Cambodia in 12 days

Touch down into the colourful Siem Reap - be met by a smiling Buffalo Tours guide and taken to the hotel to spend an evening relaxing and acclimatising post-flight.

Spend the day exploring the magnificent Angkor complex. Begin with a visit to the South Gate of Angkor Thom where row upon row of statues – thought to be the gods of good and evil - await. Admire these magnificent figures before heading to Bayon, which is known for its looming towers adorned by serene, smiling faces. Beneath the faces are intricately carved bas-reliefs, these impressive figures are sculpted into the rocks and tell tales of the great battles fought between the Khmers and ancient Thais. Next, move on to Phimeanakas, a beautiful ancient pyramid structure which is home to two ponds that were once used for religious rituals but now serves as swimming pools for local Khmer kids. Make your way to the top of this glorious piece of ancient architecture for panoramic views of this historical wonder. Once satisfied, head to the Terrace of the Elephants and see the numerous rows of carved elephants with long-reaching trunks that make up this platform, thought to be the place where King Jayavarman surveyed his army. From here, take in the Terrace of Leper Kings, which includes a smiling statue of Yama, the Hindu god of death before a short drive to the stunning Ta Prohm. This crumbling ancient temple has melded with nature to ensure its survival and wouldn’t be standing were it not for the giant tree roots that hold it together and give it a magical, otherworldly feel. After a morning well spent, head back to Siem Reap to fill up on a delicious lunch and to find some shade from the sun. Then, as the temperatures cool a little head to the bucket-list destination of Angkor Wat, the world’s largest religious monument. This awe-inspiring temple is a massive three-tiered pyramid, rising 65-metres from the ground and crowned by five lotus towers. This inspired monument is understandably a source of much national pride and appears on the country’s flag. Climb to the top of Pre Rup Temple and watch the sun set over one of the finest monuments ever created by man before returning to Siem Reap for some much-deserved rest and relaxation.

Day Three is an exploration of local life. Travel by scenic boat ride to explore Kompong Phluk, a stunningly picturesque, remote Khmer community with around 3,000 inhabitants who spend their days fishing and farming. The villages are built on steeply rising wooden stilts. Lookout for the variety of wildlife including birds and macaques who call the mangrove trees their home. Travel on to a charming village named Chansar and gain an insight into local life as a native family talk through the distinctive process of broom making from natural materials. Those with nimble fingers will have the chance to try it for themselves. Next, enjoy a guided walking tour around the village and have the opportunity to try out fishing and farming as the locals do. Enjoy a simple, local lunch and have the chance to chat further to the locals before travelling back to Siem Reap. En route, stop off at a Buddhist temple and choose to receive a blessing from one of the practicing monks.

Learn to cook as the locals do with this half-day visit to one of Siem Reap’s best-known cooking schools. The culinary extravaganza begins with a short trip to a nearby market, where vendors sell fragrant herbs, spices and exotic vegetables. Once the ingredients have been chosen, an expert chef will explain the basics of Khmer cuisine. Spend a delightful few hours whipping up dishes like spring rolls and traditional Khmer amok (a type of steam-cooked curry local to the area) with which to wow friends back home before sitting down to sample the tasty creations. As the night draws in, visit Phare, the Cambodian Circus which includes energetic performances of high flying, tight-rope walking, juggling, contortion, music and theatre circus arts. Run by an NGO which supports the futures of Khmer youth, this is an evening of cultural discovery and all for a good cause.

Make the journey to the fascinating city of Battambang. Enjoy a delicious lunch before witnessing the spectacular views from the 400-metre high Wat Phnom Banan, an 11th century temple built by King Jarvarman VII. Next head to “the killing caves” of Phnom Sampeau, this surprisingly beautiful rock formation was a former stronghold of the Khmer Rouge and serves as a sobering reminder of the genocide that took place under the regime. As well as the fascinating history, there are stunning views and a mesmerising “Bat Cave”, where a steady stream of bats pours out of a crevice in the cliff face at the same time each evening. Witness the spectacle as the knowledgeable local guide explains all.

Enjoy a leisurely walking tour of the village of Battambang and visit some of the fascinating old French Colonial buildings along the water’s edge. A riverside walk will lead to the village of Wat Kor. Here, watch a true slice of Cambodian life as the village locals take you around their homes and explain the history and interest of this traditional Khmer village. After a day meeting the locals, spend the evening eating as they do. During a local street food tour, be guided to the finest examples of Khmer cuisine by a knowledgeable local and try out these tasty specialties.

Enjoy the morning at leisure before a glorious afternoon-into-evening sunset cruise. Watch local life unfold and witness the charming sight of children splashing happily in the water as fishermen haul in their nets after a day hard at graft and women do household chores. The Royal Palace forms the perfect silhouettes as the sun sets spectacularly behind. The boat returns to pier as dusk falls.

Take a private cyclo tour along the city’s riverfront to the majestic Royal Palace, Silver Pagoda and National Museum. Hear the story of Cambodia’s capital city, as a local guide discusses highlights from French times to the era of the Khmer Rouge before returning to the hotel for lunch. Spend the afternoon exploring Phnom Penh’s architectural landmarks designed by Cambodia’s most famous architect. View these modern works of art and discover the signature features of the 1960s 'New Khmer Architecture' movement. Visit a selection of the region’s finest pieces including the Royal University of Phnom Penh (Institute of Foreign Languages), Vann Molyvann's 100 Houses Social Housing project, and the National Sports Complex (Olympic Stadium).

Leave modern Cambodia behind and see natural beauty at its finest with three days in the beachside location of Sihanoukville. En route, stop off and view the dozens of spirit houses which line the road, many of which are maintained for Ya-Mao, the deity who is thought to oversee the coastal regions of Cambodia. In this interesting transfer trip, lookout for the locals displaying bananas and incense on their dashboards as an offering for the deity. Arrive at Sihanoukville and check in to the hotel. Spend the next few days swimming, snorkelling, taking boat rides or simply relaxing on the beach at this incredibly beautiful coastline.

Spend time at leisure swimming, snorkelling, taking boat rides or simply relaxing on the beach at this incredibly beautiful coastline.

Spend time at leisure swimming, snorkelling, taking boat rides or simply relaxing on the beach at this incredibly beautiful coastline.

Transfer back to Phnom Penh Airport to catch your onward flight.