Cambodia

EXPERIENCE

French Colonial palaces, ancient templates and meditative Buddhist monasteries

SAVOR

The world’s best street foods, learn the meaning and tradition behind every bite

CONNECT

With Buddhist culture, Khmer traditions and Cambodian hospitality, local artists and chefs

Why Cambodia

With breathtaking landscapes and unforgettable food, Cambodia packs a world of experience and flavor. Revel in Siem Reap’s food scene and Phnom Penh’s nightlife, and dive deeply into the temples of Angkor's UNESCO-recognized temples. Savor a plate of pepper crab in Kampot, sunsets over the emerald waters and white sand of Koh Rong Islands are Instagram gold, and Phnom Penh’s culinary scene is the latest talk of southeast Asia.

Moments That Matter

From the crab markets of Kep to the street stalls of Phnom Penh, meeting and cooking with local chefs, exploring the famous temples of Angkor, tracking down the best rooftop cocktail bars and the most exotic night markets, our Cambodia stimulates all of your senses. Eat humble street food and dine at the country’s top restaurants, traveling by scooter, rickshaw, tuk tuk and fishing boat. This is true Cambodia.

Your Private Experience

Who It’s For

For the culturally curious and adventurous foodie. Our Cambodia includes the temples of Angkor, Siem Reap’s food scene, Phnom Penh’s nightlife, and everything in between.

When to Travel

Cambodia has two seasons: wet (Jun - Oct) and dry (Nov - Mar). The best time to visit is Dec - Feb with relatively mild humidity and minimal rainfall.

Make It Yours

Add more time in Angkor, dial up the food and nightlife in Siem Reap or Phnom Penh, slow down with the unhurried rhythm of Kep and coastal Cambodia.

Day by Day

Our Cambodia covers the country’s best sites. Start in Phnom Penh or Siem Reap, and opt to extend your trip to nearby Vietnam for an even fuller southeast Asia experience.

Day 1

Start in the north and head south, or mix it up and start in Cambodia’s southern capital, Phnom Penh. Settle in with a traditional dance ceremony, then it’s time for a welcome dinner on the banks of the Mekong River with Chef Nak. She’s of Cambodia’s leading chefs and at the forefront of keeping traditional recipes alive. Sip on cocktails while enjoying the beautiful surroundings—it’s the perfect kick-off for your Cambodia journey.

  • Traditional dance workshop
  • Cooking demonstration & dinner

Day 2

Explore the roots of the Cambodian capital past grand French colonial buildings, then climb the steps of a 14th-century pagoda, Wat Phnom, atop the city’s lone hill. Afterwards visit the Royal Palace, the unofficial residence of the king, and pop into the ornate Throne Hall. The royal theme continues back at your hotel, to meet Princess Sita Norodom, who’ll chat about Cambodian culture and royal history, and the community projects she’s engaged in. At dusk walk along the Mekong River promenade, or take a tuk-tuk taxi to bar hop in the atmospheric alleys off Street 51.

  • City tour on foot
  • Visit Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda
  • Meet with Princess Sita Norodom

Day 3

Today, it’s off to Siem Reap on a road trip with some unforgettable stops. Have cameras ready for Skuon, where you’ll walk through a village market of fruits, crispy rice-flour snacks and, its claim to fame, fried spiders—a regional delicacy you can try, if you dare! Continue on a walk across the historic Kampong Kdei, a 900-year-old bridge that, incredibly, was used as a highway crossing for traffic until 2006. After a rest in your luxury resort in Siem Reap, we’ll have tuk-tuk taxis pick you up for a wild night of street food and cold beer, led by a local expert.

  • Drive to Siem Reap
  • Village market tour
  • Siem Reap food tour

Day 4

With a morning mist hanging in the air, you’re up at 5am to witness the ancient sunrise tradition of alms-givings, then receive a blessing from chanting monks. Afterwards it’s full-on adventure: the jungle ruins of Ta Prohm, the “Tomb Raider” temple, where thick, twisting spung tree roots snake down crumbling walls. Then venture over the moats to traipse through Angkor Thom, the ancient walled capital of the Khmer empire. Late lunch is at celebrity chef Luu Meng’s Malis. His food is unforgettable, a modern renaissance of traditional Cambodian cooking. 

  • Temple sunrise & alms giving
  • Visit jungle ruins of Ta Prohm
  • Lunch at Malis for traditional Cambodian food

Day 5

Today starts big, as you meet one of the Kimsan twins—local culinary legends—for a tour of the Old Market to learn about quintessential Cambodian ingredients. After a break, regroup for the big one: sunset at the namesake Angkor Wat temple. The first look at this vast complex is the world’s largest religious monument. You’ll have time to truly soak up the atmosphere, then get the best view from a hilltop perch as the dipping sun turns everything a soft golden hue.

