Cambodia & Thailand: A 16-Day Odyssey of Temples, Traditions & Tropical Serenity

After a lavish breakfast at the hotel, the morning is dedicated to the enduring resilience and splendor of the Khmer Monarchy. Our first stop is the Royal Palace compound, built in 1866, a dazzling complex of colorful, intricate Khmer-style architecture that remains the city's most conspicuous and impressive feature. Adjacent lies the famed Silver Pagoda (The Emerald Buddha Temple), a treasury housing numerous Buddha statues encrusted with diamonds, emeralds, gold, and silver. We then honor Cambodia’s hard-won freedom at the stately Independence Monument, constructed in 1954. Concluding the morning’s cultural immersion is the National Museum, a distinct red building boasting beautiful Khmer artistry, safeguarding over 5,000 priceless art objects spanning centuries. The afternoon shifts to a profound and solemn historical education, delving into the nation’s recent turbulent past. We first visit the Toul Sleng Genocide Museum (S-21), once a harrowing Khmer Rouge prison. With a deeper understanding of this brutal chapter, we proceed 15km outside the city to the tranquil memorial site of the 'Killing Fields,' where the executed Toul Sleng prisoners were marched. The beauty and quietude of this current setting offer a poignant contrast to its dark history, serving as a powerful tribute to peace and remembrance.

Accommodation: Rosewood Phnom Penh, or Palace Gate Hotel & Resort by EHM

Your bespoke travel planner offers a unique opportunity to witness the authentic Cambodian countryside during a scenic road journey to Siem Reap. This is no ordinary dash; it is a slow, mesmerizing passage through bucolic villages and charming provincial towns, providing intimate glimpses into the everyday lives of Cambodians. You'll slow for wandering cows, water buffalo, and waving school children. For the adventurous palate, a stop at Skoun, nicknamed ‘Spider-ville,’ offers the chance to sample the local delicacy: deep-fried tarantula. Along the route, we pause at Kompong Kdei to admire Spean Pratos, an ancient Angkorian bridge. The highlight of the day is a visit to Kampong Khleang, a stunning, largely untouched floating village. Depending on the season, the experience is dramatically different - either walking beneath houses raised on 10-meter stilts during the dry season or gliding past floors just above the high-water mark during the wet season. Upon arrival in Siem Reap, you check into your luxury retreat and are free to anticipate the wonders of Angkor.

Accommodation: Angkor Village Hotel, or FCC Angkor by Avani
 

In the morning, we embark on an amazing, rarely traveled journey to the lush, spiritual realm of Phnom Kulen, Cambodia’s holiest mountain. Just a 1.5-hour drive from Siem Reap, we pass through local farmland and dense jungle, reaching this unique pilgrimage site few foreign travelers experience. At the summit stands the 16th-century Buddhist monastery, Preah Ang Thom, home to a massive reclining Buddha carved directly into a 20-meter boulder. We ascend the wooden staircase to stand beside the 17-meter statue, amidst the scent of incense and the respectful silence of monks and believers. We then continue downstream to a magnificent series of tiered waterfalls and the revered "River of a Thousand Lingas," where hundreds of phallic images carved into the sandstone hold special religious significance. Back in Siem Reap, the day concludes with relaxation: a blissful one-hour foot massage followed by a lively stroll down Pub Street and the vibrant Angkor Night Market. Your dinner is accompanied by the graceful spectacle of an Apsara dance show, an elegant tradition of Khmer classical performance.

Accommodation: Angkor Village Hotel, or FCC Angkor by Avani.

This is the pinnacle of your Cambodian experience, starting before dawn with a sacred pilgrimage to the mother of all temples, Angkor Wat. To maximize your experience, we venture in early, bypassing the crowds for a unique picnic breakfast right in the temple grounds. As others depart, you stay to fully absorb the temple’s magnificence in peaceful quietude. You will unravel the mysteries of the nearly one-kilometer long bas-reliefs, considered the world’s longest unbroken piece of art, recounting Hindu myths and the glories of the Khmer empire. Next, we confront the raw power of nature at Ta Prohm. Left as it was found in 1860, this temple is slowly being reclaimed by the jungle, where colossal, tentacle-like tree roots strangle the stone structures, a striking reminder that nature always triumphs over man’s empires. The afternoon is dedicated to Angkor Thom, the staggering fortress masterpiece of King Jayavarman VII. We enter through its colossal gates to find Bayon Temple, eccentric and profound, with 54 towers, each crowned by the four serene faces of Avalokiteshvara - colossal heads that stare down with a blend of power and compassion. Our final stops include the intricately carved royal crematorium, the Terrace of the Leper King, and the majestic viewing gallery, the Terrace of Elephants.

