Ultimate Cambodia: Culture & Beach

Start your Cambodia tour from the northwest, Siem Reap. After arrival, a private transfer will take you to your hotel. Settle in and enjoy the rest of the day as you wish.

Today, embark on a journey back in time to the once-thriving royal capital of the Khmer Empire, Angkor Thom. Right in the very center of this citadel, you'll find Bayon Temple with 216 serene smiling faces carved into the stone towers. Near the Bayon Temple survived an ancient royal viewing platform - the Elephant Terrace. Later on, wind down with a leisurely walk around the Old Market, which allows for a fascinating insight into the local life.

Cycle on an easy ride to discover Cambodia's stunning countryside. En route, visit an authentic Khmer village to learn about local's simple, day-to-day life. Set off in the afternoon to Tonle Sap, the most extensive freshwater lake in Southeast Asia. Sit back with a refreshing cocktail on a scenic boat, sail leisurely through floating villages to get a glimpse into fishing communities, and witness the spectacular sunset over the massive lake.

Today, your tour will start with a stunning sunrise over the iconic spires of the world-renowned Angkor Wat, the heart of UNESCO-listed Angkor Archaeological Park. Within this early 12th-century temple complex, there is a multitude of mysterious buildings, amazing bas-reliefs, and murals waiting for your exploration. Then, move on to discover some of the lesser-known but equally remarkable temples, including the 10th-century Hindu temple of Banteay Srei, the famed tomb-raiding Ta Prohm, the nearby pyramid-shaped temple-mountain - Ta Keo.

Fly south to the seaside city of Sihanoukville, then take a 45-minute speedboat ride to Koh Rong Island, where you will spend the next few days enjoying your beach vacation.

The day is truly yours to enjoy as you wish in the warm tropics of coastal Cambodia.

Pack your day with exciting water sports as you could want, including kayaking, scuba diving, and snorkeling around the nearby coral reefs. Reenergize yourself after a day's worth of exploration with a wide selection of spa treatments and soothing massages.

Savor a leisurely morning before taking the ferry ride back to Sihanoukville. An overland journey (about 4-5 hours) afterward will bring you to Phnom Penh, the capital city of Cambodia, where centuries of momentous history and Khmer culture are still evident. Check in at your hotel in the city center. The rest of today is free to relax or explore at your own leisure.

Start today's city sightseeing from the gleaming Royal Palace, for typical Khmer architecture and incredible murals; and within, walk into the Silver Pagoda, the best part of the palace, where the floor was laid with over 5,000 silver tiles. Move on to the neighboring National Museum of Cambodia, home to the world's finest collections of Khmer artifacts. End the day at the city's tallest and most important Buddhist temple - Wat Phnom, where locals come to pray for good luck.

This morning, take a sobering step back in time with a visit to the notorious Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, known as S-21, as well as the mass burial plots in the Killing Fields to learn firsthand about the horrors of the Khmer Rouge movement.

The rest of today is free to relax or explore at your leisure. As an optional experience, head out in the evening to sample some nightly entertainment during a performance by the Cambodian Living Arts organization.

Transfer to the airport for the next leg of your travels, either home or to your next destination.