Siem Reap Explorer – A Week of Angkor Adventure

Breakfast is at the hotel. We’re journeying out (or tuk tuk) of the hotel at 8.00 am to the South Gate of Angkor Thom atop 4 giant faces that religiously represent compassion, sympathy, equanimity and charity. Stroll around Bayon temple, consisting of more than 200 smiling faces in stone, admired by interesting temples including Baphuon, Phimeanakas, the terrace of the leper king and the terrace of the elephant. Resume the journey to visit Ta Prohm temple, adorned with the stunning, amazing tree roots where “Lara Croft: Tomb Raider” was filmed.

Enjoy a Khmer set lunch at a selected local restaurant near the temples.

Afternoon, continue to witness the marvellous Angkor Wat – the world’s heritage listed by UNESCO in 1992 and the largest unrivalled monument in the world. Built by Suryavarman II in the 12th Century, Angkor Wat is considered one of the top destinations in Asia and is a must-see in your lifetime. Learning from your tour guide about the amazing history, its ancestral incredible, architectural masterpieces, and the finest carvings dates back to the Khmer Empire when it dominated the largest parts of Southeast Asia.

Next, we’re heading to Angkor Thom, where we will embark on a traditional gondola, which slowly glides along the moat (Tonle Om). Immerse yourselves in the serenity among the stunning nature of Angkor, which at the moment seems to date back to the old time of the Angkor Kingdom, while the picturesque sunset with golden color fades at the horizon.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Stay overnight in Siem Reap

You will be picked up at 5.00 am, then drive within the Angkor jungle toward the magnificent Angkor Wat, where we will wait to watch the spectacular sunrise over Angkor Wat towers and capture its beautiful sunrise reflection at the lotus pond.

Return hotel for breakfast then leave the hotel again to stroll at Preah Dak village to observe local people making the famous steaming rice cake which hides coconut milk inside that you have a chance to grab a few bites before continuing to unlock the intricately carved, beautiful red-pink sandstone temple of Banteay Srei – considered to be a Jewel of Khmer art which features elaborate decorations and its finest details. These factors have made the temple extremely popular with tourists, and have led to its being widely praised as a “precious gem”.

Enjoy a Khmer set lunch at a selected local restaurant near temples.

Afternoon, we head out to visit 12th century Banteay Samre temple in good condition then go to explore some Angkorian temples located in the Grand/small Circuit such as Ta Som, Neak Pean (Coiled Serpents), Preah Khan (Royal Sword), Banteay Kdei and Srah Srang (The Royal’s Basin).

 *Please be aware that there are a lot of available temples within the grand/small circuits for visiting. Flexibility depends on your interest and how you feel, whether you want to skip or continue.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Stay overnight in Siem Reap

Breakfast is at the hotel. Our guide and driver will pick you up at 7.40 am from the hotel’s lobby, then transfer to Kulen Elephant Forest’s office in Siem Reap town. Next, the shuttle minivan will leave at 8.00 am with a one-hour drive to the Kulen Elephant Forest, which is located at the base of the Kulen Mountain range. Once at the reserve, you will spend time learning from the local tour guide to understand the way elephants live, play and roam, as well as knowing how they are being well taken care of, mostly through their natural habitat, observing their relationships and behaviours. At noon, retire to base camp and enjoy a traditional meal before heading back to Siem Reap (approx. 2.00 pm). You will then get picked up by our driver from Kulen Elephant Forest’s office to the hotel then it is your own leisure.

Evening, our team transfers to have a delicious Khmer set dinner at a local restaurant before we’re going to watch a unique Phare Circus performance (Seat B), which is unlike any other circus in the world: theater, story, dance, high-energy music and circus arts.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Stay overnight in Siem Reap

Breakfast is at the hotel. We leave at 8.00 am, then head out of the hassle of Siem Reap City about an hour (50km) drive to Kompong Khleang village located at the edge of Tonle Sap Lake. Along the way, the countryside dotted with palm trees, we stop to observe how famous bamboo sticky rice is produced, and you have chances to taste some bites of those delicious snacks. We proceed to embark on a sheltered boat which slowly cruises along the canal and around the region that is admired by amazing houses atop high poles, come across the highlight of fishing activities, as well as see people selling fruits/vegetables/meats on their boats. Continue the boat trip to visit the Kompong Khleang floating community, witness how life works on the water and how people make the lake as home and see the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia. Learn from your tour guide about the ecosystem and its rich biosphere reserve.

Afternoon, we continue to visit Beng Mealea temple hidden amongst the stunning vegetation. We walk to experience the guided adventure within the lush jungle to reveal the lost temple “Beng Mealea”. Since the temple was constructed during the reign of King Suryavarman II in the early 12th century until then it has never been restored again. It provides a wonderful adventure that you’re going to climb over/down the ruined rocks, walking into the gallery to unlock the carvings and the interesting history of the Hindu temple related to Angkor time. We then tranquilly capture picturesque photos before we make our way back to the hotel in the evening.

Meals: Breakfast
Stay overnight in Siem Reap

Breakfast is at the hotel. We start the tour at 8.30 am to a remote countryside village, the journey passes interesting city highlights and huge, beautiful rice paddies dotted with palm trees and cattle in the fields. We will visit a local market to observe interesting trade exchanges before arriving in the village, next have some fun on the oxcart ride through the village to get interaction along with “Hello” from friendly kids. Disembark the cart, and you’ll be greeted by a host family, then we get involved with rural activities such as rice planting or harvesting or growing vegetables or making a roof of palm leaves, depending on the season of the year. These rural village activities are the most unique, memorable experience in your trip to Cambodia. Return to the family’s house, stroll around to see the surroundings which are admired by routine, lifestyle, culture, customs and superstitions, enjoy lunch followed by tropical fruits, and get refreshed by coconut juice before saying goodbye to the host family, and we make our way back to the hotel.

Evening, we leave to enjoy a delicate Khmer set dinner (or buffet) followed by a traditional Apsara dance performance at a selected local restaurant.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Stay overnight in Siem Reap

Breakfast is at the hotel. Simply enjoy the rest of your free time in Siem Reap before our team picks you up from the hotel’s lobby and transfers you to Siem Reap Angkor International Airport for your flight to the next destination.

Meals: Breakfast