We highly recommend an early (5am) departure in our own luxury customised ‘tuk tuk’ for a pre-dawn drive through the forests towards Angkor Wat’s East Gate. A stunning introduction to the Temples of Angkor, lead by torchlight, we walk in the dark through the secluded East Gate to Angkor Wat itself. As the sun rises with first light on the temple we sit and ponder its magnificence whilst enjoying fresh coffee, juice, and perhaps a light snack with our own table setting, hidden away in privacy. 

Feeling refreshed and ready to tackle the temple itself we are guided through the complex. One very personal way to experience the spirituality of Angkor in even more depth is to participate in a Buddhist blessing ceremony. A monk blessing is a tradition that dates back hundreds of years in Cambodia, and is performed for special occasions and auspicious dates. We arrange this solemn experience in a private location within Angkor Wat on a request basis. 

After exploring Angkor Wat we continue on road by our ‘tuk tuk’ to Sra Srang (the baray, or reservoir of Angkor), to an exquisite traditional Khmer Wooden House for a full breakfast (if so required). Afterwards, we continue our journey by vespa (riding pillion with a credited driver) and loop around Sra Srang and on to some secret jungle trails, stopping at a hidden temple along the way on an ancient Angkorian road. 

Continue on jungle paths behind Banteay Kdei, stopping en-route to explain about the local flora and fauna, and some lesser-known history. Continue to the deserted North Gate of Ta Phrom where we disembark our vespa’s to walk through the pristine forest. Walking through the temple in this way allows us to better experience Ta Phrom largely away from any crowds. Return to the hotel thereafter for lunch and some time at leisure. 

In the mid-afternoon, you are collected by your Travel Expert and luxury vehicle to visit the main sights of Angkor Thom. 

Our visit starts at the remote Eastern Gate, known ominously as the Gate of Death. From here we commence a short climb up the walls of Angkor Thom’s giant moat. 12kms in length, the wall is an attraction on its own. We walk along a short 500m stretch of the rampart to arguably the finest and best preserved gate of Angkor Thom – the Victory Gate. 

From here we descend to end our temple visit at the mighty Bayon. This 12th century masterpiece lies at the very centre of Angkor Thom and is an archaeological wonder of symmetry and grandeur. We stay until night falls and then return to our hotel for an evening at leisure.

This morning we have an early start 07.00 as we depart in our luxury4x4 vehicle for our long drive (around 3 hours with stops) to the stunning Koh Ker group of Temples, a former capital of Angkor for a brief period - a period of time between 928 and 944 that still baffles scholars. 

Koh Ker was lost to the jungle for many years and only recently opened up to a few hardy adventurers. Koh Ker (also known as Chok Gargyar - 'Island of Glory') is located in barren hill country some 85 kilometres (53 miles) northeast of Angkor, in the province of Preah Vihear. 

It was home to Jayavarman IV, the maternal uncle of the two previous kings and a great feudal landholder, who ascended the throne in 928. In only a few years, he'd built many colossal sanctuaries dedicated to Shiva, ruling over large numbers of people and in considerable splendour for twenty years until succeeded by his son Harshavarman I. The capital was moved back to Angkor in 944. 

The monuments of Koh Ker are arranged into three main groups. The first group is headed by the chief monument and state temple – the Pyramid of Prasat Thom surrounded by the artificial baray, Beng Rahal and the ruins of the walled capital.  

The second group is a row of towers to the east of the Rahal, and a third group, are several towers along a road running south from the southern end of the baray. 

The whole region occupies an area of about 5 x 7 kilometre. We enjoy exploring this mysterious area in-depth with our expert guide and enjoy a picnic lunch in the shade to cool off. 

Mid-afternoon, we the continue by road North (2 hours with stops) through the Kulen Prum Tep National Park until we arrive at the Preah Vihear Boutique hotel, where we check-in and relax for the rest of the day. 

Dinner at Hotel. 

Note: Accommodation in Preah Vihear is simple but comfortable for a single night. By overnighting here we allow ourselves the experience of exploring the temple site in the early morning, devoid of visitors.

After breakfast, we double back on ourselves a little on yesterday’s route as we continue to the nearby world-famous temple of Banteay Srei; (Citadel of Women) - an enchanting temple, which is one of the jewels in this remarkable ancient city. 

Built of red sandstone in the tenth century and dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva, the carved male and female figures in the niches are beyond exquisite - executed and preserved stunningly in both style and proportion. This is the most Indian of all the temples in Angkor and in the words of H.W. Ponder, is a fairy palace in the heart of an immense and mysterious forest. 

We then continue to the sacred Phnom Kulen Mountain (ascending to Phnom Kulen is only allowed in the morning), where in 802, Jayavaraman the Second was crowned King, giving birth to the Khmer Empire. 

After navigating the steep climb in our 4x4, we continue to enjoy several sites on top of the Mountain including a stunning viewpoint, hundreds of Lingas carved into the bed of the Siem Reap River, an active Pagoda and a picnic lunch at the beautiful waterfalls where we may also wish to cool off with a refreshing swim. 

