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| Siem Reap (Arrival) (-/L/D) |
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Day 1
Transfer from Siem Reap International Airport or hotel directly to the Angkor Temple complex.
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Visit Roluos Group is a collection of monuments representing the remains of Hariharalaya, the first major capital of the Angkorian era Khmer Empire; it has become a modern town of Roluos. The ancient capital was named for Hari-Hara, a synthesis of the Hindu gods Shiva and Vishnu. Though there was an existing settlement in the area before the rise Angkor, Hariharalaya, was established as a capital city by Jayavarman II and served as
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the Khmer capital for over 70 years under for successive kings. In the Rolus Group is one of the first major temples of the empire at the nearly Khmer capital of Hariharalaya. Preah Ko derive its name from the status of bulls at the front the central towers. Many of the carvings are in very good condition providing excellent examples of the deep, vivid Preah Ko style Khmer Art.
Lunch at local restaurant.
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Afternoon, transfer to the archaeological site and continue the temple tour. Visit Srah Srang, picturesque baray opposite the east entrance of Banteay Kdei.Originally constructed by the same architect that built Pre Rup.Remodeled in the 12th century as part of Jauavarman VIIs massive building campaign.
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The very sparse remains of an island temple can be seen in the middle of the lake during the dry season when the water is low. Srash Srang offers a pleasant, much less tourist, and sunrise alternative to Angkor Wat.
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Continue to Banteay Kdei, sprawling, largely un-restored, monastic complex in much the same style as Ta Prohm. It was originally constructed over the site of an earlier temple, and functioned as a Buddhist monastery under Jayavarman VII much like Bayon, suffered from several changes in the plans at the time of construction.
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The foundation stele of the temple has not been found so there is no record of to whom it is desiccated. The 13th century vandalism of Buddha images that is seen on many Jayavarman VII temples is quite apparent on Banteay Kdei.
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Finally, continue to Phnom Bakheng, the first major temple to be constructed in the Angkor area, marked the move of the capital of the Khmer empire from Roluos to Angkor in late 9th century AD. It served as Yasovarman Is state-temple at the center of his new capital city Yasodharapura. The foundation of Bakheng is carved from the existing rock edifice rather than the laterite and earth-fill of most other temples.
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Bakheng hill-top location makes it the most popular sunset location in the area, offering a view of the Tonle Sap Lake and a distant Angkor Wat in the jungle, often over crowded at sunset.
Dinner at local restaurant and accommodation at hotel.
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| Siem Reap (B/L/D) |
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Day 2
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Breakfast at hotel.
Visit the ancient capital of Anghor Thom (12th century) the South Gate, Bayon Temple is a large Buddhist temple city built from the late 12th century to the early 13th century by King Jayavarman VII. The Bayon Temple is located within Angkor Thom and consists of 54
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towers, each with 4 faces. The Royal Enclosure, the Phimeanakas, the Elephants Terrace and the Terrace of the Leper King, then visit Ta Prohm, unlike other temples in Angkor; Ta Prohm is surrounded by jungle. It is one of the largest and most attractive temples in Angkor. It was built by King Jayavarman VII from the mid-12th century to the early 13th century and dedicated to Buddhism.
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Lunch at local restaurant
Afternoon, visit Angkor Wat, is visually, architecturally and artistically breathtaking. It is a massive three tiered pyramid crowned by five beehive-like towers rising 65 meters from ground level. Angkor Wat is the centerpiece of any visit to the temple because it is the
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largest temples in world and covers an area of 200 hectares. Suryavaraman II constructed Angkor Wat in the form of a massive temple-mountain dedicated to the Hindu god, Vishnu. Angkor Wat is surrounded by moat and an exterior wall measuring 1300 meters x 1500 meters. The temple itself is 1 kilometer square and consists of the three levels surmounted by a central tower.
Dinner at local restaurant and accommodation at hotel
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| Siem Reap (B/L/D) |
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Day 3
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Visit Banteay Srei is located 35 km from Siem Reap town. It was loosely translated to citadel of the woman, but it is a modern appellation that probably refers to the delicate beauty of the carvings. Built at a time when the Khmer Empire was gaining significant power and territory, the temple was constructed at late 10th century by a Brahmin counselor under a powerful king, Rajendravarman and also displays some of the finest
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examples of classic Khmer art. The walls are densely covered with some of the most beautiful, deep and intricate carvings of any Angkorian temple.
