ANGKOR THOM – TA PROHM - ANGKOR WAT
5 DAYS | 4 NIGHTS
Highlights of this holiday include the incredible temples of Angkor Watt, the enigmatic faces of Bayon, the imposing Terrace of the Elephants, the scenic Ta Prohm monastery, the “River of 1.000 Lingas on Kulen mountain, the famous temple of Bantey Srey called Citadel of the Women and the remains of the Khmer Empire, a cruise on the beautiful Lake Tonle Sap.
Start
Finish
Air routes
Road route
Meet upon arrival at Siem Reap airport, transfer and check-in at your hotel.
In the afternoon, visit the Roluos Group including the Preah Ko, the temple-mountain of Bakong and the Lolei temple set in the middle of a former water reservoir or Baray. Roluos Group (late 9th century) represents the remains of Hariharalaya, the first major capital of the Angkorian era Khmer empire. We end the excursion by climbing up Bakheng Mountain for stunning sunset and panoramic views of Angkor Wat and its environs. Buffet dinner with Apsara Dance Show in local restaurant.
Overnight in Siem Reap
Firstly, we will proceed to the former capital Angkor Thom home to dozens of temples including the enigmatic faces of Bayon, the imposing Terrace of the Elephants, and the three-tiered Baphuon. Preah Khan is a huge, highly explorable monastic complex, full of carvings, passages and photo opportunities. It originally served as a Buddhist monastery and school, engaging over 1000 monks. Late afternoon, visit the famous Angkor Wat, built for king Suryavarman II in the early 12th century as his state temple and capital city. The largest and best-preserved temple at the site, it is the only one to have remained a significant religious centre - first Hindu, then Buddhist - since its foundation. After long day tour, this evening we experience one hour foot massage in Khmer traditional style.
Overnight in Siem Reap
After breakfast, explore the monastic complex of Preah Khan whose name means « Sacred Sword », the small island temple of Neak Pean, and then Ta Som. These three temples were built by King Jayavarman VII and illustrate the preeminence of Mahayana Buddhism during his reign.
Continue to visit the twin temples of Thommanon and Chau Say Tevoda (early 12th century), the unfinished temple-mountain of Ta Keo, the Srah Srang holy pond, Bantey Kdei and then the scenic Ta Prohm monastery, it’s unlike most of the other Angkor temples, Ta Prohm has been left just it was founded: the photogenic and atmospheric combination of trees growing out of the ruins and the jungle surroundings have made it one of Angkor's most popular temples with visitors.
Overnight in Siem Reap
After breakfast, drive to the Kulen range and take a walk through the forest (45 minutes) to reach Kbal Spean, the “River of 1.000 Lingas” where the symbol of the Hindy god Shiva has been repeatedly chiseled into the rocky riverbed. It was believed that the lingas spiritually fertilized the waters that irrigated the rice fields below.
Visit the famous temple of Bantey Srey which is 36 Km far from Siem Reap and loosely translates to “Citadel of the Women. This small pink sandstone temple (late 10th century) is considered as the crown jewel of classical Khmer art with the delicate beauty of its carvings. Continue to Bantey Samre (mid 12th century), which has been admirably restored. On the way back, we visit some local village and see how local make sugar palm.
Overnight in Siem Reap
After breakfast, drive to the fishing village of Chong Kneas and take a boat trip on the Tonle Sap Lake to discover the floating villages and the traditional fishing techniques. Return to Siem Reap. En route, stop at the “Chantiers-Ecole, Les Artisans d’Angkor”, a vocational training center, which revives the classic Cambodian techniques and styles of wood and stone carving and polychrome. Before lunch stroll around the local market for last minute shopping. Transfer to Siem Reap airport for departure flight to another destination
Transfers and ground transport by private air-conditioned vehicles
Accommodation based on twin/double sharing room with daily breakfast
All meals mentioned in the itinerary
Traditional wooden boat for cruise in Tonle Sap Lake
English speaking guide throughout the itinerary
All entrance fees as indicated in itinerary
2 bottle mineral water per day per person
We saw, learned, heard, tasted a lot and really got to know these 2 countries better. Thanks a lot for organizing our tour.
Mr Denis
My husband and I are now home and we'd like to thank you for an extraordinary trip in Vietnam and Cambodia. Thu, you did a terrific job in planning it and all details were perfect and everything happened like clockwork. We loved...
Fran O’Connell
We just got back. I can't begin to tell you how wonderful it was. We loved every place we stayed. You're a gem. As to the countries themselves: I was totally thrilled, fascinated, absorbed. Hope to do another trip to the...
Loraine F. Gardner
I wanted to specifically tell you how wonderful my tour guide Tien from Hue was. We were lucky enough to have him for Hue, Danang and Hoi An. He was sweet, caring, knowledgeable, dedicated and passionate about his country. I felt...
Dr. Halli Zung