Day 1: The Forest Temples
Morning: Discover Ta Prohm Temple (Tom Rider Filmed) walk through the temple from the East entrance to the West entrance to meet again with our driver. From the Northwest of Ta Prohm, we shall walk from 1 – 3 km about (15 minutes) through the forest to the lightly visited temple of Ta Nei. Pause for a light breakfast around this peaceful area before continuous exploring to Ta Keo temple known as the “mountain with bronze peaks”, and admire its five-tiered pyramid structure. There is a reasonable chance to explore of this beautiful Angkor temple.
Later in the morning discover exquisite of Angkor Wat the largest Hindu temple by the quieter and less frequented entry the Eastern causeway. The temple is busy at any time of day, but late morning is the quietest time to explore and admire the wonder architectural and the beautify bas reliefs.
Lunch at local restaurant (own cost). A wide selection of excellent eateries can be recommended to suit all tastes and budgets.
Afternoon: Angkor Thom the world’s largest city in the 12th Century
Continuous to explore by entering from the Victory Gate of Angkor Thom. You have the options either walk along the path of 8m high laterite city wall (500m) to the Death Gate or continuing around by road.
Visit Wat Tang Tok to get a water blessing ceremony by the monks, said to bring good fortune for the journey ahead.
En route to the Terrace of the Leper King, we can stop by briefly to see an imposing statue found in Bayon temple which is currently displayed at Vihear Prampeilveng.
Begin again at the atmospheric Preah Palilay, and walk (1km) through the shaded parkland behind the terraces, pass Phimeanakas (Royal Palace) with its beautiful lakes, and the imposing Baphuon to finally reach to Bayon Temple (Jayavarman’s state temple) at the center of the city with many captivating giant stone faces. Your guide will point out the most important and interesting of the detailed bas reliefs illustrating everyday life in the Angkorian era.
Day 2: Angkor Wat Sunrise and Tonle Sap Great Lake
Early Morning: Start at 4:30 am, leaving from the hotel for a sunrise at pre-dawn to witness the breathtaking view of Angkor Wat temple, the best place for photography. Continue to explore the central complex and it beautify bas-reliefs of Angkor Wat [AD1113], one of travel’s remaining great adventure.
Hunter/gatherers on Tonle Sap:
After late breakfast continuous to explore Tonle Sap Great Lake the richest fresh water fishing ground in the world, a national treasure producing an ever-changing landscape. The communities that live around the margins of the lake cope with huge seasonal variations in water levels by building their homes on floating bamboo rafts or 30ft stilts. It is well worth the extra effort to get away from the touristy village of Chong Kneas to the more genuine stilted villages – Kompong Khleang or Kompong Phluk (dependent on water levels) – for an understanding of contemporary lake village life.
Day 3: Explore Sacred Kulen Mountain & Beng Mealea temple
After breakfast, travel out from Siem Reap across ancient reservoirs (long since devoid of water), through pretty villages and rice paddies to visit the Sacred Kulen mountain (The Lost City of Angkor), boasting fine river carvings thousand lingers and beautiful waterfalls.
After Kulen Mountain, continuing to explore the remote temple of Beng Mealea, often described as the blueprint for Angkor Wat. Built under the control of Suryavarman II, this 12th century temple, overgrown with roots and vines, is in a much-collapsed state retaining a very atmospheric feel. Venture into darkened doorways skirting crumbling pillars and walk down the long promenades lined by naga balustrades. Take advantage of the walkways to traverse the ruins and scramble over tumbled stones in the less-explored courtyards.
