Temples of Angkor

After arrival at the airport, transfer to check in at the hotel. The hotel’s welcome drink is served during check in. Rest of day at leisure.

After breakfast start you Angkor exploration tour to the Southern Gate of Angkor Thom, the ‘Great City’. Today you will visit many of the finest temples of King Jayavarman VII, who ruled from 1181 to 1220. At the Southern gate of Angkor Thom, you will marvel at the imposing 23m (75-foot) high stone faces of Avalokiteshvara, featured in the Tomb Raider movie. These astonishing carvings inspire awe and wonder in all who view them. At the center of this citadel lies the state temple Bayon, which we will also visit. This temple-mountain, built at the end of the 12th century, is adorned with hundreds of gigantic stone faces. The tour also includes the Terrace of the Elephants and the Terrace of the Leper King. Later in the day you will discover the most famous temples from the 11th century: Baphuon and Phimeanakas. Then visit Ta Prohm. The temple is famous for its massive trees with thick roots, which entangle the walls. They were left here intentionally by the archeologists working on the site. While clearing back the forest it was decided to leave them in place to serve as a reminder of how the original discoverers found the temples. Many of the trees have grown around and through the remains, and soar high above the temple. At the end of the day, we explore the magnificent Angkor Wat, built under Suryavarman II. Return to Siem Reap. Conclude the day with a foodie tour to taste real Cambodian Street Food. You will be picked up by Remork (Tuk Tuk) to enjoy the real Khmer night life. A long road lined with mats for hire, with dozens of street food sellers invites to join the locals for a beer. You also can taste various snacks here. Your tour guide will accompany you and explain about the food. (2 people per Remork)

Meals included:
Breakfast

Activities included:
Guided tour of Angkor complex
Foodie Tour to taste real Cambodian Street Food

Don’t forget to set your alarm, as today we start at pre-dawn to witness the breathtaking sunrise over Angkor Wat. Breakfast is served at a local restaurant near the temple complex. Afterwards the tour continues to the beautiful sandstone temple of Banteay Srei. The temple dates back to 967 AD, and is dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva. Banteay Srei is famous for the intricate friezes carved into its red sandstone walls. In the afternoon visit Kampong Pluk floating village. This is an isolated community of three villages built on stilts. These scenic villages are flooded for around half the year (Aug/Sept – Feb), enabling row boat journeys that provide income for the local community. You will take the small boat through the flooded mangrove forests; this unique ecosystem survives on wet soil for half the year, fostering a variety of wildlife. Back on “dry land” experience an original monk blessing ceremony in an active pagoda. The monk will sprinkle holy water while chanting sacred Pali canons to wish good luck and health for everyone. Return to Siem Reap. In the evening enjoy a sumptuous Khmer Farewell Dinner in a beautiful local restaurant.

Meals included:
Breakfast
Dinner

Activities included:
Unique – Sunrise over Angkor Wat temples
Social – Visit of the isolated community of Kampong Pluk
Spiritual – Monk Blessing ceremony

It’s time to say goodbye, but just think of all the wonderful stories you will take home. A transfer will take you to the airport for your onward travels.

Meals included:
Breakfast