Spirit of Angkor

At your arrival at the Siem Reap International airport, your dedicated driver will be waiting for you in the arrival hall and welcome you to Cambodia. He will escort you to your car and take you to your hotel for check-in. Then we will brief you about the rest of the tour and answer the questions you may have. According to your arrival time, your driver will make suggestions to start exploring the city of Siem Reap, such as visiting the old market, wlaking along the Siem Reap river or visitng the night market. Overnight in Siem Reap.

In the morning you will enjoy a relaxing breakfast before exploring one of the most stunning world-heritage site on the planet: the temples of Angkor. Your driver will meet you at your hotel and then take you for a day tour of what is called the small circle. The city that used to be the capital of Khmer Empire, was the biggest metropolis of its time with more then 800,000 people, and recent NASA studies have found that it spread over nearly 3000 km2. This resulted in a vast variety in architectural styles that can be explored in several days. Your first stop will take you to the biggest and most famous temple of all: Angkor Wat. Built in the 12th century, the temple (‘Wat’ means temple in Khmer) is dedicated to the Hindu God Vishnu. Then you will continue your journey towards Angkor Thom (literally “Big Angkor”, or “Big City”). The area is surrounded by a protecting wall and you will access through one of its gates, made of 4 giants stone heads. Then you will reach one of the most mysterious sites of the Angkor area: Bayon - 148 giant Buddha faces made of stone, starring at the four cardinal directions. Next you will visit the temple of Baphuon, which used to be one of the biggest temples of the Angkor site. Built as pyramid in the 11th century, Baphuon’s main attraction is the giant lying Buddha (60m long) that can be discovered on the south side. Just next to the temple, you will discover Phimeanakas, which is inside what used to be the Royal Palace. The temple of Phimeanakas (literally “celestial palace”), built in the 10th century, was allegedly covered by a golden roof. Exiting the the Royal Palace, you will also discover the Elephants terrace. Then you will finish the tour by discovering one of the most iconic temple of Angkor: Ta Phrom. The Hollywood blockbuster ‘Tomb Raider’ (featuring Angelina Jolie) gave the temple its fame, but as soon as you entire the site you will be stunned by the unique atmosphere created by the angkorian temples half covered by giant trees and vegetation. Then return to you Siem Reap and your hotel to relax from this fantastic day of sightseeing. Overnight in Siem Reap.

Today you will continue the exploration of the ancient capital city of the Khmer empire, that ruled over a very wide area that included the current Cambodia, Thailand, Laos and vast part of Vietnam during the 13th century. Your driver will pick you up at your hotel and take you for the ‘Big Circle’. First you will explore the lost city of Preah Khan. You will explore the ruins that used to host a monastery and a Buddhist university, and admire the beautiful carvings decorating the ancient walls. Then you will continue your journey through time and discover the site of Neak Pean. Built in 12th century, Neak Pean features a sanctuary set in the middle of a small lake. The lake was made to be a replica of sacred lake of Anavatapta, located in the Tibetan Himalayas. You will pass along Ta Som (a temple literally swallowed by the nature), before reaching East Mebon (a former city, from which only the main temple remains, surrounded by a water tank). As you continue your tour, you will explore the site of Banteay Kdei whose gate will welcome you with 4 giant stone faces of Buddha. The architectural journey will end with the discovery of Srah Srang (a pool built in 10th century) and Prasat Kravan (a temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu). Your driver will then take you back to your hotel for a little rest. In the evening you can explore the night market of Siem Reap, which is located right across the river in the city center. The center of Siem Reap is a lively area, that you can explore by foot. Overnight in Siem Reap.

Enjoy your breakfast in the relaxing atmosphere of your hotel, before your driver meets you to take you on tour. Today you will explore sites of the greater Angkor area. This will take you through the Cambodian countryside and give you an insight into the daily life of Khmer farmers. Your first stop will be Banteay Samre. This temple from the 12th century is also called ‘mini Angkor Wat’, and as it is off the beaten track, you might enjoy the visit all for yourself. Then your driver will take you to the famous site of Banteay Srei. You will notice how different this site is from the others that you have visited so far. Banteay Srei is made of pink sandstones, that give the buildings a unique different color. Another stunning difference is that the carvings are extremely precise and well made. Which created the popular belief that it must had been done by women (“Srei” meaning “woman” in Cambodian). Then your journey will take you to Roluos, crossing typical villages of the Cambodian countryside. The Roluos include the sites of Lolei, Preah Ko and Bakong. All were built before the Angkorian area, back in the 9th century. In the afternoon, your driver will take you back to Siem Reap. You can then decide to relax at your hotel or to explore the city center by foot. You can visit the Old Market, along the river and walk along the notorious Pub Street. Overnight in Siem Reap.

Today enjoy the breakfast at your hotel. According to your flight time, your driver will suggest visits to do (or will be happy to take you to your place of choice). You may want to do some shopping before you leave (such as Kampot Pepper, artefacts or other souvenirs). The old market (‘Psar Chas’ in Khmer language) will be the perfect spot. If time allows, your driver will also be happy to take you to visit the floating villages of Kampong Khleang (local extra cost for boat is not included in our price). Your driver will then take you to Siem Reap International airport for your flight.