Accommodation: Angkor Village Hotel or FCC Angkor by Avani.

Following breakfast, we transfer you to Siem Reap airport for your flight to the sprawling, intoxicating capital of Thailand, Bangkok. Upon arrival and completion of formalities, your welcoming guide, arranged by your boutique travel agency, will escort you to your luxury hotel. After settling in, the evening transforms into an exhilarating adventure: the Evening Tuk Tuk Street Food Tour. Starting at 6:00 PM, you board the iconic open-air Tuk-Tuk for a 4-hour sensory journey through the city’s glowing heart. You'll zip past illuminated ancient temples and bustling local markets, starting with a few local snacks. The journey crosses the river to the historic center, culminating at the Flower Market, which buzzes most intensely at night, filled with exotic orchids and fragrant blooms. Along the way, you’ll sample the city's finest culinary treasures: savory noodles, tantalizing random market snacks, and a delectable dessert stop. This is Bangkok alive, seen through the eyes and flavors of a local.

Accommodation: Riva Surya Bangkok, or Kimpton Maa Lai Bangkok.

We begin the day with a rare and spiritual experience at Wat Pho (Reclining Buddha), timed perfectly to witness the monks’ early morning chanting ritual - a truly uplifting and private moment. After the ritual, you explore the temple grounds, home to the immense 45-meter Reclining Buddha. Wat Pho, the oldest and largest temple in the city, served as Thailand's first open university, dedicated to knowledge and massage. Next, we journey to the Grand Palace, Thailand's most sacred and important landmark. You will be awe-struck by the sheer grandeur and majesty of the buildings, from the ornate throne halls to the Royal Chapel, home to the nation’s most sacred Wat. The afternoon offers a change of pace: a long-tail boat ride along the Chao Phraya River. This river journey provides a fascinating visual contrast of luxurious modern condominiums against traditional riverside dwellings. We pass by the iconic Wat Arun, the 'Temple of Dawn,' whose monumental, trident-capped prang symbolically represents the Buddhist universe, its reflective beauty stemming from thousands of embedded Chinese porcelains.

Accommodation: Riva Surya Bangkok, or Kimpton Maa Lai Bangkok.

After a final breakfast in Bangkok, we transfer you to the airport for your flight north to the cultural heart of Thailand, Chiang Mai. Upon landing, your private guide will meet you for a sightseeing transfer to your luxury resort. This afternoon is dedicated to the region’s most sacred site: Doi Suthep Temple. According to local legend, the 1383 shrine was erected after a wandering white elephant carrying a sacred Buddha relic stopped, trumpeted three times, and passed away - a highly auspicious sign. The 300 steps leading to the temple are an optional climb, but the reward is immense: a chance to hear the magnificent bells and gongs, witness profound worship, and enjoy a breathtaking panoramic view of the city and its surrounding countryside from the top.

Accommodation: Anantara Chiang Mai Resort, or Na Nirand Boutique Resort, or Raya Heritage.

Your day starts at 8:30 AM with a vibrant exploration of local life, beginning at the riverfront Worarot Market, a riot of colorful flowers, exotic aromas, and friendly crowds, where textiles and hill tribe crafts are abundant. We travel to Thapae Gate, one of the city's original four gates, and continue our journey via traditional “Samlor” (rickshaw). We visit two architectural masterpieces: Wat Che Luang temple and Wat Prasingha, standing as silent, magnificent guardians of Chiang Mai’s past. A stop at the Three Kings Monument pays tribute to the influential former rulers who shaped the city’s destiny, allowing you to observe the unique, pulsing rhythm of local life within the ancient walls. Lunch is served at an authentic local restaurant. Afterward, we visit the Artisan Village, observing demonstrations of exquisite Thai silk weaving, detailed silverwork, and lacquerware making, showcasing the city's renowned craftsmanship. The evening’s star attraction is the 7:00 PM Tuk Tuk Foodie Tour. You are transported to the century-old Warorot Market (Kad Luang) for a local-style exploration, tasting fresh seasonal tropical fruits and savory Northern Thai sausage (Sai Oua), all washed down with famous Thai Iced Tea. The tour moves to the Chang Puak Gate night market, where you can sample the legendary stewed pork leg from the vendor made famous by Anthony Bourdain, concluding with a warm, local dessert like Bua Loi (floating lotus balls in coconut milk).

