Angkor avoiding crowds 5 days - Beyond Angkor Tours

Overview

The tour takes you to discover the main highlight of Angkor temples avoiding the mass crowded. Beyon Angkor Tours visit ways to the most exquisite temples when they are at their quiet and best time to see without mass tourist. Venture by foot, ox-cart and boat through a landscape visit to one of the genuine stilted villages on the Tonle Sap, to the remote temple, Beng Mealea and the local markets to see the countryside daily live activities.

Highlights

Itinerary

Day 1:

AM: Arrival into Siem Reap flight to be advised

Greeted 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

The Forest temples and Angkor City.

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 South Gate of Angkor Thom. En route to the 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.

we can stop by briefly to see an imposing statue found in Bayon temple which is currently displayed at Vihear Prampeilveng.

Begin again at Baphuon Preah the imposing Phimeanakas (Royal Palace) with its beautiful ponds and walk (1km) through the shaded parkland behind the terraces, to the atmospheric Palilay to finally Terrace of the Leper King.

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

The Sacred Kulen Mountain and Banteay Srei 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, boasting fine river carvings thousand lingers and beautiful waterfalls.

In the afternoon, the tour begins again 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.

On your way back to town, visit the temple of Banteay Samre, built in a similar style to Angkor Wat. Take a walk along the old causeway and be welcomed by the stone lions and Naga balustrades, as the temple looms above.

Day 5: Transfer to your out bound departure flight

Morning: Visit Silk Farm and Art Galleries

After breakfast heading to visit the Silk Farm distance 14km from Siem Reap. The Golden Silk Farm produces unique, individual silk pieces from the yellow silkworm, traditionally found in Southeast Asia. Whilst at the farm you will have a guided tour to visit the weaving ateliers, speak to the people who are teaching, (and learning) about the weaving process and visit the mulberry farm.

After visit the silk farm continue to the up-and-coming galleries that proliferate the streets of Siem Reap. Start at John McDermott’s Gallery at the famous FCC building overlooking the Siem Reap River. John’s mostly black and white photography captures surreal images of Angkor. Continue to DIWO Gallery, where Mr Thierry Diwo exhibits a selection of contemporary Khmer statues, Buddhas and original photographs.

Finally, visit Theam’s house, a quirky mix of art studio, atelier and gallery overflowing with artisanal products, lacquered panels and works-in-progress by the artist Theam and his artisan apprentices, who is helping to revive the Cambodian

Afternoon: 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

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