Grand Angkor – Heritage & Traditions

(7 DAYS / 6 NIGHTS)

Places to visit: Siem Reap & Angkor.

Description

This is an epic journey into the ancient heart of the Angkor region. It allows visitors to see thoroughly all that is worth discovering about the brilliant Khmer civilization and its temples. You will visit all the main temples along the small and grand Angkor circuits, including the world famous sites of Angkor Thom and Angkor Wat. The program also incorporates an excursion to the large temple complex of Boeng Mealea, 70 km away from the main Angkor area, as well as also a visit to the Kbal Spean River lingas and carvings in the forest near Banteay Srei. In addition, you will see the traditional life of inhabitants and ethnic minorities in different provinces, with a focus on the way traditional Angkor crafts are made and how these ancient skills are being preserved.

Highlights

• Discover the stunning temples of the Angkor area in and around Siem Reap
• Watch traditional dancing including the unique and graceful Apsara dancers
• Enjoy a boat excursion to floating villages - the real ‘water world’
• Visit art showrooms and the National Silk Weaving Center and watch local artisans train
• Experience a journey through Cambodia’s different cultural regions
• 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 and Angkor Wat from temple mountain Phnom Bakhaeng (900 AD). 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, a temple that dates back to 967 AD. The temple is dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva and is famed for the intricate friezes carved into its red sandstone walls. We will then cool off with a beautiful 30 minute walk into the forest near Banteay Srei to see the stone carvings and lingas of Kbal Spean. Known as the valley of 1000 lingas, you can explore the various Hindu mythological sculptures dug in the Siem Reap riverbeds. We will continue on to the monuments of Boeng Mealea and then return to Siem Reap for your second overnight stay.

Day 3: Angkor & Siem Reap

This morning will involve a excursion to Western Baray, an ancient reservoir constructed in the 11th century to irrigate the surrounding rice paddies. You will cross into the middle of the Baray by boat to see the West Mebon, a temple surrounded by water to represent the Hindu sea of creation.
In the afternoon 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, Prasat Kravan and Takeo (1004 AD). Explore the intricate and ingenious designs. Then it’s back to Siem Reap for your third stopover.

Day 4: Angkor & Siem Reap

After breakfast, we begin the fourth day with a visit one of the jewels of Cambodia – 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. We then return to the hotel in Siem Reap.

Day 5: Angkor & Siem Reap

On the fifth morning, you will enjoy a 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. This is also the day when we visit the National Silk Weaving Centre, located some 14 km from Siem Reap. Followed by your fifth overnight stay in Siem Reap.

Day 6: Angkor & Siem Reap

After five hectic days of discovery and exploration, this morning is given over to resting up and relaxation. Kick back and take the weight off your feet. In the afternoon, you will discover the other important temples of Jayavarman VII: Preah Khan, Neak Pean, Ta Prom. The evening is given over to entertainment – a visit to the Apsara Theatre to enjoy a fine Khmer dinner and traditional dances. Then it’s back to the hotel for your final night in Siem Reap.

Day 7: Siem Reap

Transfer to the airport for your return flight.