Stone by stone in Angkor National Park brings everyone to discover Siem Reap from the little to the enormous temples in Angkor. The world knows Cambodia is a kingdom of wonders, evident by its name and could find out the proof via the exploration – 05 days. This trip will offer you knowledge and a unique experience, especially one of the beautiful night when taking a delicious Khmer cuisine follow by the Apsara performance depicts Khmer mythology and culture. As a saying: Who lives see much and who travels see more!

Itinerary Brief: 

Day 1:

- Morning: Roluos Group: Preah Ko, Bakong, Lolei.

- Afternoon: Baksei Chamkrong, Bei Prasat, Prasat Kravan, Bat Chum, West Mebon.

- Sunset: Pre Rup.

Day 2:

- Early morning: Banteay Srei, Kbal Spean.

- Afternoon: Thommanon /Chau Say Tevoda / Spean Thma, Ta Keo.

- Sunset: Ta Prohm. 

Day 3:

- Sunrise: Bakheng River, Angkor Wat, Ta Prohm Kel.

- Afternoon: Ta Som, Preah Khan, Prasat Prei, Banteay Prei, Krol Ko.

- Sunset: Neak Pean.

Day 4:

- Early morning: Angkor Thom: Victory Gate, Bayon, Baphoun, Leper King & Elephants Terrace, Phimeanakas, Tep Pranam, Preah Palilay.

- Afternoon: Victory Gate, Eastern Gate, Prasat Sour Prat, and Khleang.

- Sunset: Preah Pithu.

Day 5:

- Early morning: Phnom Bok, Banteay Samré.

- Afternoon: Free to dicover the town and market

• Trip Grade:

Easy - Suitable for travellers with an average level of fitness and independent mobility.

• 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, comfortable shoes as you will be doing a lot of walking as well as sometimes climbing steep stairs.

• Recommended:

When in Phnom Penh, try the Viejo Tonle Restaurant for Italian, Thai and authentic Cambodian cuisine. It’s located on Sisowath Quay just north of Street 144, and is part of the Sok Sabay Centre helping Cambodian orphans.

Day 1: Arriving Siem Reap - Angkor

Preah Ko is first on the itinerary today, and is located around 12 Km southeast of Angkor. Also originally dedicated to Shiva, the temple area was surrounded by a residential area, which in turn was surrounded by a moat 400 x 500 m. There are 6 Prasats (pyramid temples) here, 3 for kings and 3 smaller ones for queens.

Bakong: Some 500 m past Preah Ko, this is the official temple mountain of the city of Hariharalaya, built around 881. An 800 m square moat surrounds Bakong, and it is generally viewed as the prototype for the temple mountain. Here you can see the guardian lions and elephant statues, strategically placed around the pyramids.

Lolei is the last one this morning, and is not too far from Bakong. Built in 889 it was the first to be built on an artificial island, set in the middle of the now-dry Indratataka Baray, or man-made reservoir.

Baksei Chamkrong is a relatively small but very impressive pyramid temple built around 947 A.D. and only 250 metres from the south gate of Angkor Thom, which we will visit in the afternoon. Known by the local as ‘bird with sheltering wings’, which comes from a story of a large bird that saved the life of a Khmer king by shielding him against his enemies with its wings.

Bei Prasat can be found just outside the south gate of Angkor Tom, and comprises of 3 pyramids; the fact the north tower is unfinished makes it more interesting as it clearly displays the construction techniques employed in the 10th Century.

Prasat Kravan is known as the ‘Cardamom Sanctuary’ and was originally surrounded by a reservoir (Prasat meaning ‘tower’). The line of 5 Prasats has been restored in recent times, although one of the four side towers has its original second floor.

Bat Chum is around 400 metres from Prasat Kravan, and consists of a 3-pyramid temple with an enclosure, a moat and a sanctuary built around 960.

West Mebon is on an artificial island in the colossal West Baray (or man made reservoir), and therefore has to be accessed by motorboat. Set on a 10 metre high pedestal, and some 70 metres square, there is little of the original remaining.

Pre Rup is one of the most important temple mountains, as it not only marks the transition from the pre-classic to classic period, it was also likely to have been the site of a new capital. A very impressive temple, built in 962, it is known as ‘Turning the Corpse’ due to an ancient burial ritual, due to a large sarcophagus being found on the site, however this is unlikely as Pre Rup is another temple dedicated to the mount of Shiva, and the sarcophagus was probably a pedestal for the bull, Nandi.

Overnight in Siem Reap.
Meal: Lunch included. 

Day 2: Siem Reap - Angkor

Rebuilt in 1931, Banteay Srei is now one of the best-preserved temples in the area. A small but extremely elegant temple, this one is unusual in that it was built in 967 by 2 Brahmans (wealthy Hindu priests) and not by kings.

