Around Cambodia

Fly overnight to Siem Reap. Depending on your time of arrival the rest of the day is yours to start soaking up the local culture.

The Angkor Archaeological Park encompasses over 1,000 temples, all the remains of different capitals of the Khmer Empire between the 9th and 15th centuries. Rising early, journey to the old city of Angkor Thom and pass through the magnificent South Gate flanked by 54 gods and demons. At Angkor Thom's centre is the enigmatic Bayon, a breathtaking temple of innumerable sculptural decorations. Also admire the Elephant Terrace and the Terrace of the Leper King. Continue to Ta Prohm before the rest of the day is dedicated to Angkor Wat, the most magnificent, and best preserved of all of Angkor's treasures. Later, take a leisurely boat ride on the moat of Angkor Thom and view hidden elements of the ancient Khmer water systems.

Enjoy a traditional Cambodian cooking class with a local, learning about the flavours that go into Khmer cuisine. This evening, enjoy a rollicking performance by graduates of the Phare Cambodian Circus, an NGO organisation that transforms the lives of disadvantaged local youths, providing them with a formal education and vocational training in the performing arts.

High Water Season (Aug to Feb) Enjoy a morning cruise on Tonle Sap Lake, visiting the floating village of Kampong Kleng and observing the way of life of these lake communities. Back on dry land visit Beng Mealea, a mysterious temple overrun by the jungle. Return to Siem Reap via Artisan D'Angkor, an organisation working to revive traditional Khmer arts and crafts. This evening sit down to dinner and the apsara dance show.

Low Water Season (Mar to Jul) Head to Beng Mealea to explore this mysterious temple overrun by the jungle. Drop by Artisan D'Angkor before visiting the floating village of Chong Kneas. This evening sit down to dinner and an apsara dance show.

Begin the journey towards Battambang, stopping in Puok District to visit the National Silk Centre. Learn about the cultivation of silk, from the planting of mulberry trees used to raise the silkworms to the harvesting of silk threads. Observe the artisans using the dyed and treated silk threads to create beautiful products in the workshops. On arrival in Battambang, the rest of the day is at leisure. Set in some of the country's most beautiful landscapes, Battambang is also home to Cambodia's grandest colonial architecture.

Head out of town to the 12th-century Prasat Banan Temple and admire the breath-taking hilltop views. Return to Battambang and take a stroll through the village of Wat Kor, then explore a local house for a glimpse of traditional Khmer life. Visit a local NGO, La Maison de Coco, where traditional skills such as weaving are taught to locals, before a visit to Phnom Sampov to see the bat cave.

Journey south to Phnom Penh, stopping at the former capital city Udong, a potters' village and Touch Hill.

A somewhat European city of airy boulevards and colonial villas, scarred still by the events of the 1970s, Phnom Penh has been engulfed by energy and optimism making it a pleasurable place to be. Today's visits include a cyclo ride to the magnificent Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda. This afternoon is at leisure.

This morning, learn about Cambodia's tragic past under the Khmer Rouge regime with visits to the Tuol Sleng Museum and the Killing Fields. Later, visit the city's craft brewery for a tour and beer tasting, and consider how this reinvigorated capital is moving forward.

Depart for the coastal town of Kampot, stopping en route at a pepper farm to learn about the famous Kampot pepper. Enjoy a walking tour of Kampot, a charming town characterised by its colonial architecture.

Enjoy a trip along the coast to the beach town of Kep, starting with a barbecue lunch and ocean views at the sailing club. This afternoon is at leisure to explore independently.

Return to Phnom Penh, stopping en route at the former French hill station of Bokor Mountain. Relax in Phnom Penh this afternoon before a farewell dinner cruise on the Mekong river.

Grab your last-minute souvenirs before boarding an overnight flight to New Zealand, arriving home the following day.