TEMPLES OF ANGKOR DISCOVERY

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