Khmer Odyssey Part I 7 Days

After breakfast, we go about 15 km southeast of Siem Reap to the temples of the Roluos group, the first major capital of the Angkor-era Khmer Empire. Then we will go to the fishermen’s village of Kompong Phluk. As we will arrive at the village at about Noon, so we should have our lunch box. Then, we will visit the village before doing a traditional boat cruise. Small canoes, paddle by villagers, will take you deep into the dense flooded forest. In the afternoon, a boat will take us on the big Tonle Sap Lake, passing through the floating village of Chong Khneas to reach the boat dock, south of Siem Reap. We will still climb the Phnom Krom hill to visit the three old towers and enjoy the sunset view of the Tonle Sap Lake. Then we will drive back to Siem Reap.
Overnight in Siem Reap at Side Walk Villa or similar
Breakfast and lunch included

This morning, we will visit temple on top of Phnom Bakheng hill, the first significant temple built at Angkor. Next to Bakheng, we visit Prasat Bei and Baksei Chamkrong before going to Prasat Kravan. Then, we will visit the small temple of Bat Chum, the prototype of the Pre Rup style and then East Mebon and Pre Rup, a temple-mountain. The upper levels of the pyramid of Pre Rup offer a brilliant panoramic view of the surrounding countryside. We will continue our tour to the north to Phnom Kbal Spean. First we will have lunch at Borey Sovann Kbal Spean, a nice restaurant. Then, we will visit Phnom Kbal Spean. After a 30 mins walk in the forest, we will arrive at Sahasralina, the River of a Thousand Lingas, the remarkable 11th-century riverbed rock. After, visit Banteay Srei temple – the Citadel of women - decorated with superbly intricate reliefs of male and female divinities, carved from pink sandstone. Return to town after visit.
Overnight in Siem Reap Side Walk Villa or similar
Breakfast included

After breakfast, we will visit the Phimeanakas, the Kleangs and Ta Keo built in the mid-11th century. The Baphuon is a vast temple-mountain. Afterwards we will go to the Western Baray, an ancient reservoir more than 2 km across and 9 km long. On the island in the middle of the Baray stand the ruins of the western Mebon temple. We will have lunch at this lovely place and spend a part of the afternoon by swimming and tubing or with a boat trip to the island to visit the ruins of the western Mebon. On the way back, we will stop at the Sangkheum Center for Children, an NGO which provides a home for orphaned, abused or neglected children, as well as general education and selected vocational training, we will visit the center.
Overnight in Siem Reap at Side Walk Villa or similar
Breakfast and lunch included

Today is an early wake-up this morning hoping to catch the sunrise on Angkor Wat, the largest and most impressive of all the temples. It is the best preserved of all the temples. Its layout and its scale are simply breathtaking, the wall surrounding the enclosure measures 1,000 by 800 meters. This amazing temple homes the longest continuous bas relief in the world, which runs along the outer gallery walls. Before lunch, we will also visit the Preah Pithu group, Chau Say Tevoda and Thommanon. In the afternoon, we will visit Banteay Samre, one of the most complete complexes at Angkor. Not very touristic, you should appreciate its peaceful atmosphere. Then, we will drive back to Siem Reap and take a refreshing drink in a beautiful garden before to continue the visit with the new Angkor National Museum which displays some of the finest carvings of the Angkorian era in a modern and didactic presentation.
Overnight in Siem Reap at Side Walk Villa or similar
Breakfast included

After breakfast, we will visit Srah Srang Royal Bath. Opposite of Srah Srang is Banteay Kdei, a temple enclosed by a large laterite wall (700 m by 500 m). Then we will drive to Preah Khan , a labyrinth of pavilions, halls and chapels in a vast area encloses by four walls before to go to eat at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, we will visit Banteay Prei, Krol Ko, Neak Pean, Ta Som and Ta Prohm. Ta Phrom has been largely consumed by the jungle and as you will climb through the dilapidated stone structures you will see many giant trees growing out of the top of the temple itself. At every turn you will expect to see Indiana Jones or Lara Croft step out from behind a fallen pillar. Ta Phrom looks as many of the monuments did when European explorers first laid eyes on them.
Overnight in Siem Reap at Side Walk Villa or similar
Breakfast included

Last but not least, this morning, we will explore the fabulous city of Angkor Thom. Our visit will begin with the South Gate, a beautiful introduction to Angkor Thom with well-restored statues of asuras (demons) and gods lining the bridge. Inside the complex, we will stop at the famous Bayon, a pyramid temple decorated by about 200 gigantic carved heads. We will also visit the Royal Enclosure, the Elephant Terrace and the Terrace of the Leper King. Then, we will drive back to Siem Reap for our farewell lunch. No activities are planned in the afternoon and you are free to leave at anytime. Explore Siem Reap temple tours
Breakfast and lunch Included