Temples, Cities & Beaches
10 Days
from
$2,895 pp*
Highlights:
Thailand
(Bangkok, Koh Samui)
,
Cambodia
(Siem Reap)
Trip Start/End:
Bangkok
/
Bangkok
The vast labyrinth of ancient temples rises from the Cambodian countryside in a symphony of shadows that tells the rich history of this unique place.
At Cambodia’s Angkor Wat, a vast network of temples creates a deep spiritual mood and there are plenty of twists and turns that offer solitude for personal reflection. Travel from the South Gate of Angkor Thom to Bayon temple by elephant and stay to see golden afternoon light cast long shadows across the 12th-century moated city built to protect the Angkorian empire against invaders. In neighboring Thailand, you’ll dine on the tasty local cuisine in Bangkok’s finest restaurants, explore bustling open-air markets and view the many cultural landmarks and golden temples that compose the city’s spiritual life. And treat yourself to some well-earned rest and relaxation on the white sand beaches of Koh Samui.
Experienced local guides tell the incredible historic stories of Angkor Wat and the many spiritual sites of Thailand, as private drivers ensure you see the Cambodian and Thai countryside in supreme comfort on this immersive trip. You’ll stay in charming colonial villas, elegant spa hotels and authentic village resorts that seamlessly showcase the peerless hospitality and grace of the Thai and Cambodian people.
Enjoy a personalized vacation that best suits your needs, developed by one of our experienced destination experts. Relax during your trip with our 24/7 support and expert local guidance.
Trip Itinerary
Bangkok
Ariyasomvilla
Day 1: Bangkok
A private vehicle with English-speaking guide and driver will transfer you between the airport and your hotel. The driving time is roughly 45 minutes.
Accommodation: Ariyasomvilla (4*) Conveniently located in the "heart" of Central Bangkok, entering the AriyasomVilla is like stepping back in time to a more leisurely life style. The Villa was built in 1942 and is still in the hands of the original family who built it. With 25 beautifully appointed Rooms and Suites, "Na Aroon" Restaurant, Room Service, Swimming Pool, Spa, Meeting Room, Library and Meditation Hall, you will be well looked after during your stay.
The Golden Mountain
Day 2: Bangkok
A visit to the Royal Grand Palace - the nation’s landmark and most praised royal monument in Thailand, with the enclosed and dazzling Wat Phra Keo with its revered Emerald Buddha, the Golden Chedi, the Pantheon of the Chakri Kings and the Eight Coloured Towers is a must. It is considered by many to be a living example of classical Siamese Court, being the former residence of the kings of Thailand. Wat Pho is also regarded as the first centre of public education and is sometimes called ‘Thailand’s first university’. Mural paintings, inscriptions, and statues found in the temple served to educate people on varied subjects such as literature, warfare, archaeology, astronomy, geology, meditation and is considered to be the home of Thai traditional massage. Here, you will enjoy a 30-minute Thai massage as an excellent break after a morning sightseeing. Experience an afternoon trip along the bustling Chao Phya River and the quiet Klongs (canals) in a long tail boat enjoy scenes of life by water. You'll be introduced to a serene, more traditional way of living, away from the high-rise and modern buildings of Bangkok City Centre, as you gently pass Thonburi residential areas. A stop will be made at the “Temple of Dawn” (officially named Wat Arun). Finally, a visit to the Flower and vegetable market will round off the day. Located close to the Chao Phraya River, this part of Bangkok brings you to a rural piece of Bangkok where you'll find a vast selection of all kinds of flowers, especially orchids and tropical flowers and see how the merchants create very special flower garlands. The end of this Bangkok day ends at the Golden Mountain. Photography is permitted in the Royal Palace Grounds and in the compounds of the Emerald Buddha Temple, but not inside the buildings.
Accommodation: Ariyasomvilla (4*) 
Siem Reap
The elegant Victoria Angkor Resort & Spa
Day 3: Bangkok - Siem Reap
A private vehicle with English-speaking guide and driver will transfer you between the airport and your hotel. The driving time is roughly 45 minutes.
Fly from Bangkok to Siem Reap.
Transfer between the airport and your hotel by private vehicle with an English-speaking guide.
Accommodation: Victoria Angkor Resort & Spa (4*) Popular among celebrities and industry professionals, the Victoria Angkor Resort & Spa offers comfort, elegance and superb refinement in the heart of Siem Reap. The building's graceful colonial architecture of the 1930's provides a sense of peaceful tranquility while its enchanting design creates a feeling of harmony with its natural surroundings. Gaze at the magnificent swimming pool, framed by lavish tropical gardens, from the seclusion of your private balcony. Indulge in the multitude of first-class dining options, from French gastronomy to traditional Khmer dishes or experience one of the resort’s renowned themed gala dinners. Rejuvenate your mind and body at Le Lotus Blanc Spa and experience why people the world over continue to flock to this mesmerizing resort.