  • Chef-led market tour
  • Angkor Wat sunset tour

Days 6 - 7

Leave the city bustle behind, trading for calm lazy beaches. First stop is Kampot for lunch at its iconic fish market, an art deco masterpiece built right over the water. Your ultimate destination is Kep, a seaside town and former French colonial outpost. Visit the crab market and choose live crab (your lunch!) from bamboo baskets on the busy pier. Then hop on a mountain bike and hit the trails in the national park, simply relax by the pool, or spend an afternoon relaxing on Koh Tonsay, a blissfully undeveloped island full of natural beauty and one of the best beaches in the area.

  • Lunch in Kampot
  • Kep crab market tour & lunch
  • Options for mountain biking
  • Koh Tonsay beach day

Where We Sleep

Sleek modern design meets traditional Khmer architecture. Enjoy the comfort and sophistication of our boutique hotels and resorts

Phnom Penh

This Art Deco masterpiece grants you access into different times. It’s been the capital’s 'grand dame' since it opened in 1929. The setting is perfect—a lush, tree-lined boulevard a short way from temples, museums and the riverfront promenade. Rooms are luxurious, with marble bathrooms and some with balconies. Relaxation comes easy—at the spa, the courtyard pool, at the iconic Elephant Bar for afternoon tea.

Siem Reap

Our Siem Reap base gives the best of both worlds. It’s a contemporary chic resort, filled with artful decors and lush looks out to the tropical gardens and pool. Every room brims in comfort, with modern Khmer artworks and a balcony to sit with a drink. And the hotel is amidst the walkable French Quarter, meaning immediate access to markets, shops and cafes.

Kep

Bauhaus goes tropical. This small boutique resort is a study in bold modern design with an ideal waterfront location framed by lush gardens, an infinity pool, and dreamy sunset views. Each room is uniquely designed by protégés of Vann Molyvann, a renowned Cambodian architect and pupil of Le Corbusier.

People Love MO/AD’s Cambodia

Unique experiences, well-organized, outstanding leadership and service.
Susan G.
The integration of traveling with the tastemaker was interesting and trip-enhancing.
Jeffrey B.
Street food was the star of this trip. I felt like I was on an awesome adventure with a group of friends.
Lindsay S.

FAQs

  1. How many people is this itinerary suitable for?

    We can plan a custom, private departure for any group size. Our custom trips are perfect for a couple wishing to travel on their own, a family, or a multi-generational group. If you’re looking to travel on one of our group departures on a private basis, a minimum number of travelers may apply.

  2. Can you curate an itinerary for a larger group?

    Yes, we can craft an unforgettable milestone celebration or company retreat for groups as large as 40 or more.

  3. What makes a MO/AD experience different?

    Our level of curation, care, and in-country connections. We handle everything, overseeing your experience from beginning to end with the highest levels of ownership and responsibility. We support you every step of the way with comprehensive itineraries, detailed day-by-day descriptions, insider destination info, and 24/7 dedicated support.

  4. How far in advance should I plan my trip?

    Preferably six to nine months in advance and earlier for holiday travel. We stay in unique, in-demand boutique and luxury hotels where advance reservations are important to secure the best accommodations possible. We can help with last-minute travel planning, however availability may be limited.

  5. What is typically included?

    We curate your MO/AD Private Departure to ensure the experiences are authentic, immersive, and included in your trip price. Your itinerary typically includes accommodations, airport transfers, private transportation for all day trips and excursions, privately guided tours with local guides, exclusive VIP access and activities, and meals as detailed in your itinerary.

  6. How much will it cost?

    MO/AD Private Departures typically cost $750 to $1,500 per person, per day, and vary by destination, time of year, number of people in your group, and types of activities you prefer.

  7. What's not included?

    MO/AD Private Departures do not include roundtrip airfare to/from your destination, travel insurance, gratuities for local guides, hotel incidentals, and any activities and meals not included in your itinerary.

  8. What deposits are required?

    After learning more about you, your interests, preferred style of travel, dates, and budget, we will present you with initial ideas and examples of what we can plan for you. In order to design a detailed itinerary and check availability, there is a $500 non-refundable planning deposit due. This will be applied to your final trip cost. Once your itinerary is perfect, we require a 25% non-refundable confirmation deposit to start confirming all of your arrangements. Many of our local partners and hotels require additional advance deposits to secure the best accommodations. The balance of your trip cost is due 90 days prior to travel.

  9. What travel documents are needed?

    US citizens are required to obtain a visa before traveling into Cambodia, along with a valid passport with at least six months of validity remaining beyond the date of your arrival. For citizens of other countries, please check with your local Cambodian embassy or consulate for information and requirements.

  10. Where can I find the complete terms of my booking?

    See our Terms & Conditions for complete details about our policies regarding your MO/AD Private Departure booking.