A Cambodian Discovery… Jungle, Beach & City

11 days from £6,875 for 2023 per person

• Siem Reap
• Kep
• Cambodian Islands
• Phnom Penh

Cambodia has often been mistaken for an ‘add-on’ destination to other countries in Southeast Asia, however, this two-week tour takes in Cambodia’s very best highlights, as well as some of the lesser known gems which give this fantastic country her rich history.

Your journey begins in Siem Reap, the gateway to the lost kingdom of Angkor and the most astonishing archaeological site in Asia. The renowned ‘lost city’ of the Khmers, built by a succession of kings between the 9th and 15th centuries, is an expanse of verdant jungle and a myriad of stone-built temples devoted to a long-forgotten empire. With hundreds of temples in an area so vast, even after multiple trips you will feel as though you have only just scratched the surface.

From Siem Reap fly down to Sihanoukville and onto the beautiful coastal town of Kep. A wonderfully soporific town, famous for its blue crab and grilled seafood, and is home to some of the finest pepper in the world. This is the perfect spot to take up some water sport activities at the Sailing Club or to simply while away the days soaking up the Cambodian sun. After Kep, your journey takes you back up the coast to the island of Koh Russey and the sexiest new beach hotel, Alila Villas Koh Russey. This isolated beach hotel, lapped by the gin-clear waters of the Gulf of Thailand and fringed by golden sand beaches, is the place to switch off from it all.

The final leg of your journey takes you to the historic and vibrant capital of Phnom Penh, a city of shady boulevards, meandering back alleys and French colonial buildings. A visit to the sparkling Royal Palace complex is a must, and the chaotic and lively Russian Market is excellent for those wanting to barter for trinkets. A city tour will also take you to the Silver Pagoda, the famed home of the Emerald Buddha and the vast diamond encrusted Gold Buddha, and the fascinating National Museum. Phnom Penh is also a vital stop to witness the sombre relics of the Khmer Rouge era, where the killing fields and Tuol Sleng Museum will provide an insight into the reign of terror this nation suffered under the Khmer Rouge rule.

This tour is purely a suggested itinerary; it can be booked as it is, or used as a starting point for creating your own luxury tailor-made holiday to Cambodia. If you'd like to see similar tours, take a look at our favourite Honeymoons, as well as our Beach Holidays, Active Holidays and Family Holidays in Asia collections.

To my mind, the greatest reward and luxury of travel is to be able to experience everyday things as if for the first time, to be in a position in which almost nothing is so familiar it is taken for granted.
Bill Bryson