Absolute Cambodia

Today, you will be transferred to the airport for your short flight to Phnom Penh (60 mins). On arrival in the Cambodian capital you will be welcomed by a local English speaking guide and transferred to your hotel for check in. Phnom Penh was once considered one of the most beautiful cities in the Orient, and despite its recent turbulent history, it still retains a colonial charm. Wide tree-lined boulevards and many colonial-era buildings reflect the glorious days and add to the allure of the city, where Asian and Western traditions meet in a fascinating way. Take your time to refresh before stepping out for cyclo touring in the historical French Quarter of Phnom Penh. Continue to visit the Royal Palace built during the French colonial period. The same complex houses the Silver Pagoda, named for the over 5,000 heavy silver tiles that cover its floors. Its original name is Wat Prakeo, meaning Temple of the Emerald Buddha. In this temple you will view a collection of Buddhas in gold, silver, crystal, and bronze. Also stop to visit the National Museum, which was built in traditional Khmer style. It houses the world's foremost collection of ancient Khmer artistic, archaeological, and religious artifacts from the 4th to the 13th centuries. In the evening board the Bopha Phnom Penh boat for shared dinner cruise that will take you along the Tonlé Sap and Mekong rivers. You will have a wonderful view of the riverfront and the Phnom Penh skyline over dinner. Overnight in Phnom Penh.

This morning you will take a fascinating tour to explore the culinary delights of Cambodia. Enjoy a walking tour through the aisles of the frsh market as the guide explains the different fruits, herbs and vegetables and how they are used in Khmer cuisine. The walking tour will last about 2 hours before continuing to a local restaurant which uses many of the ingredients seen at the market. Various dishes are ready cooked and French-style baguettes (num pang) and the tasty nom banh chok can be ordered. After lunch you will have a little time to browse through the Russian Market, the best place in the city for wood and stone carvings, jewellery, clothes and Cambodian silk souvenirs, before gaining insight into Cambodia’s recent dark history on a visit to the remarkable Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, housed in the former school that was taken over by the Khmer Rouge and used as its main detention and torture center named ‘S-21’. Further visit the Killing Fields of Choeung Ek. The audio headset guide provided is available in 15 different languages and gives some harrowing but informative stories from survivors and liberators of the camp. A grim, but important visit that will allow you to dig below the surface and understand Cambodia better. Late afternoon head to the riverside area of Phnom Penh, a pleasant French style promenade that is great for people viewing. In the early evening (and morning) various activities take place include exercise classes, Khmer dancing and plenty of snacking on local food. You can participate in a Khmer dance class which is a lot of fun for all! From here you can either be taken back to your hotel or left to explore this bustling area independently and have dinner at one of the many great restaurants on the riverfront. Overnight in Phnom Penh.

This morning, you will leave Phnom Penh in a southern direction for Takeo Province. On the way, you will visit Phnom Chisor, where you can climb up to the top of the mountain to explore the well-preserved ruins of a 10th century Angkorian temple. Enjoy an amazing view over the typical Cambodian countryside. Enjoy a simple but tasty lunch at a local restaurant in Takeo town. Board a fiberglass motorboat in Takeo that will zip you along an ancient canal to the archaeological museum of Angkor Borei and the temple ruins of Phnom Da. On the way, you will have the chance to see rural life in Cambodia. Continue to Kep. Cambodia’s prestigious seaside resort of the 1960s is now awakening to its former glory. The small town offers reminders of the past and a growing choice of activities including island trips, a national park and the famous crab market. Overnight in Kep.

Enjoy your day at leisure. As you wander around Kep keep an eye out for the decaying 1960s villas and the royal residence which are reminders of Kep’s heyday as a high society seaside retreat that was abandoned during the Khmer Rouge time. Some have been restored whilst others are in a state of disarray – perhaps destined to become a boutique hotel. Overnight in Kep.

This morning pay a visit to the popular Kep crab market and see them being stored in baskets in shallow water and being cooked in the market itself. Learn from your guide which are the best and tastiest crabs to select. The market is busiest at weekends and holidays but is fun at any time. Leave Kep in the direction of Kampot. Driving past the pretty Secret Lake you will arrive at La Plantation, a family owned pepper plantation. Kampot pepper was first documented by Chinese explorers in the 1200’s but first came to prominence in the 1800’s as the high quality product reached Paris. Take a tour of the pepper plantation and learn about the difference between green, black, white and red peppers. After enjoy a lunch (and the chance to taste some fresh green peppercorns) at the farm’s restaurant. Continue on your way to reach Kampot town. Take a break to stretch your legs in this charming riverside town with magnificent surroundings still dominated by French colonial architecture. The final transfer is on to the beach town of Sihanoukville which you will arrive at in the late afternoon. Overnight in Sihanoukville.

After breakfast, depart from the mainland in the morning and cruise out to sea on a private wooden motorboat. Relax as the boat glides across clear blue waters on the way to nearby tropical islands. Cambodia’s southern coast is not nearly as well-known as neighboring Thailand’s but it has equally beautiful beaches that are relatively undeveloped and generally free from crowds. Today’s trip will include several Cambodian islands, such as Koh Chaloh, Koh Tres, and Koh Ta Kiev. Stop at one island or another to alternatively swim in the sea and soak in the sun. There are plenty of chances to snorkel, enjoying colourful fish that live in these waters. Walk along a long, sandy beach and explore the rugged island jungles if you wish. At midday, indulge in a delicious seafood barbecue on the beach and relax in the shade of a coconut tree before returning to Sihanoukville in the afternoon, arriving 4-5pm. Overnight in Sihanoukville.

This morning after breakfast at the hotel, transfer directly from Sihanoukville to Koh Kong (3½hrs). After arriving at Tatai Bridge, transfer by shared boat (approximately 20 mins) to tonight’s accommodation: a peaceful retreat with overwater tented villas, set on a quiet bend of the river with the lush Cardamom Mountains serving as the idyllic backdrop. Spend the afternoon at leisure exploring the river by kayak, swimming in the clear waters, or fishing from the villa’s private terrace. Wildlife is abundant here: look out for colorful butterflies and bizarre-looking insects as well as some of the 550+ bird species found in this area (such as brahminy kites or great hornbills!) In the evening, take a short boat trip where fire flies fill the night sky. Dinner will be served at the lodge. Overnight in Koh Kong Province