Angkor Explorer

On arrival in Siem Reap, gateway to the majestic temples of Angkor and a charming small city, your guide will meet you and accompany you to your hotel. Once you have settled in, set off on a privately guided tour of Angkor Wat temple, one of the wonders of the ancient world. Completed by 1150 AD, this temple complex is one of the most intricate and dramatic religious structures ever conceived. Its friezes in bas-relief form an illustrated guide to Hindu mythology. Explore the stone galleries, terraces and grounds, and return to your hotel just after sunset.

Visit the mysterious and much photographed temple of Ta Prohm (the jungle temple), where huge trees grow among the ancient stones. Continue to the fortified city of Angkor Thom, the last great capital of the Khmer empire. From the South Gate of Angkor Thom, explore the grand temple of Bayon with its 216 monumental, enigmatically smiling faces, then learn about the myths and legends of the Elephant Terrace and Leper King Terrace.

After Angkor, your guide will take you on an excursion to the less visited Banteay Srei temple, 30km from Siem Reap. This temple is the finest example of Khmer pink sandstone carving. On the way back to Siem Reap, visit a local village to learn about the production of rice paper and palm wine. End your day with sunset at Pre Rup temple.

Set off on an adventure to the peaceful, less-known temple of Beng Mealea, a sprawling complex embedded in the jungle. This other-worldly site extends over a square kilometer and is largely overrun by vegetation. Beng Mealea preceded Angkor Wat and may have served as a prototype of its distinctive style. After you have explored the complex, you will be driven to the village of Kompong Phluk, where a wooden boat will take you to visit Cambodian stilt houses and the flooded forest, then to Tonle Sap lake to see local fishermen at work.

Please note: The boat trip to Kompong Phluk runs from September to March (at high water). From early April to late August it is not available.

On your last day in Cambodia, you may explore your beautiful surroundings at your leisure, then you will be driven to Siem Reap International Airport for your onward flight.