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.

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.

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.

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:

• Egypt tour package

• Japan tour package
• Myanmar tour package

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.