The exquisite carvings in the beautiful pink sandstone of voluptuous, divine women also makes it stand out amongst all the others, hence it is known locally as the ‘Citadel of the Women’. Overall, Banteay Srei is one of the masterpieces of Khmer art.

Kbal Spean, a very different experience, a 20-minute walk from Banteay Srei will bring you to one of the tributaries of the Siem Reap River. Both in and along the river are many sculptures, made by ancient hermits, depicting Vishnu and Brahma.

Thommanon can be found about 1/3 of a mile from the Victory Gate of Angkor Thom. It is small but very elegant in many ways, having had some restoration in the 1960’s.

Chau Say Tevoda can be found opposite Thommanon, has a causeway leading to the Siem Reap River. Originally it was surrounded by a wall some 33 x 42 metres, and some restoration work was carried out a few years ago.

Spean Thma means ‘Stone Bridge’ and crosses the Siem Reap River. It was constructed from materials taken from 15th and 16th century temples and is supported by piers made of stone.

Ta Keo: Construction was started in 985 by one king as his new capital, and resumed by the next one, however it was never completed due to a defeat in battle. This is an impressive, 45m high pyramid, with steps at a steep 55ï‚° gradient.

Consecrated in 1186, and built originally in a residential area, Ta Prohm has become a favourite of many tourists due to it being deliberately left in the grip of the jungle. It’s popularity increased when it was used as a location in the Tomb Raider movie.

This is another impressive temple, built inside a 1000 x 600 m enclosure. At its height around 12,500 people occupied it, and if you include the surrounding villages that tended to the needs of the temple, there was almost 80,000 in total. Watching the sunset here concludes an amazing day.

Overnight in Siem Reap.
Meal: Breakfast and Lunch included.

Day 3: Siem Reap - Angkor

05:00 am Starting at dawn to the jewel in the crown of Angkor, Angkor Wat itself. There are not really enough words to describe Angkor Wat. You have to witness it for yourself. The scale of the complex is certain to be above expectations, covering an area of 2 km2, but you can easily see the majority of the places of interest in a morning, especially if you decide to start early enough to see the sunrise.

Originally dedicated to the Hindu god Vishnu, it faces west instead of the usual requirement to face east. Built between 1113 and 1150, it eventually changed to a Buddhist Wat (temple) in the 13th century after a religious revolution in Cambodia.

You will have plenty of time to explore most of the complex; you will be amazed at the intricate carvings and bas-reliefs, the long terraces, the many different pavilions and galleries.

Ta Prohm Kel is one of the 102 chapels of the hospitals built at the behest of the then king Jayavarman VII. Carvings show the regulations of the hospitals, as well as a list of personnel. From records it shows around 98 persons.

Ta Som lies between East Mebon and Neak Pean, a few kilometres from either. Identified as ‘the Jewel of the Propitious White Elephant’, mentioned at Preah Khan, this temple has many beautiful carvings of devata (or female divinities).

Preah Khan known as the ‘Fortunate City Blessed with Victory’, or more recently ‘Sacred Sword’, was a true city with 102 impressive pyramids and supported by as many as 100,000 people living in and around the city walls.

A large site covering 138 acres, it is made up of 4 enclosures, the outermost one measuring some 700 x 800 metres. Besides its royal foundation, Preah Khan was based on the large Indian Buddhist universities and was therefore a renowned learning centre.

Prasat Prei is located about 1 kilometre from Preah Khan. Built in the Bayon style, i.e. with lavish decorations, this ‘Sanctuary of the Forest’ is small but interesting.

Banteay Prei is some 150 metres from Prasat Prei, and now we are in the ‘Citadel of the Forest’.

Krol Ko or, ‘Park of the Oxen’, is also close by, lying inside 2 enclosures. While the roof is missing now, this makes it possible to visualise how the corbeled vault was built.

Neak Pean is a smallish but nonetheless important monument. Not the best of roads to get there but worth the effort, the modern name is ‘Entwined Nagas’, Neak Pean is some 350 metres square, and comprises 13 pools, around 5 of which have been restored.

Overnight in Siem Reap.
Meal: Breakfast and Lunch included.

Day 4: Siem Reap - Angkor 

In its heyday, Angkor Thom was the ‘Great Capital’, home to a million inhabitants. Inside the walls were found the courts, priests, high officials and bureaucrats, with the commoners living around the outside. It’s an impressive 3 Km along each of the 4 sides, encircled by a 100 m wide moat, behind 8 m high walls.

We cover the main features in and around the area covered by this magnificent complex, including the Victory Gate, Bayon, Baphuon, Leper King and Elephant Terraces, Phimeanakas; if we have time we can also possibly visit Tep Pranam and Preah Palilay.

In the afternoon we stay in Angkor Thom and focus for a while on the two magnificent gates into the temple, Victory Gate and Eastern Gate.

Prasat Suor Prat consists of 12 towers on the east side of Royal Square, separated by the avenue that leads to the Victory Gate. Some say tightrope walkers used the towers and this may be why it is known as ‘Towers of the Rope Dancers’. Actually their purpose remains a mystery.

