Day 1:
AM: Arrival into Siem Reap flight to be advised
Meet and greets with your local guide and driver with private transfer to your chosen hotel.
AM or PM: Country Life Photography
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.
Day 2: The Forest Temples
Morning:
In the morning 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.
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 3: Ton Le Sap Great Lake and Beng Mealea Temple
AM: Hunter/gatherers on Tonle Sap
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.
Lunch at local restaurant
PM: Beng Mealea: The blueprint for Angkor Wat
Continuing from the lake 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 4: Early: Angkor Wat Sunrise and Sacred Kulen Mountain
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
PM: Explore Sacred Kulen Mountain
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 on the way back visiting to Banteay Srei [AD967] some 37km distance from Siem Reap. This beautiful pink sandstone temple is with the most exquisite well-known for its intricate deep carvings, of which hardly any space is left untouched and its perfect state of preservation.
Day 5: Transfer to your out bound departure flight
Meet with your local guide and driver for a private transfer too your outbound departure flight.
Chum Reap Lear the Kingdom of Wonder – Good bye
