Cambodia with World Heritage and Beach relaxation 8 Days

Met on arrival with a private transfer to your hotel of choice.
PM: Banteay Kdei Temple and Sunset drinks (~15.00 PM – 18.30 PM)
In the afternoon, you will have your first taste of the Angkorian temples.
Explore the sprawling labyrinth of Banteay Kdei with its Hall of Dancing Girls.
Enjoy sunset drinks with a leisurely boat ride on the moat of Angkor Thom and view hidden elements of the ancient Khmer water systems, relaxing with G&T in hand and accompanied by the sound of bird song.

In the early morning at 6:30 AM, you will be transferred to Srah Srang and then Ta Prohm (11km), when you arrive take your time to walk through the temple from the West entrance to the East entrance to meet again with our driver (walk 1–2 km). From the Northwest of Ta Prohm, we shall walk (15 minutes) through the forest to the lightly visited temple of Ta Nei. There is a reasonable chance of having this beautiful Angkor temple to yourself to explore.
Pause for a light breakfast around this peaceful area before exploring further.
End the morning at Ta Keo temple, known as the “mountain with bronze peaks”, and admire its five-tiered pyramid structure.
Return by road to Siem Reap for lunch (own cost). We can recommend a wide selection of excellent eateries to suit all tastes and budgets. Please ask for more details.
In the afternoon, you will visit Angkor Thom – the world’s largest city in the 12th Century
Travel by road to the Victory Gate of Angkor Thom. You have the choice of either walking along the path along the 8m high laterite city wall (500m) to the Death Gate or continuing around by road.
En route to the Terrace of the Leper King, you can stop briefly to see an imposing statue found in Bayon which is now displayed at Vihear Prampeilveng.
Begin again at the atmospheric Preah Palilay and walk (1km) through the shaded parkland behind the terraces, pass Phimeanakas with its beautiful lakes, and the imposing Baphuon to finally reach Jayavarman’s state temple of Bayon at the center of the city. Explore this important temple with its many captivating giant stone faces. Your guide will point out the most interesting of the detailed bas reliefs illustrating everyday life in the Angkorian era.

In the morning, you will visit the great Tonle Sap lake is the richest freshwater fishing ground in the world, a national treasure producing an ever-changing landscape. The communities that live around the margins of the lake cope with huge seasonal variations in water levels by building their homes on floating bamboo rafts or 30ft stilts. It is well worth the extra effort to get away from the touristy village of Chong Kneas to the more genuine stilted villages – Kompong Khleang or Kompong Phluk (dependent on water levels) – for an understanding of contemporary lake life.
Take the opportunity to pause at the stilted houses to learn how a subsistence fishing family lives, before continuing by boat along the margins of the lake. While you explore life on the water we will have prepared a picnic lunch for you to enjoy on-board while absorbing the atmosphere of this unique locality.
* Please let us know of any specific dietary requirements or allergies you may have.
In the afternoon you will visit Beng Mealea: The blueprint for Angkor Wat. Continuing from the lake you will drive on to explore the more remote temple of Beng Mealea, often described as the blueprint for Angkor Wat. Built under the control of Suryavarman II, this 12th-century temple, overgrown with roots and vines, is in a much more collapsed state retaining a very atmospheric feel. Venture into darkened doorways skirting crumbling pillars and walk down the long promenades lined by naga balustrades. Take advantage of the walkways to traverse the ruins and scramble over tumbled stones in the less-explored courtyards.
Back to the hotel for relaxing.

