Traveling through South East Asia, especially visiting the Indochinese countries such as Cambodia you will see hundreds of Buddhist monasteries scattered everywhere, but then in the Angkorian Era the country was a mixture of Hindu and Buddism. Nowadays over 95% of Cambodians are Buddhist. Do you want to know about the distinctive features of Buddhism in Cambodia? Also, are you curious about the more famous Buddhist sites of Cambodia? Here is a gret chance to visit the monks and take part in some of the activities performed in the temples such as the blessing ceremony or the sprinkling holy water ceremony etc. In the meantime you will explore Cambodia, visiting the Angkor Temple complex at Siem Reap.   

Trip Grade: Moderate
Best Travel Time:

There are two seasons in Cambodia, wet and dry. From early May to the end of October is the rainy season. It often rains heavily but for short periods of time, mostly later in the day or during the night, after which the sun returns. The rain cools the air and freshens up the lush green of the rice plantations. It is cooler in the dry season, which runs from early November to early February, when it starts heating up again, building to the hottest month of April. So the best time for rain lovers is between May and October and from November to early March for those who like it dry and cool.

Trip Tips:

When visiting the temples, be sure to wear sturdy to cover the knees and solders, comfortable shoes as you will be doing a lot of walking as well as sometimes climbing steep stairs.

Visitng Cambodian Circus known as Phare Ponleu Selpak located in Siem Reap. Phare Ponleu Selpak (PPS) is a non-profit Cambodian association working with vulnerable children, young adults and their families through 3 interweaving fields of intervention are Arts schools, Social support and Educational programs.

Day 01: Arrival – Siem Reap
Day 02: Siem Reap – Angkor
Day 03: Siem Reap – Angkor
Day 04: Siem Reap – Angkor
Day 05: Siem Reap – Free day
Day 06: Siem Reap – Departure

On arrival at Siem Reap you will be met by our guide and transfer to the hotel for check in. After purchasing the Angkor temple pass you will enjoy an ATV ride (quad bike) through the countryside, meeting friendly local poeple and kids, followed by a visit to Wat Atvea temple then work with the  monks at the water blessing ceremony for prosperity, happiness and sucess.

Tonight you will enjoy some Khmer Cuisine along with an Apsara dance performance to depicting the daily ilife of Cambodia and its mytholigy.

Overnight at the hotel
(Dinner included)

Day 02: Siem Reap – Angkor

Getting up early to bring food for the Buddhist monks You can then enjoy breakfast at the monastery after the monks  eaten.

We continue to explore Angkor Thom, which was the last capital of the Khmer Empire. Entrance will be from the Western Entrance, where the four faces of Buddha and the flanking statue of gods and demons can be seen. The exploration continues to the Terraces of Elephant and the Leper King to the Baphuon temple just re-opened to the public in June 2011 after 50 years of restoration. The morning activities will finish by visiting the main temple of Bayon, which has likenesses in the 216 gigantic faces of the temple's towers to other statues of the king, which has led many scholars to the conclusion that the faces are the many representations of Jayavarman VII himself, whereas others have stated that the faces belong to the bodhisattva of compassion called Avalokitesvara or Lokesvara. 

In the afternoon you will visit the amazing Angkor Wat temple that is surrounded by a gigantic man made moat, which is the symbol of Nirvana and has been used as a funerary temple in the past. Marvel at the gallery engraved with the history of Khmer Empire and mythologies of the Hinduism.

Overnight at the hotel
(Breakfast and Lunch included)

Day 03: Siem Reap – Angkor (4Km Trekking)

After breakfast and checking out of the hotel we then drive through the stunning countryside with its stilted houses, paddy fields as well as local families who are producing palm sugar before we arrive at Banteay Srei temple. This temple is known as the most beautiful one, with the deep pink sandstone carving to show all the details of its craftsmanship. We then trek from the foot of Phnom Koulein Mountain which is known as the Mahendraparvata (The mount of Inda) passing spring water and Thousand Linga River (approximately 4km).

We enjoy a packed lunch in the jungle

We rhen transfer to the waterfall and enjoy swiming till late afternoon before heading to Wat Veal Preah Kral, visiting the giant reclining Buddha statue.

After dinner we will make tea or coffee then give alms to the buddist monks after which then we have an opportunity to talk to the monks about their experiences etc.  

Overnight in tent
(Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included)

 
Day 04: Siem Reap – Angkor  (12Km Trekking)

We have breakfast at the campsite after saying good morning to the jungle. We start our trek through the grass feilds, passing holy shrines and enormous monoliths to explore the La Aang Bro Chearv (Bat Cave) and Srah Domrei (Elephant Pound). After the bat cave, we will visit the sandstone Elephant, lion and frog staues then follow by having lunch.

In the afternoon we will transfer back to Siem Reap via a visit to the Land Mine Museum.    

Overnight at the hotel
(Breakfast and Lunch included)

Day 05: Siem Reap – Freeday

After having breakfast at the hotel you will be free at your leisure or enjoy shopping.

Overnight at the hotel
(Breakfast included)

Day 06: Siem Reap – Departure

After having breakfast at the hotel will be free at your leisure till your departure tranfer.

(Breakfast included) 

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