All about Angkor

Angkor Thom - After organizing tickets for Angkor Park, we first visit Angkor Thom and head to Bayon temple, known for its numerous stone faces.

Bayon Temple - Bayon temple features many impressive faces carved into the stone. It’s worth spending an hour here. Nearby is Baphoun temple, so we make a quick stop there as well.

Terrace of the Leper King - A bit further along, we visit the Terrace of the Elephants and the Terrace of the Leper King, both located within the Angkor Thom area.

Angkor Wat - After a lunch break at a nearby restaurant, we proceed to the main attraction, Angkor Wat. This large complex may entice you to climb to the top, so plan for a long stop.

Phnom Bakheng - Finally, we head to Phnom Bakheng, where we join a large crowd at the top of this ancient temple. We need to arrive early and wait due to a restriction on the number of visitors allowed at the summit.

Cool Kulen Waterfall and the Giant Buddha

Central Market - We start our day at 8:30am, leaving Siem Reap for the long drive to Kulen Mountain, about 45km away. Bring a book or something to keep you entertained.

1000 Lingas - On the way to Kulen, we stop at the river of 1000 lingas. If the river’s flow isn’t too strong, you can see numerous lingas carved into the stone bed.

Phnom Kulen National Park - Upon reaching Phnom Kulen (meaning mountain of lychees), we head to the two waterfalls where guests can swim. Don’t be alarmed by the small fish that may nibble at your dead skin, similar to fish baths in town. There’s no charge for this at the waterfall.

Phnom Kulen National Park - From the waterfall, we trek a bit further to the Preah Ang Thom pagoda to see the giant reclining Buddha. While there, you might also receive a blessing of holy water.

Phnom Kulen National Park - After lunch on the mountain, we travel down and head to Banteay Srei, stopping along the way to see Sugar Palm production or alternatively, the landmine museum.

Banteay Srei - Banteay Srei is known by several names, including “Lady temple,” “Tiny temple,” and “Pink temple.” It is quite unique. Originally called Tribhuvanamahesvara, the modern name Banteay Srei means “citadel of the women.”

Banteay Samre - From there, we visit Banteay Samre and Pre Rup temples before returning to the hotel around 6:30pm.

Angkor Sunrise and Grand Tour

Angkor Wat - We start early, leaving town no later than 5:00am. We drive to Angkor Wat to find a good spot for photos and hopefully catch a beautiful and spiritual sunrise.

Central Market - After sunrise, we return to town so guests can enjoy their inclusive breakfast at the hotel.

Preah Khan - We head back to Angkor and stop at Preah Khan (meaning “The sacred sword”). This large temple complex was built to commemorate the King’s victory over the Chams (the people of what is now Vietnam) in 1191.

Neak Pean - Next, we visit a series of temples: Neak Pean, Ta Som, and East Mebon, which are located close to each other along the road. Neak Pean is an artificial island with a Buddhist temple on a circular island in Jayatataka Baray. After visiting so many temples, we take a break for a local lunch.

Ta Prohm - After lunch, we continue to Ta Nei, Ta Prohm, and Banteay Kdei temples. Ta Prohm is famous for the ancient trees whose roots have intertwined with the temple’s masonry. This temple was also featured in the Tomb Raider movie starring Angelina Jolie. We return to town around 3pm.

Beng Mealea and Tonle Sap

Central Market - We start at 8:30am from town and head directly to Kpg Pluk, stopping at the boat port after a journey of about 30km.

Tonle Sap Lake - We board a motorized boat and travel along the river to the three Kompong Pluk villages at the edge of Tonle Sap lake. The population of around 3000 lives in houses raised 6 meters above the water level and makes a living from fishing in the Tonle Sap and surrounding mangrove forests.

Beng Mealea - We grab a bite to eat, usually at one of the unique floating cafes. After leaving the floating villages, we continue to the ruins of Beng Mealea temple, a Hindu temple. Beng Mealea is largely unrestored, with trees and thick brush thriving amidst its towers and courtyards, and many of its stones lying in great heaps. It was unpopular for many years due to its difficult access (poor road) and its distance of 77 km from Siem Reap. After exploring Beng Mealea, we settle in for the long drive back to town.

• Private transportation
• Hotel pickups and drop-offs
• In-vehicle air conditioning
• Cold towels provided
• Motorized boat fee included
• Complimentary cold bottled water

• Meals, soft drinks, alcohol
• Temple passes (3-day)
• Gratuities