Siem Reap and the spectacular ruins at Angkor will surely be the highlight of this new Cambodia tour. This trip will take you the stunningly beautiful and awe inspiring Siem Reap. You will get to take in all the culture and history that Siem Reap has to offer. You’ll get to meet the charming locals, see stunning temples, wonderful scenery and enchanting markets that make this the perfect choice for a great Cambodian adventure!

TOUR SUMMARY

Day 1: Siem Reap

Day 2: Siem Reap

Day 3: Siem Reap

Day 4: Siem Reap

Day 5: Siem Reap

Day 6: Siem Reap

DAY 1: SIEM REAP

Today you will arrive in the legendary town of Siem Reap, the former capital of the great Khmer Empire and now a town full of ambling lanes full of stalls proffering local food and interesting handicrafts which will have you mentally trying to find more room in your suitcase. On arrival at the airport, after collecting your luggage and clearing customs, please make your way to the exit door and you will meet with your tour leader and then transfer to hotel. Your tour leader will brief you on everything you would like to know about the area, from the history and culture to distinctive and enlightening curiosities not available to most first-time visitors. After checked into the hotel and remainder of the day is free at your own leisure.

Overnight in SIEM REAP. Accommodation is included in this package.

DAY 2: SIEM REAP

Today we immerse ourselves in one of the most astounding archaeological sites in the world. The magnificent Angkor complex of temples is scattered over an area of 200 square kilometers, with only Egypt’s Nile Valley providing any kind of comparison in terms of such a vast array of monuments. The Khmer kings ruled from this ancient seat, reigning over the largest, most prosperous and sophisticated kingdoms in the history of South East Asia. At the height of their power, the kings of Angkor controlled territories that extended from the tip of the Indochina peninsula, northward to Yunnan and from Vietnam, westward to the Bay of Bengal.

We start early at Ta Prohm when the birds and parrots outnumber the tourists. Ta Prohm is especially serene and beautiful in the early morning. It is one of the highlights of any visit to Angkor, giant trees spread their roots across the temples giving the impression that nature is very much in control. Shrouded in dense jungle the temple of Ta Prohm is ethereal in aspect and conjures up a romantic aura. It was built about mid-12th century to early 13th century (1186) by the King Jayavarman VII, dedicated to the mother of the king (Buddhist). It made famous by the movie Tomb Raider. Leaving this amazing jungle temple behind, we drive towards to Bayon, is perhaps Angkor’s most moving temple. The base reliefs are among the most interesting in Angkor and offer an insight into the past. They show re-enactments of the war against the Chams and also scenes of daily life depicting childbirth, pig fights, drinking and farming. There are also 54 standing towers each bearing four faces of a figure believed to represent both Loksvara (the Bodhisittva of compassion) and the great King himself. These faces literally come to life with the changing light of the rising sun. We time our visit when most other visitors have departed to encourage a truly magical experience!

We continue our visit to the ancient city of Angkor Thom, built by the most prolific of all temple builders King Jayaverman VII. Having expelled the marauding Chams from Angkor, the king set about building a huge walled city, surrounded by a wide crocodile infested moat and entered through 5 enormous ornate gates. Within the great walls were numerous temples, palaces and residences. We take an indepth look at the Terraces of the Elephants and the Leper King, the Royal Palace, and Baphoun. We then move on to the best preserved South Gate and return to our hotel for a refreshing or a swim.

In the afternoon we return to visit some of the most well preserved carvings in the region at Angkor Wat, one of the world’s most impressive temples constructed between the 9th and 13th centuries and the largest Hindu structure in the world. The temple is home to hundreds of fine carvings of Apsara and Hindu mythology. Stroll around the massive hallways to discover small shrines still in use today by the local people. Return to one of the grass terraces in front of the five massive towers of Angkor Wat to watch the sunset before transferring back to your hotel.

This evening we enjoy a wonderful dinner performance of traditional Apsara and Folk dances. Although not as famous as Thai dance, Khmer Apsara dance is actually where Thai dance originated from. Tonight we are entertained by dances originally saved for Royal audiences in Siem Reap’s most beautiful.

Overnight in SIEM REAP. Accommodation is included in this package.

DAY 3: SIEM REAP

This morning we start early and head out to Angkor Wat to view the sunrise. Erected in the 12th century, Angkor Wat stands as a powerful symbol of Cambodia, and built in the high classical style of Khmer architecture will perhaps form the centerpiece of your memories, long after you have returned home. The sun rises from behind the 5 towers of the temple and even though it’s a busy time we can always find our own little quiet corner to escape the crowds and appreciate the moment. We bring a packed breakfast and stay at Angkor while the majority of visitors return to their hotels for breakfast.

We then climb the mountain temple of Phnom Bakheng. Built in the late 9th Century, this was the first major temple built in the Angkor area. Built on a man-made hill it offers imposing views of Angkor Wat. In the late afternoon this temples is literally packed with tourists for the sunset. But at this time of day, we have it almost to ourselves.