Bayon Temple
Day 4: Siem Reap
Meet your private guide at your hotel and set off for a day of memorable Cambodian sightseeing. Visit the South Gate of Angkor Thom, the Bayon temple complex, as well as Takeo and Ta Prohm temples. Travel from the South Gate of Angkor Thom to Bayon temple by elephant.The walled and moated city of Angkor Thom was the last capital of the Angkorian empire. It was built to protect against invaders in the 12th century. The Bayon is a state temple, erected in the center of the city. In the afternoon enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. Continue with a visit to Angkor Wat temple complex and watch the sunset from Phnom Bakheng. Afterwards you will be transferred back to your hotel.
Accommodation: Victoria Angkor Resort & Spa (4*) 
Ruins
Day 5: Siem Reap
You will be picked up at the Airport or at the Hotel and transferred to the floating village of Kampong Khleang, one of the largest settlements on the Tonle Sap Lake. You will board a local boat and visit a floating house where a catered lunch is set up for you. You can observe the local houses as well as talk to your hosts about the difficulties they face living on the water. After lunch you will explore the small island, which is a home for a bustling market, pagoda, school and a health centre. While coming back to Siem Reap you will make a stop at the ruins of Roulous, which are the oldest Khmer monuments in the area. Late in the afternoon you will be transferred back to the hotel or airport.
Accommodation: Victoria Angkor Resort & Spa (4*) 
Koh Samui
Buri Rasa Samui
Day 6: Siem Reap - Koh Samui
Transfer between the airport and your hotel by private vehicle with an English-speaking guide.
Fly one way from Siem Reap, Cambodia to Koh Samui, Thailand via Bangkok.
You will be transferred by private vehicle with an English speaking guide between the airport and your hotel.
Accommodation: Buri Rasa Village (4*) The Buri Rasa Village is situated in an enchanting traditional southern Thai village. Dwellings are nestled in a veritable Garden of Eden. Echoes of halcyon days with, once upon a time, tales of aristocracy escaping to country or Paradise Island retreats with a full complement of servants and services to meet their every need and requirement. Only an hour by plane from Bangkok, Buri Rasa nestles on the northwest coastline of the stunningly beautiful island of Samui, on what is considered the island's finest white sand beach. Calm and secluded, a true island paradise location in every sense of the word.
Day 7: Koh Samui
Enjoy time at leisure to explore at your own pace, or relax at your hotel.
Accommodation: Buri Rasa Village (4*) Day 8: Koh Samui
Enjoy time at leisure to explore at your own pace, or relax at your hotel.
Accommodation: Buri Rasa Village (4*) Day 9: Koh Samui
Enjoy time at leisure to explore at your own pace, or relax at your hotel.
Accommodation: Buri Rasa Village (4*) 
Koh Samui
Day 10: Koh Samui
You will be transferred by private vehicle with an English speaking guide between the airport and your hotel.
Fly between Koh Samui and Bangkok.
Accommodation: Depart (Int`l Airport)
Accommodations
- Ariyasomvilla
Ariyasomvilla (4*) - Bangkok
Conveniently located in the "heart" of Central Bangkok, entering the AriyasomVilla is like stepping back in time to a more leisurely life style. The Villa was built in 1942 and is still in the hands of the original family who built it. With 25 beautifully appointed Rooms and Suites, "Na Aroon" Restaurant, Room Service, Swimming Pool, Spa, Meeting Room, Library and Meditation Hall, you will be well looked after during your stay.
- The elegant Victoria Angkor Resort & Spa
Superior Room
Victoria Angkor Resort & Spa (4*) - Siem Reap
Popular among celebrities and industry professionals, the Victoria Angkor Resort & Spa offers comfort, elegance and superb refinement in the heart of Siem Reap. The building's graceful colonial architecture of the 1930's provides a sense of peaceful tranquility while its enchanting design creates a feeling of harmony with its natural surroundings. Gaze at the magnificent swimming pool, framed by lavish tropical gardens, from the seclusion of your private balcony. Indulge in the multitude of first-class dining options, from French gastronomy to traditional Khmer dishes or experience one of the resort’s renowned themed gala dinners. Rejuvenate your mind and body at Le Lotus Blanc Spa and experience why people the world over continue to flock to this mesmerizing resort.
- Buri Rasa Samui
Buri Rasa Village (4*) - Koh Samui
The Buri Rasa Village is situated in an enchanting traditional southern Thai village. Dwellings are nestled in a veritable Garden of Eden. Echoes of halcyon days with, once upon a time, tales of aristocracy escaping to country or Paradise Island retreats with a full complement of servants and services to meet their every need and requirement. Only an hour by plane from Bangkok, Buri Rasa nestles on the northwest coastline of the stunningly beautiful island of Samui, on what is considered the island's finest white sand beach. Calm and secluded, a true island paradise location in every sense of the word.
