The Ultimate Highlights of Cambodia
Discover Cambodia’s cultural and historic highlights on this journey through Phnom Penh and Siem Reap. Begin in the capital Phnom Penh, exploring Khmer architecture and the historic Killing Fields. In Siem Reap, uncover the famed Angkor Wat temples as well as lesser known temples like Ta Prohm, Angkor Thom and Banteay Srei on a hidden temple hike. You’ll also get a glimpse of life in rural Cambodia and learn how to cook the region’s classic cuisine.
Trip highlights
- Explore Phnom Penh’s palaces and temples
- Enjoy a private sunset river cruise
- Visit Ta Prohm and lesser known temples
- Soak up the sunrise on a tour of Angkor Wat
- Take a temple hike through Siem Reap
- Prepare traditional Cambodian dishes in rural Cambodia
Bespoke trips with Jacada
We design one-of-a-kind journeys incorporating luxury in all its forms. This bespoke trip includes:
- Luxury accommodation throughout
- Expert-guided tours
- Private transfers and internal flights
- Meticulously selected experiences
- Expertise and support from your Jacada Concierge
Itinerary in detail
Every Jacada trip is tailored to your personal preferences and interests. Below you’ll find a sample itinerary to inspire your own custom-designed journey.
Days 1–4
Three nights Phnom Penh
Discover the capital city of Phnom Penh with its wealth of historical landmarks and distinct blend of architectural styles.
Where you could stay
Make it mine
landscape
history
Private Phnom Penh sunset river cruise
Cruise along Sisowath Quay on the Tonle Sap and Mekong rivers. A river view gives possibly the best view of Phnom Penh and its ever evolving skyline, lit up in the twilight sky.
Tour of the Killing Fields
Visit the stretch of green fields of Cheung Ek, also known as ‘The Killing Fields’. It is a large memorial built to commemorate the 17,000 victims who died here under the reign of Khmer Rouge leader, Pol Pot.
Days 4–8
Four nights enjoying Siem Reap and exploring Angkor Wat
During your time in Siem Reap, enjoy privately guided specialist tours to show you the best of city, including Angkor Wat and the Khmer temples in the region. The Khmer Empire was at its peak between the 11th and 13th centuries, when Angkor Wat, one of the modern wonders of the world, was built. Stroll through intricately carved hallways that show hundreds of fine carvings and discover small shrines still in use today by local people.
Cambodia’s khmer temples
Angkor Thom
Ta Prohm
Banteay Srei
Private tour of Angkor Thom
Travel by road to the Victory Gate of Angkor Thom. From the atmospheric Preah Palilay, walk through the shaded parkland behind the terraces, past Phimeanakas with its beautiful lakes, and the imposing Baphuon, to finally reach Jayavarman’s state temple of Bayon at the centre of the city.
Private tour of Ta Prohm and lesser known temples
Travel by road to Ta Prohm, and take your time to walk through the temple from the West to the East entrance. It’s then a fifteen-minute walk through the forest to the seldom visited temple of Ta Nei, where there’s a reasonable chance of having this beautiful Angkor temple all to yourself. Pause for a light breakfast before exploring further – you’ll end the morning at Ta Keo temple, known as the ‘mountain with bronze peaks’.
Private tour of Banteay Srei and Banteay Samre
This red sand-stone temple is one of Angkor’s most significant structures as its walls are decorated with elaborate carvings which have been preserved remarkably well. Built in the 10th century, it was dedicated to the Hindu god – Shiva. Visit Banteay Samre afterwards, a structure often compared to a mini Angkor Wat. Built in the 12th century, the temple served as a Hindu temple.
Explore further
Beyond the temples
Into the countryside
Get cooking
Charitable Cambodia tour
Embark on a meaningful exploration of Siem Reap that goes beyond the temples, delving into inspiring initiatives dedicated to healthcare, demining and sustainable livelihoods. You’ll begin at the visitor centre of the Angkor Hospital for Children where you will learn about the history of the project and the work they do, providing free health care to some of the city’s more marginalised communities.
Next, head to the Apopo Visitor Centre to discover how they train and deploy rats which use their extraordinary sense of smell to detect landmines. Together with other demining organisations, Apopo has been instrumental in reducing casualties in recent years. Your final stop will be Samatoa Lotus Farm, where you’ll discover the fascinating process of creating eco-friendly textiles from lotus plant stems. Over 100 Cambodian women are able to work from home extracting and spinning fibers, turning lotus plant byproducts into exquisite fabrics.
Explore the Siem Reap countryside and dine at a rural villa
Visit a contemporary pagoda to understand more of the importance of Buddhism in the rural communities. Travel through typical villages followed by an easy 20-minute walk that brings you to the vast Western Baray man-made reservoir. Spend the evening in a villa in the quiet of the countryside, surrounded by rice paddies. This is a wonderful spot to relax and enjoy sunset drinks, listen to traditional Khmer music played by local musicians and delight in an evening meal.
Learn to cook Khmer dishes
Enjoy a private Khmer cooking course, which includes a short walk in the local village to meet a local family to learn about food and its role in Cambodian life. You will also have the opportunity to learn about traditional beliefs, customs and superstitions regarding Indigenous foods, herbs and spices. Savour your Khmer cuisine as you dine on your very own culinary creations in a private stilted pavilion perched over a lily pond.
Days 8-11
Three nights at Six Senses Krabey Island
Tucked away on a lush private island in coastal Cambodia, Six Senses Krabey Island offers an escape that feels both grounded and luxurious. Surrounded by dense jungle and turquoise waters, the resort blends modern design with local touches, creating a space that feels in tune with its environment.
Mornings start with the soft rhythm of waves and the scent of tropical flowers carried on the breeze. Days are shaped by quiet exploration – kayaking through mangroves, unwinding with spa treatments inspired by Khmer traditions, or simply relaxing in your villa’s infinity pool, where the view stretches endlessly to the horizon. Evenings bring fresh, thoughtful cuisine and a sky alive with stars.
Why book with Jacada
Personalised design
We’ll plan your trip around your personal interests, tastes and preferences, providing honest advice based on first-hand knowledge.
Authentic experiences
Our expert guides and brilliant Concierges are hand-picked for their ability to bring your destination to life with care and passion.
Positive impact
We seek out unforgettable experiences that benefit both local communities and the environment.
High-quality touring at high-quality hotels no matter where you may find yourself. We like to immerse ourselves in a new country by day and relax at night. Jacada made that happen in far-flung Cambodian locales from the bustle of Phnom Penh to the jungles of the Cardamom Mountains to the sites of the temple city of Siem Reap. Truly special.
