Angkor in depth tour

THROUGH THE ANGKOR IN DEPTH TOUR, YOU WILL DISCOVER

Day 1: Arrive Siem Reap (D)

Upon arrival at Siem Reap international airport, be met and welcomed by our guide and transfer to the hotel in town. After check in the hotel, leave the hotel to discover secrets of the Angkor at the Angkor National Museum. At the museum, with the assistance of multimedia technology learn about the Golden Era of the Khmer Empire to capture the remarkable historical points of this heyday period.

In the afternoon, venture on a helium balloon ride up on the air 120m above the mythical Angkor temples for an aerial eagle eye view! Captivate the whole Angkor Wat and Phnom Bakheng, the nearby West Baray and other ruins sit silently in the lush forest.

Enjoy dinner in the beautiful Mahob restaurant, “Mahob”, means ‘food’ in Cambodian language, this culinary restaurant serves some of the best local dishes in Seam Reap. The restaurant itself is also beautiful traditional Khmer wooden house surrounded by a peacefully garden. Dinning here will be one of the authentic dining experiences while visiting Cambodia.

Overnight in Siem Reap.

Day 2: Siem Reap – Angkor complex (B, L)

Enjoy the breakfast and leave early to have the first glance at Angkor. The today Roluos temple group is an earlier built city during the 8th and 9th century. The group comprises of three temples: Bakong, Preah Ko and Lolei. Take the opportunity to enjoy the atmosphere of the rural countryside in the temple surrounding villages sitting on a cart dragged by an ox. This is certainly a fun way to connect to rural countryside of Cambodia and interact with the friendly locals. On reaching the Roluos Buddhist monument, attend a holly ceremony held by Buddhist monks. Here, you will be blessed for good health, happiness and safe journey by the monks in a meaningful blessing ceremony. A lifetime travel experience!

Return for lunch break then continue to the Ta Prohm temple, the early 12th and 13th century’s style. Ta Prohm stands out uniquely in the way that it remains almost the same since it was discovered. Being covered by lush jungle trees and vines, the temple makes it one of the most mythical temples and famous for the ‘Tomb Raider Temple’ in Angkor complex. Come to the end, visit Buddhist monastery of Banteay Kdei built in 12th century and the “pool of ablution” names Srah Srang.

Wrap the day with the beautiful Pre Rup in the hue light of the day.

Overnight in Siem Reap.

Day 3: Siem Reap – Beng Mealea – Tonle Sap lake (B, L)

Have a hearty breakfast and you will be transfer to the peaceful countryside of Beng Mealea. Located 60km away outside Siem Reap, has not been restored, the temple compound here has only been known and accessed for visit for quite recent few years. Discovering this, you will be feeling like a lone traveler.

Visit a local family near Beng Mealea temple and there you will enjoy a picnic lunch (take away lunch box).

After lunch, drive to Tonle Sap lake. Here, take a fascinating boat ride on the Southeast Asia’s largest freshwater lake. During the boat ride, visit numerous of floating houses on the lake to learn about the floating lifestyle of the locals. The visit also includes Kampong Khleang, the well hidden village where only few tourists ever dare venture! After that, winding with your boat through the villages where the fishing families live all together in stilted houses in the lush mangrove forests.

Note: during Apr-Sep months, the dried season and water level may be shallow for boat to access and car transfer can still be arranged and the villages are still be reached, a dramatically different experience to see how the houses standing on their root stilts sticking out of the lake floor when water level is low!).

Return to Siem Reap for the night.

Day 4: Siem Reap – Angkor complex (B, L)

The highlight of the day will be Angkor Thom, final capital city of the Khmer Empire. Enter the city citadel via the great South Gate which is flanked with holly elephants and giant faces on top. Further to the center of the Bayon temple, there is a 12th century styled carving masterpiece, well-known for the 54 towers decorated with 54 enigmatic faces. The must see destinations also include The Elephant Terrace and the Terrace of the Leper King, both are considered as the most intricate art of bas-reliefs.

Be rewarded with one of the finest meals for lunch in Viroths restaurant. With extensive variety of courses on the menu and an artful outdoor setting, the restaurant is widely noted as as one of the best fine dining places in town.

Following lunch, take a ‘remork’ tour (similar to ‘tuk tuk’ in Thailand) to the magnificent ruined of Angkor Wat temple. Known as the largest religion temple in the world, built in12th century, Angkor Wat was built to illustrate the symbolic Mount Meru, in Hindu these mountains are the home of the gods. Within Angkor Wat, over 2,000 Apsara dancers are carved to decorate the temples. Today, the temple image is printed on Cambodia’s national flag.

Overnight in Siem Reap.

Day 5: Siem Reap – Departure (B)

The highlight today is hiding the countryside: Banteay Srei temple is considered one of the gems of the pre-Angkor period. Also known as the “Palace of Women”, Banteay Sray is one among the best preserved temples in Cambodia. Here, you will find some of the most beautiful classical bas reliefs of Khmer art. The special pink sandstone makes Banteay Srei stand out to the rest of all other temples in Cambodia.

After the temple, enjoy opportunities to interact with locals along the way and learn more about their charming culture and lifestyle. The visit also includes opportunity to see how Palm Sugar and Palm Wine are produced.

Before arriving back in Siem Reap, if time permits, pay a visit to a local Artisans of Angkor, this center was established to aid and support Cambodian arts and crafts. Discover all great carving works on wood and stone.

Take a short transfer to the airport for own onward flight.

You might be interested in our Banteay Srei homestay experience, otherwise look for other interesting options in our Cambodia excursions travel style!