Day 1: Arrival into Siem Reap flight to be advised
Greeted and meet with your appointed guide and driver with private transfer to your chosen hotel.
Country Life Photography
After check in to the hotel continue to discover the countryside beyond temple for the picturesque with an experienced guide and self-taught photographer who will lead the way to vibrant villages, pass the lush rice paddies and children riding on top water buffalos. Introduced to the real Cambodia and some secret, tourist-free spots, you can expect to connect with local rural life and capture memorable photographs.
After a first taste of the temples get back to the secret sunset place with no one there to disturb you. (North East of Angkor Wat).
Day 2: The Forest temples and Angkor Complex
By road to Explore Srah Srang your first taste of the Angkorian temples. Explore the sprawling labyrinth of Banteay Kdei with its Hall of Dancing Girls and continue explore to Ta Prohm (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.
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
Begin again 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.
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.
Continue 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 3: Angkor Wat Sun Rise, Tonle Sap Lake and Early Capital of Angkor
Early morning:
Early morning start for a sunrise tour at pre-dawn to witness the breathtaking view of Angkor Wat temple, the best place for photography. Continue to explore the central complex and bas-reliefs of Angkor Wat [AD1113], one of travel’s remaining great adventures, before returning to the hotel for a late breakfast.
Hunter/gatherers on Tonle Sap
Begin 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 life.
Afternoon: The earliest Angkor capital
On the way back to the city you will begin to explore the earliest Angkor capital in the region [Hariharalaya AD881] near the contemporary town of Rolous. Lolei, Preah Ko and Bakong exhibit some of the first examples of architectural features found commonly throughout later Angkor temples.
Day 4: The Remote Temple Beng Mealea and Koh Ker
Morning:
By National Road 6 to Phnom Penh, travel to Dam Dek some 30Km and turn left by paved road and dirt road north east of Kulen Mountain about 60Km to explore extremity of Remote temple complex of Koh Ker. Continue your visit to the unique temples of the Angkor era with large scale sculptures, surrounding a big Baray Rahal. State pyramid temple of King Jayavarman IV, Prasat Thom, the best place for taking photos in the morning. Continue to Prasat Balang and other temples along the road around the reservoir Rahal. End the exploration with Prasat Neang Khmau and Prasat Pram crowned with the trees.
Afternoon: Continuing from Koh Ker on the way back you will drive on 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.
Day 5: Siem Reap City Tours
Morning:
Visit the Royal Independence Gardens where your guide will highlight interesting facts about the Royal Residence, the shrine of Ya Tep and Preah Ang Chek Preah Chom shrine, holy places where many locals go to worship.
Continue to the French Quarter of Siem Reap for French architecture buildings, and a stroll along the river to soak in the lush green surroundings (depending on the season), and just watch the hustle and bustle of the place.
Depending on time, you may visit the Artisans d’Angkor centre, one of the best workshops in town with excellent quality sandstone, silver, wood, and silk products
Afternoon: Buddhist Pagoda Discovery
See another side to Siem Reap as you take a tuk-tuk around town to visit some of the city’s prominent pagodas. This is a fascinating way to gain a deeper understanding of Cambodia, its religious buildings and ancient practices. Visit Wat Bo, one of the oldest pagodas in the city with interesting wall paintings, Wat Damnak, housing the Centre of Khmer Studies, and Wat Preah Enkosey, built on an early Angkorian brick Hindu temple which remains today. You are welcomed to make offerings at these sites as locals do, which Beyond Angkor Tours will prepare for you in advance. If there’s time, you can also stop at Wat Preah Prohm Rath on the riverside and Ya Tep Shrine, in front of the Royal Residence.
Day 6:
Transfer for your out-bounce flight
Meet with your local guide with private transfer for your out-bounce departure flight. Chhum Reap Lear The Kingdom of Wonder – Good bye
