MARVELOUS ANGKOR WAT TOUR

Welcome to Siem Reap! Your tour begins with a warm welcome by your tour guide, a transfer to your hotel, home for the next three nights. Tonight we’ll share a delicious dinner and enjoy a traditional Apsara Dance performance.

Today, we’ll enjoy a full-day exploration of Angkor Thom (the Great City) and its Temples. We’ll start with the incomparable Angkor Thom (the Great City), emphasizing the Southern Gate and the famous Bayon Temple. Come afternoon, it is time to visit the wonderful Angkor Wat Temples – among the world’s greatest architectural treasures. We’ll visit Phnom Bakheng Temple, the first temple in Angkor region, built in the 9th century and commanding unequalled view of the sunset over the jungle and distant Angkor Wat. Overnight in Siem Reap.

In the morning, we’ll travel through the traditional village of Preah Dark to the 12th century temple of Banteay Samre. Built by King Suryavarman II, the genius behind Angkor Wat, this temple has been extensively restored. The pediments above the inner doors here include some of the most accomplished carving from the Angkor period. We continue further north to Banteay Srei, Angkor’s ultimate art gallery. This petite pink temple is the jewel in the crown of Angkor-era sculpture. The elaborate carvings here are the finest found in Cambodia. The name translates as “Fortress of the Women”, as it was thought that the intricate detail was too fine for the hands of a man. Inscriptions at the site suggest it was built in 967. However, some architectural historians have suggested that the inscriptions may date from an earlier structure on this site and the temple is in fact later, making it a high-water mark in the history of Khmer sculpture. This afternoon you will visit the unique Prasat Kravan, Srah Srang (“The Royal Baths”), Banteay Kdei (surrounded by 4 concentric walls) and Ta Prohm, one of the area’s most beautiful temples. Ta Prohm has been relatively untouched since it’s discovery and retains much of its mystery. Preah Khan Temple is home to Neak Pean, a fountain built in the middle of a pool, representing a paradisiacal Himalayan mountain-lake. Like Ta Prohm, it is a place of towering enclosures and shoulder-hugging corridors. From here we’ll move to Pre Rup Temple, built by Rajendravarman II in late 10th century. An architectural and artistic masterpiece commanding magnificant views, this was the state temple of the King. Overnight in Siem Reap.

Your final day starts with breakfast at the hotel – we’ll get you to the airport for your departing flight