Taking you beyond the temples in style! The temples of Angkor are immense and intricate, their scale and extravagant beauty has to be seen to be believed.  Angkor is rightly a huge draw for tourists from around the world. Asia Travel Specialist will ensure you get off the beaten track on your Cambodia luxury holidays. Away from the masses, we enjoy a unique and adventurous Angkor experience. Enjoy luxurious  accommodation, some glamping, as well as first class guiding from our team of experts on the ground. After the steamy temple exploration, refresh at a private island resort. Learn about the jungle flora and fauna surrounding the stunning Shinta Mani Wild camp and finally explore Phnom Penh like a local.

Cambodia Luxury Safari - Tour highlights

Siem Reap - Sihanoukville/Six Senses - Cardamom Mountains/Shinta Mani

• Glamping at Phnom Kulen sacred mountain, birthplace of the Khmer empire.

• Get off the beaten track at Angkor and explore lesser known temples by mountain bike.

• Relax at a private island resort.

• Learn about flora and fauna in the Cambodian jungle at luxurious Shinta Mani Wild.

• Explore the emerging craft beer scene in Phnom Penh.

Suggested itinerary - We will customize this for you.

Day 1 - Arrival in Siem Reap

Upon arrival in Siem Reap you will be welcomed to Cambodia by your guide. Transfer to your hotel in a private car.

Overnight in Siem Reap.

Meals: None

Hotel: Bensley Collection Shinta Mani Siem Reap (Pool Villa)

Day 2 - Siem Reap ~ Phnom Kulen - SACRED MOUNTAIN SAFARI ON PHNOM KULEN

Known as Mahendraparvata at the time of the Khmer Empire, Phnom Kulen hit the headlines in 2013 as a ‘lost city’. Revealed through the use of aerial LIDAR data, this was 21st century archaeology at its very best. Several new sites were discovered and so it was a much bigger urban settlement than previously thought. Because these are newly accessible locations, we explore them in detail with our signature Sacred Mountain Safari. African-style bush camping in the jungle of Cambodia, surely a highlight of your Cambodia luxury holidays!

Firstly we head to Phnom Kulen. This sacred mountain was the birthplace and early capital of the Khmer empire and so is a very important place to visit. Travel by vehicle to the busy settlement of Preah Ang Thom. There you transfer by local motorcycle to the sacred mountain. Explore some remote jungle sites starting at the brick temple of Damrei Krab and finally the early pyramid temple of Rom Cheng.

Later , visit the incredible rock formations of Poeng Tbal, which include a number of holy carvings. These sites date from the 9th century and the reign of Jayavarman II, pre-dating the relocation of the capital to Angkor by almost a century.

Finally we visit the striking stone guardian animals of Sra Damrei, which include a life-size stone elephant, before descending to the ‘bat cave’, a complex of Hindu and Buddhist shrines hidden beneath the rock-face.

Ascend to the camp location which enjoys panoramic views of Siem Reap Province. After a catered dinner under the stars retire for the night in your safari tent.

Overnight at Phnom Kulen.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Hotel: Sacred Mountain Safari Tent

Day 3 - Phnom Kulen ~ Siem Reap

First thing today we offer the option of another trek to an old temple site before visiting the River of a Thousand Lingas, where small phalluses are carved into the riverbed itself representing gods Shiva and Vishnu. There is a classic waterfall further downstream which is the perfect place to cool off after exploring and nearby is a small, jungle-clad temple called Prasat Krau Romeas. Later we explore Wat Pre Ang Thom, a focus of pilgrimage for Khmers during religious festivals. The large reclining Buddha carved into a huge sandstone boulder offers spectacular views across the lush jungle. We enjoy a local lunch before returning by road to Siem Reap.

This afternoon visit Banteay Srei, a petite pink temple and the jewel in the crown of Angkor-era sculpture. Because of the dense pink sandstone used, the elaborate carvings here are the finest found in Cambodia. Banteay Srei translates as ‘Fortress of the Women’, because of to the intricate carvings which are considered too fine for the hands of a man.