Accommodation: Anantara Chiang Mai Resort, or Na Nirand Boutique Resort, or Raya Heritage.

Today is dedicated to a deeply moving and ethical wildlife experience. At 8:30 AM, you are driven south through beautiful rolling hills and local farming areas to the Elephant Jungle Sanctuary. After a short walk into the lush jungle, you change into traditional Karen clothing for an introductory lesson on elephant anatomy, history, and behavior. At 11:00 AM, you meet the elephants, feeding, interacting, and playing with them in their natural environment, capturing unforgettable photos while learning about their personalities. A delicious lunch of traditional Thai food and fresh fruit is served at noon. The afternoon is pure joy: learning to make herbal medicine balls, feeding the elephants, and then walking with them to the river for a communal bath and brush. The day culminates in a therapeutic mud spa with these gentle giants. After changing clothes and saying a fond farewell, we conclude with a short cultural handicrafts experience before returning to Chiang Mai.

Accommodation: Anantara Chiang Mai Resort, or Na Nirand Boutique Resort, or Raya Heritage.
 

An early start at 7:00 AM takes us on a fascinating full-day excursion to Chiang Rai and the legendary Golden Triangle. Our first stop is a relaxing pause at the Maekhajan Hot Springs, followed by a visit to the breathtaking Wat Rong Khun, universally known as the White Temple - a mesmerizing, glittering architectural marvel. We continue on to the Golden Triangle, the famed meeting point of Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar on the Mekong River. Here, you take a memorable boat trip on the Mekong toward the tranquil Laos Island, soaking in the historical significance of the area. On the return journey, we visit the Karen Long Neck Village, offering a sensitive glimpse into the traditions of the hill tribes before arriving back at your Chiang Mai hotel around 8:00 PM.

Accommodation: Anantara Chiang Mai Resort, or Na Nirand Boutique Resort, or Raya Heritage.
 

Enjoy a final Northern Thai breakfast before transferring to Chiang Mai airport for your flight to the tropical paradise of Koh Samui. Upon arrival, your guide will meet you in the arrival hall and seamlessly transfer you to your beachfront luxury travel agency resort. The rest of the day is yours to unwind, savoring the salty air and the unparalleled beauty of the Gulf of Thailand.

Accommodation: U Samui, or Anantara Lawana Koh Samui.

The day is left free by your bespoke travel planner for ultimate flexibility and personal preference. There are a wide range of optional activites for you to choose from to enjoy your day on this island, such as 
a thrilling speedboat ride to Pig Island for swimming and snorkeling; or a snorkel tour by speedboat to the pristine waters of Koh Tao and Koh Nang Yuan.

Accommodation: U Samui, or Anantara Lawana Koh Samui.

Another day to let your day unfold, you may simply choose to luxuriate by the pool, indulge in spa treatments, and enjoy the amenities of your resort, or choose from some exciting optional activities:

- An exhilarating ATV Quad tour exploring the island's jungle and hidden trails, or
- A comprehensive Samui city tour to discover local temples and viewpoints.

Accommodation: U Samui, or Anantara Lawana Koh Samui.

We enjoy a leisurely breakfast before transferring to the airport for your flight back to Bangkok. Upon arrival at domestic arrivals, your guide will meet you and assist with the transfer back to your final luxury accommodation in the capital. Please note that the regular check-in time is after 3:00 PM, and early check-in is subject to availability. The remainder of the day is free for last-minute souvenir shopping or enjoying a final, exquisite Thai meal.

Accommodation: Riva Surya Bangkok, or Kimpton Maa Lai Bangkok.

After breakfast, your incredible 16-day journey through the wonders of Cambodia and Thailand comes to a close. You will be transferred to the airport in time for your international departure flight, carrying with you unforgettable memories of ancient empires, ethical wildlife encounters, and the impeccable service of your luxury travel agency.