Four Days in Angkor

Day 01

Siem Reap – , -, –

Arrival at Siem Rep international airport and after immigration and customs formalities, meeting with the guide.

Transfer to hotel, where the check-in is generally provided at 14:00, however, if the rooms should be available before this time, guests will be accommodated as soon as possible.

Departure for the visit of the pre-Angkorian Rolous archaeological complex, located about 15 km south-east from the town.

The temples of Prae Ko, Bakong and Lolei are the main and first to be built in the area during the ninth century, they represent the link between the kingdom of Chenla, whose capital were situated where now there are the remains of Sambor Preikuk and the new kingdom of Angkor, marking the beginning of the summit of power and Khmer art.

Then proceed to the Angkor complex and see the Prasat Kravan, the only example a the temple that consists of five towers in the line. In the middle see one of the most beautiful decorations dedicated to the god Vishnu.

Lunch and dinner at leisure.

Overnight.

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Day 02

Siem Reap B, L, –

Breakfast at hotel.
Excursion to discover the Bantey Srey temple, which means the citadel of women, famous for the beautiful bas-reliefs carved in almost all pink sandstone and considered by many, even greater delicacy and precision to those found in Angkor Wat.

The temple is located about 40 km from Siem Reap and it is reached while passing through an enchanting landscape characterized by rice fields and villages.

Before returning, visit the temple of Bantey Samre, named after the legend of the peasant who became king.

In the afternoon visit the walled city of Angkor Thom, passing through the South Gate, and continuing to the spectacular temple of Bayon, which, with its more than two hundred enigmatic faces, is the central building, both in the location and in the design of the city itself.

It is a masterpiece from the amazing structure consisting of 54 towers and has beautiful bas-relief depicting the daily life at the time of the kingdoms of Angkor and in which they were counted more than ten thousand figures carved in stone.

Then continue by passing in front of the imposing Baphuon and see the pyramid-shaped temple linked to the legend and the king and the snake, Pimeanakas, then to the area where the Royal Palace was located and end with the beautiful Terrace of the Elephants and Leper King.

Lunch at local restaurant and dinner at leisure.

Overnight.

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Day 03

Siem Reap B, L, –

Breakfast at hotel.
Morning spent at Angkor Wat, the masterpiece of all Khmer art, the most famous and impressive temple in the area, considered one of the wonders of the world.

It is a structure that dazzles in its spectacular, extraordinary example of architectural wisdom, decorated with extremely refined sculptures and bas-reliefs, through which the main scenes of the Indian epics are described in masterly fashion.

In the afternoon proceed to visit part the Grand Circuit of Angkor, beginning with the vast and majestic temple of Prae Khan, also known as the temple of the Holy Sword, which had the functions of a religious and cultural centre and, for a period, it was also used as royal residence. At its maximum development, more than ten thousand people were living in the compound, including many of the important teachers and the Apsara dancers, the celestial dancers.

Continue to Neak Pean, the only circular structure in memory of a mythical lake which arise from the four rivers of Hindu mythology. At the time this sacred space was used as a place of purification by water.

Then head to one of the most suggestive and fascinating temples, the Ta Phrom,

It is totally immersed in the jungle and deliberately left in same condition as when it was discovered by French archaeologists in 1860.

Partially covered by vegetation, the roots of trees magically embrace the sculptures and stone blocks of galleries, signing a marriage between history and the unbridled force of nature itself.

Lunch at local restaurant and dinner at leisure.

Overnight.

Day 04

Siem Reap B, L, –

Prima colazione in hotel.

Departure for the visit of the Tonle Sap, the largest lake in South East Asia. The pier is located about thirty minutes drive from Siem Reap. The view of the Vietnamese floating village of Chong Kneas is very charming and touching.

It consists in a myriad of floating buildings, houses, shops, add it is located, depending on periods and water depth, either along the banks of the river channel that leads to the lake or at the lake itself. Then enter in the Tonle Sap, so big that the banks cannot be seen.. The boat stops off the engine to better enjoy the silence of this “sea”. Sailing close to the mangroves, visiting a fish and crocodiles farm before returning.

Alternative to visit the lake:

The Angkor National Museum is the one and only world class museum in Siem Reap that enhances the cultural heritage of the golden era of the Khmer Kingdom through a collection of priceless artefacts and technologically advanced multimedia exhibitions that lead to full and immediate understanding.
The museum is an important inspirational site of art, culture and history of the legendary Khmer ancient civilization.

Time permitting, visit the pleasant and charming city, its colonial centre, the old market area that stretches in the proximity of the river and a nearby Buddhist pagoda.

Lunch at local restaurant.

Transfer to the airport in time for the departure of the scheduled flight.

End of services.