Begin your day with Ambassador Julio Jeldres, the official biographer of Cambodia’s royal house. Travel 15 minutes to the Royal Palace of Cambodia, the seat of power of the kingdom. Be regaled by its soaring spires and breathtaking architecture while listening to untold stories of triumphs and tribulations of the monarchy. The Chilean diplomat first wrote to the king’s palace in 1967 wanting to know more about the fascinating kingdom. An epistolary relationship started when he first met the King Father in the 1990s. He later became his personal secretary. He currently serves as the Counsellor to the Cabinet of His Majesty King Sihamoni.

North of the Royal Palace is the National Museum of Cambodia, home to the world’s finest collection of Khmer sculpture and ethnographic objects. With the museum’s lead curator, discover a millennium’s worth of masterful Cambodian craft. Housed in an imposing yet graceful terracotta structure, the museum bears display of stone, pottery and bronze dating back from pre-Angkorian, Indravarman and classical Angkorian period that spans nine centuries. Founded in 1920, the esteemed landmark is a captivating institution dedicated to preserving and showcasing Cambodia’s rich cultural heritage.

Start your day with a truly local culinary experience. Indulge in the ultimate Cambodian culinary journey near the banks of the great Mekong River. Set in a traditional wooden house, immerse and learn about the rich and unique culinary traditions and recipes handed down through generations. The adventure begins with a visit to a local market guided by Chef Nak, a multi-awarded chef and author of cookbooks who will take you on a gastronomic quest in the countryside. Celebrated for her works, she most recently published ‘Saoy – Royal Cambodian Home Cuisine’ which was named one of the best cookbooks in the world by the prestigious Gourmand Award.

The culmination of your final evening is set at the historic Restaurant Le Royal. Organized by your Raffles Butler, experience the pinnacle of indulgence with a five-course wine dinner. Set beneath a glorious hand painted ceiling, Restaurant Le Royal showcases centuries-old dining rituals and traditional recipes from the Cambodian royal family alongside modern Khmer gastronomy. Considered the country’s finest restaurants, end the first leg of this journey as you recollect the heritage and history of Phnom Penh, and of Raffles Hotel Le Royal.

From Phnom Penh, catch a final bird’s eye view of this emerging city before travelling by helicopter to Siem Reap where the adventure continues.Whether arriving by a limousine driving through summer palace or landing directly to the hotel’s estate, Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor sure knows how to score a grand entrance. Meet your Raffles Butler who will whisk you to your selected po olside suite or glorious royal villas.

Discover the ancient capital of one of Asia’s most important civilizations. Embark on a magical day in the jungles of Northern Cambodia at pre-dawn to see the spectacular sunrise over Angkor Wat, the world’s largest religious monument. Explore the temple in the hours immediately after when the area is at its most serene. With your expert local guide, traverse the forests to see Ta Prohm of ‘Tomb Raider’ fame and Angkor Thom, the great capital with the many faces of Bayon at its centerpiece. A picnic lunch will be served in a traditional house overlooking Sra Srang, the ancient bathing pools where Raffles’ own swimming pool was patterned after.

Continue your afternoon journey to the floating village of Chong Kneas for a sunset cruise at Tonle Sap Lake, Southeast Asia’s largest freshwater lake and declared a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. The unique ecosystem features swamp forests and trees submerged in water. This rich habitat supports one of the world’s most productive water fisheries. Aboard a traditional wooden boat, float over the majestic lake until sunset and enjoy your slings and favorite libations sharing a tête-à-tête with a marine ecologist.

Another day of temple exploration has been organized by your Raffles Butler. This time, at Banteay Srei, considered to be the most intricate of all temples. As the crown jewel of Angkorian art, the stones of the temple are cut from pink stones and includes some of the finest carving anywhere on earth. Translating to the Citadel of Women, the temple is believed to have been built by womenfolk. Your journey continues to nearby silk farm Golden Silk. Similar to those found in Beateay Srei, Golden Silk’s silk weaving tradition brings elaborate brocades and ikats to life. Founder Oum Sophea Pheach will lead your discovery to age-old techniques spun by golden worms and fashioned for kings.

Nestled within the idyllic foothills of the Kulen National Park, meet the last remaining elephants of Angkor for an educational and sustainable experience. Immerse in the wilderness and participate in the conservation of these gentle giants. The highlight of your visit is an incredible private picnic in the jungle with these beloved pachyderms orchestrated by Raffles Siem Reap. The cost of this experience is donated to elephant sanctuary for the conservation and protection of the area's community forest and endangered wildlife.

The next morning, like waking up in magic, allow your Raffles Butler to orchestrate an unforgettable final day in Cambodia. The hotel’s livery service will take you to a take off point, hidden among the green rice fields outside Siem Reap. A continental breakfast buffet awaits you before being lifted of the ground at sunrise. Float above the bucolic countryside dotted with sugar palm trees and admire the picturesque scenes from a hot air balloon ride, a fitting farewell to this legendary tale of two cities.