Heart of Cambodia

Arrive in Siem Reap, the modern gateway to the ancient temples of Angkor. Just a small village when the French 're-discovered' Angkor in the 19th century, Siem Reap has now ballooned in size to cater for every type of tourist and their budget. An evening stroll along its grid-like streets uncovers a lively foodie scene with restaurants and street stalls to cater for every palate, as well as a host of spas offering a traditional Khmer massage. For those arriving on time our Leader plans to meet you in the hotel reception at 6pm for the welcome meeting and for those that wish, there is the chance to go out for dinner. There are no other activities planned today, so you are free to arrive in Siem Reap at any time. If you would like to receive a airport transfer today, you'll need to arrive into Siem Reap (SIA), which is 60-80 minutes from our hotel. Should you miss the welcome meeting, your Leader will inform you of any essential information at 7am over breakfast. If your flight arrives earlier in the day, perhaps you might choose to explore the town yourself and then head to the night market to haggle for a bargain. Then of course there is 'Pub Street' - a pedestrianised melee of neon lights, street performers, bars, restaurants and people. Not for everybody, but for most it's worth a visit for a chance to soak up Siem Reap's vibrant atmosphere.

This morning we visit the beautiful Angkor Wat - the best known and most breathtaking of all the sights and a highlight of any visit to Angkor. Originally built as a funerary temple for Suryavarman ll in honour of Vishnu, the temple is unique as it faces west - symbolically the direction of death. It is a very grand and imposing structure but its most stunning features are the extensive and intricately carved bas reliefs that stretch throughout the galleries and inner temples. This afternoon we continue our exploration with a visit to the temples of King Jayavarman Vll, reputedly Angkor's greatest king. The fortified city of Angkor Thom which he had built at the end of the 12th century is enclosed by a square wall eight metres high with five 20 metre high monumental gates decorated with stone elephant trunks. Originally the moat was said to be inhabited by crocodiles and each gate was protected by huge statues of 54 different gods. The city contains another of Angkor's true gems - The Bayon. Not nearly as impressive as Angkor Wat from a distance, The Bayon is nevertheless incredible for its maze of corridors, gothic style towers and magical central temples with 1200 metres of the finest bas reliefs depicting scenes of everyday life in 12th Century Cambodia. Our day draws to close as we walk to Phimeanakas, located in the middle of the old Royal Palace area, and to the Terrace of the Elephants and the Leper King.

A change of pace this morning sees us setting off on two wheels, leisurely cruising along the quiet back streets and having a chance to witness the daily life of the locals, as we cycle away from the main tourist areas. Our first stop on this morning's cycle is the APOPO Visitor Centre, and here we learn of the fantastic work being done to clear the still-active land mines from the surrounding towns and villages. Cambodia is thought to have the highest ratio of mine amputees per capita in the world, with some 6 million mines believed to still be in the ground. APOPO have taken a unique approach to mine-clearance, training up so called 'Hero Rats' to sniff out landmines with their incredible sense of smell. The rats are too light to set off the pressure-activated mines and are trained to sniff only explosives rather than metal, thus working much faster than a conventional metal detector. We spend some time learning about the fascinating work being done here, along with witnessing a demonstration and having the chance to meet the surprisingly cuddly critters. Next we cycle over to Khmer Ceramics & Fine Arts Centre, where we learn about the authentic handmade handicrafts and pottery that is crafted here. For those that are interested, we have the opportunity to try and create something for ourselves, before continuing our cycle through backstreets and alongside canals back to our hotel, where the rest of the afternoon is free. The total amount of cycling is approximately four hours including the stops, covering a distance of 20 kilometres which is almost entirely flat. This afternoon there is the option to further explore the Angkor temple complex. Please note an additional Angkor pass will need to be purchased which will cover you for a day of further exploration.

We have another free morning to explore some more of Angkor's extensive temples, or perhaps experience a Khmer massage, partake in a monk's blessing or just sip a French coffee whilst soaking up Siem Reap's infectious atmosphere. After lunch we leave the city behind, travelling for some time alongside the great Tonle Sap Lake as we drive to our homestay in the village of Sambor Prei Kuk. On arrival we will meet our host family and share dinner with them, sampling a variety of tasty Khmer dishes and learning a little more of traditional life in Cambodia - a country that still relies heavily on sustenance farming outside its two main cities. We overnight in a traditional Khmer wooden stilt house, staying with our host family. the accomodation comprises of twin-share rooms spread across a few of the village houses, with western-style toilets located in each house. All pillows, bedding and mosquito nets are provided, but showering opportunities will be limited - an Asian 'bucket' style shower is avaialble in most houses.

