Cambodia's rich religious history means that it is home to some of the most beautiful temples in Southeast Asia. Built as early as the first millennium, a vast number still exist, waiting to be explored. While some have been left untouched and are now engulfed in jungle, others are lovingly preserved as magnificent spectacles of Cambodia's past. The Angkor Discovery tour has been specifically tailored to let you witness this country's unique cultural heritage in a leisurely and comfortable fashion that ensures nothing of interest is missed. In the space of four days, you will get to see Cambodia's most spectacular historical sights whilst staying in the region's finest hotels. Perhaps one of the most spectacular temples in the world, Angkor Wat, is your first destination. Constructed in the early 12th century it is considered a masterpiece of Khmer architecture. Inside the walls are covered with carvings and bas-reliefs depicting Hindu mythology, and over 2000 Asparas Dancers decorate the temple. Starting with the early Angkor era temples dating to 893 AD you will get to witness the earliest traces of Cambodia's historic religious culture before a trip to the majestic walled city of Angkor Thom. Entering its impressive stone gates and seeing the exuberant carvings all around is one of the finest experiences in the region.
Program in detail:
Day 1: Siem Riep arirval
Arrive in Siem Reap, the base for exploring the fabled temples of Angkor and the ancient capital of the Khmer Empire. You will start with a visit to the biggest religious temple in the world - the magnificent Angkor Wat. Built by Suryavarman II in the early 12th century, Angkor Wat is considered a masterpiece of Khmer architecture.
Overnight in Siem Reap.
Day 2: Siem Riep (B)
After breakfast you will depart through the countryside and start with the early Angkor-era temples of the Roluos, the first town created by the kings of Cambodia. Next you will see the splendor of Bangkok temple, built in 881 AD by King Indravarman I, and what remains of the ambitious Lolei temple. In the afternoon you will explore the temples of the Small Circuit. The most famous among these is Ta Prohm, built between the mid 12th to early 13th centuries and is overgrown by jungle trees and vines, with many parts of the temple crumbling to the ground making for a truly memorable site. Your visit will also include Banteay Kdei, a Buddhist monastery from the late 12th Century, and Srah Srang, also known as the 'pool of ablutions'.Overnight in Siem Reap
Day 3: Siem Riep (B)Take time to enjoy breakfast before visiting the Banteay Srey and Banteay Samre. One of the smallest temples in the region, Banteay Srey is also one of the most beautiful, showcasing the most exquisite, deep and complex carvings in all Khmer architecture. On the way back to Siem Reap you will visit Banteay Samre, on the eastern edge of the Angkor complex and a local village to see the production of rice paper and palm wine.
Take lunch at Sala Bai back in Siem Reap, a school training young Cambodians from poor family backgrounds in the principles of hospitality in order to give them a future
From here you continue to the Bayon Temple and the Terrace of the Elephants and the Terrace of the Leper King.
Overnight in Siem Reap.
Day 4: Siem Riep - Departure (B)
After breakfast, drive to Lake Tonle Sap where you will have the opportunity to learn about life on the water. Tonle Sap is Southeast Asia's largest freshwater lake, the size of which quadruples during the wet season. You will board a boat and visit Kampong Phluck to see life in this floating village. There will be a chance to visit the Artisans D'Angkor workshop to see wood and stone carvings or visit the local markets before transferring to the airport for the departure flight.
