Angkor Wat rising majestically against the glowing embers of a new day, the creamy richness of the classic Khmer fish amok dish, and a riveting history spanning the golden age of the Khmer empire to French colonisation and the bloody Khmer Rouge regime. Cambodia has risen from the flames to become one of Southeast Asia’s most exciting destinations, with plenty of cultural treasures and a delectable food heritage to offer. An Angkor Wat tour is a must in any Cambodia tour package and while the country is a backpacker’s dream, developments have also sprung up to make a Cambodia luxury tour a most enjoyable prospect. Check with Chan Brothers Travel Private Tours on how you can customise your very own Cambodia tour package.
The peak of an ancient civilisation at Angkor Wat You’re on a tuk-tuk purring through endless jungle and suddenly, the lush greenery parts to reveal the instantly recognisable towers of the Angkor Wat. Seeing the magnificent temple for the first time is a soul-stirring experience. A good guide makes for an enriching experience. The Angkor Wat is the pinnacle of Khmer architecture and behind its reliefs, carvings and form are symbolisms and tales that can only add to the magic of actually being in the massive complex. Whether it’s worth seeing at sunrise is debatable but if jostling crowds and waking up at 4am do not appeal, try going at the end of the day – you may just have the dusk-framed temple to yourself.
Spice up your Angkor Wat tour with an aerial exploration. It’s now possible to see the majestic sites of the 400-sq km Angkor Archaeological Park from the air, whether from a tethered hot air balloon, helicopter or microlight aircraft.

A delectable feast for the Senses in Siem Reap Temple explorations are best done in the early morning and later in the day. Save blistering hot afternoons for leisurely meals and lazy lounging in Siem Reap’s many excellent restaurants and cafes. As a base for Angkor visitors, the town now has plenty of food options to offer, including international fare, but Khmer cuisine is so palatable, why would you settle for a burger?
At local restaurants, you can try traditional favourites like fish amok, a curry steamed in banana leaves that everyone has a different recipe for. Some are more like fish chunks with a thick sauce while others veer towards a fish cake reminiscent of otak-otak. On the streets, fresh baguettes – a legacy of Cambodia’s colonial past – are readily available from peddlers on bicycles. In the evening, head to the makeshift stalls near Pub Street for freshly grilled meats and seafood, washed down with cheap local beer.
Set time aside for places like Haven Training Restaurant and Sister Srey Cafe Restaurant, which support the local community with training programmes, employment and education for young people. You can also get your hands dirty and sign up for a Khmer cooking class with Le Tigre de Papier which includes a visit to the Old Market to buy ingredients.

Luxury accommodation in Siem Reap and beyond There are many stylish and unique hotel options in Siem Reap, and it’s highly tempting to splash out on accommodation when it comes to booking a Siem Reap holiday package. Late last year, the famed Hôtel de la Paix was reborn as Park Hyatt Siem Reap. Traditional Khmer design and Art Deco elements come together in this boutique hotel that not just has Khmer-inspired contemporary art in the rooms, but also a gallery space featuring local art.
A short drive from the town centre, you’ll find Sojourn Boutique Villas, a socially responsible resort with only 10 luxurious villas surrounded by palm tree gardens in. Located in Treak village, it hires locals and channels funds back into health and education programmes for the community.

A culture vulture looking for other unique holiday experiences? Try:
Can’t wait to experience the romance of the Khmer golden age? Contact Chan Brothers Travel Private Tours for a customised Siem Reap holiday package or Cambodia tour package to suit your needs. It’s also possible to see more of the country or live it up with a Cambodia luxury tour. Call 6212 9935 or email privatetours@chanbrothers.com.sg to find out how.
Highlights
Every itinerary can be fully customised according to needs, special interests, personal preferences and defining style of just about anyone who wants to travel privately and exclusively.
Dinner
Assemble at Singapore Changi Airport for your flight to Siem Reap. Upon arrival, proceed for dinner at a local restaurant where you can relish in the exciting Apsara Dance Show. Thereafter, proceed to your hotel for a good night’s rest.
Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
After breakfast, proceed for a full-day tour and visit landmarks such as South Gate of Angkor Thom, Bayon Temple, Royal Enclosure, Phimeanakas, Terrace of the Elephants and Terrace of the Leper King. Then, visit Angkor Wat, a prominent archaeological site in Southeast Asia and also proclaimed as one of the 7 Wonders of the World.

Angkor Wat
Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Today, transfer to Tonle Sap Lake. Embark on a wooden boat ride and see the floating village of Kompong Phhluk which is built on stilts. Explore the surroundings of this lake and immerse yourself in the array of biodiversity such as the macaque monkeys and observe the forest beneath the lake’s surface. Spot a Buddhist temple on the island and admire the beautiful Buddhist life paintings on the ceiling. This afternoon, visit Cambodian Cultural Village and stop by a wax museum which portrays scenes from the history and culture of Cambodia. Also, head to other famed landmarks including the former capital Ou Dong, Royal Palace, National Museum of Cambodia, Wat Phnom and Central Market. Also, partake in a carving session and enjoy some traditional dance shows.

Tonle Sap Lake
Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
This morning, transfer to Phnom Penh. Visit Silver Pagoda, Russian Market and a souvenir shop.

Phnom Penh
Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Today, head to Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, the memorial site of S-21 interrogation and detention victims during the Khmer Rouge regime. Next, head to Choeung Ek Killing Fields. After lunch, proceed to Independent Monument which was built in 1958 to commemorate Cambodia’s independence from France. Thereafter, relax and stroll along Mekong River.

Toul Seng Genocidal Museum
Breakfast
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight home.