Travel through picturesque countryside and rural villages approximately 60km in the northeast direction to the jungle-clad temple of Beng Mealea. This mid-12th-century temple features mixture of Buddhism and Hinduism attributes and is particularly mesmerising in the monsoon season.

Arrive in Kompong Phluk, an authentic stilted village on the edge of the great Tonle Sap Lake. Here, the Khmer, Vietnamese and Cham people live in harmony with the rising and falling water lake. 

Explore the ancient walled city of Angkor Thom with the addition of some other iconic temples. Depart from the hotel early to ensure a cool start to the day. 

Enter the ancient city through its South Gate. In the very centre lies the temple of Bayon – silent witnesses of time, the 216 enigmatic faces gaze over the horizon, and one can only wonder what they have seen throughout the ages. Click photographs here and admire the many intricate carvings on the walls of the galleries. 

Continue to Baphuon with its long causeway and an impressive giant Reclining Buddha, a jigsaw puzzle only put back together in 2011 following a 37 year-long disruption caused by the war. Phimeanakas is hiding in the shaded jungle and offers a decent over-the-treetops view to those who conquer the steep steps to the top. 

Admire the Esplanade of the Royal Palace, more commonly known as the Terrace of the Elephants and Terrace of the Leper King. Having gained its 21st-century fame from the Tomb Raider movie, the charming and iconic Ta Prohm features most visitors' itineraries and rightfully so. Here nature takes over ancient human-made structures, and golden Spung tree (Tetrameles Nudiflora) roots wrap themselves around mossy stones in a tight embrace. Back to hotel.