ANGKOR WAT DISCOVERY
from $205*
|
3 days / 2 nights
Ref: AWD-3D |
|
Day 1: The Small Circuit & Angkor Thom
- / L / -
|
You arrive at Siem Reap International Airport in the morning where you will be met by our guide and transferred to your hotel. After a short break to allow you to freshen up you will visit the Angkor Conservation Area, collect your entrance pass, and continue onto the Small Circuit. This tour includes the huge pyramid of Takeo built in the 10th century, and the jungle-clad Ta Prohm, made famous by the Hollywood blockbuster ‘Tomb Raider’. This temple has been left to the destructive power of the jungle and demonstrates the awesome power of nature. It has been largely consumed by the jungle and as you climb through the dilapidated stone structures you see many giant trees growing out of the top of the temple itself. You continue to visit Sras Srang, known as the King's bathing pond, situated opposite the East Gate of Banteay Kdei. Finally, this morning you take in Prasat Kravan, an elegant brick temple from the 10th century with some fine brick carvings in the interior. After this you return to town for a local lunch. After lunch you explore the impressive Angkor Thom, this Royal city was first built in the 11th century, destroyed, and subsequently renovated by King Jayavarman VII at the end of the 12th century.  Its vast walls contain many beautiful monuments. You approach this ancient city via the South Gate which is flanked by demons and gods engaged in a tug-of-war over the elixir of immortality. Once through the gate you will visit the Bayon, a temple famed for its many gigantic carved faces smiling beguilingly down at you. You will also visit other important sites in this immense walled city, including the pyramid of Baphuon, Phimeanakas, and the royal viewing stands known as the Terrace of the Elephants and the Terrace of the Leper King. If you have the time your guide will take you to an excellent spot for watching a mesmerising Angkor Wat sunset. The evening is free at your leisure. |
Day 2: Banteay Srei & the Grand Circuit
B / - / D
|
This morning you head 30km north to visit the captivating and beautiful temple of Banteay Srei or ‘Fortress of the Women’. The journey allows you to experience the beautiful Cambodian countryside as you pass through small typical villages, just ask your guide if you wish to stop off at any of these to witness modern day village life, which in reality has not changed too much since the days of the Angkor Empire. On route you will take a short diversion to Banteay Samre, a temple which has undergone extensive restoration, and in certain aspects resembles a mini Angkor Wat, with many of its carvings in excellent condition. Banteay Srei was built in the 10th century and is an elaborately decorated temple, embellished with floral motifs and scenes from the Ramayana, and was dedicated to Shiva. The famous pink sandstone structure bears a series of beautiful sculptures, lintels, pediments and friezes.  It is said they must have been carved by women as the detail is too fine for the hands of a man. You will return to town for lunch. After lunch you continue your Angkor encounter with a visit to the spectacular temples of the Grand Circuit. First you visit Preah Khan or ‘Sacred Sword’, one of the largest temples at Angkor with huge corridors extending in every direction. It was built by Jayavarman VII in the 12th century, this is one of the many highlights of Angkor. You continue to Neak Pean, a delicate temple set in a square pool and surrounded on all sides by fountains and ponds. Next is Ta Som and its famous strangler fig tree smothering the eastern gate. Finally, you arrive at Pre Rup, built in the 10th century, this is a pleasant spot to experience another Angkor sunset if you wish. This evening you will enjoy dinner and a fascinating Apsara dance show at a local restaurant. |
Day 3: Angkor Wat, Floating Villages & Local Crafts
B / L / -
|
You may choose to rise early today to catch the sun rising from behind Angkor Wat’s five carved towers - after being awed you return to your hotel for breakfast. After breakfast it is time to further discover the magnificent Angkor Wat, the world’s largest religious building. After being initially inspired by its overall size you will explore in more detail, getting up close and personal to fully appreciate its architecture and intricately detailed bas-reliefs. Believed to have been undertaken as a temple and mausoleum for King Suryavarman II at the peak of the Khmer Empire in the first half of the 12th century, Angkor Wat is the best-preserved of the Angkorian temples, truly one of the wonders of the world. You will return to town for lunch, after which you will call in at Artisans d’Angkor, an interesting boutique workshop where you can observe young Cambodians learning traditional Khmer handicraft techniques, such as stone & wood carving, and lacquering & gilding - a great opportunity for last minute quality souvenirs where not only will your purchase be a genuine piece of local art but you will also be supporting the next generation of Khmer craftsmen and women! You then continue towards the Tonle Sap and see Phnom Krom the large hill that looms closer, and enjoy a relaxing cruise on the on the Tonle Sap lake, the largest lake in South East Asia. The lake is of critical importance to the livelihood of many Khmers who rely upon  it increasing in size almost 10-fold during the rainy season for their livelihoods. A trip on the lake compliments a visit to the temples wonderfully as many of the temple bas-reliefs depict how life around and on the lake affected all walks of Khmer life, much as it still does today. You will see the traditional floating village of Chong Khneas and witness the residents going about their daily life - it is quite a sight seeing a whole bamboo village complete with homes, gas stations, schools, hair dressers, and even karaoke bars floating on a lake. If you are a wildlife enthusiast there is also the opportunity to spot many birds which feed on and around this huge lake. As the sun sets the captain will head out into the expanse of the lake, cut its engine, and allow you to experience the setting sun disappearing into the lake in silence – perfect…. You will then be transferred to Siem Reap / Angkor International Airport for your onward flight leaving the home of the Angkor Empire with many wonderful memories... |
| *The cost of the above tour is $205 (US dollars) per person based on 4 people travelling together and sharing 2 rooms in medium standard accommodation. |
| If there are more of less than 4 people travelling in your party, or if the above suggested itinerary does not fully meet your needs please email us as we will be happy to discuss alternative arrangements. |
|
|
- All sightseeing tour and transfer services as detailed in the above itinerary
- English speaking local guides
- All accommodation based on 2 sharing a room
- All entrance fees for attractions included in the above itinerary
- Private air conditioned vehicles
- All boat trips
- Daily drinking water whilst sightseeing
- All meals as detailed in the above itinerary
(B = Breakfast - L = Lunch - D = Dinner)
- Services not detailed in the above itinerary
- International flights to and from Siem Reap
- Cambodian Visa fees (currently $20 per person)
- International airport departure tax (currently $25 per person)
- Expenditure of a personal nature
- Travel insurance
- Any payment / money transfer charges
|
