Discover the Kingdom of wonder on this three-day tour. Cambodia, a fascinating mix of culture and majestic heritage and ancient and modern worlds collide to create unforgettable adventures. Marvel before its glorious temples, matched by only a few select spots on earth.
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
Angkor Thom: Jayavarman VII, Angkor’s greatest king, constructed the fortified city of Angkor Thom in the 12th century. The city has five monumental gates decorated by the head of Avalokiteshvara, the Buddha of Compassion, facing in four directions.
Angkor Wat: The largest religious monument in the world, its famous silhouette never fails to impress. It covers a huge area of 1.6 square kilometres (one square mile) and is surrounded by a wide moat.
Banteay Srei: Unique to Banteay Srei is the rare pink sandstone on which are exquisite ornamental carvings of gods, demons, coiling serpents and floral garlands.
Ta Prohm: This temple is dedicated to the mother of Jayavarman VII, constructed as a Buddhist monastery and enormously wealthy in its time. Well worth an extended exploration of its dark corridors and open plazas, also called 'The Tomb Raider Temple'.
Tonle Sap: Is one of the largest freshwater lakes in the world, cyclically swelling from 2,500 square kilometres to more than 12,000 square kilometres in the wet season.
Day 1: ARRIVAL SIEM REAP AIRPORT – ANGKOR THOM – SIEM REAP – ANGKOR WAT – SIEMP REAP (30km – 1hr)
Upon arrival at Siem Reap Airport (recommended flight arrival before 09:00 am), meet and transfer directly to visit Angkor Thom. The South Gate of Angkor Thom is where most visitors enter the ancient city. The Bayon is located exactly in the middle of former Khmer capital. There are more 200 enigmatic smiling faces on the 54 towers of the temple. The faces are said to represent the Buddha of Compassion but are assumed to have a striking resemblance to the god-king. Other important sights within the city of Angkor Thom are the pyramidal Baphuon, currently being restored, the Terrace of the Leper Kings, where some exceptionally well conserved early carvings can be seen and the Terrace of Elephants, supported by sculpted stone elephants, it served as the giant viewing platform for royal ceremonies. Stop for lunch at a local restaurant (not included). After lunch, transfer to your hotel for check-in. In the afternoon you will depart from the hotel to visit Angkor Wat. The five enormous towers have the same symbolic function as other temple mountains of Angkor: they represent Mount Meru, the mythical dwelling place of Hindu gods. In the outer galleries are some of the finest and best-preserved bas-reliefs of the Khmer Art. Ending the day to see the sunset view at Phnom Bakheng, the best spot over Angkor Wat and the outlying complex. Return to your hotel for a well-deserved rest.
Overnight in Siem Reap.
Day 2: SIEM REAP – ARTISAN D’ANGKOR – BANTEAY SREI – TA PROHM – ROLOUS GROUP – SIEM REAP (50km – 1.5hr)
After breakfast at your hotel, depart for a visit to the Artisan d’Angkor; to see wood and stone carvers at work. The proceed to Banteay Srei, located about 25 kilometres from the central Angkor, the area is exceptional in many ways, it is a small complex built in the 10th century by the spiritual mentor of King Jayavarman V and dedicated to the Hindu deity Shiva. Last stop will be Ta Prohm where the jungle has reclaimed the monuments and giant tree trunks reach through the ancient stone. Here you can get a feeling of how the first European explorers would have found the ruins. Massive trees growing from stone towers are photo classics. Stop for lunch at a local restaurant (not included). In the afternoon, continue your visit to Roluos Group consisting of three important temple ruins in the area Lolei, Preah Ko and Bakong. Lolei: Four brick towers in poor condition next to an active pagoda and some carvings are in good condition. Preah Ko: The name means “sacred bull” and perhaps it is the most artistically interesting temple in the Rolous group. Bakong: It is the most impressive member of the Rolous group and very early use of stone rather than brick. Return to your hotel.
Overnight in Siem Reap.
Day 3: SIEM REAP – TONLE SAP – DEPARTURE SIEM REAP (30km – 1hr)
After breakfast, transfer to the pier on Tonle Sap. It’s 30 minutes south of Siem Reap. Floating fishing villages dot the semisubmerged forest that lines the flood plain rim of the lake, offering an excellent place to see lakeside rural Cambodia, and a unique ecosystem rich with bird wildlife. Take a boat trip on the lake to see the floating homes and villages who earn their livelihoods from the abundance of freshwater fish directly under their homes. Stop for lunch at a local restaurant (not included). Return to hotel for checkout and transfer to Siem Reap Airport for the departure flight to your next destination. The recommended departure flight time is at 05:00 pm (the minimum check-in time at Siem Reap Domestic Airport is 2 hours before the flight departure and International Airport is 2.5 before the flight departure).
Comfortable and light clothing is the most suitable for travelling in Cambodia. Visitors should not wear sleeveless shirts, shorts, short skirts or skimpy clothing when visiting temples, religious or official buildings. Shoes should be removed before entering a temple or private house. Sun protection, sunglasses, a hat and mosquito repellent can be very useful during your stay.
