Full day Angkor temples with lunch in a traditional Cambodian house
Tourists simply cannot say they’ve been to Siem Reap if they haven’t visited its biggest claim to fame – the Angkor Temples. Built in the early 12th century, the Angkor is one of few UNESCO world heritage listed sites and Cambodia’s most valuable monument. Angkor is breathtaking, to say the least, and Siem Reap owes its booming tourist numbers to this majestic site. With Angkor Wat standing as a reminder of such a grand past, it’s no wonder that Siem Reap has picked up the pieces so diligently and drawn in the world once again. Outside seeing three of Angkor’s most recognizable splendors, having lunch at a completely privatized Cambodian house is an add-on that makes even the most discerned traveler wanting more.
Day 1
Siem Riep (-/L/-)
Explore the three main temples of Siem Reap during this full day tour. You will be picked up at your hotel by car and your personal guide. You will explore the impressive temples of Bayon and Ta Prohm in the morning.
Part of the Angkor Thom is the famous Bayon Temple; know of the more than 200 Faces, silent but with the famous half-smile playing on their lips. Erected by Jayavarman VII at the end of XII century, The Bayon (literally “Great City”) is located in the geographical heart of Angkor Thom. The fifty four-tower temple is a quite remarkable sight: it forms a three-tiered pyramid with 54 towers; each dominated by over 200 huge, 4-meters high, mysterious faces facing out to the South, North, East and West.
The Ta Prohm was built in the late 12th century by Jayavarman VII as a shrine to his mother and is another must for anyone coming to Siem Reap. While clearing back the forest, it was decided to leave them in place to serve as a
reminder of how the original discovers found it and other temples. Many of the trees have grown around and through the remains, and soar high above the temple.
Lunch will be arranged in a traditional Cambodian wooden house, located in the village of Srag Srang inside Angkor Park. The house will be privatized for you and typical Cambodian dishes will be served for lunch.
The rest of the afternoon is reserved for the Angkor Wat. Arguably the largest religious building in the world, with a volume of stone equaling that of the Cheops pyramid in Egypt; it is unlike all the other Khmer temples in that it faces west. Its symmetrical towers are stylized on the modern Cambodian flag.
Conceived by Suryavarman II, Angkor Wat took an estimated 30 years to build. It is generally believed to have been a funeral temple for the king.
Intricate bas-reliefs surround Angkor Wat on four sides. Each tells a story but the most celebrated of these is the Churning of the Sea of Milk, which is located on the east wing, the guide will explain the mystical tale.
We will be able to admire sunset from outside the temple before we bring you back to your hotel. This tour will be operated from 08:00 hrs in the morning and you will be back in Siem Reap Town by approximately 17:30 hrs.