THE ROYAL ROAD TO ANGKOR

Your vacation begins in Bangkok, where you can see ancient temples jostling for position with towering skyscrapers, dine from both Michelin-starred restaurants and street stalls and shop everywhere from designer boutiques and impressive malls to bustling markets.   The luxurious Mandarin Oriental sits on the banks of the Chao Phraya River, which winds its way through the city. This central (and scenic) location is perfect for sightseeing – enjoy a leisurely cruise along the river, and as the sun sets, relax over dinner and drinks on the lantern-lit terrace.

It’s on to Cambodia and Phnom Penh, its capital, which may have a tragic history but is beautiful, including its setting on the banks of where three rivers meet – the Mekong, the Tonle Sap and the Bassac. The French colonial buildings give it an air of grandeur, as do the Royal Palace, the royal residence, an ornate complex showcasing Khmer architecture (it bears a striking resemblance to its namesake in Bangkok), and the National Museum – impressive inside and out, it has a large collection of Khmer sculpture and design. Your hotel in the city, the Rosewood Phnom Penh, is luxurious and stylish, with fantastic views over the city and the Mekong River.

It’s time to head out on the water for a 3-night adventure on the stylish Aqua Mekong – a perfect way to explore the Mekong Delta, a sprawling waterland of meandering rivers and islands of white-sand beaches, where you’ll be surrounded by dense mangrove forests full of birds (visit a bird reserve to see waterbirds such as pelicans and storks) and lush green rice paddies where water buffaloes roam. Journey around the Tonle Sap river and lake, and along the way, see Khmer pagodas and Buddhist temples, visit remote villages and witness a Buddhist blessing ceremony and a Khmer apsara dance performance, an ancient tradition that is depicted on the temple walls of Angkor Wat. See floating houses and floating markets selling tropical fruit, as the locals go about their daily business on the delta. Onboard, take it all in from panoramic windows in your suite, from your balcony, and while you’re enjoying delicious meals and drinks on deck.

You’ll disembark at Siem Reap, where the undoubted star of the show is the Angkor Wat, the largest religious monument in the world. Dating from the 12^th century, it’s certainly an incredible sight, and as well as taking in the obligatory sunrise/sunset views, you should make some time to see the elaborate carvings of apsaras (heavenly nymphs) on the walls and explore the sprawling Angkor Archaeological Park, where ruins are clad in jungle vegetation as gnarled trees wind around the buildings. Stay at the beautiful Amansara, just a short drive from Angkor Wat, where you can unwind in your private pool and courtyard, and head to the roof terrace for a sunset drink after exploring the temple complex.

Back in Thailand, head to the serene, unspoilt island of Koh Kood and the unique and irresistible Soneva Kiri, where you can have lunch in a giant ‘coconut’ dining pod suspended high in the trees (or if you’re not a fan of heights, enjoy a moonlit dinner on the beach), watch a movie at the open-air cinema in a spectacular setting in the middle of a lake, and go stargazing in the observatory. Further afield, go trekking in the lush, tropical rainforest, swim under pure waterfalls and explore the nearby islands by private yacht. Or simply while away the balmy days on the perfect white sand beach.