5 Days Elemental Siem Reap & Surrounds Tour

Today you will be driven to the south gate of Angkor Thom, the entrance to the once-glorious capital of the Khmer Empire. This massive historical site encompasses a series of eminent structures, such as the Bayon Temple, famed for the multitude of serene and vivid carvings, Elephant Terrace, a giant reviewing stand for Angkor’s King to greet his victorious army, Preah Khan and Ta Prohm Temple, a famous location in the film Tomb Raider. After the lunch break, the trip continues to the world-renowned Angkor Wat Temple, the UNESCO World Heritage Site. While here you will be transferred to the Pre Rup Temple, acknowledged as one of the best spots in Angkor to catch an impressive sunset, weather permitting.

Meals included: Breakfast and lunch

Notes:

Lunch: Arrangements for today include a special picnic lunch hosted within the jungle at a one of the temples.

Dress Code: Revealing clothes, such as shorts and skirts above the knees and showing bare shoulders are prohibited in sacred places. Respectful dress is strongly recommended in Angkor.

Smoking: Smoking inside the temple is prohibited at all times.

Public holiday closures: The Bakan Tower (Central Tower) of Angkor Wat Temple is closed on Buddhist Sabbath Days (Buddhist religious days which occur four days each month. On these days, the tower cannot be climbed.

Head north this morning for approximately 30 kilometres to visit the beautiful temple of Banteay Srei, an elaborately decorated temple. Built in dedication to the Hindu god, Shiva, the temple is renowned for its distinctive pink sandstone carvings of lotus flowers and scenes from the Ramayana, a Sanskrit story of duty to family. On the way to Banteay Srei, enjoy a visit to Bong Thom Village where you’ll have the opportunity to discover and participate in village life, connecting personally with the locals. Return to Siem Reap and savor a well-earned coffee break when you stop by the Bayon Pastry School (Bayon L’école), an NGO school providing vocational training and job placement for disadvantaged young Cambodians. Wrap up today’s touring by relaxing with a wander through the local night market.

Meals included: Breakfast and lunch

This morning will transfer you to the lost city of Koh Ker, when you arrive you’ll drive on a clockwise circuit around the temples to take advantage of the morning light.

The first temple you’ll see on this full-day tour is Prasat Pram, with its 5 towers, some of which are draped in tree roots. Prasat Chin, or the Chinese temple, is in a state of ruin and its blackened laterite tower is open to the sky. Thereafter visit the small reservoir of Andong Preng (the sacred well of oil) before finishing the morning part of the tour at Prasat Thom. See the large moat, the 37-meter-high Prasat Thom pyramid, and numerous thousand-year-old brick temples and shrines. Take a break for lunch in the temple area before heading out on the eastern part of the circuit, which features some of the largest temple lingas of the Khmer Empire. Then move to south and visit the jungle temple of Beng Mealea, which was built 30 years before Angkor Wat, in a similar style and with a similar layout. You’ll have time for an in-depth exploration of this temple, taking an unusual route to see parts of these ruins seldom visited.

Back to Siem Reap and pay a visit to Theam House, home to one of Cambodia’s most famous contemporary artists. Located in a residential community, be inspired by this modern version of Cambodian style and beauty, captured in beautiful collections and art. Finish the day back to Siem Reap where you can relax for the evening.

Meals included: Breakfast and lunch

Enjoy a free morning before you are escorted to the airport for your return flight home. Your tour concludes today.

Meals included: Breakfast