Cambodia Uncovered

Arrive into Siem Reap, where an English-speaking guide will be waiting to welcome you and transfer you to your hotel, around an hour away. Settle in and rest before the journey begins tomorrow. Overnight in Siem Reap.

Set off this morning by remork to Ta Prohm, entering from the east to avoid the crowds, where the jungle has crept back in and reclaimed much of the temple since the fall of the Angkorian Empire. Continue to Angkor Thom, taking in the Terrace of the Elephants and the old Royal Palace enclosure, then wander the lower galleries of Bayon, carved with scenes of everyday life from the late eleventh century, and find a quiet spot to take in its fifty-four towers, each carved with faces looking out into the surrounding jungle. In the afternoon, visit Angkor Wat, the twelfth-century temple built by King Suryavarman II in the image of Mount Meru, the mythical home of the Hindu gods, its walls carved with more than 2,000 apsara dancers and scenes from Hindu mythology. As the light softens, board a private gondola paddle boat on the moat of Angkor Thom for a relaxing sunset cruise, with champagne, soft drinks and canapes included. Paddle out to the southwest corner of the wall to climb the rampart to the ruins of Prasat Chrung, a small temple overlooking the moat, before paddling back to the South Gate as the sun sets. Overnight in Siem Reap.

Start early with a visit to Ta Brak, a village at its busiest in the morning hours. Share a take-away breakfast with a local family while the village goes about its day, then walk to the local market to browse the colourful displays of vegetables and herbs alongside the morning shoppers. Continue through the village for a chance to chat with locals and see daily life up close, before visiting a Khmer smokehouse to learn how fish is traditionally smoked, over a glass of fresh coconut juice with the family who run it. Before leaving, take part in a Buddhist blessing ceremony, receiving wishes of good luck from local monks. From the village, head to Tonle Sap Lake and cruise through the floating village of Kompong Khleang for a glimpse of life on the water. Stop at a local family's home for lunch, watching boats pass by from inside a typical stilted house, before saying farewell and returning to Siem Reap. Overnight in Siem Reap.

Depart Siem Reap this morning for Sambor Prei Kuk, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Cambodia's most significant pre-Angkorian archaeological zones, built during the Chenla period between the sixth and seventh centuries. Wander shaded jungle tracks between its three best-preserved sites, Prasat Sambor, Prasat Tao (the 'Temple of Lions') and Prasat Yeay Poan, each with a distinctive architectural style. Enjoy a simple lunch prepared by the local community, part of a program developed with German Technical Cooperation to support community-based ecotourism in the area. Continue on to Phnom Penh. Overnight in Phnom Penh.

Spend the morning uncovering Cambodia's recent history, beginning at the Killing Fields of Choeung Ek, a rural site used as an execution ground during the Khmer Rouge regime, then continuing to Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, also known as S-21, once a school and later the regime's main detention and torture centre. If time allows, stop at the Russian Market, a bustling bazaar known for souvenirs, handicrafts and silver jewellery. This evening, set off by remork on a beer-hopping tour of Phnom Penh, starting with a brewery tour and a flight of four beers at a German-style beer garden, paired with food to match. Continue to a blind tasting of Cambodia's best-selling lagers, followed by a shot of local rice wine infused with herbs and spices. Finish at a craft beer garden run by an American expat, sampling three more beers from a rotating menu, with the option to stay on or head back to the hotel. Overnight in Phnom Penh.

Transfer this morning to Kep, around three hours away. Check into your hotel with the rest of the day free at leisure. Overnight in Kep.

Spend the morning at a working Kampot pepper farm, learning about the different varieties grown and processed on site, with tastings along the way. Stay on to cook a few traditional Khmer dishes using the farm's own spices, then sit down to enjoy what you've made, followed by leisure time at the farm's open-air restaurant, with the chance to shop for pepper products and locally made pepper-infused rum. Return to Kep. Overnight in Kep.

After breakfast, transfer to Tatai in Koh Kong province, a long day on the road through the Cardamom Mountains. At Tatai Bridge, continue by shared boat, around 20 minutes, to a peaceful overwater retreat set on a quiet bend in the river, framed by the forested hills of the Cardamom Mountains. Overnight in Tatai, Koh Kong province.

A full day free to enjoy the tranquillity of the river and the surrounding Cardamom Mountains at your own pace. Overnight in Tatai, Koh Kong province.

After breakfast, transfer by boat back to the mainland, then on to Sihanoukville, where a speedboat carries you to an idyllic offshore island, around 45 to 60 minutes away. The rest of the day is free to settle in. Overnight on the island.

A full day free to enjoy the island at your own pace: swim, relax on the beach, or simply do nothing at all. Overnight on the island.

Another day free to enjoy the island. Overnight on the island.

After breakfast, take the speedboat back to the mainland, then transfer by expressway to Phnom Penh Airport for your onward flight, bringing your journey through Cambodia to a close.