ANCIENT ANGKOR

ANCIENT ANGKOR

BRIEFING AND TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

DETAILED TOUR ITINERARY 

Appreciate the wonders of Angkor Wat during a relaxing, sunset visit and take a local transport to other temples to explore. Travel to the countryside to see the intricate carvings at Banteay Srei as you learn about the ancient lifestyle and culture of the Angkorian Empire.

Day 1
SIEM REAP ARRIVAL & HIGHLIGHTS VISIT

Meet your guide on arrival Siem Reap, transfer and check-in to your hotel. During the drive your guide will provide an introduction to Siem Reap, answer any questions you have.

Siem Reap, situated in the north west of the country, is an enchanting town with Chinese-style shop houses, French colonial architecture and tree lined boulevards. It is the gateway to the World Heritage ancient temple ruins of Angkor, eighth wonder of the world and spectacular ancient capital of the powerful Khmer Dynasty. As well as the myriad of awe-inspiring temples and Khmer relics to explore, Siem Reap and its rural outskirts offers craft villages, silk farms, Khmer cuisine cooking classes, traditional Cambodian “apsara” dance performances and the floating villages on the tranquil waters of Tonle Sap Lake.

This afternoon begin your exploration of the Temples of Angkor by visiting Angkor Wat, the largest religious building in the world. Built by Suryavarman II in the early 12^th century as a state temple and later mausoleum, Angkor Wat was originally a Hindu complex to honour Vishnu, the Hindu God.

Angkor Wat is unlike other temples in that it is orientated towards the west, typically the direction of death. A magnificent moat surrounds the temple on all sides with a long causeway providing access. Take your time to look at some of the more than 3,000 Apsara or ‘heavenly maidens’ carvings, all of which are different. The late afternoon light provides the best opportunity to observe and photograph the Apsaras.

Enjoy sunset at Angkor Wat with a cold coconut juice to cool down after your exciting exploration. And later return to your hotel where the evening is at leisure.

Included meals: None
Accommodation in SIEM REAP

Day 2
SIEM REAP VISIT

After an early breakfast visit the ancient city of Angkor Thom by remork (the Cambodian equivalent of the Thai ‘tuk tuk’). Surrounded by walls with a height of 8m and length of 12km, the city was the last capital of the Khmer Empire. Five huge gates with huge stone faces provide access. Angkor Thom holds many important monuments including the Bayon Temple located in the exact centre, the Baphoun, Terrace of the Elephants and Terrace of the Leper King.

Take a break around lunchtime back at your hotel.

In the afternoon travel to Ta Prohm, a unique temple that has been left to nature with trees and vines growing amongst the structures. This is one of the most photogenic temples in the Angkor area and recently gained fame as the ‘Tomb Raider’ temple after featuring in the Angelina Jolie movie. Enjoy walking along the sandy paths and under huge banyan trees as you explore this 12th century temple.

You can then choose to visit other temples (there are many more wonderful temples such as Preah Khan which is similar to Ta Prohm but only sees a small number of tourists daily or the pyramidic Pre Rup temple with a view over the forest canopy) or return to your hotel for some free time.

This evening enjoy Dinner whilst watching a show of Apsara dancing, first performed in the court of kings at Angkor.

Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodation in SIEM REAP

Day 3
SIEM REAP VISIT

This morning travel into the Cambodian countryside and out to the temple of Banteay Srei, dedicated to the Hindu god, Shiva. One of the most picturesque temples a morning visit provides a great opportunity to appreciate one of the most stunning achievements of Angkorian artisanship. Small in size the carvings are exquisite at one of the best preserved temples in Cambodia. Banteay Srei is different to the other temples as it is constructed of pink sandstone and the name means ‘Citadel of the Women’.

Take a break around lunchtime back at your hotel.

In the afternoon travel to Tonle Sap Lake, the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia. The lake and its waters are the lifeblood of the country and millions of people depend on it. Officially a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve observing life on the lake makes for an interesting half day visit. Board a traditional wooden boat to visit Kompong Phluck. (Note: a visit to Kompong Phluck is usually possible from Jun-Mar only when there is sufficient water for a boat trip. This can vary according to annual rains. Should a visit not be possible we will arrange instead to an alternative floating village elsewhere on the lake).

On your return to Siem Reap stop at Artisan d’Angkor, a project established to support Cambodian arts and crafts. Visit the workshop and see stone carvings, wooden sculptures, lacquer work and painting all being produced.

This evening enjoy some modern Khmer theatre at a performance of Phare, the Cambodian Circus by professional artists from Phare Ponleu Selpak. Originally a project set up in refugee camps as a way to encourage young people to express themselves using art, the Phare circus is slowly becoming a worldwide name and a good example of responsible tourism that has been a success story. Tours have visited France, Germany, UK & the USA already. Enjoy an hour long show which is a great, positive example of modern Cambodia and mixes theatre, dance, music, juggling and contortion (The show starts at 8pm and late arrivals are not permitted to enter. We recommend arriving around 7.30pm to get a good seat. Seating Category C – free seating).

Included meals: Breakfast
Accommodation in SIEM REAP

Day 4
SIEM REAP DEPARTURE

Breakfast at hotel. Free at leisure.
Your guide and private car will meet you at the hotel and transfer you to the airport for your departure flight.

Included meals: Breakfast

TOUR PRICE(S):

Standard 3*    : from US $ 398
Superior 4*     : from US $ 481
Deluxe 5*        : from US $ 612

* Prices are based on twin/ double share for group of at least 02 passengers travelling together and depend on availability and season.

All our itineraries can be customised. For questions or further information, Enquire Now!

IMPORTANT INFORMATION