Angkor’s Finest: A 4-Day Journey Through Siem Reap

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

Embark on an unforgettable 4-day "Angkor Discovery" tour, meticulously crafted to let you witness Cambodia’s unparalleled cultural heritage in a leisurely and comfortable fashion. This journey ensures you miss nothing of interest as you explore some of the world's most spectacular historical sights, all while staying in the finest hotels in the region. From the iconic Angkor Wat, a 12th-century masterpiece adorned with intricate carvings of Hindu mythology and over 2000 Apsara dancers, to the earliest traces of Cambodia’s historic religious culture dating back to 893 AD, every moment is a step back in time. Explore the majestic walled city of Angkor Thom, marvel at the exquisitely preserved intricate detailing of Banteay Srey, and immerse yourself in the unique way of life on a floating village at Tonle Sap Lake. This concise yet comprehensive excursion promises an unforgettable experience through Cambodia's Kingdom of Wonder.

OVERVIEW ITINERARY

Here is overview itinerary. Please contact for more details and better offers. 

Day 1: Siem Reap: Arrival & Early Angkor Era Temples

Day 2: Siem Reap: Iconic Angkor Thom & Majestic Angkor Wat

Day 3: Siem Reap: Remote Jungle Temples & Exquisite Carvings

Day 4: Siem Reap: Cultural Insights, Lake Life & Departure

DETAIL PROGRAM:

Day 1: Siem Reap: Arrival & Visit Famous Temples

• Meals: Lunch (L)

• Accommodation: Hotel in Siem Reap

• Activities:

  • Upon your arrival at Siem Reap International Airport (REP), you will be warmly welcomed by your private guide and transferred directly to your hotel for check-in.

  • After a refreshing break, embark on your first exploration of the magnificent temples around Siem Reap. Your visits today will include East Mebon, a 10th-century temple that once stood on an artificial island in the now-dry East Baray reservoir.

  • Continue to Ta Som, a smaller, charming temple from the late 12th century, known for its picturesque integration with surrounding trees.

  • Next, explore Neak Pean, a unique artificial island with a Buddhist temple on a circular island in Preah Khan Baray.

  • Discover Preah Khan, a sprawling monastic complex similar in feel to Ta Prohm, featuring towered enclosures and winding corridors, currently undergoing ongoing restoration.

  • Conclude your day at Pre Rup, a grand temple mountain built of brick, laterite, and sandstone, known for its majestic presence.

  • Evening: Enjoy a delicious lunch at a local restaurant. The rest of the evening is at your leisure.

Day 2: Siem Reap: Explore The Angkor Iconic Temples

• Meals: Breakfast (B), Lunch (L), Dinner (D)

• Accommodation: Hotel in Siem Reap

• Activities:

  • Morning: Begin your in-depth exploration of Angkor with a visit to Angkor Thom, the ancient capital of the Khmer Empire. Enter through one of its impressive stone gates and explore significant structures within, including the multi-faced Bayon Temple, the towering Baphuon, the royal enclosure's Phimeanakas, the grand Elephants Terrace, and the evocative Terrace of the Leper King.

  • Afterward, you will continue your visit to Ta Prohm, a temple complex famous for its unique architecture where giant trees and lush vegetation have spectacularly grown around and through its structures, creating an iconic, ethereal visual experience.

  • Mid-day: Lunch will be served at a local restaurant, where you can savor authentic Cambodian cuisine.

  • Afternoon: Prepare to be awe-struck by Angkor Wat, the most famous and iconic of all the temples in Angkor. This massive temple complex is one of the largest religious monuments in the world, renowned for its intricate architecture, stunning bas-reliefs, and overall beauty. Explore the central temple, its extensive outer walls, and the surrounding moat.

  • Evening: Enjoy a delightful buffet dinner accompanied by a captivating Khmer Traditional Dance Show (Apsara Dance) at a local restaurant. This is an excellent opportunity to experience local culture and traditional entertainment while dining on exquisite local cuisine.

Day 3: Siem Reap: Visit Remote Temples & Exquisite Carvings

• Meals: Breakfast (B), Lunch (L)

• Accommodation: Hotel in Siem Reap

• Activities:

  • Morning (approx. 8:00 AM): Depart the city for a fascinating excursion to Koh Ker, the capital of the Angkorian empire from AD 928 to AD 944, located approximately 1.5 hours northeast of Siem Reap. This remote, heavily forested 10th-century temple complex offers a unique sense of discovery.

  • Explore Prasat Krahom, known for its impressive stone carvings, and the principal monument, the Mayan-looking Prasat Thom, a 7-tiered pyramid offering spectacular views across the forest. You'll also learn about the large rectangular tank, Rahal Baray, which supplied water to the complex.

  • Mid-day (approx. 10:30 AM): Begin your drive back to Siem Reap. On the way, stop to explore two other famous temples: Prasat Neang Khmaw and Prasat Pram, the latter known for being covered in strangler figs. Enjoy your lunch at a local restaurant near Beng Mealea temple.

  • Afternoon (approx. 1:30 PM): Visit the enigmatic Beng Mealea temple. Enjoy a short walk through the dense jungle and discover the wonders of this overgrown temple, which lay undiscovered for centuries. This massive, unrestored temple, built to the same floor plan as Angkor Wat, offers the ultimate Indiana Jones experience.

  • Late Afternoon (approx. 3:30 PM): Leave Beng Mealea and drive to your final temple visit of the day, Banteay Srey.

  • Evening (approx. 4:30 PM): Arrive at Banteay Srey, often called the “gem” of the Angkor area. This Hindu temple, dedicated to Shiva and begun in AD 967, is renowned for its intricate and delicate pink sandstone carvings, considered some of the finest examples of classical Khmer art and remarkably well-preserved.

Day 4: Siem Reap: Cultural Insights, Lake Life & Departure

• Meals: Breakfast (B)

• Accommodation: None (Departure Day)

• Activities:

  • Morning: Enjoy breakfast at your hotel. Begin your final day with a visit to the Angkor National Museum (Siem Reap) (approx. 7:30 AM). This archaeological museum is dedicated to the collection, preservation, and presentation of Angkorian artifacts, providing essential information about the art and culture of Khmer civilization, with collections mainly dating from the Khmer Empire's Angkor period (9th to 14th centuries).

  • Mid-day: After the museum, embark on a captivating boat trip for sightseeing on Tonle Sap Lake, the “Great Lake” of Cambodia and one of the largest lakes in Asia. Enjoy a brief cruise past fascinating floating villages, complete with schools, restaurants, and hospitals, offering a unique glimpse into local life.

  • Afternoon: Leave the lake and head downtown to visit Artisan's D'angkor, a renowned carving art school. Here, you can witness the intricate artistry of stone carving and other traditional Cambodian crafts. Continue your visit to Wat Thmei, a beautiful pagoda known for its small memorial stupa containing the skulls and bones of victims killed during the Khmer Rouge regime (1975–1979), offering a moment of solemn reflection.

  • Late Afternoon: Enjoy lunch and spend some leisure time in Siem Reap for any last-minute souvenir shopping or relaxation until it is time for your transfer to Siem Reap International Airport (REP) for your departure flight home.