Luxury Cambodia: Angkor, Phnom Penh, Kampot & the Islands

This morning you rise early for a serene private 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. With your private guide you explore the great temple's galleries carved with gods and armies at a leisurely, uncrowded pace. 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, and walk the Terrace of the Elephants. The scale and artistry are breathtaking. As the heat builds, you return to your boutique hotel to relax by the pool or enjoy a spa treatment. This evening, savour a fine Khmer dinner. Rest well, for tomorrow you explore more of the magical temples of Angkor.

Today you explore the most beautiful and atmospheric temples of Angkor in private, unhurried style. You wander Ta Prohm, the famous jungle temple, where enormous silk-cotton and strangler fig trees rise from the crumbling ruins, their roots pouring over mossy walls. 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, and explore the vast, atmospheric Preah Khan, a monastic complex of long corridors and toppled stones embraced by the forest. The artistry and atmosphere are captivating. In the late afternoon you enjoy a private sunset with cocktails at a beautiful spot overlooking the temples. As the day ends you return to your hotel. This evening, savour a private temple dinner. Rest well, for tomorrow you enjoy Siem Reap at leisure.

Today you enjoy a more relaxed day, balancing discovery with luxury downtime. In the morning you may cruise the vast Tonle Sap, the largest lake in Southeast Asia, to a floating village, gaining a moving insight into life on the water, or visit the excellent Angkor National Museum and the artisan silk farm, according to your wishes. The afternoon is yours to relax in luxury, perhaps a spa treatment, a leisurely lunch, or exploring the charming Old Market and boutiques of Siem Reap at your own pace. The blend of discovery and relaxation is delightful. As the day ends, you savour the elegant comfort of your boutique hotel. This evening, enjoy the finest of Siem Reap's dining scene, perhaps with a private Apsara dance performance. Rest well, for tomorrow you fly to the vibrant capital, Phnom Penh.

Today you fly south to Phnom Penh, Cambodia's vibrant riverside capital, set where the Mekong and Tonle Sap rivers meet, and transfer to your stylish riverside retreat. 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 and which houses an emerald Buddha and a diamond-adorned golden Buddha. You stroll the lively riverfront and elegant colonial-era streets. The elegance and energy of the capital are captivating. As the day ends you relax at your retreat. This evening, you enjoy a private sunset cruise on the Mekong, watching the golden spires and city lights glow over the water, followed by fine dining. Rest well, ready to explore more of the capital tomorrow.

Today you explore the rich heritage and moving history of Phnom Penh in comfort. You visit the superb National Museum, housed in a beautiful terracotta pavilion, home to the world's greatest collection of Khmer sculpture, where your private guide illuminates the artistry of the Khmer Empire. With respect and sensitivity, you may visit the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and the Killing Fields, which tell the sobering story of the Khmer Rouge years and honour their victims, deepening your understanding of the resilience and gentleness of the Cambodian people. The heritage and history are compelling and humbling. As the day ends you return to your retreat. This evening, savour the finest of Phnom Penh's sophisticated dining scene, perhaps at a celebrated restaurant. Rest well, with a day at leisure in the capital to come tomorrow.

Today you enjoy a flexible day in the vibrant capital, at your own luxurious pace. You might explore the bustling Central Market under its great yellow dome and the lively Russian Market, hunting for silk, silver and fine crafts, take a private cyclo tour through the leafy boulevards of the old French quarter, or enjoy a spa treatment and leisurely lunch at your retreat. For the curious, an optional excursion crosses to the silk-weaving island of Koh Dach on the Mekong. This flexible day lets you savour the energy and elegance of Phnom Penh in comfort. As the day ends, you gather your impressions of the capital. This evening, savour a final fine dinner in the city. Rest well, for tomorrow you journey south to the pepper plantations and seafood of Kampot and Kep.

Today you journey south by private vehicle to Cambodia's beautiful southern coast and the twin towns of Kampot and Kep, famous for the finest pepper in the world and the freshest seafood. The scenic drive passes rice paddies, salt flats and countryside. On arrival you settle into your charming boutique hotel amid the pepper country, and visit a working Kampot pepper plantation, learning how the celebrated peppercorns are grown and cured, and tasting their extraordinary fragrance. You take in the sleepy colonial charm of riverside Kampot, with its faded French shophouses and beautiful sunsets over the Praek Tuek Chhu river and Bokor mountain. The flavours and scenery are delightful. As the day ends you relax at your boutique hotel. This evening, savour a fine dinner of southern Cambodian cuisine. Rest well, for tomorrow you explore Kep, Bokor and the coast.

Today you explore the delights of Kep and the surrounding coast. You visit the lively Kep crab market on the shore, where blue swimmer crabs are landed fresh from the sea, and feast on legendary Kep crab stir-fried with green Kampot pepper at a seafront restaurant, one of Cambodia's great culinary experiences. You may take in the faded colonial villas of Kep, once a French seaside resort, and drive up to Bokor, the old French hill station high above the coast, with its cool air, mist, sweeping sea views and atmospheric ruins of a bygone era. The flavours, history and views are delectable. As the day ends you return to your boutique hotel, having savoured the best of the south. This evening, enjoy a relaxed dinner. Rest well, for tomorrow you journey to your luxurious island beach retreat.

Today you journey to your final destination, a luxurious beach retreat on the tranquil island of Koh Rong Samloem. From the coast you board a speedboat across the warm, clear sea, watching the water turn brilliant turquoise and the jungle-cloaked island rise ahead, ringed by powder-white sand. On arrival you settle into your beautiful beach resort, set on a curve of soft sand facing a shallow, warm bay, and the pace of life slows to the gentle rhythm of the waves. The seclusion, beauty and comfort are blissful. Spend the rest of the day swimming in crystal water straight from your beach, lazing in a day-bed beneath the palms, and watching your first island sunset paint the sky and sea. This evening, dine on fresh seafood on the beach beneath the stars, perhaps with a glowing bioluminescent sea. Rest well, lulled by the waves in your island paradise.

Today you enjoy a final, blissful day at your luxurious island retreat on tranquil Koh Rong Samloem, entirely at your own pace. You might swim in the warm, gentle, crystal-clear sea, laze under the palms, walk the soft sand of beautiful Saracen Bay, enjoy a spa treatment to the sound of the waves, snorkel over colourful coral, or kayak to a hidden cove. The laid-back luxury and pristine beauty are the perfect finale to your journey. There is nothing to do but savour the island paradise. As the day ends, you watch a last magnificent island sunset over the sea, and perhaps a final swim in the glowing, star-lit water. This evening, savour a farewell seafood dinner on the sand, reflecting on the temples, culture, flavours and beaches of your luxury Cambodian journey. Rest well, carrying beautiful memories, ahead of your departure tomorrow.

After a final, unhurried morning at your luxurious island retreat, perhaps a last swim in the warm turquoise sea or a quiet walk along the sand, you take a speedboat back to the mainland and transfer to the airport for your onward departure, via Phnom Penh or Siem Reap. You leave having experienced the very finest of Cambodia, the temples of Angkor in private luxury, vibrant Phnom Penh with its Royal Palace and moving history, the pepper plantations and legendary seafood of Kampot and Kep, and a luxurious island beach retreat, all with the finest hotels and seamless service, warmed by the gentleness of the Cambodian people. The images stay vivid, temple towers at dawn, golden palace spires, fragrant pepper vines, fresh Kep crab, and a palm-fringed beach at sunset. Cambodia offers ancient wonder, vibrant culture, delectable flavours and tropical bliss in abundance, and you depart already dreaming of a return to this beautiful and gentle land.