We continue our way to visit some of the hidden temples before we return to our hotel for a well-earned siesta.This afternoon we invite you to walk around the town itself. Start your exploration around 2pm with a guided tour to some of the more fascinating corners of the Old Town of Siem Reap. Stop into Artisans Angkor shop, which is a showcase for Cambodian crafts with pieces inspired by Angkor heritage as well as fashionable handmade clothing and decorative items that can suit contemporary lifestyles. Cross picturesque Siem Reap River to Wat Damnak, a living temple with monks praying, a vibrant school and a colourful “forest of stupa”. Receive a special blessing from one of the monks, which includes the tying of a blessed string around your wrist. Walk back across the Pedestrian Bridge to the Old Market and your guide will lead you through the maze of undercover stalls selling fruits, vegetables, meat & fish, household goods… and of course, lots of souvenirs! Your guide will also suggest the best dining options available, from international restaurants to hidden Cambodian culinary gems. Pub Street (and the surrounding alleys) in the evening offer a wide variety of restaurants and bars to choose from… Continue to the Night Market for some great souvenir shopping or perhaps a “Dr Fish” massage. Later, return to the hotel.

Overnight in SIEM REAP. Accommodation is included in this package.

DAY 4: SIEM REAP

This morning we leave Siem Reap behind and travel north through villages and rice fields to the holiest of all mountains in Cambodia Phnom Kulen. It is believed that the founding father of Angkor, King Jayavarman II, proclaimed himself a “God King” and the ruler of an independent Cambodian Kingdom in 802. As a result, this is a place of pilgrimage for locals and gets very busy at weekends, holidays and auspicious days. However, it receives few tourists and spending a day away from the hordes of travelling tourists with our local hosts can be a most rewarding experience. Khmers take time to visit the modern pagoda, sacred statues and waterfall. It’s very easy to spend the full day here!

This holy mountain is littered with interesting sites and the order of our visit today will depend on your preferences. We arrive after travelling on a wonderful winding road carved through the surrounding jungle. A look back reveals where we have just come from, a landscape littered with giant prehistoric boulders.

Today we plan to visit a large reclining Buddha carved into a massive sandstone boulder. There are also hundreds of lingas carved into the rock bed of a waterfall that runs into the Siem Reap River, this distributed holy water to the irrigation channels that supplied the ancient cities. We will stop for lunch at stunning waterfall. Here we can take a cooling splash and relax for a while. Just across the stream are other ruins creating a fantastic atmosphere!

Later we prepare for our return back to the civilization of Siem Reap Town, en-route we make a stop at the small temple of Banteay Srei. This is another of the highlights and boasts the finest and most intricate of all the carvings to be found in Angkor. Carved from pink sandstone the name translates as “The Citadel of Women” because it was felt that the hands of men could not create such delicate beauty.

Overnight in SIEM REAP. Accommodation is included in this package.

DAY 5: SIEM REAP

We make an early start and head towards Beng Mealea. This is one of the giant temples of Angkor. Built in the early 11th Century by Suryavarman II, the same king responsible for Angkor Wat, this temple was left to the mercy of nature for centuries. It is partially in ruins and over-grown with trees and vines which makes one feel like Indiana Jones or Lara Croft. Wooden walkways mark the way and ensure that visitors can move around the temple safely. Few visitors make it out here some 65 km’s Northeast of Siem Reap town. It is one of the most atmospheric of temples and a photographers dream!

Our next stop sees us continue deeper into rural Cambodia. This time we visit an entire ancient capital. Ko Ker was built in the 10th Century. King Jayavarman V was likely to have been an usurper to the throne and created his own capital some 100 kms away from Angkor. This was a brief spell in the 500 years history of Angkor where the seat of rule was not within Angkor itself. This city was abandoned for centuries, left overgrown and neglected due to poor roads and landmines. Now the roads are decent and there are safe ways to visit the more than 42 monuments. However, most are badly damaged and not all justify a visit. But there is plenty for us to see here notably Prasat Krahom (Red Temple) and the mighty Prasat Thom, a pyramid temple rising some 40 metres out of the earth. Again, few travellers make it out this far and we will visit most of the sites with only the company of our guide.

Our final stop is Kompong Kleang, the largest and least visited floating village in Siem Reap province. Here we take a local boat cruise down the canals into the villages and out onto the lake. The Tonle Sap River unusually changes its flow of direction twice a year, and in the rainy season forms a great lake. This lake is the pulsing heart of Cambodia and is where many Cambodians make their daily living. It’s a fascinating insight into local life where everything happens either floating or on stilts. The late afternoon is the perfect time for such a cruise, as the suns fading light accentuates all the wonderful colors. Children return from school and people finish of their days work. The perfect end to a long and adventurous day!

Overnight in SIEM REAP. Accommodation is included in this package.

* During low water season (around from March/April to September/October), the boat is not operated and we offer the trekking around the local villages, market, pagoda, experience of the local lifestyle, and chat to the local people …etc. for the alternative.

DAY 6: SIEM REAP

Today is the last day of your tour where you can spend some more time exploring before you leave to travel home. We wish you a comfortable journey home and are sure you will take with you some wonderful memories of Cambodia.

* Hotel check-out times are midday. Late check-out is not included.

PRIVATE TOUR

*Accommodation & Transportation is subject to availability at booking moment & Tour price is subject to seasonal fluctuations

Included:

• Transfer from and to the airport
• Accommodation in hotel Angkor Holiday or similar
• Daily breakfast, Dinner show on Day 2, meals as mentioned in itinerary
• All transfers with private air-conditioned (mini)buses if not stated otherwise
• Local English speaking tour leader (full escort in Siem Reap)
• All entrance fees for the sites

Excluded:

• International flights
• Personal expenses (drinks, laundry, telephone, etc.)
• All other meals not specified in itinerary
• Gratitude for driver and guide
• Visa fees
• Travel Insurance, airport taxes or any other government fees or additional surcharges
• Optional excursions