The best of Siem Reap

You can't visit Siem Reap and not see Angkor Wat. But nor should you neglect the other parts of town, which do so much to add to the charm and allure of this historical area, from jungle adventures to vibrant culture to legendary nightlife

Day 1: Arrival in Siem Reap (D)

You’ll be cordially greeted upon arrival and transferred to hotel for check-in and tour briefing. Time allowing, we’ll take an orientation tour of the city centre to get acquainted with vibrant local lifestyle. This evening, enjoy dinner with entertainment from Apsara dancers. Free time afterwards allows an exciting walk to see the lively Pub Street and the lucky Night Market.
Day 2: Siem Reap (B)

Today we start exploring the wonders left by a highly complex civilization that controlled the greater part of Southeast Asia for four centuries. Enter the Great City of Angkor Thom through the South Gate and traverse to admire the temples of Baphoun and Phimeanakas, the Terraces of Elephant and Leper King, and especially the mysterious smiling Bayon. After a break we’ll visit the fascinating temples of Ta Prohm, Banteay Kdei, Takeo, Thommanon, Chau Say Thevoda, and the Royal Bath of Sras Srang. Hike up Phnom Bakheng to behold the magnificent sunset over the land of temples.
Day 3: Siem Reap (B)

Drive 40 km through the lush green countryside dotted with humble houses and grand temples. Visit the temple of Banteay Srei which widely regarded as the crown jewel of Khmer craftsmanship. Built of red sandstone in the 10th century and dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva, this is the most Indian of all the temples in Angkor and in the words of H.W. Ponder, “a fairy palace in the heart of an immense and mysterious forest.” Continue to Banteay Samre, another Hindu temple, before returning to the city for an evening at leisure. There’s a chance to learn about the production of palm sugar, a popular family business in Cambodia. Devote the whole afternoon to the epic temples of Angkor Wat - a vast rambling complex of diverse temple structures dating from the 9th to the 13th centuries. Many are adorned with exquisite carvings and bas-reliefs; some are so entwined with trees and vines that they almost returned to the jungle. Angkor Wat is the apogee of classical Khmer architecture and has become a symbol of Cambodia, appearing on the national flag, and stands on par with such other monumental achievements as Machu Picchu and the Great Pyramid.
Day 4: Siem Reap (B)

Afternoon, we drive out of town to Pour Krom and walk through this lovely village to see rural Khmer life. Experience an ox cart ride before a cruise to see floating villages and get a taste of life ruled by monsoonal rains and water-based agriculture on Tonle Sap Lake. One of the most productive bodies of fresh water in the world, Tonle Sap was classified as a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO in 1997. Back in town, we’ll pay a visit to Les Artisan D’angkor, the Rebirth of Khmer Arts, or Senteur D’angkor, the realm of Khmer scents.
Day 5: Departure (B)

Free until transfer to the airport for departure.