How to Plan a Cambodia Luxury Tour?

A country that once hosted an empire of temples, the Khmer Empire, Cambodia was once the ultimate backpacking destination in Southeast Asia, and its primary tourist attraction, Angkor Wat, still attracts millions of international tourists every year. However, this stunning destination in Indochina has fast become one of the up-and-coming luxury destinations in Asia, and the developing luxury tourism industry is giving this war-torn nation some much-needed revenue. While much of the country is still in the grasp of the backpackers and cheaper hotels and restaurants, several locations are now open for those with a more luxurious requirement. Planning a luxury tour to Cambodia need not be complex, and with the right advice, you can make that luxury dream holiday to the ancient Khmer Empire come true.

angkor wat

Accommodation is the essential section of luxury tour

No matter where you are in Cambodia, your hotel accommodation is the heart of the holiday. Having a good quality hotel with the kind of service you require is an important part of enjoying the luxurious aspects of Cambodia, and only serves to improve your experience of this beautiful country. Luxury hotels in Cambodia may not be as common as budget hostels, but you do have a good choice of 4-star and 5-star hotels in the major cities and tourist destinations.

Siem Reap is the “Gateway to Angkor”, and is a delightful city to visit in its own right. And this city in the north of the country is one of the most popular destinations in Cambodia. This amazing tourist-magnet is home to a number of swanky deluxe hotels, some of which are in the top ten of luxury hotels on the planet.

Finding these luxurious gems in this archaeological haven is not hard, and if you know how and where to look, you can find some of the best hotel chains in the world within a few minutes. One thing to look for is the brand name of the famous hotel chains around the world. Siem Reap has not only the Cambodian branch of the Park Hyatt Hotel, you can also find the local Raffles Grand Hotel, and the famous Heritage Suites Hotel chain.

Park Hyatt Hotel

Phnom Penh is the capital of Cambodia, and is one of the most vibrant cities in Indochina again. Once known as the Pearl of the Orient, this amazing city has been rebuilt from the ground up, and has been given its own selection of fine five star hotels. As well as such classic favorites as he Raffles Hotel Le Royal, you can also find some of the other well-known hotel chains, including the Sofitel chain, the Rosewood chain, and many others. Phnom Penh has the highest number of luxury hotels in Cambodia, and you will not find it hard to find something to suit your own personal tastes.

Raffles Hotel Le Royal

Out in the southwest of Cambodia on the beaches of Sihanoukville, you may not find hotels with the same quality as you get in the capital, but the resort hotels are definitely worth trying, and there are more luxury resorts opening up around the major beach hotspots all the time. The Six Senses now have a delightful resort hotel in Krabey Island, and the Royal Sands Hotel has a branch on Koh Rong. As more and more people make Sihanoukville and the stunning beaches their favorite destination, instead of the backpackers that made the beaches famous, more luxury hotels are opening and giving you many more options for choice.

Six Senses

Consecrate service to upgrade a smooth luxury tour

There are many things that can make a standard tour into a more luxurious one, and these additional upgrades can make all the difference. The main ones for any travelers with a little class requirement is to have a personal guide and vehicle for your trips around the country. A private car is a must for anyone that does not want to spend long hours in sweaty carriages and buses, and wants to travel in style and comfort for all their journeys. Here at Tibet Vista, we have a wide range of luxury brand cars that are available for hire, complete with driver, to make your luxury vacation even more special.

luxury car

A guide is also a must if you want the real luxury tour experience in Cambodia. Not only is he an expert in all things Cambodian, from the culture and religion to the architecture, the attractions, the best restaurants and hotels, and the top places to visit without the vast crowds of tourists, he is also an invaluable resource when it comes to dealing with people. Few Cambodian’s actually know much English, or any other language, so it is useful to have a local English speaking guide that can help with translations, bargaining, etc. for your tour of the ancient Khmer Empire.

Rich itineraries for Cambodia luxury tour

If you really want to make your Cambodian tour a real luxury affair, then knowing where to go and what to see are important factors. Not only can we include the main popular tourist attractions, such as the iconic Angkor Wat, but we can also arrange a wide selection of more specialized activities to cater to the more expensive tastes.

Experience exciting private jeep tour in Siem Reap – For the best way to experience the wonders of Angkor Wat and the rest of the temples in the Angkor Complex, a tour with private jeep and guide to show you around the temples is a must. Not only do you get to travel around the widespread temple complex in comfort, without having to walk between temples or ride a bike, but the local tour guide is an expert in the temples themselves, and you can enjoy a great experience for the tour.

Angkor Complex

Fall in love with traditional Apsara dance show – Apsara Dances in Cambodia date back to the 7th century and the very beginnings of the Khmer Empire. The Apsara Dance is the Cambodian version of a classical ballet, and is held in high regard all over the country. In mythology, the Apsaras are beautiful female goddesses that visit the earth to entertain the gods and king with the most enchanting and enticing dances. These nymphs protect the kings and gods by seducing mortals that are deemed to be threats.

