Tour Itinerary
Day 1:
Transfer from Siem Reap airport to hotel. Orientation tour commences at 11.00am. We will visit one of the local markets, enjoy a lunch at a Khmer restaurant and then a two-hours tour of the locality, on foot and by tuk-tuk or minivan. Afterward, perhaps relax by the hotel roof-top swimming pool with a cocktail from the poolside bar?
We will all meet at the hotel at 6.30pm for our staff and guest introductions. Then we'll take the short journey together to our evening venue, for an excellent buffet style dinner and traditional Apsara Dance show.
Day2:
It's an early start today because we're going to enjoy a breathtaking sunrise at Angkor Wat. Depending on the time of year the start time varies, but it's usually around 5am departure from the hotel. After Sunrise at Angkor Wat and Breakfast; we head to the great city of Angkor Thom. Guarded by high walls and a moat we pass under the multi faced South Gate. We look first at the 350 metre Elephants Terrace and Leper King terrace with Royal Palace complex and Phiminakas pyramid. At The Bayon we will see the many stone faces - these have become some of the defining images and memories of the ancient Khmer Kingdom.
We will enjoy lunch within the complex of the Angkor Archaeological Park and then visit the jungle-like temple of
Ta Prohm. The high lichen covered walls are distorted by the movement of the earth beneath. 800 years of history lie twisted and broken, with sinister root systems of huge trees enveloping doors and windows in a strangle-hold. This amazing temple is a photographers dream!
Day 3:
Meet after breakfast at our hotel for a 7am departure. We take a drive of about 50 minutes to the beautiful lady temple 'Banteay Srey'. We'll probably stop along the way at one of the small villages - these always have great photo opportunities - especially in the morning sunlight. Leaving Banteay Srey, we'll take a short drive through the countryside to a nearby village. Here we will enjoy a lunch prepared by a local family. Feel free to get involved with the preparation and cooking!
After lunch, we'll take a leisurely ride around the village and surrounding countryside by ox-cart. This is a wonderful way to spend an hour taking in the sights and sounds of the locality.
Then we're back to our regular vehicle for the drive to the Rolous Group of temples. These are a favorite of ours, especially the pyramid Prasat Bakong . We'll stay here for sunset, it's much less crowded than some of the other temples!
Day 4:
Our 7.30 am departure will take us to visit the largest community on the Tonle Sap Lake at Kampong Khleang. On the way we'll make a couple of photo stops - especially at a village street market, which is a far cry from the main tourist markets. Depending on the time of year and lake water levels, we will approach Kampong Khleang by road or boat.
We'll take time to stroll through this undeveloped community, visiting local traders and the pagoda. Then it's time to take our places on our own motor-boat, to cruise along the estuary, passing unique tall stilt-houses and then onto the
Tonle Sap Lake. Here we will see a whole floating village - including houses, a floating fish market and even a floating school.
Lunch will be taken back in the village at the house of our boatman. Fresh fish from today's catch at the lake will be the main dish. We always have a vegetarian option though.
Then, with just a pleasant one-hour drive through local countryside - we'll arrive at what many people say is the highlight of the tour; The incredible jungle temple of Beng Mealea. This largely unrestored temple is in much the same condition when it was re-discovered. It is a wonderfully atmospheric temple with ample shade, vegetation and individual opportunity to explore it's hidden treasures.
Back to Siem Reap late afternoon, in time to catch another sunset from the roof terrace and bar of our hotel. Try a lychee martini while watching the sun set over the lush countryside.
Day 5:
Tour concludes after breakfast. Depending on your departure time from Siem Reap, there are many places to bag some souvenirs at one of the local markets. There is also the opportunity to take a follow-on tour to other destinations in Cambodia.
