Tourism : Raffles Cambodia Unveils Exclusive 7-Day Journey: ‘A Tale of Two Cities’

For centuries, the mere mention of Cambodia has conjured an image of mystery and adventure. From Angkor, the seat of the mighty Khmer empire, which flourished as one of Asia’s most important civilisations, to Phnom Penh, a modern, bustling royal metropolis, Cambodia today is one of the most popular destinations for travelers from around the world.

Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor’s 'Lost Civilisations of Angkor by Vespa' tour

Now, Raffles Hotel Le Royal in the capital and Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor in Siem Reap have come together to introduce an exclusive new 7-day stay package, ‘A Tale of Two Cities’, billed as ‘a journey like no other, where grand history, enchanted glamour and extraordinary adventure entwine’. The experience takes in the wonders of both destinations, including the iconic luxury hotels – both in their ninth decade – which are historic landmarks in their own right.

The curated journey begins in Phnom Penh, where guests stay at Raffles Hotel Le Royal, which opened in 1929 and combines an elegant past with a bold, contemporary style inspired by French colonial, Khmer and Art Deco influences, including spacious rooms and suites. Here, visitors meet their Raffles Butler, who will assist with local excursions and hotel activities. The Resident Historian is also on hand to guide visitors through the hotel’s storied legacy.

The following two days include outings with the official biographer of Cambodia’s royal house who guides visitors to the nearby Royal Palace of Cambodia. Guests also visit the National Museum of Cambodia, home to the world’s finest collection of Khmer sculpture and much more, where they are privately led by the museum’s lead curator. And a special afternoon tea is arranged with Cambodian royalty, Her Highness Princess Chansita Norodom.

Gastronomy

The experience in the capital also includes special local culinary activities, an architectural tour and a Khmer fine-dining meal at the hotel’s Restaurant Le Royal, including a five-course wine dinner highlighting the ultimate in Cambodian gastronomy.

On Day Four, guests travel by private helicopter from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap, where they check into Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor, whose design features an authentic expression of 1930s French Art Deco style. They are welcomed by their Raffles Butler, who will guide them to their poolside suite or glorious royal villa.

Temples and Lake

In Siem Reap, visitors explore the ancient Khmer archeological site of Angkor – one of the world’s most popular UNESCO heritage sites – on a cozy Vespa scooter. The tour includes stops at the temple ruins of Angkor Wat, Bayon and Ta Prohm, along with some of the complex’s lesser-known architectural wonders.

The next morning, guests watch the sunrise at Angkor Wat and further explore the surrounding archeological sites before visiting a local art gallery and the floating village of Chong Kneas at Tonle Sap Lake, Southeast Asia’s largest freshwater lake. The evening concludes with an exceptional Khmer dinner at the hotel’s 1932 restaurant.

Guests also visit Banteay Srei, considered to be the most intricate of all of Cambodia’s temples, the crown jewel of Angkorian art. They also visit a dance school under royal patronage and the last remaining elephants of Angkor in Kulen National Park.

In the evening, guests culminate their ‘journey of a lifetime’ with a magical temple dinner at Angkor Archeological Park, illuminated by blazing torches and flickering candles.

From the Sky

The final morning includes a hot-air balloon ride above the temples of Angkor that also takes in the bucolic countryside dotted with sugar palm trees – a fitting farewell to this legendary tale of two cities.

The package is part of Raffles’ global ‘The Butler Did It’ campaign, which features one-of-a-kind, signature experiences across five continents, with a focus on the uncompromising levels of personalised service performed by Raffles’ legendary butlers since 1887.

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To book part or all of this itinerary, Raffles requires two months’ advance notice. Seasonalities, royal duties and the availability of hosts and other elements of the itinerary are subject to change. Pricing is available upon request. More details on ‘A Tale of Two Cities’ can be found here: www.raffles.com/siem-reap/experiences/A-Tale-Of-Two-Cities/.

For more information on Raffles Hotel Le Royal, please contact +855 23 981 888 or visit www.raffles.com/phnom-penh. For Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor, please call +855 23 982 598 or visit www.raffles.com/siem-reap/.