Apsara dance

Watch beautiful sunrise & sunset at Angkor Wat – While Angkor Wat may be the most wonderful and complete of all the temples in Cambodia, and is a must for any visitor to the country, there are two times in the day when it is better to visit. Sunrise and sunset are the two most popular times of day at the temple, and crowds gather to watch and photograph or film the sun rising and setting every day. One of the most beautiful sights in Cambodia, the sunset behind the ancient Khmer temple is an amazing experience.

sunset

Wander through Bayon Temple with adorable smiling faces – Located in the heart of Angkor Thom, the Bayon Temple is one of the most amazing and unusual temples in Cambodia. The state temple of king Jayavarman VII, this temple is covered with giant images of the smiling Avalokiteshvara, the Hindu saint. Slightly mesmerizing, this amazing temple has 216 massive smiling faces and more than 11,000 figures of the one saint.

Bayon Temple

Have an amazing cruise at Mekong River – The longest river in Southeast Asia, the Mekong runs down through Cambodia from the northern border with Vietnam, snaking its way south to exit once again into Vietnam just outside Phnom Penh. River cruises are a popular way to travel south in luxury, and there are a number of cruises available for all levels of luxury. Perfect after the hectic schedule of Siem Reap and Angkor Wat, a relaxing four-day river cruise to Phnom Penh for a sightseeing tour of the city is ideal.

cruise at Mekong River

Learning traditional Cambodian dishes to be a chef – After visiting Angkor Wat and traveling the Mekong on a luxury cruise, Phnom Penh offers the opportunity to learn how to create the delicious Khmer cuisine dishes under one of the country’s top chefs. Cooking classes can be found all over the Cambodian capital, including the famous Frizz Restaurant, the la Table Khmere, and the amazing Cambodia Uncovered, which even takes you to the markets to buy the ingredients first. A unique experience, you can head home and wow your friends with your culinary artistry.

Cooking classes

Relax at beach in Sihanoukville and enjoy the luxury message – Sihanoukville is the third largest city in Cambodia, and is the capital of beach holidays in the country. Formerly known as Kompong Som, this beautiful seaside town has some of the best beaches in Indochina. The area was originally the first major sea port of Cambodia, and has long been a draw for the jet setting elite, including the beautiful Jackie Kennedy in 1967. The beachfront plays host to a huge number of luxurious resorts and spas, where you can get a relaxing massage, or even a full body treatment, and pamper yourself for the day.

Sihanoukville

Enjoy global food during Cambodia luxury tour

Khmer cuisine is the number one style of cooking in Cambodia, and is delicious and delightful style of food. However, Cambodia has become a very popular country for international tourists, and where you find international tourists, you will also usually find a restaurant from their home countries. Phnom Penh is home to a world of wonderful cuisines, from the delicious pizza and pasta of the Godfather Restaurant to the French delights of the Bistrot Langka, often named as the “best restaurant in town”. Other cuisines in the country at international restaurants include Italian and Mediterranean, French and European, American-styled bars and grills, a Polish café, Japanese sushi houses, Chinese restaurants, Indian restaurants, and restaurants that offer the unique fusion of Khmer and international cuisines.

Godfather Restaurant

Tips of Cambodia luxury tour

Cambodia is a country that is hugely affected by the Southwest Monsoon, which brings rain to the country in the mid-part of the year, from June to August. For most people, especially those that do not like wet weather, this is not a good time to travel. The best time to travel is from September to February, when the weather is pleasant and a little cooler, and the skies are clear and free of rainclouds. Cambodia’s dry season comes in two phases: the cool dry season from November to February, and the hot dry season from March to May. Hot season temperatures can reach as high as 35 degrees and up, so if that is anathema to your luxury tour, then the cooler period of the dry season is the best option.

Cambodia Visa

Cambodia Visas are easy to get, as the government wants to promote tourism, a major contributor to the national economy. Visas can be applied for at an embassy, but the easiest way is to get it when you arrive at the airport using their Visa on Arrival system. The complete visa process is done at immigration and is cut down into an hour or so, making it well worth doing. Alternatively, you can apply for your E-visa online, and get it sent as a downloadable .pdf document to your email, which you can print and show to immigration and not have to wait at all.

The currency in Cambodia is the “riel”, which is shown as “r” when written in short. However, Cambodia is one of the Asian countries where US dollars are universally accepted. You can change for riel, but the exchange rate is going to be lower once you arrive, and many money-changers will give you a lower rate. Dollars must be in good condition, though, and watch for vendors unloading their damaged dollar bills in your change.

Summary

Planning a trip to Cambodia on a luxury tor is relatively easy, as we can make all the arrangements for you. All you need to do is tell us what you want and where you want to go and we will make all the rest of the arrangements on your behalf. We can provide your guide and vehicle for the tour, and we can even make changes to the itinerary at your request after you arrive. Just talk to your guide and let us know what you want.