Lastly visit the 12th century temple of Banteay Samre. Because of over-quarrying of sandstone, this temple is unique as it uses laterite for the roofed corridors. In addition, the pediments above the inner doors include some of the most accomplished carving from the Angkor period.

In order to inject some adrenaline into your Cambodia luxury holidays, we take quad bikes along the less-travelled tracks and paths that weave through the rural villages and communities surrounding Siem Reap. Stop and interact along the way with villagers and children. Visit an ancient temple off the 'beaten track' and enjoy a cool drink.  This afternoon ride will include a sunset view as it dips below the rice fields. This is an opportunity to see the 'real' Cambodia that very few visitors ever experience.

Overnight in Siem Reap.

Meals: Breakfast

Hotel: Bensley Collection Shinta Mani Siem Reap (Pool Villa)

Day 4 - Siem Reap - Hidden Trails of Angkor by Mountain Bikes

In order to take advantage of the back roads and jungle paths to get off the beaten track and experience Angkor without the crowds, we explore Angkor by mountain bike. Leaving Siem Reap early, we use a forest path to avoid the traffic and wind our way past the walls of Banteay Kdei to the North Gate of Ta Prohm.

The ‘jungle temple’  Ta Prohm has been abandoned to the elements, a reminder that while empires rise and fall, the riotous power of nature marches on, oblivious to the dramas of human history. Left as it was ‘discovered’ by French explorer Henri Mouhot in 1860, the tentacle-like tree roots here are slowly strangling the surviving stones, man first conquering nature to create, nature later conquering man to destroy. Ta Prohm is very atmospheric and often a highlight for many on their Cambodia luxury holidays.

Ta Nei is a small temple that has been forgotten in the jungle and sees few visitors and so this is our next stop. We have to carry the bikes across an old French dam to cross the Siem Reap River. Enter the immense walled city of Angkor Thom, through the Victory Gate and continue to East Gate. Later, ascend the walls of Angkor Thom and ride around the southeast quadrant. Stop at atmospheric Prasat Chrung, a seldom-visited temple overlooking the vast moat of Angkor Thom.

Cycle from South Gate to the Bayon and explore the main temples of Angkor Thom, including Baphuon, Phimeanakas, Preah Palilay, Terrace of the Leper King and Preah Pithu. Bayon temple is famous for its enigmatic faces of Lokesvara, the Buddha of Compassion. Baphuon is nicknamed the world’s largest jigsaw puzzle as the French took it apart stone by stone in the 1960s for restoration, only for all records to be destroyed by the Khmer Rouge. Cycling along the back paths to the lesser known temples of Angkor Thom such as Preah Palilay and Preah Pithu is a rewarding experience. Later we head back to town.

Enjoy a traditional Khmer lunch menu at Sala Kdei, an intimate location to eat and rest in the middle of the day while exploring the temples. Breakfast, sunset cocktails or a Khmer cooking class are also available at this gorgeous traditional wooden home on the banks of the Royal bathing pool at Sra Srang.

The Apsara Terrace at the iconic Raffles Grand d’Angkor remains Siem Reap's leading venue to take in an Apsara performance, Cambodia’s elegant, intricate and enchanting traditional dance. Enjoy a majestic performance with Cambodian dances and Khmer martial arts demonstrations accompanied by a delightful selection of pan-Asian barbecue cuisine.

Overnight in Siem Reap.

Meals: Breakfast

Hotel: Bensley Collection Shinta Mani Siem Reap (Pool Villa)

Day 5 - Siem Reap - Angkor Wat Sunrise, Zipline tour, floating villages of Tonle Sap.

Rising at the crack of dawn, we start our day at Angkor Wat. As the crowds return to their hotels, we venture into world's largest religious building in order to enjoy its magnificence in peace and quiet.

