Temples of Thailand & Cambodia

Itinerary

Day 1 Bangkok, Thailand

Our temple-hopping adventure will begin in Thailands bustling capital: Bangkok. Amid the citys multitude of markets, tuk-tuks and street food hawkers, our tranquil hotel will make for an excellent meeting point following our included airport transfer. Tonight, well get to know each other over a feast of traditional Thai cuisine at our welcome dinner. Heres to a fantastic trip!

Day 2 Bangkok

In true Back-Roads style, today well venture out to explore some of Bangkoks lesser-known gems and what better way to see another side to the city than aboard a long-tailed boat on the khlongs (canals)? As we float through the citys maze of waterways, well stop off at the Artist Village of Bang Luang, where well have the pleasure of meeting a local Thai water puppet maker (subject to availability). After watching a charming puppet show, well trade the khlongs in for a cruise along the Chao Phraya River also known as the river of kings. Well make one final stop at the magnificent temple of Wat Arun before this evenings gourmet experience: a whistlestop street eats tour by tuk-tuk.

Day 3 Bangkok – Siem Reap, Cambodia

After tucking into a leisurely breakfast, well leave Bangkok behind us and continue our journey to historic Siem Reap, a portal to the mesmerising ancient world of Angkor Wat. Our first evening in Cambodia will see us take to the water once more for a soul-stirring sunset cruise past a true archaeological wonder: the temple of Angkor Thom.

Day 4 Siem Reap – Angkor – Siem Reap

On todays agenda: an exploration of the awe-inspiring Angkor Wat temple complex, conducted by one of the regions leading stone conservation experts. As we stroll through this world-famous religious site, well receive a master class in the areas fascinating heritage, learning the secrets behind the techniques used to design and carve Angkors iconic stone structures. This afternoon there will be even more to uncover, as we move on to the atmospheric Ta Prohm temple an enchanting ruin engulfed by the snaking roots of silk-cotton trees and strangler figs.

Day 5 Siem Reap – Angkor – Siem Reap

This morning well continue our tour of Angkor Wats captivating temples with a visit to the well-preserved pink temple of Banteay Srei, which boasts an array of towers decorated with extraordinarily fine carvings. Unique for its (now dry) inner moat, the peaceful temple of Banteay Samr will come next. After an day of discovery, well settle down for an evening under the big top at Phare, the Cambodian Circus. Expect tight-rope walking, juggling, contortion, music and theatre, all in one energetic showcase of Cambodian culture.

Day 6 Siem Reap – Kompong Phluk – Chansar – Siem Reap

After a short drive to the edge of the Tonle Sap Lake, well leave the mini-coach behind us and embark on a scenic boat ride through the areas thick mangrove forest, a unique ecosystem thats home to an abundance of bird species. Our destination? Kampong Phluk, a floating village built on wooden stilts, where well gain a fascinating insight into life on the water. After our boat trip, well continue to the small village of Chansar, where well enjoy a traditional lunch courtesy of a Khmer broom-making family. Back in Siem Reap, our day will come to a close at a Buddhist temple, where well have the privilege of receiving a sacred water blessing.

Day 7 Siem Reap – Bangkok, Thailand

One more Cambodian breakfast, then well transfer to the airport for our flight back to Bangkok. This afternoon, well have some free time at the hotel before we step out for our final evening together. Be sure to dress to impress we have a farewell dinner cruise aboard the antique Manohra Rice Barge to look forward to! As we float through the city one last time, well be able to see the likes of the Grand Palace and Wat Arun all lit up after dark, casting shimmering reflections across the river as we dig in to a Thai banquet to remember.

Day 8 Bangkok

Thats a wrap our tour ends here after breakfast at the hotel.