Travel Info
Travel tips of Cambodia
VISA/PASSPORT
A valid passport and a Cambodian visa are required for both US and Canadian citizens. Tourist and business visas are valid for one month beginning with the date of entry into Cambodia. Processing generally takes 7 working days along with a visa processing fee of approximately US$20. Tourists and business travelers may also obtain a Cambodian visa at the airports in Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, and at all major border crossings. Any method of obtaining a Cambodian visa requires a passport-sized photograph and a passport that is valid for a minimum of six months beyond the date of entry into Cambodia. A departure tax is charged on all domestic and international flights. This tax must be paid in U.S. dollars. Cambodia offers on-line visa processing at http://evisa.mfaic.gov.kh. You may also apply in person at the Cambodian Embassy.
Please note obtaining a visa is your responsibility. These requirements change often and therefore it is best that you check with the Embassy of Cambodia for the most up to date visa information.
HEALTH
Health insurance is required. Medical facilities are not widespread and poor quality. We recommend that you see a health-care provider who specializes in Travel Medicine. The doctor or health-care provider will determine what vaccinations and medication you will need, depending on factors such as your health and immunization history, areas of the country you will be visiting, and planned activities. For more information on travel requirements, visit the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) website: http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/cambodia.aspx
COUNTRY INFO
Capital: Phnom Penh.
Government: Constitutional monarchy since 1993.
Language: Khmer is the official language and spoken by 95% of the population. Chinese and Vietnamese are also spoken. French was widely spoken until the arrival of the Pol Pot regime and is still taught in schools, but English is now a more popular language to learn among the younger generation.
Religion: 95% Buddhist (Theravada), the remainder Muslim and Christian. Buddhism was reinstated as the national religion in 1989 after a ban on religious activity in 1975.
Time: GMT + 7.
Electricity: 220 volts AC, 50Hz. Two-pin plugs are in use. Power cuts are frequent.
Telephone: Country code +855. Prepaid telephone cards are available in post offices, hotels and shops for public phones around Phnom Penh and Siem Reap.
Mobile Telephone: Roaming agreements exist with many international mobile phone companies. Coverage is good in major towns and cities and patchy elsewhere.
Internet: Available in some areas. Internet cafes are available in Phnom Penh, Siem Reap and other major towns.
Travel tips of Thailand
VISA/PASSPORT
U.S. and Canadian citizens staying for fewer than 30 days do not require a visa, but must possess a valid passport and may be asked to show an onward/return ticket.
Please note obtaining a visa is your responsibility. These requirements change often and therefore it is best that you check with the Embassy of Thailand for the most up to date visa information.
HEALTH
Health insurance is required. Medical facilities are not widespread and poor quality. We recommend that you see a health-care provider who specializes in Travel Medicine. The doctor or health-care provider will determine what vaccinations and medication you will need, depending on factors such as your health and immunization history, areas of the country you will be visiting, and planned activities. For more information on travel requirements, visit the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) website: http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/thailand.aspx
COUNTRY INFO
Capital: Bangkok.
Government: Constitutional monarchy.
Language: Thai is the official language. English is widely spoken, especially in establishments catering for tourists.
Religion: The vast majority adhere to Buddhism (Theravada form), 5% are Muslim and there are Christian and Hindu minorities.
Time: GMT + 7.
Electricity: 220 volts AC, 50Hz. Two-pin plugs are standard.
Telephone: Country code +66.
Mobile Telephone: Roaming agreements exist with many international mobile phone companies. There is good coverage, especially around main towns.
Internet: There are plenty of Internet cafes, some even found in remote areas visited by tourists.
What's Included:
- Guaranteed departure - Accommodation, Activities, Transfers, Meals, Fees where indicated as per the itinerary - Local and international traveler assistance during your tour - Specialised and personalised services
What's not Included:
- Tips - Laundry - Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages unless explicitly noted - Optional activities/extras – Visas (unless noted) - Vacation insurance
Trip Terms & Conditions
- Your deposit is due immediately on booking (30% of program price, minimum $350). The balance is due 90 days prior to departure.
- Cancellations of confirmed bookings 90 days or more prior to departure will receive full refund minus a $350 (per person) administrative fee and any non-refundable paid fees (e.g. non-refundable airfare, cruise or hotel deposits). 60-89 days will be subject to loss of 30% of program price. 30-59 days will be subject to loss of 50% of program price. 29 days or less will be subject to loss of 100% of program price.
- Tour quotes do not include airfare to/from the trip start point unless noted on the itinerary
- Cost increases in currency exchange, government fees, taxes, surcharges or hotel/lodge tariff increases between quote date and start date are payable by the client.
- Availability cannot be guaranteed until booked. We will exercise best efforts to book hotels per the itinerary, however, in busy seasons and with client bookings made within 90 days of tour date we may be forced to offer substitutes.
- Payment of the program price constitutes your acceptance of the terms and conditions set out at www.kensingtontours.com/terms-and-conditions
- Living Standards and practices at destination may differ from those in North America with respect to provisions of utilities, services and accommodation.
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