Begin by unraveling the mysteries of the bas-reliefs that tell of tales from Hindu mythology and of the glories of the Khmer empire. Stretching for almost one kilometre, these intricate carvings are a candidate for the world’s longest unbroken piece of art. Continue to the upper levels of the inner sanctuary. The final steps to the upper terrace of Angkor are the steepest of all. Finally the pinnacle, the sacred heart of Angkor Wat, a blend of spirituality and symmetry so perfect that few moments will measure up.

Ziplining with Angkor Zipline is a unique way to enjoy an adrenaline adventure around Angkor and so is highly recommended. Family‐friendly, fun and safe, flying through the air above the jungle canopy is an exhilarating experience. The course includes ten ziplines, including a ‘honeymoon’ tandem line, rope bridges, tree-house and a 15m abseil descent to navigate. They also have a nature trail and a family of wild gibbons in the jungle.

In order to include some variety during your stay in Siem Reap, we take a break from the temples we enjoy a boat journey across the Great Tonle Sap lake to the village of Kompong Pluk. Cruising down a narrow waterway, we enter this medieval floating village, where the houses stand atop stilts as much as seven metres above the water. Everything lives on the water, pigs, dogs, crocodiles and people, all jockeying for space in this incredible floating town. We explore the local Wat here, before enjoying the flooded forest and returning across the Tonle Sap Lake to Chong Kneas and the holy mountain of Phnom Krom. We climb Phnom Krom for a glorious sunset over the Tonle Sap before heading back to Siem Reap by road.

Meals: Breakfast

Hotel: Bensley Collection Shinta Mani Siem Reap (Pool Villa)

Day 6 - Siem Reap ~ Sihanoukville - Krabey Island

At an appropriate time your guide and driver will meet and escort you to Siem Reap International Airport for your flight to Sihanoukville. Upon arrival you are met and transferred to the pier for your shared resort boat transfer to Six Senses Krabey Island.

Overnight Krabey Island.

Meals: Breakfast

Hotel: Six Senses Krabey Island. (Hideaway Pool Villa Suite)

Domestic flight: Siem Reap to Sihanoukville on Cambodia Angkor Air

Days 7 & 8 - Krabey Island

These days are free so that you can get some well deserved rest on your Cambodia Luxury Holidays.

Meals: Breakfast

Hotel: Six Senses Krabey Island. (Hideaway Pool Villa Suite)

Day 9 - Krabey Island - Sihanoukville ~ Cardamom Mountains

Boat transfer back to Sihanoukville. Meet your guide and driver and transfer to the next stop on your Cambodia luxury holidays, the Cardamom Mountains. Afternoon at leisure.

Overnight in Cardamom Mountains

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Hotel: Shinta Mani Wild (Wild Tent)

Day 10 - Cardamom Mountains

At Shinta Mani Wild, there are many activities available for guests to choose from and so we list a few options below:

- Head out on patrol with the rangers from the Wildlife Alliance  in order to see how they stop and catching poachers and illegal loggers in the area.

- A highlight for many on their Cambodia luxury holidays is to spend an afternoon exploring the upper reaches of a nearby estuary. Board one of the custom Bensley designed expedition boats and anchor in a beautiful back water.  Take out kayaks and go crab fishing. While you kayack, your butler will get the barbecue going in order to cook up the fresh giant crabs that you just caught.

- Meet the chef, a master in the kitchen and an avid forager. Set off on a foraging expedition in order to learn about edible Cambodian plants. Chef shares his vast wealth of knowledge on the plants, fruits, and fungi that the forest has to offer. On your return prepare to enjoy a cooking class unlike any other.

- Shinta Mani's team of naturalists live at Wild studying the flora and fauna and so know a number of hikes for all abilities to take guests on. Several research projects are going on and so join in as they check their camera traps and bring the forest alive. Listen as they get carried away talking about what they love most, which ranges from Orchids and birds to animal behavior.

- The Boulder Spa by Khmer Tonics is a great spot to rejuvenate with a range of treatments based on traditional Khmer herbs and healing rituals in order to reduce stress and reset inner balance. Why not treat yourself on your Cambodia luxury holidays!

