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Cambodia’s rich religious history means that it is home to some of the most beautiful temples in Southeast Asia. Built as early as the first millennium, a vast number still exist, waiting to be explored. While some have been left untouched and are now engulfed in jungle, others are lovingly preserved as magnificent spectacles of Cambodia’s past.

 

The Angkor Discovery tour has been specifically tailored to let you witness this country’s unique cultural heritage in a leisurely and comfortable fashion that ensures nothing of interest is missed. In the space of four days, you will get to see Cambodia’s most spectacular historical sights whilst staying in the region’s finest hotels.

 

Day 1 - Arrival to Siemriep, Cambodia

Upon your arrival in Siem Reap, you will be welcomed by a local English speaking guide and transferred to your hotel for check in. Siem Reap is the base for exploring the fabled temples of Angkor, the ancient capital of the Khmer empire. After a short relaxing break, you will visit the famous Angkor Wat by car. Built during the reign of King Suryavarman II in the early 12th century, it is constructed following the model of the temple mountain symbolizing the Mount Meru, home of the gods. Inside the temple, the walls are covered with stone carvings and bas-reliefs depicting Hindu mythology and the wars Suryavarman II fought during his reign. Moreover, Angkor Wat is well known for the more than 2,000 Apsara dancers decorating the temple. Construction is thought to have taken around thirty years of intensive labor. Today, Angkor Wat is figured on Cambodia's national flag as the temple symbolizes the soul of the Khmer people. During sunset time, Angkor Wat is less visited, and the Apsaras will shine in the most beautiful light. Return to your hotel, where you can enjoy the evening at leisure. Overnight in Siem Reap.

Distances and journey time: Siem Reap Airport Siem Reap (10 km): 15 mins

 

Day 2 - Siemriep/ Rolous Group/ Ta Prohm

After breakfast, head out to the early-Angkor era temples of the Roluos Group, about 15km outside of Siem Reap. Roluos is the site of the first town built by the Angkorian kings in the 8th and 9th century and consists of three main temples: Bakong, Lolei and Preah Ko. The beautiful surrounding countryside with its paddy fields and sugar palm trees is very typical for Cambodia – enjoy the beauty ox cart ride to Roluos Pagoda, a great and fun way to get in touch with rural Cambodia and its friendly people. Here, in a small contemporary pagoda, Buddhist monks will celebrate a private blessing ceremony for you, wishing your health and a safe journey – a very special experience! Return to the hotel for a break during the midday heat. This afternoon, explore the highlights of the Small Circuit. Start your tour with a visit to Ta Prohm temple, built in the mid 12th to early 13th centuries. Ta Prohm is unique in that it has been left largely as it was found: overgrown by jungle trees and vines, with many parts of the temple crumbling to the ground. This makes Ta Prohm one of the most picturesque and memorable of the Angkor temples. Your visit will also include Banteay Kdei, a Buddhist monastery from the late 12th Century, and Srah Srang, also known as the “pool of ablutions”. From here, it is only a short hop to the most beautiful temples of the Grand Circuit, like the overgrown Preah Khan Temple and Neak Pean with its artificial lakes. Return to your hotel. Overnight in Siem Reap.

 

Day 3 - Siemriep/ Angkor Wat/ Angkor Thom

 

Early today, travel to the “gem” of the Angkor area, the pretty temple of Banteay Srei, which is best viewed in the warm morning light. The so-called “Citadel of the Women” remains the best preserved temple in Cambodia. It displays some of the finest examples of classical Khmer art as this small temple is noted for its truly remarkable fine bas-reliefs. Banteay Srei is unique in that it is constructed of pink sandstone, which is seen nowhere else in Angkor. On the way back, you will have the possibility to stop at local communities along the way and your guide will help you to interact with the local community to learn about the way of life here. Seize the opportunity to taste Palm Wine and Palm Sugar (seasonal) and other popular local produce. Break up your day with lunch at Sala Bai back in Siem Reap, a school training young Cambodians from poor family backgrounds in the principles of hospitality in order to give them a future. The guests will have plenty of opportunities to talk to the students as they will go on a tour of the school after the meal. (Note: Sala Bai is open from Monday - Friday and it is usually closed during national holidays and for the entire month of April over the Khmer New Year holiday.) This afternoon, visit the ancient city of Angkor Thom by local tuk tuk. Angkor Thom was the last capital of the Great Khmer Empire under the reign of Jayavarman VII. This city is surrounded by an 8 m high wall, drawing a perfect square. Enter the city through the ancient South Gate, an impressive stone gate carved with Elephants and four giant faces. From here, continue to Bayon Temple in the exact center of the city. This 12th century masterpiece is a study in grandeur and is well-known for its 54 towers with enigmatic faces representing the 54 provinces of the Great Khmer Empire. The Terrace of the Elephants and the Terrace of the Leper King are also must-visits as they are both known for their intricate bas-reliefs. Overnight in Siem Reap.

 

Day 4 - Siemriep/ Exit 

This morning, embark on an interesting boat trip on Tonlé Sap Lake, where you will have the opportunity to learn about life on the lake. Tonlé Sap isSouth East Asia’s largest freshwater lake with its size varying greatly depending on the season, as it is swelling to about 4 times its size in during the wet season. Board a local boat and visit Kampong Phluck, a village where you will see houses on stilts that are submerged when Tonlé Sap Lakeextends. On the way, you will pass floating houses and impressive flooded forests, portraying life on the water. (Note: Due to low water levels during the dry season, the boat trip is only possible from June to March. However an alternative floating village at Chong Kneas can be arranged instead). Return to Siem Reap, where you can enjoy some time at leisure until your transfer to the airport for your departure flight.

 

*This is sample itinerary with no selected accommodation suggested unless otherwise stated. Please contact our team to tailor this itinerary to your personal specifications.