For the more adventurous, there is the possibility to jump on the back of a motorbike (at own risk, please check your travel insurance) with a local guide and explore VERY off-the-beaten-tracks to visit other secret sacred sites such as the religious Bat Cave, ruined temples, mysterious carvings, and the stunning and mysterious huge animal carvings of Sra Damrei which includes an ancient larger-than-life-size stone Elephant. 

We then continue our pristine riverside campsite where we are welcomed by our luxury camping safari set-up which includes full deluxe amenities. 

Here we relax after a hot shower and enjoy the evening. A deluxe bbq dinner is prepared with free flow beer/wine (with Champagne option) until we decide to turn in for the night under the stars.

2 hours, 30 minutes prior to your appointed flight departure time, your Travel Expert will escort you from the hotel to your airline’s check in counter before proceeding into departures.

Upon arrival in Phnom Penh, we journey back in time to experience the recent tragic history of Cambodia with a visit to the Toul Sleng Genocide Museum (S-21), a former high school. In the Pol Pot era this school was transformed into a prison that was notorious for the horrific torture of prisoners. After interrogation the prisoners were then transferred to the killing Fields of Cheung Ek, to be killed. 

Note: We feel that a visit to Tuol Sleng is enough to learn about the tragic history. and with significant increase in heavy traffic to get to the Killing Fields, we no longer include this as standard. However please let us know if you wish to go and we will include for you on this day. 

After this sobering experience, we then cheer ourselves up with a visit to the nearby Russian Market (Psah Tuol Tom Pong), a lively indoor and outdoor market where you will find antiquities, silver and gold jewellery, gems, silk, kramas, stone and wood carvings, as well as T-Shirts, and cheap designer clothing and accessories (of varying quality) that have found their way there from the Phnom Penh Garment factories.

A quick local lunch – perhaps sampling some local street food Noodle Soup, then return to the Hotel and free time until this evening. 

(You may opt to visit the nearby Royal Palace and National Museum (if time and interest is there) 

Phnom Penh itself has become an epic fast-growing vibrant and trendy urban centre with a vibrant nightlife to match. Combining exotic local street food and lively nightlife, enjoy the sights, smells, sounds, tastes, and atmosphere of Phnom Penh on an evening tour by tuk tuk, known locally as a ‘remok’. 

Led by an informative local guide, start with a cocktail while soaking up the stunning panoramic views of this fast-developing city, before making multiple stops to local markets and small street-side vendors; tasting the very best of Cambodian street food. For the main meal, sample traditional cuisine while listening to songs from the 1960s, Cambodia’s golden era of music, at a vibrant live music restaurant. 

After one final secret dessert stop, return to the hotel or continue to one of Phnom Penh’s trendy late-night spots.

Tent Description: 100sqm, custom designed tents are perched over the swift moving waters and waterfalls, providing a view and experience unlike any other resort in Asia. Each tent has been meticulously designed to invoke the feeling of what it would have been like to be on a luxury safari in the jungles of Cambodia with Jacky Onassis. 

Depending on the season, Shinta Mani Wild always has plenty of activities available for guests to choose from, a few are below: 

Wildlife Alliance Rangers Anti Poaching Patrol: 

Guests that share Bensley Collection - Shinta Mani Wild’s passion for protecting its precious natural environment might find themselves joining Wildlife Alliance rangers motorcycling through the forest on anti-poaching patrols. Funded by Shinta Mani, the camp’s ranger station enables the non-profit Wildlife Alliance to carry out vital conservation work in the area, including protecting animals from poaching, removing snares, protecting the National Park from encroachment and preventing illegal logging. 

Butterfly Walk: 

The WILD Sanctuary is home to over 140 species of butterflies, some that congregate in a flutter numbering in the hundreds – a colorful feast for the senses. Your Bensley Butler will personally guide you on this property hike and share our passion for butterflies with you 

Jungle Trekking 

The 800 acres that comprises WILD sits within the 4.5 million acres of the Southern Cardamom National Park. The opportunities are endless and are only limited by what you want to do. From easy walks on riverside trails on the WILD property to full day, hardcore slogs into the Cardamom interior our Bensley Adventure Rangers will happily guide you on the adventure of your choosing

After the three days spent exploring the National Park your Travel Expert will be on hand to escort you to continue your journey to one the luxurious island resorts off the Southern Coast. 

Upon arrival at the Port, shuttle boat to one of Cambodia's premier Island Resorts. 

Song Saa Private Island, Royal Sands Koh Rong, Six Senses Krabey Island, or Koh Russey Villas & Resort. 

 (Superb new 3* and 4* options now available for the more budget conscious) 

The rest of day at leisure to enjoy the Island/Resort’s facilities. 

It can now be argued that Cambodia is now one of the best and most accessible beach destinations in Asia - and there’s a lot of competition…. you will not be disappointed. Avoiding crowds and enjoying the beach and natural environment in peace and quiet is not an issue here, as there have never yet been crowds to avoid.

For the discerning traveller without budget considerations, there are currently three world-class 5* luxury resorts to choose from, each unique in their own way. 

Further development has taken place, so there are now offerings in the 4* and 3* options. 

Anyone wishing a superb beach stay, away from the commercialism of its neighbours it is now ideal to remain in Cambodia and extend one’s stay here.

Free at leisure to enjoy the island/beach resort. Mainland touring options available for those that wish to explore further afield.