Khleang is also a mysterious building, again overlooking the Royal Square, behind the towers of Prasat Suor Prat. One building has a very unusual construction, being 60 x 4.7 metres and having 1.5 metre thick walls.

Preah Pithu is located east of the northeast corner of Royal Square, and consists of 5 sanctuaries surrounded by moats and pools. Slightly off the traditional tour routes, this one is well worth it.

Tonight will enjoy to have dinner accompany with the Apsara performance depicts the Khmer mythology and culture.
 

Overnight in Siem Reap
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinnerincluded 

Day 5: Depart Siem Reap

Phnom Bok is located about 4 kilometres from Banteay Samre. It is also a bit of a climb and may be too much for some.

Banteay Samre is relatively isolated at the end of the east Baray and after Angkor Wat is probably the most significant example of the period. The name comes from the Samré people, part of the population at that time.

Spending a free afternoon in town or at market before heading to airport.

Meal: Breakfast and Lunch included

End of Service!

This tour is private and can be tailor-made to suit your travel needs. As a result the price is quoted in US dollars and shown on a per-person basis. The 'Price From' quoted above is for parties of 2, 4 and 6 people and for accommodation in 3 star hotels. The final price will be privately quoted, based on the number in your party, your preferred time of travel, grade of hotel and any additional services requested. Please click on the BOOK NOW button and fill in the booking form, after which one of our travel consultants will customize the best value holiday for you.

REMARKS:
We are aware that a good tour must have good hotels. In Indochina particularly, hotel price makes up most of the cost of your: Vacation in Cambodia, Holiday in Vietnam, Travel in Laos, Tour in Myanmar or Shopping in Thailand. All of our prices are calculated on a twin-shared basis. As a guide, Travel Loops defines hotel grades as follows:

>>Superior Level (3 star hotels in good locations): > 45 USD/room/night
>>Deluxe Level (4 star hotels): > 80 USD/room/night
>>Luxury Level (5 star hotels): > 130 USD/room/night

Price based on twin shared accommodation.
Tour price is indicative only, please enquire for a detailed quotation.
More people means more discount. Please enquire for more details

Tour prices based on Superior Level (3 Star Hotel)

Tour prices based on Deluxe Level (4 Star Hotel)

Tour prices based on Luxury Level (5 Star Hotel)

COST INCLUDED:

• Experienced English speaking guide
• Private transportation by air-conditioned vehicle
• Accommodation in double/twin sharing rooms with daily breakfast
• Meals as mentioned in the itinerary
• Bottled drinking water for sightseeing
• All sightseeing entrance fee where required in the itinerary.

COST EXCLUDED:

• International/domestic airfares & tax
• Visa fees (US$30). You are able to apply by online for tourist cambodia via just click here
• Travel Insurance. (We highly recommend purchasing travel insurance from home)
• Personal expenditure (telephone, laundry, shopping and so on…)
• Tips for guide, driver, porters and project cost
• Beverage and alcoholic drinks
• Any other services not clearly mentioned on itinerary and trip inclusive portion.

REMARKS: If you travel between 23 December 2015 to 03 January 2016 and 06 February to 10 February 2016; above tour price has not including the additional surcharge of peak season, compulsory dinner on 24 and 31 December may need to apply depend on hotels policy.

The hotels listed below are just our suggestions offering the best value for this trip according to the hotel category chosen., but Travel Loops also offers more options to cater for different grades, personal taste, and budget. Please let us know if you have any specific choice of hotels, or personal preferences/requirements.

Note: Our choices for each level of accommodation have been highlighted in orange. As mentioned above our selection criteria are based on: prior client reviews, hotel management and staff training, facilities maintenance, location, business relationship and advantages given exclusively to our clients on price and service.

HOTEL IN SIEM REAP: SUPERIOR LEVEL (3 STAR)

Desire Park Boutique Hotel: is a comforts and stylish of Khmer Design hotel. Located near the “Biggest Local Market in Siem Reap”, just a 200 m within walking distance. Lovely Swimming Pool and Pool Garden making the pleasant accommodation atm View Hotel Site

HOTEL IN SIEM REAP: DELUXE LEVEL (4 STAR)

HOTEL SOMADEVI ANGKOR RESORT & SPA is indeed a Resort of Class and Character in which you should not miss while you are visiting the mystical land – Siem Reap Angkor. The Resort has been designed to guarantee you a most pleasant and memorable stay as View Hotel Site

HOTEL IN SIEM REAP: LUXURY LEVEL (5 STAR)

A 5 star elegant hotel in Siem Reap, the Royal Angkor Resort & Spa consisted of 2.5 hectares of land with a beautiful landscaped garden and surrounded by colorful flowers and tall trees. Inspired by the early 20th century architecture 

View Hotel Site