Private 03 Day Discovery of Cambodian Temples with Sunrise

Day 01: Banteay Srey- Preh Khan Temples

Pick up at hotel and transfer to visit Banteay Srey, well known for its beautiful delicate carvings in warm pink sandstone. This late 10th century structure is fairly compact and very different from other Angkorian temples. Next, visit Banteay Samre – a larger temple which is often overlooked by tourists and looks gorgeous. Then, visit Neak Porn Temple, a small island temple located in the middle of the last baray ( the Preah khan Baray or Jayatataka ) to be constructed by a khmer king in the Angkor area. The central temple sits at the axis of a cross or lotus pattern of eight pools. After that, visit Preah Khan Temple is a huge, highly explorable monastic complex. It originally served as Buddhist monastery and school, engaging over 1000 monks. Travelling back to Siem Reap you will pass through picturesque villages and may wish to stop for rural photo opportunities along the way. Back to hotel and drop off.

Day 02: Angkor Thom City & Taprohm and Sunrise at Angkor Wat

Pick up at hotel at 4:50AM and transfe to Angkor Wat, first a Hindu, then subsequently a Buddhist, temple complex in Cambodia and the largest religious monument in the world. The temple was built by the Khmer King Suryavarman II in the early 12th century in Yasodharapura,( present-day Angkor), the capital of the Khmer Empire, as his state temple and eventual mausoleum. Breaking from the Shaivism tradition of previous kings, Angkor Wat was instead dedicated to Vishnu. As the best-preserved temple at the site, it is the only one to have remained a significant religious center since its foundation. The temple is at the top of the high classical style of Khmer architecture. It has become a symbol of Cambodia, appearing on its national flag. Then, visit the south gate of Angkor Thom. On the left side of the moat, 54 ‘devas’ (guardian gods) pull the head of the snake ‘Shesha’ while on the right side 54 ‘asuras’ (demon gods) pull the snake’s tail in the opposite direction. Then, visit Bayon temple, over 200 large faces carved on the 54 tower give this temple its majestic character and the bas-reliefs contain genre scenes of everyday life-markets, fishing, festivals with cockfights and jugglers and so on-and history scenes with battles and processions. After that, visit Visit Baphoun, built in middle of the 11th century (1060) by king Udayadityavarman II, dedicated to Siva (Hindu). Visit Phimean Akas, built in late tenth century-beginning of the 11th century by King Jayavamen V and Udayadityavarman I and dedicated to Hindu. Visit the Terrace of Elephants and Leper Kings. Finally we go to visit Ta Prohm, ethereal in aspect and conjures up a romantic aura. Fig, banyan and kapok trees spread their gigantic roots over stones, probing walls and terraces apart, as their branches and leaves intertwine to form a roof over the structures. Trunks of trees twist amongst stone pillars. Back to hotel and drop off.

Day 03: Roluos Group, Tonle Sap Lake & City Tour

Pick up and transfer to visit Prah Ko, built in late ninth century (879) for the king’s parents, maternal grandparents, and a previous king, Jayavarman II and his wife, replica to Prah Ko style of art. Then, visit Bakong built in late ninth century (881) by king Indravarman I dedicated to Siva (Hindu). Next, go to Kompung Pluck village. There are a lot of houses on the stilt and you will see a beautiful view of mangrove tree growing in the lake. Return to the town and visit Les Artisan D’Angkor, fine art School, place for workshop wood and stone carving, Lacquering, silver plated and silk painting and old market area. Back to hotel and drop off.

PRICE: USD 409/group ( Max. 06 pax )