Angkor – Heritage & Traditions

(4 DAYS / 3 NIGHTS)

Places to visit: Siem Reap & Angkor.

Description

This is the most popular program for visiting Angkor. It allows visitors to see much of what is worth knowing about the extraordinary Khmer civilization and its temples. You will discover the best sites along the small and grand Angkor circuits, including the temples of Angkor Thom and Angkor Wat, and also visit the Roluos complex and Banteay Srei. The visitors will learn how traditional Angkor crafts are made and see how these ancient skills are being preserved. All in all, it’s a great introduction to Cambodia’s ancient wonders!

Highlights

• Discover the stunning Temples of Angkor area in and outside Siem Reap
• See traditional dancing shows including the unique and graceful Apsara dancers
• Enjoy a boat excursion to floating villages - the real ‘water world’
• Visit an arts showroom and watch local artisans train at the National Silk Weaving Centre
• Treat yourself to a refreshing and relaxing time at an oriental spa

Program

Day 1: Welcome to Angkor & Siem Reap

Upon arrival at Siem Reap airport, you’ll be picked up by your guide and transferred to the hotel. Your Angkor explorations begin in the afternoon with a visit to the 9th century Roluos temples – Preah Ko, Bakong and Lolei. The first day concludes with panoramic views of the sunset from temple mountain Phnom Bakhaeng , which dates back to 900 AD and overlooks Angkor Wat. This is followed by your first night’s stay in Siem Reap.

Day 2: Angkor & Siem Reap

After breakfast, enjoy an excursion to Banteay Srei (967 AD). The temple is dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva and is famed for the intricate friezes carved into its red sandstone walls. On the way back, we will visit Banteay Samre, which was built during Suryarvaman II’s rule in the middle of the 12th century. Next on the itinerary are three impressive temples from the 10th century – Eastern Mebon, Pre Rup and Prasat Kravan. Explore their intricate and ingenious designs. After lunch, we begin our discovery of the magnificent Angkor Wat temple complex built under Suryavarman II and Ta Prohm which dates back to Jayavarman VII’s reign from 1181-1220. We then head to Siem Reap for your second night’s stay.

Day 3: Angkor & Siem Reap

After breakfast, we begin the second day with a visit to the awe-inspiring Angkor Thom or ‘Great City’. This will include many of the finest Temples of King Jayavarman VII, who ruled from 1181-1220. At the southern gate of Angkor Thom, you will marvel at the imposing 23-metre high stone faces of Avalokiteshvara, which featured in the Tomb Raider movie. These astonishing carvings inspire awe and wonder in all who view them. At the centre of this citadel lies the state temple of 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. This tour also includes the Terrace of Elephants, the Terrace of the Leper King and the 12 identical towers of Prasat Suor Prat.

Later in the day you will discover the most famous temples from the 11th century: Baphuon, Phimeanakas, North Khleang and South Khleang. In the afternoon we will begin our explorations of magnificent Angkor Wat, built under Suryavarman II, and photograph the famously eerie silk cotton tree roots as they slowly cover the Ta Prohm temple from Jayavarman VII’s reign.

The afternoon’s activities include visiting the other important temples of Jayavarman VII: Preah Khan, Neak Pean, and Ta Prom. In the evening we will visit the Apsara Theatre to enjoy a fine Khmer dinner and traditional dances. Then back to the hotel to stop overnight in Siem Reap.

Day 4: Angkor & Siem Reap

On the final morning, you will love the cool and relaxing boat trip on Tonle Sap Lake. Here we will visit the floating villages of Chong Kneas commune. The trip also includes stops at the showrooms and workshops of traditional craftsman and artisans of Angkor. From here you will be transferred to the airport and your return flight.