Next, visit the last capital of the Great Khmer Empire; the ancient city of Angkor Thom. Enter through the South Gate, carved with four giant faces; and look around this perfectly-square ancient walled-city.

Bayon temple sits exactly in the centre of the city, a magnificent masterpiece of 12^th century Khmer craftsmanship. Its 54 towers represent the 54 provinces of the Khmer empire, and the temple also has amazing, detailed bas-reliefs at The Terrace of The Leper King and The Terrace of The Elephants.

After this, see Ta Phrom. This iconic temple is twined with incredible tree-roots as nature has slowly reclaimed it over the centuries. Originally constructed as a Mahayana buddhist temple in the late 12^th century by Jayavarman VII, it apparently took 80,000 people to look after it, and has been left as it was found in the 19^th century. Though well-known, it can still make the visitor feel like an explorer of old; the crumbling masonry and overgrowth of vines, trees and roots conveying the romance of a true lost civilization. Also near here are the 12^th century Buddhist monastery of Banteay Kdei and the old bathing pond of Sra Srang; a tranquil area where Khmer Royalty used to bathe.

Take a short drive now to the traditional village of Wat Amphil. You’ll stay here for the night in a tented camp on the pagoda grounds, where the clean, spacious tents provide comfort in this exotic setting. Explore the village with your guide for a while, and then we’ll head out to the banks of Tonle Sap Lake.

The largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia and a marvel of nature, Tonle Sap Lake swells to almost five-times its normal size during the rainy season and supports a huge number of fish; which in turn support numerous communities. Pass flooded forests and floating houses along the way, witnessing how people adapt to life on this fertile body of water. Take a boat out to the ecotourism floating village of Mechrey and sip cocktails on board as you watch the sunset over the lake.

In the evening, enjoy a candlelit dinner at the pagoda.

Visit Phnom Penh’s lively, colorful markets this afternoon. The huge Central Market and the Russian Market can both be explored. They’re great places to browse for souvenirs.

Option: Visit the infamous ‘S-21’; a school which was turned into a detention and torture centre by the Khmer Rouge. Now housing the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, it’s a harrowing yet important reminder of Cambodia’s recent history.  

In the evening, take a dinner cruise on board the Phocea Mekong boat.

Your day is free at leisure to relax in your tranquil surroundings. If you’re feeling active, you can explore the river in a kayak.