Cambodia's nature & communities

Meet your local guide for a walking introduction to Cambodia's bustling capital. Visit the pagoda that gives the city its name before seeing some of Phnom Penh's colonial-era architecture. Stop for a coffee break and learn a few Khmer phrases for the rest of your journey. Continue to the Central Market and make your way through backstreets to a local charity training restaurant for a delicious lunch.

This morning, transfer to Phnom Tamao, a wildlife rescue outside of Phnom Penh, where you will get to work as an elephant keeper for a day. Learn to prepare food, clean the enclosures, and lay out food for them to forage. Enjoy a local lunch before walking through the woods with the project's friendliest elephant.

Private transfer from your hotel to the airport for the flight to Siem Reap. You will be met by your guide and driver on arrival for the transfer to your hotel. In the afternoon, visit the exquisite Banteay Srei temple with its delicate sandstone carvings, as well as Banteay Samre, which was built in the style of Angkor Wat. On the way back to town, stop at a local NGO working to revive the silk industry in Cambodia after it was nearly destroyed during the Khmer Rouge era.

Your guide will accompany you this morning for a cycle tour that takes away from the typical visitor trail. Cycle through the jungle to Ta Prohm, famous for the twisted roots pushing their way through the structure before continuing on to Angkor Thom and the Bayon with its mysterious smiling faces. This afternoon, visit the complex's crowning jewel, Angkor Wat, before the sun goes down. Take your lunch break in a traditional Khmer-style house, where you'll get a foot massage before heading back in the direction of Siem Reap. En route, stop at Apopo, a project training rats to sniff out land mines and make Cambodia's countryside safer.

Just outside of Siem Reap is the Chreav Community, which works to preserve a traditional way of life as well as the natural wonders of the Tonle Sap Lake. Cycle (or drive, if you prefer) to the lake for a boat ride to see some of the area's birdlife and learn about the conservation efforts. Head back to the village where you can enjoy a picnic lunch after a brief exploration and take a break in a hammock before returning to town. This evening head to Phare Ponleu Selpak, a Cambodian acrobatics show put on by a local non-profit that works to support young Cambodians through the arts.

Private transfer from your hotel to the airport for the flight to Sihanoukville. On arrival, your new guide will meet you for the drive into the Cardamom Mountains and your unique safari-style tent.

Take part in activities at the Cardamom Tented Camp today which include trekking and kayaking.

Meet up with your guide and depart from the tented camp. Make your way to the coastal town of Kep for some relaxation.

Head to Kampot today, known during colonial times for producing the 'champagne of pepper', which was exported to French chefs the world over. You'll get the chance to visit a pepper plantation today and learn the process of producing this unique ingredient. Lunch (featuring the pepper, of course) is also included and you are welcome to get some to bring home.

At leisure on the beach — be sure to visit the local crab market for some of the region's famous Kampot Pepper Crab.

Depart from Kep for the drive back to Phnom Penh for your international flights home. Your return flight will arrive the same day.