Temples of Angkor

Most people visiting Cambodia are drawn by the monumental scale, grandeur and beauty of Angkor – justifiably one of mankind’s most exquisite masterpieces. Our Temples of Angkor Small Group Journey explores this amazing structure, but also reveals that there is so much more to Cambodia than temples alone.

The journey begins in the country’s riverside capital, Phnom Penh. The city retains its French-colonial ambience and charm, and there is a wonderfully rich human element to be found on the city’s wide boulevards. Despite its tragic past, evident in poignant reminders such as the Tuol Sleng Museum, the locals are a friendly and welcoming people firmly focused on the future. Our local guide will give us a personal insight into Cambodian culture and history, and an experience that can not be obtained from any guide book.

Wander down Sisowath Quay, shop in unique galleries and boutiques, and take a cyclo ride at dusk along the picturesque riverside promenade. We visit the city’s most interesting sites, including the majestic Royal Palace, built in Khmer-style with French assistance in 1866. The National Museum was built in 1918 and holds a wonderful collection of Khmer art, from the pre-Angkorian exhibition to works done by students at the art college today. The famous Silver Pagoda houses two priceless Buddha figures, and is so named because its floor is lined with more than 5,000 tiles of pure silver. In Phnom Penh, we stay in the luxurious Raffles Hotel le Royal – lovingly restored to its original colonial grandeur. 

The delights of Khmer cuisine are on offer all over the city, and we will be sure to explore the taste sensations little-known in the West. Though strongly influenced by – and bearing a resemblance to – Vietnamese, Chinese and Thai food, Khmer cuisine exists in its own right and we will be sure to indulge in the national dish, fish amok, a tasty combination of freshwater fish, coconut milk and coriander. 

After two nights in Cambodia’s capital we fly to Siem Reap, the gateway to the temples of Angkor.  In the afternoon we cruise beautiful Tonle Sap Lake and view wildlife and amazing floating villages. This is a side to Cambodia that casual travellers usually miss. The Tonle Sap Lake is of huge importance to the country; it is the largest freshwater last in Southeast Asia and its ecosystem is one of the most productive inland fisheries in the world, supporting over three million people and providing over 75% of Cambodia’s annual inland fish catch. Back in Siem Reap, experience this great walking town – wander off the main boulevards and get a taste of rural Cambodia as we meet locals on rocky dirt roads, or soak up the shade under a sugar palm tree. The central market of Siem Reap is home to fantastic bargains on Khmer fabric, Buddha statues and just about anything you can imagine.

The following day we wake early to witness sunrise at Angkor Wat – a spectacular and memorable sight impossible to forget. This is a highlight of any visit to Indochina – the great temple is simply unsurpassed by any other monument. Construction of this masterpiece is thought to have begun in the 12th century, and the same amount of stone was used to build Angkor Wat as that used to construct the great pyramid of Cheops in Egypt. After exploring this glorious building we visit the fortified city of Angkor Thom, jungle-covered Ta Prohm, ornate Banteay Srei and atmospheric Preah Khan.

We complete our journey with a feast at one of Siem Reap’s top restaurants – a fitting end to this fascinating encounter with Cambodia’s people, culture, cuisine and history.

Click here to find out more about our Temples of Angkor Small Group Journey.