Overnight in Cardamom Mountains.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Hotel: Shinta Mani Wild (Wild Tent)

Day 11 - Cardamom Mountains: Shinta Mani Wild

Enjoy more activities with Shinta Mani Wild, or just relax at your own leisure

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Hotel: Shinta Mani Wild (Wild Tent)

Day 12 - Cardamom Mountains: Shinta Mani Wild ~ Phnom Penh

This morning , leave Shinta Mani Wild and travel  3 1/2 hours north on National Highway 4 towards the Cambodian capital. Because it is a long journey, we pause to pay our respects to Yeay Peau, a protective spirit who looks after travellers on the road. Continue to Phnom Penh, the lively riverside capital of the country and check into our hotel.

Tonight we check out the emerging craft beer scene in Phnom Penh. Firstly we enjoy an evening tour of some of the leading micro-breweries and bars in town. Hops is a large German beer garden that brews some classic European beers based on the 500-year old Purity Law and so here we sample a good selection, including a pilsen, a wheat beer, a red beer and an IPA.

Later on we move on to a popular local barbecue restaurant for dinner, Sovanna. Here we can sample some Khmer flavours in an authentic environment. After dinner and drinks, we continue to Botanico, an atmospheric garden bar and home of the Cerevisia Brewery. Sample a flight of tipples, including an IPA, an amber ale and more.

Finally, our last stop is nearby Bassac Lane, a gaggle of hole-in-the-wall bars that offer some craft beer options or creative cocktails. Explore more bars on your own or transfer back to the hotel at the end of the tour.

Overnight in Phnom Penh.

Hotel: Raffles Hotel Le Royal (State Room)

Meals: Breakfast

Day 13 - Phnom Penh

This morning explore the stunning Royal Palace complex, home to the Cambodian royal family and a symbol of the nation. Firstly, we begin amid the beautiful Royal gardens, landscaped with tropical plants and studded with gleaming spires. Next, enter the Throne Hall where the royal receptions are held and the Cambodian king's coronation took place. Later, we then pass the Napoleon III Pavilion. The Pavilion is made from iron and  a gift from the French emperor in the 19th century.

Later on visit the Silver Pagoda, named after the 5000 silver tiles covering the floor. Inside are some of the country's most cherished treasures.  There is also a delicate emerald Buddha made of baccarat crystal, which gives the temple its Khmer name of Wat Preah Keo (Temple of the Emerald Buddha).

Leave the Royal Palace and continue to the nearby National Museum. The museum is home to the world's finest collection of sculpture from the Angkor period and so is a very interesting place to visit. The exquisite building was completed between 1917 and 1920. The lush courtyard garden is surrounded by collections from the pre-Angkor, Angkor and post-Angkor periods. Marvel at the incredible sandstone sculptures from Angkor, as well as the intricate bronzes.

This afternoon we come face to face with the horrific crimes of the Khmer Rouge. Tuol Sleng was a former high school that the Khmer Rouge turned into a centre for interrogation, torture and death. Today it is a museum of torture and serves to remind visitors of the terrible atrocities that came to pass in Cambodia. 17,000 people passed through the gates of this prison and only seven lived to tell the tale. Tuol Sleng is a profoundly moving experience and not everyone will want to visit.  However, it is key to understanding the hell into which Cambodia descended and how far it has come in the years since.

Finally, the very last and rather downbeat stop on your Cambodia luxury holidays is the Killing Fields of Choeung Ek.  An old Chinese cemetery, Choeung Ek was turned into an extermination camp for political prisoners. The remains of 8985 people were exhumed from mass graves and are kept in a memorial stupa here. Despite the horrors of the past, it is a peaceful place to go and a tranquil spot to reflect on the tragic events that engulfed Cambodia and its people.

Overnight in Phnom Penh.

Hotel: Raffles Hotel Le Royal (State Room)

Meals: Breakfast

Day 14 - Phnom Penh ~ departure

Your guide and driver will transfer you to Phnom Penh International Airport to meet your departure flight.

Meals: Breakfast