Highlights of Cambodia: Angkor, Phnom Penh & the Tonle Sap

This morning you rise early for one of travel's great experiences, sunrise over Angkor Wat, the largest religious monument on earth. As the sky flushes pink and gold behind its five lotus-bud towers, mirrored in the reflecting pools, you witness an unforgettable sight, then explore the great twelfth-century temple, its vast galleries carved with astonishing bas-reliefs. After breakfast you 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 huge, serene stone faces. You walk the Terrace of the Elephants and take in the Baphuon. 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. Rest well, for tomorrow brings more of the magical temples of Angkor.

Today you explore more of Angkor's most beautiful and atmospheric temples. You begin at Ta Prohm, the famous jungle temple, where enormous silk-cotton and strangler fig trees rise from the crumbling ruins, their pale roots pouring over walls in a haunting embrace of stone and forest. You journey out 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. You also explore Preah Khan, a vast, atmospheric monastic complex of long corridors, carved galleries and toppled stones, less visited and wonderfully evocative. The artistry and atmosphere are captivating. As the day ends you return to Siem Reap, having explored the jungle temples of Angkor. This evening, perhaps enjoy a traditional Apsara dance performance with dinner. Rest well, ready to explore the great Tonle Sap lake tomorrow.

Today you journey out to the vast Tonle Sap, the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia, a great inland sea that sustains millions of Cambodians. You board a local boat and cruise across its wide waters to a floating or stilted village, where entire communities live on the water in homes that rise and fall with the seasons, and watch daily life unfold, fishermen casting nets and children paddling to school. It is a moving insight into life shaped by the rhythms of the water. Back in Siem Reap, the afternoon is yours to relax, explore the Old Market, visit the excellent Angkor National Museum, or take an optional cooking class. The scale of the lake and the charm of the town are delightful. This evening, savour Siem Reap's lively dining scene. Rest well, for tomorrow you journey to the capital, Phnom Penh.

Today you travel to Phnom Penh, Cambodia's vibrant riverside capital, by a short scenic flight or comfortable road transfer. Set where the Mekong and Tonle Sap rivers meet, Phnom Penh is a fast-changing city of tree-lined boulevards, golden spires and a lively riverfront. 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 more than five thousand silver tiles and which houses an emerald Buddha and a life-sized golden Buddha adorned with diamonds. You stroll the lively riverfront where the rivers meet. The elegance and energy 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. Rest well, ready to explore more of the capital tomorrow.

Today you explore the moving history and rich heritage of Phnom Penh. With respect and sensitivity, you visit the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, the former S-21 prison where the Khmer Rouge held and tortured thousands, and the nearby Killing Fields of Choeung Ek, where a memorial stupa honours the victims of one of the twentieth century's darkest chapters. These sobering places tell the story of the Khmer Rouge years and help you understand modern Cambodia and the extraordinary resilience of its people. In lighter mood you visit the fine National Museum, home to the world's greatest collection of Khmer sculpture, housed in a beautiful terracotta pavilion. The history is profound and important. As the day ends you return to your hotel, moved and enlightened. This evening, perhaps enjoy a sunset cruise on the Mekong. Rest well, with a free day to enjoy the capital tomorrow.

Today you enjoy a flexible day in the vibrant capital. You might explore the bustling Central Market, an art deco landmark under a great yellow dome, and the lively Russian Market, hunting for silk, silver, crafts and souvenirs, or visit Wat Phnom, the hilltop temple that gave the city its name. You could take a leisurely cyclo or tuk-tuk tour through the leafy boulevards of the old French quarter, admire the colonial-era architecture, relax in a riverside cafe, or take an optional half-day trip to the silk-weaving island of Koh Dach on the Mekong. This flexible day lets you soak up the energy and charm of Phnom Penh at your own pace. As the day ends, you gather your impressions of this beautiful, resilient country. This evening, savour a final Cambodian dinner. Rest well ahead of your departure tomorrow, carrying warm memories of Cambodia.

After a final morning in Phnom Penh, perhaps a last stroll along the riverfront or some final souvenir shopping, you are transferred to Phnom Penh International Airport for your onward departure. You leave having experienced the very best of Cambodia, sunrise over the towers of Angkor Wat, the giant stone faces of the Bayon, the jungle temple of Ta Prohm, the vast Tonle Sap lake, and the glittering Royal Palace and moving history of Phnom Penh, all warmed by the famous gentleness of the Cambodian people. The images stay vivid long after you land, the reflecting pools of Angkor Wat at dawn, the serene smiling faces of the Bayon, the great trees of Ta Prohm, and the golden spires of the capital. Cambodia offers beauty, culture, history and genuine human warmth in abundance, and you depart already dreaming of a return to this beautiful and unforgettable land.