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En-route stop at Pre Rub, was constructed in late 10th century dedicated to Hindu gods. Architecturally and artistically superior temple-mountain. Beautifully carved false doors on upper level, as well as an excellent view of the surrounding countryside. Traditionally believed to be a funerary temple, but in fact the state temple of Rajendravarman II.
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Historically important in that it was the second temple built after the capital was returned to Angkor from Koh Ker after a period of political upheaval.
Lunch at local restuarant.
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Visit Preah Khan temple, built by King Jayavarman VII for beguiler, the romancer and the artist. It is a huge, highly exportable monastic complex, and served as a Buddhist monastery and school, engaging over 1000 monks. For a short period it was also the residence of King Jayavarman VII during the reconstruction of his permanent home in Angkor.
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Preah Khan means sacred sword. In harmony with the architecturally similar Ta Prohm, which was dedicated to Jayavarman VIIs mother, Preak Khan is dedicated to his father.
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Continue to Neak Pean, a small island temple located in the middle of the last Baray (the Preah Khan Baray) to be constructed by a Khmer king in the Angkor area. The central temple sits at the axis of a cross lotus pattern of eight pools. Neak Pean took its modern appellation, which means coiled serpents, from the encoiled nagas that encircled the temple.
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The temple is faced by a statue of the horse, Balaha, saving drowning sailors. Though originally dedicated to Buddha, Neak Pean contains serve Hindu images; it may have served an absolution function.
Dinner at the local restaurant and accommodation at hotel
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| Siem Reap (Departure) (B/L/-) |
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Day 4
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For early birds special: transfer to the archeological site for sunrise from Angkor Wat. Return to the hotel for breakfast.
Drive to Chong Kneas to visit the fishing village by a private boat. Cruise through the fishing villages of the Tonle Sap Lake to discover the natural splendor and old lifestyle of
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the country. The floating houses and fishing villages along its banks are main tourist attractions. The Tonle Sap Lake is one of the natural wonders of the world. The Tonle Sap Lake is one of the natural wonders of the world. Due to the cycle of annual flood water, the Great Lake serves as a main source of freshwater fish and as the foundations of the Great Angkor Empire dating from some 1000 years.
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Visit (Les Artisan dAngkor-Chantiers Ecoles), where it is famous for its traditional craft skills products are available such stone caving, wood caving, lacquering, gilding and silk processing. Then, continue to local market (if time permits).
Transfer to Siem Reap International airport for flight to the next destination.
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GSTBBS704 |
Rate
is net per person in US$ |
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Private car/coach/private guide |
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Cat. |
Validity |
01 |
02 |
3-7 |
8-15 |
16-23+1 |
Sgl.
suppl |
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A |
01/04/07 - 30/09/07 |
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01/10/07 - 31/03/08 |
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B |
01/04/07 - 30/09/07 |
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01/10/07 - 31/03/08 |
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C |
01/04/07 - 30/09/07 |
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01/10/07 - 31/03/08 |
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D |
01/04/07 - 30/09/07 |
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01/10/07 - 31/03/08 |
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E |
01/04/07 - 30/09/07 |
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01/10/07 - 31/03/08 |
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Included in the tour price:
Domestic airfare in economy class between Phnom Penh and Siem Reap according to the itinerary.
All sightseeing as detailed in the programs including entrance fees, air-conditioned cars/vans/coasters and
the services of English speaking local guides. Other guides are subject to availability at the time of the
booking and may be subject to supplements.
Hotel accommodation in twin shared room.
Meals as specified in the program (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner).
Service charges, room tax.
Not included in the tour price:
International airfares.
Airport international and domestic departure tax in Phnom Penh/Siem Reap.
Cambodia visa fee on arrival (1 passport photo needed).
Tours and other meals are not mentioned in the program.
Personal expenditure, such as drinks, souvenirs, laundry and tips etc.
Christmas and New Year's Eve Dinners.
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Booking Now?
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