Private 3 Day Culture, Heritage and Ancient Capital Discovery Tour

Day 1 : Pick up at hotel and go to Temples

You will be picked up at hotel. Then, you are going to visit 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. Bayon – silent witnesses of time, the 216 enigmatic faces gaze over the horizon and one can only wonder what they have seen throughout the ages. Your guide will point out the best angles for photography here and give explanation of the many intricate carvings on the walls of the galleries. Then, go to Baphoun with its long causeway and an impressive giant Reclining Buddha, a jigsaw puzzle only put back together in 2011 following a 37 year-long disruption caused by the war. Then, visit PhimeanAkas, hiding in the shaded jungle and offers a decent over-the-tree-tops view to those who conquer the steep steps to the top. After, we visit Terrace of Elephants and Leper King. After that, we go to visit Ta Prohm gained its 21st Century fame from the movie Tomb Raider featuring Angelina Jolie as Lara Croft. Today, with Lara long gone, this temple is on the itinerary of most visitors and rightfully so. Many corners of Ta Prohm showcase an intricate relationship between the roots of Spung tree (Tetrameles Nudiflora) and ancient stones covered in moss. Truly a photographer’s paradise, don’t miss the opportunity to capture your own explorer’s moments. Break for Lunch.

In the Afternoon, we visit Angkor Wat Temple. You will appreciate the largest religious monument ever built – Angkor Wat. Astonishing in the morning or afternoon light you will be able to photograph the temple from across the lotus pond and then continue to explore the many levels and intricately carved galleries. Back to hotel and drop off.

Day 2 : Preh Khan & Banteay Srey Temples

After breakfast, we go to visit another temple with spectacular trees and roots taking over the ancient man made structures which would give Ta Prohm run for its money any day! Explore the delicate carvings and don’t miss the only two-storey construction in Angkor; standing on high columns this is a unique phenomenon in Khmer architecture. Your knowledgeable guide will help you navigate through the temple grounds before continuing further. Then, visit Neak Pean which offers a different view altogether. Located in the centre of the Northern Baray, this temple is essentially an island and most impressive to view in the wet season. The long raised wooden causeway leading to the temple is surrounded by water and submerged tree trunks lend the scene a ghostly appearance. Break for lunch.

After that, we go to Banteay Srei, 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. Finally we visit Banteay Samre, a larger temple which is often overlooked by tourists and looks gorgeous in late afternoon light. Return to hotel and drop off.

Day 3 : Floating Village & City Tour

After breakfast, drive to visit Tonle Sap lake, floating village that we call Chong Kneas. We take boat to see the real lifestyle of three community like Cambodia, Cham and Vietnam. Then, visit Artisan Angkor, fine art School, place for workshop wood and stone carving, Lacquering, silver plated and silk painting. Back to hotel and drop off.

PRICE: USD 390/group ( up to 6 pax )