On The Road >> Cambodia Golf Tour

We’ve just returned from our first Signature Golf Tours adventure of the year — an unforgettable journey through Cambodia!

Our trip took us from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap, playing Garden City Golf Club, the spectacular East Course at Vattanac Golf Resort, and Grand Phnom Penh Golf Club before heading north to tee it up at Siem Reap Booyoung Golf Club, Angkor Golf Resort, and Phokeethra Country Club.

Exceptional golf, rich history, amazing food and a fantastic group — Cambodia delivered in every way. Here’s a look back at a brilliant week away.

If you are thinking of joining a tour this year be sure to check out our upcoming Tours or Tournaments for a rememberable experience.

The next day, we explored Phnom Penh, starting with the Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda. Built between 1866–1870 and rebuilt from 1912–1932, the complex spans 174,870 m² and is divided into four compounds: the Silver Pagoda, Khemarin Palace, Throne Hall, and Inner Court. The Silver Pagoda houses national treasures, including a crystal Buddha and a near life-size gold Maitreya Buddha adorned with 9,584 diamonds.

We then visited the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, a sobering reminder of Cambodia’s past. Known as S-21 under the Khmer Rouge (1975–1979), over 18,000 people were imprisoned here, with only 12 survivors. We met two survivors, one of whom was just six years old at the time.

Next, the National Museum of Cambodia offered a glimpse into Khmer history, with over 14,000 artefacts spanning prehistoric times through the Khmer Empire, which once stretched across Thailand, Cambodia, and southern Vietnam.

After a short walk to Friends, a local restaurant, we enjoyed a beautiful lunch before heading to Central Market. This iconic 1937 building, with its 26-metre dome and four diagonal wings, gave us a vibrant taste of daily local life.

Day four saw us off to Cambodia’s best golf course, Vannatac Golf Resort, East Course.

Designed by Sir Nick Faldo and opened in 2019, the course is a strategic test that utilises dramatic water features, creative bunkering and native fauna to challenge golfers of all skill levels.

The course also pays homage to Khmer architecture, with magnificent scale replicas of Angkor Wat, Bayon Temple and Preah Vihear Temple located throughout the holes.

Day five and we had another round of golf at Grand Phnom Penh Golf Club, before heading north for Siem Reap.

It was a long journey, but we took a quick stop at a little town called Skuon, also known as Spiderville! It boasts one of Cambodia’s most exotic culinary delights: the deep fried Tarantula. A few guests were game enough to have a try, some not so game!!

After the long trip, we took the following day off to recharge the batteries. Some played another round at Siem Reap Booyoung Golf Club, others took in some local sights, while others shopped or relaxed by the pool.

Next up was a highlight: exploring Siem Reap’s famous Angkor Wat and surrounding temples. As the world’s largest religious structure, Angkor Wat spans over 400 km² and preserves the capitals of the Khmer Empire from the 9th–15th centuries. Originally a Hindu shrine, it became a Buddhist site under King Jayavarman VII after the Cham sacked Angkor in 1177. The carvings and statues reflect this fascinating transition.

The intricate carvings and massive sandstone blocks—carved 50 km away—are truly awe-inspiring, especially knowing they were moved using only manpower and elephants.

We then visited Angkor Thom, the ancient walled city, including Bayon Temple, Baphoun, the royal enclosure, and the Terraces of the Elephant and Leper King—masterpieces of the 12th century.

After lunch, our final stop was Ta Prohm Temple, left largely as rediscovered, with trees weaving through the ruins to create a photogenic, atmospheric maze.

A truly unforgettable day, guided by a fantastic local expert.

The next day we were off for more golf, this time at Angkor Golf Resort. Designed by Sir Nick Faldo, the course was the best we encountered for the week and was in superb condition.

A long course, as with most modern designs, with generous fairways. The bunkering throughout the course is bold and stares you in the face on every hole, which makes those generous fairways just that little bit tighter!

The following day, we played our last round of the trip at Phokeethra Country Club.

A former host of the Cambodian Open on the Asian Tour, the course was a strategic test to say the least. With fairway bunkers dotted on each hole, split fairways with creeks and streams running through, as well as water hazards seemingly on each hole, accuracy was at a premium. Unfortunately, looking at the scores, we didn’t have much of that.

We then had our farewell dinner at Apsara Theatre Restaurant where we were treated to a traditional Khmer dinner, followed by traditional Khmer dances by talented local performers.

Thanks to our fantastic group for a brilliant trip. We had an excellent time taking in the golf, culture, food, and people. If you ever get the chance, give Cambodia a visit as it is well worth it. We’re already looking forward to returning again.

If you are looking for an incredible golf experience, be sure to view our schedule or reach out to us directly for any enquiries.