After a freshly prepared breakfast we bid goodbye to our hosts to explore the nearby ruins of Sambor Prei Kuk. This UNESCO World Heritage Site pre-dates the Angkor period, it is thought that some of the earliest buildings were constructed in the 7th century during the Chenla Kingdom. These red-brick temples, enveloped on all sides by leafy forests are each dedicated to the three Hindu gods Shiva, Bramha and Vishnu. Each temple features its own style of intricate carvings set into the sandstone, and the complex feels quite different to the Angkor temples we have visited just the day before. After some time to appreciate the peaceful surroundings of Sambor Prei Kuk, we turn back onto the main road and head for the capital, Phnom Penh. Located on the Mekong River the city has been the capital since 1440s. It is now a lively city with many French colonial buildings, busy markets, art galleries, temples and museums. This evening is free to explore this charming French colonial city - perhaps take a stroll alongside the Mekong stopping for street-food, or sip cocktails on the terrace of the FCC - Foreign Correspondent's Club.

We spend the morning visiting the Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda, a palace as equally impressive yet far quieter than its namesake in Bangkok. We continue onto Wat Phnom, the city's glittering centre piece and then the National Museum, a beautifully ornate building that houses a fascinating array of Khmer architecture. After lunch we stop at the infamous 'Killing Fields' of Choeung Ek. Here we find the huge glass tower filled with human skulls, acting as both a memorial piece and a sombre reminder of the scale of Pol Pot's atrocities). We'll also visit Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, also known as S-21 (a High School which became the Khmer Rouge's main torture and interrogation centre). You should be aware that many people find Tuol Sleng and the 'Killing Fields' quite an emotional place to visit.

After a short drive up river we the Mekong ferry across to the peaceful Koh Dach Island which we will explore by local rickshaw. Our route takes us through weaving villages and past stilted houses. This charming, secluded and sleepy island is small at just 30 square kilometres/11.6 square miles in size and offers a peaceful contrast to the bustle of Phnom Penh. Known locally as 'Silk Island' the ladies here weave silk scarves on wooden looms in their homes, for sale in the markets on the mainland. We will likely hear the clatter of looms and see children and animals by the side of these quiet roads as we pass. This afternoon we leave Phnom Penh as we head west into lush jungles of Koh Kong province. Nestled in the south-eastern corner of the Cardamom mountains, Chi Phat is a small palm-lined village embracing an eco-tourism initiative to bring the beautiful surroundings of the area to visitors in a sustainable and responsible way. The area is a nature-lovers paradise, Chi Phat hosts an incredible selection of flora and fauna, including an array of birdlife, monkeys and herds of wild elephant. After lunch we set off for a short nature walk to explore our surroundings, where there will also be the chance to take a refreshing dip in the Chhay Chrey rapids. For those feeling energetic, we can continue up to bold mountain for the one hour walk to the peak in time for sunset.

Rising early this morning we take a motorised sampan (a type of hollowed-out canoe) down the Piphot River toward the Stung Prat tributary. Enjoying our packed-breakfasts as the sun rises, we cut the engines and climb into traditional row boats to start our bird watching, with only nature's chorus as our soundtrack. At this time in the morning there is often mist rolling across the river, further adding to the atmosphere. Over 450 species of bird are found in this area, and this morning we hope to be able to spot eagles, hornbills, or the endemic Siamese partridge, along with macaques, gibbons and silver langurs. We take a break at the Island Lodge shelter where we can take a dip in the river before returning back to Chi Phat. The rest of the afternoon is at leisure, with options to explore the village further, enjoy a short trek in the surrounding jungles or hire bicycles.

Departing the wilds of the Cardamoms this morning, we leave the jungle by river before driving to the lively coastal town of Sihanoukville. From here we board a public ferry to take the 45 minute transfer to the idyllic Koh Rong Island. We aim to arrive on the island in the early afternoon, where the rest of the day is free to explore our new surroundings or relax on the palm-fringed beaches. Our accommodation here consists of a number of picturesque thatched bungalows set back from the sand, along with a beach-front restaurant, bar and a selection of hammocks to relax in.

Located 25 kilometres off of Cambodia's coastline, the sleepy island of Koh Rong feels far further away from the high rise hotels and lively nightclubs of Sihanoukville. By contrast, Koh Rong has no cars, no roads and just four villages, with the island comprising of a jungle-clad interior enveloped by white-sand beaches. More guesthouses are starting to pop up along the island's coastline as word of Koh Rong's beauty spreads, but today the island still offers a little slice of paradise away from the tourist masses. The day has been left free to relax on the beach and swim in the warm turquoise waters.

Today is another free day. There are a number of excursions available including a hike to the nearby village, a boat trip around the island with opportunities to swim and snorkel, or a fishing trip. Alternatively snorkels and masks are available to hire should you wish to snorkel in the tropical waters in front of the resort.

We leave Koh Rong this morning as we travel back to the capital, Phnom Penh. We catch a morning ferry back to the mainland before continuing by road, where we hope to arrive in the capital just after lunchtime. The remainder of the day is free, perhaps stocking up some last minute souvenirs at the eclectic 'Central Market'.

The trip ends after breakfast at our hotel in Phnom Penh. There are no activities planned today, so you are free to depart from Phnom Penh at any time. If your flight is departing later in the day luggage storage facilities are available at our hotel. If you would like to receive an airport transfer today, you need to depart from Phnom Penh International Airport (PNH), which is 40 minutes from our hotel.