reliefs.

In the late afternoon, drift along the moat of the ancient walled city of Angkor in a traditional Khmer gondola at sunset. Sip a glass of wine or two, and enjoy a selection of canapés while you soak up the peace and quiet. You may like to stop and walk to Prasat Chrung temple for magical views at twilight.

Park Hyatt Siem Reap | Meals: B

Discover Siem Reap’s creative side with your local guide and arts curator, Robina Hanley. Visit the Golden Silk Farm to witness the time-honoured process of cultivating silkworms to create delicate fabrics. Continue to Theam’s House and Gallery where Cambodia’s rich artistic heritage comes to life through a collection of recovered artefacts and handmade pieces. Step inside the studio of internationally acclaimed fashion designer Eric Raisina, whose modern designs are heavily inspired by Cambodia's ancient culture and crafts. Recharge with coffee in the peaceful city-centre enclave of Kandal Village, where colonial buildings now house upscale interior design shops and art galleries. Then, head to One Eleven Gallery to peruse contemporary works by international artists.

This evening, watch in awe as theatre, dance, music, storytelling and circus arts come together at Phare Ponleu Selpak, Cambodia's leading performing arts organisation. All proceeds from the high-energy performance are reinvested into the social enterprise, which provides free arts education to economically and socially challenged Cambodian youth.

Park Hyatt Siem Reap | Meals: B

Transfer to Siem Reap Airport for your flight south to the coastal city of Sihanoukville. Here you’ll board a boat for the secluded tropical island of Krabey. The 30-acre private island is home to dense jungle wilderness and rocky coastlines, with 40 luxury villas that meld eco-luxury with the surrounding natural scenery. Prepare for three days of total relaxation and seclusion, with opportunities for hikes, sunset cruises, visits to an organic farm and relaxing spa breaks. Settle into your lush villa, complete with sundeck for alfresco dining, infinity-edged plunge pool and rain showers.

Six Senses Koh Krabey | Meals: B

Enjoy the resort your way. Try your hand at creating Indochine-inspired cuisine in a cooking masterclass, seek out underwater treasures while snorkelling, kayak into secret coves, or simply indulge in the serenity of your own plunge pool and deck. Later, unwind with Cambodian healing treatments in the Six Senses Spa. As night falls, don’t miss the chance to discover the universe in the sky observatory (resort activities at additional cost).

Six Senses Koh Krabey | Meals: B

Today your Cambodian adventure has come to an end. Return by boat to the mainland and transfer to Phnom Penh International Airport for your onward flight.

Meals: B