Helicopter Rides & Heavenly Islands

Fly into Siem Reap, where you will stay at La Residence d’Angkor, a Belmond Hotel, resting on the banks of the town’s sleepy river.  On your first morning, rise bright and early to be rewarded with the sight of the gold and orange-tinted sky behind Angkor Wat as the sun comes up, followed by a gourmet breakfast picnic in the gardens.

The next day, you’ll visit another spectacular temple in the form of Banteay Srei, an impressive elaborately-carved red sandstone 10^th century construction. Afterwards you’ll gain a little insider knowledge on Khmer art and tradition as you take a personalised tour of the workshop of a local artist, learning about the area’s fascinating history and culture.

The best way to appreciate the scale of Angkor Wat and the temples scattered around it is from the skies, with an eye-opening helicopter ride on your final day in Siem Reap, then wind down with a sunset boat ride on a traditional wooden vessel, past the floating villages of Tonle Sap Lake, sipping a glass of wine and sampling Khmer cuisine as you watch the fishermen returning with their catch and witnessing life on the lake.

After soaking up the Cambodian culture and history, some super-luxurious relaxation is in store at the heavenly haven of Song Saa. You’ll fly to Sihanoukville and then sail to the two pristine and private islands of Song Saa, which translates as ‘the sweethearts’ in Khmer, floating in the emerald-green Gulf of Thailand.

Here, we recommend nothing more than the feeling of being a complete castaway, albeit one with a top-class chef on hand, a multitude of restorative spa treatments and experiences, and stylish, eco-chic villas to sleep in every night. Should you feel restless you can take out the resort’s speedboat for a spin around the neighbouring islands, snorkel the nearby reef or kayak through the mangrove forest at Koh Rong.