Phnom Penh, Silk Island & Siem Reap
A revealing journey from Cambodia’s changing capital to rural Mekong life and the temples of Angkor, with private guiding, cultural encounters and time to understand the country beyond its most famous sights.
Our specialist view
“This journey has far more depth than a straightforward temple tour. Phnom Penh introduces Cambodia’s recent history and modern energy, Silk Island brings a gentler view of rural life, and the days in Siem Reap place Angkor within the wider story of Khmer culture.”
Your journey, day by day
Explore the contrasts of Cambodia’s capital with a private guide. Visit the National Sports Complex, an important work of Khmer modernist architecture, then continue to the colonial-era streets, independent shops and cafés around Street 240. A local lunch introduces one of the city’s everyday noodle dishes.
Cross the Mekong to peaceful Silk Island and explore with local hosts. Visit a colourful pagoda, learn about community education and follow the traditional silk-making process from cocoon to loom. Finish at a family home with a relaxed meal and the opportunity to take part in Cambodian cooking.
Continue to Siem Reap and spend the evening discovering rural traditions, food and performance in a recreated Khmer village setting. Try hands-on activities, taste a selection of local dishes and watch a traditional dance performance.
Begin with an early Buddhist alms-giving ritual before exploring Siem Reap beyond the temples. Meet craftspeople helping to preserve Khmer skills, visit Wat Damnak and receive a personal blessing from a Buddhist monk.
Explore Angkor Wat with a knowledgeable Khmer specialist who can bring its history, symbolism and carved stories into focus. Continue to quieter temples, then learn about Cambodia’s more recent past through a personal meeting arranged locally, subject to host availability.
Travel to intricately carved Banteay Srei and visit a conservation-focused butterfly centre. Later, take a private boat journey on Tonle Sap to see floating communities and gain an informed view of daily life on South East Asia’s largest freshwater lake.
Transfer privately to Siem Reap International Airport for your onward flight. The journey can also continue into Vietnam, Laos or a beach stay selected for your dates.
Make it part of a longer holiday
Add more time in Cambodia, continue into Vietnam or Laos, or follow the touring with a beach stay chosen for the season.
