Cambodia’s Treasure 4 Days / 3 Nights

In the morning, drive to Angkor Thom, the masterpiece of King Jayavarman VII, who built an impregnable fortress at the heart of his empire after the Chams invaded Angkor from 1177 to 1181. 

Start with a visit to Bayon Temple, located at the exact center of Angkor Thom. This temple is an eccentric expression of the creative genius and inflated ego of Cambodia’s most celebrated king, with his smiling face carved on 54 towers. Photo stop at the Terrace of the Leper King, a platform with a statue of a mythical king who was said to have leprosy. Along the Terrace of Elephants, you will see a viewing gallery that was originally used by the king to preside over parades, performances and traditional sports. At the southern end, you will find the Baphuon, one of the most beautiful temples at Angkor, dating from the reign of Uditayavarman I in the 11th century. 

Continue to the picturesque Ta Prohm, a temple that had nearly disappeared into the jungle and remains overgrown, creating an oddly haunting and exotic scene. You will be amazed by the magnificent roots of a tree, pushing between the huge stone blocks of the temple in a sort of embrace, evoking feelings that you may remember forever. 

We journey out to the mother of all temples, Angkor Wat, believed to be the world’s largest religious building. This temple is the perfect fusion of symbolism and symmetry and a source of pride and strength to all Khmers.

Overnight in Siem Reap

Beat the crowd early morning by 7 am and visit the picturesque Ta Prohm that had nearly disappeared into the jungle and remains overgrown, creating an oddly haunting and exotic scene. The magnificent roots of a tree, pushing between the huge stone blocks of the temple in a sort of embrace, evoke feelings that you may remember forever. Drive to the rural outskirts 35km from the Angkor area and visit the smallest, but magnificent, Banteay Srei built in the 10th Century and dedicated to Shiva. The temple was the birthplace of Khmer classical style architecture and the bas-relief work is the best example of Khmer classical art remaining. The pink sandstone structure bears a series of striking and beautiful sculptures, lintels, pediments and friezes. Khmers say the temple must have been carved by women, as the details are too fine for the hands of a man. On the way back, stop at Pradark Village, where you will see the villagers making palm sugar and handicrafts for selling to tourists. It’s a nice chance for you to see the local people living in the countryside and their struggles for daily life.

Later, continue with a boat ride on the Tonlé Sap Lake, the largest permanent freshwater lake in Southeast Asia and a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. The lake flows into the Tonle Sap River, which joins the Mekong in Phnom Penh. You will see a fishermen’s “floating village” with floating schools, floating police station, and more. It is like a big village floating on the lake, and the “village” moves from place to place following water levels and currents. Then, visit Artisans d’Angkor, a social enterprise that revives ancient Khmer arts and crafts while providing employment and training to rural youth.

Overnight in Siem Reap.

Transfer to the Siem Reap International Airport for your departure to your next destination. 

It’s time to say goodbye: we sincerely thank you for traveling with us and hope you had a wonderful time! We warmly invite you to come again!