A sunrise tour starts at pre-dawn (04.45 AM) to witness the breathtaking view of the tropical
sun emerging from behind the iconic lotus towers of Angkor Wat, the best place for photography. Constructed over a period of 30 years during the reign of King Suryavarman II [AD1113], by some measures it is the largest religious complex in the world. Originally a Hindu mountain temple aligned to the spring equinox, around the 16th Century it was converted to a Theravada Buddhist monument, a capacity in which it continues today.
Explore the well-preserved central complex and detailed bas-reliefs depicting scenes from Hindu mythologies and battles of the ancient empire. The beauty in balance and composition, combined with its sheer scale ensure Angkor Wat’s place as the crowning achievement in Khmer art and architecture. This is truly one of travel’s remaining great adventures.
Return to your hotel for a late breakfast. Then the whole morning time will be your free time at leisure.
In the afternoon, you will start a trip to the countryside for a new sense of feeling:
Beyond the temples lies a rural landscape which is often little changed since the days of Jayavarman VII. To depart Siem Reap having seen only the temple ruins is to miss contemporary Khmer culture. As infrastructure and technology encroach upon the countryside, this opportunity will soon be lost forever. Join us on a journey of discovery through the rural landscape to reach villages where mass tourism cannot follow. Living and working in Siem Reap we have discovered beautiful and interesting places that are generally inaccessible to visitors. Today we will lead you between rice paddies, through woodland and back gardens on foot, by ox-cart, and by boat to experience the very best of the countryside.
After a short drive from Siem Reap visit a colorful contemporary pagoda to learn more about the importance of Buddhism in rural communities and seek a blessing from the monks. We will enjoy seasonal fruits straight from the tree, and speak to families who have specialized in baking sticky rice in bamboo for over 30 years.
Take an ox-cart ride through typical villages followed by a 20-minute easy walk to bring you to the vast Western Baray. An impressive engineering feat, this man-made reservoir was once integral to the complex Angkorian rice irrigation system.
You will travel by boat (depending on the water level) to a country villa named Chandara. This will be an adventure from a slower, more romantic era of travel.
We reach Chandara Villa, surrounded by rice paddies, across a stream to the north of a village where tourists are rarely seen. This is a wonderful spot to relax in the quiet of the countryside and enjoy sunset drinks (included). The tempo of the Cambodian countryside is truly meditation in motion.
While our chef prepares your classic dinner, you can take a wander across the levees of the rice paddies, look for fish traps, or walk a short distance to a viewpoint over the ancient reservoir, whilst listening to the elegance of traditional Khmer music played by local musicians, before being seated for your evening meal.
Note: Please let us know of any specific dietary requirements or allergies you may have.
We recommend wearing comfortable, practical footwear suitable for walking and also clothing appropriate for entering a pagoda. Please cover your knees and shoulders to show respect.

In the morning you will be transferred to Siem Reap airport for your domestic flight to Sihanoukville.
On Arrival, you will have options for the stay in Sihanoukville:

Option 1: Transfer from Sihanoukville Airport to Song Saa
Transfer from Siem Reaps by plane to Sihanoukville airport. You will be met at the airport by a member of the Song Saa Guest Experience team and transported by road (shared transport) where you will reach the port for a 45 minute speedboat journey to the exclusive Song Saa private Island, tucked away in the untouched pristine Koh Rong Archipelago.
Note: Song Saa’s speedboats embark twice daily on a set schedule, so your flight schedule may require a wait at the port or in a nearby café. The boat schedule varies seasonally but typically there are departures at 11:00am and 14:00pm. Retire to your own private villa with a stunning sunset backdrop for your luxurious hideaway. Dinner included

Option 2: Transfer from Sihanoukville Airport to Alila Villas
Transfer from Siem Reaps by plane to Sihanoukville airport. You will be met at the airport by a member of the Alila Villas team and transported by road (shared transport) where you will reach the jetty for a 15 minute speedboat journey to the Alila Villas Koh Russey Island, just off Ream National Park. Retire to your own private villa or take a walk along the stunning beach for total escapism.

For these 2 days you will have totally free time at leisure at the options of Luxury Resorts:

Option 1: Song Saa Private Island
Secluded in a magnificent seascape just 45 minutes by boat from Sihanoukville, Song Saa Private Island is an oasis of virgin rainforest, tropical reefs and shimmering white beaches. This award-winning luxury resort spans the ―sweetheart islands of Koh Ouen and Koh Bong, and is
surrounded by a marine reserve established by the Song Saa Foundation to safeguard local marine life. Each of the 24 villas—all with private swimming pools, sea views and expansive terraces— is built with reclaimed timber and local materials to blend seamlessly into the surroundings. Whether a jungle villa, ocean view or overwater, each is a sanctuary, a refined blend of thatched roofs, linen-draped canopy beds and up-cycled decor that reflects a commitment to sustainability and the Song Saa ethos: luxury that treads lightly.
All inclusive

Option 2: Alila Villas Koh Russey
An Enchanting Island… Sublime natural beauty abounds with stunning coastlines, dramatic headlands, powder sand beaches and tropical forests, all framed by the emerald waters of the gulf and the azure sky. An ecological escape with a sense of place, the master plan is 15% development and 85% nature– a villa community infused with Khmer culture and charm where
privacy, nature and local hospitality take centre stage.
Amid the Koh Rong archipelago, Alila Villas Koh Russey is minutes away by boat from the Cambodian coast, bestowing a stunning coastline, dramatic headland, powder sand beaches and tropical forests – destined to be the heart and lifestyle soul of the new Cambodian Riviera. The mainland (Ream) is accessible via complimentary shuttleboats, 10 minutes away The pavilions and villas, each with a pool, offer an unparalleled location for an exclusive lifestyle experience. Sleek modern architecture, interior design and lush landscaping offers guests the absolute height of contemporary comfort and luxury. Guests can indulge in the beachfront swimming pool, restaurant, beach grill and bar, boutique, spa and gym. A yoga studio with complimentary classes,
outdoor cinema and an organic garden complete the offering.

Take hotel’s speedboat to Sihanoukville to take your private road transfer (no guide) back to Phnom Penh for your onward flight.