Cambodia & the Islands: Angkor Temples & Koh Rong Beaches

This morning you rise early for sunrise over Angkor Wat, the largest religious monument on earth, watching the sky flush pink and gold behind its five lotus-bud towers, mirrored in the reflecting pools, in one of travel's great sights. You explore the great twelfth-century temple, its galleries carved with astonishing bas-reliefs, then continue to the walled royal city of Angkor Thom, entering through its monumental south gate to reach the Bayon, whose towers bear more than two hundred serene stone faces. You walk the Terrace of the Elephants. The scale and artistry are breathtaking. As the day ends you return to Siem Reap, perhaps enjoying a relaxing foot massage. This evening, savour Khmer cuisine in town, perhaps with an Apsara dance performance. Rest well, for tomorrow brings more of the magical temples of Angkor.

Today you explore more of Angkor's most beautiful temples. You begin at Ta Prohm, the famous jungle temple, where enormous silk-cotton and strangler fig trees rise from the crumbling ruins, their roots pouring over walls in a haunting embrace of stone and forest. You journey into the countryside to Banteay Srei, the exquisite pink sandstone Citadel of the Women, whose delicate, deeply cut carvings are the finest in all of Angkor. The afternoon is yours to relax in Siem Reap, explore the Old Market, visit the Angkor National Museum, or enjoy a spa treatment. The artistry of the temples and the charm of the town are captivating. As the day ends, savour Siem Reap's lively dining scene. Rest well, for tomorrow you fly to the vibrant capital, Phnom Penh, on your way to the coast.

Today you fly south to Phnom Penh, Cambodia's vibrant riverside capital, set where the Mekong and Tonle Sap rivers meet. On arrival you visit the beautiful Royal Palace, still the residence of the king, with its elegant golden-roofed pavilions and gardens, and the dazzling Silver Pagoda, whose floor is laid with thousands of silver tiles. You stroll the lively riverfront and, if you wish, pay respects with sensitivity at the moving memorials that tell the story of the Khmer Rouge years. The elegance, energy and history of the capital are captivating. As the day ends you settle into your hotel in the heart of the city. This evening, savour Phnom Penh's excellent dining and perhaps a sunset drink overlooking the Mekong. Rest well, for tomorrow you journey to the coast and take a boat to the idyllic island of Koh Rong.

Today you journey to Cambodia's beautiful southern coast, travelling to the port near Sihanoukville by short flight or scenic road transfer, then boarding a speedboat across the warm, clear sea to the idyllic island of Koh Rong. As the mainland recedes and the water turns from blue to brilliant turquoise, jungle-cloaked islands rise ahead, ringed by dazzling white sand. On arrival you settle into your beachfront resort, feeling the soft sand underfoot and the warm sea lapping the shore, and the pace of life slows to the rhythm of the waves. The transition from temples to tropical island paradise is blissful. Spend the rest of the day swimming, relaxing on the beach and watching your first island sunset. This evening, enjoy a beach barbecue of fresh seafood under the stars. Rest well, lulled by the sound of the sea.

Today is yours to enjoy the powder-white sands and turquoise seas of Koh Rong at a blissful, unhurried pace. You might swim in the gentle, crystal-clear water, laze under the palms with a book, walk long, empty stretches of beach, or explore hidden coves. The warm sea is perfect for swimming and floating, and the island's laid-back beach restaurants serve fresh seafood, tropical fruit and cool drinks. For the more active, kayaks and paddleboards let you glide over the shallows, and a jungle trail leads across the island to quieter beaches on the far side. The beauty and serenity are idyllic. As the day ends, you watch a glorious sunset paint the sky and sea, and on a clear, dark night you may swim among glowing bioluminescent plankton. Rest well to the sound of the waves.

Today you take to the water to explore the beautiful islands and reefs. You board a boat for an island-hopping and snorkelling excursion, cruising the warm, clear sea to Koh Rong Samloem, Koh Rong's quieter sister island, and its exquisite Saracen Bay, a long, gently curving sweep of white sand and shallow turquoise water. You snorkel over colourful coral reefs alive with tropical fish, swim in secluded coves such as Lazy Beach, and relax on pristine, near-empty sands. Lunch is fresh seafood at a laid-back beach spot. The clear water, coral and serene islands are magical. As the day ends you return to your resort on Koh Rong, sun-kissed and content. This evening, savour a relaxed island dinner beneath the stars. Rest well, with another blissful island day to come tomorrow before your journey home.

Today you enjoy a final, blissful day on beautiful Koh Rong, entirely at your own pace. You might simply relax on the beach, swim in the warm turquoise sea, and unwind in a hammock beneath the palms, or take a spa treatment, a kayak along the coast, or a walk to a secluded cove. For the adventurous, an optional scuba dive explores the reefs, while others may prefer to do nothing at all but savour the island paradise. This flexible day lets you soak up the beauty and serenity of Cambodia's islands before your journey home. As the day ends, you watch a last magnificent island sunset, and perhaps a final swim in the glowing, star-lit sea. This evening, savour a farewell seafood dinner on the sand. Rest well, carrying warm memories of the beaches of Cambodia, ahead of your departure tomorrow.

After a final morning on beautiful Koh Rong, perhaps a last swim in the warm turquoise sea or a quiet walk along the sand, you take a speedboat back to the mainland near Sihanoukville and transfer to the airport for your onward departure, via Phnom Penh or Siem Reap. You leave having experienced the very best of Cambodia, sunrise over Angkor Wat, the giant faces of the Bayon, the jungle temple of Ta Prohm, vibrant Phnom Penh with its Royal Palace and moving history, and the powder-white sands, turquoise seas and glowing waters of Koh Rong and Koh Rong Samloem, all warmed by the gentleness of the Cambodian people. The images stay vivid, ancient temple towers at dawn and palm-fringed beaches at sunset. Cambodia offers ancient wonder, living culture and idyllic beaches in abundance, and you depart already dreaming of a return to this beautiful and varied land.