Angkor Wat

Today, we will pick up your group from your hotel at 8:00am where we will journey to visit Angkor Wat temple. You’ll also get to explore some local villages and the forest around Angkor Wat. Angkor Wat is the largest religious monument in the world and the best preserved. It is also an architectural masterpiece of Khmer. Its perfection in composition, balance, proportions, relief and sculpture make it one of the finest monuments in the world. Angkor Wat combines two basic plans of Khmer temple architecture: the temple-mountain and the later galleried temple. It is designed to represent Mount Meru, home of the devas in Hindu mythology. Unlike most Angkorian temples, Angkor Wat is oriented to the west; scholars are divided as to the significance of this. The temple is admired for the grandeur and harmony of the architecture, its extensive bas-reliefs, and for the numerous devatas adorning its walls. Welcome to Angkor Cambodia

Angkor Thom

Angkor Thom was a stronghold capital city of Cambodia during the Empire Time. The original name, Yashodarapura, was established by the King Yasorvarman I. Angkor Thom means a great king city, adopted by numerous Hindu and Buddhist sanctuaries including the royal palace and Bayon smiling faces temple, it’s attached to a cardinal direction with gigantic tower gates and statues of Demons and Gods.

Bayon Temple

Bayon is located in the center of Angkor Thom, ancient capital city of the Khmer Empire. It was built by King Jayavarman VII dedicated to Lord Lokesvara, a savior god in the Mahayana Buddhism. Bayon is adopted by 49 towers, each tower is adorned with the four smiling faces. That is why now the tourists love to name Bayon as the Most Beautiful Smiling Faces Temple in the world. These four faces are smiling brightly to the four main directions. East for Shiva, South for Brahma, West for Vishnu and North for Indra. For Buddhism Meaning, these four faces are dedicated to Lokesvara or King Jayavarman VII. These Four smiling faces are dedicated to the four well-known precepts of The Main Buddha” Lovingkindness, Compassion, Joys and Sincerity”. Some of the scholars said that Bayon was a gigantic stone map of Cambodia which was dedicated to the 54 main states of Cambodia during those days. Bayon has 49 towers and 5 tower gates of Angkor Thom city, totaling 54 towers.

Baphuon is an impressive Hindu Monument built by King Udiyatidyavarman II from 1050 to 1066 to dedicate to Lord Shiva, symbol of Mount Meru, is a sacred home for Hindu deities. Baphuon is a great pyramid Hindu temple in Angkor Thom complex standing with a charming sandstone structure that is connected to the main entrance by its raised walkway, it’s one of the major attractions in the region. Top platform is excellent to view the jungle and landscape surrounding.

Terrace of the Elephants

Elephant Terrace is a beautiful royal conference hall which is located just in front of the royal palace of Angkor Empire King. Elephants were used to transfer Kings, royal family and General to go from places to places and also used to transport sandstone from the quarry to build temples in Angkor city. Over here you would have a chance to visit the amazed sculpture of elephants showing their fighting activities on the wall.

Ta Prohm

Ta Prohm is the most popular jungle temple in Cambodia where Hollywood has filmed a famous movie called The Tomb Raiders. Ta Prohm Temple was built by King Jayavarman VII in 1186, dedicated to his mother in the form of Prachnabaramita, a goddess of Mercy and the personification of the perfection of Wisdom in Mahayana Buddhism. Ta Prohm means Brahma God. The original name of this temple is called “Rajavihara” meaning”The Royal Monastery ''. It’s located north east of Angkor Wat about 6 km by road. Trees and roots are grabbing the ruins to make it more impressive and popular for the tourists. The best time to visit the temple is without the crowds in the early morning and late afternoon. Ta Prohm has served as an important royal school as well. According to the inscription, Ta Prohm was the Royal university of Buddhism. There were 18 high priests with 2523 teachers and 615 dancers.

Pre Rup

Pre Rup is an enormous brick stone temple built as the state temple of The King Rajendravarman II in 961 A.D, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is a symbol of Mount Meru in Hindu mythology. Pre means “Turn” Rup means “Body”, so Pre Rup means turning off the body temple. The temple's name is a comparatively modern one meaning "turn the body". This reflects the common belief among Cambodians that funerals were conducted at the temple, with the ashes of the body being ritually rotated in different directions as the service progressed. It’s highly recommended!

Phnom Bakheng

Phnom Bakheng is a major temple tours in the Angkor Region, there are thousands of tourists visiting sunset here every day. Phnom Bakheng was a center of Ancient Capital City of Khmer Empire before Angkor Thom. King Yasovarman built an Hindu temple on top of Phnom Bakheng Hill where tourists love to stay for a short while for a sunset opportunity. Phnom Bakheng is the most popular spot for sunset. Some tourists love to spend time exploring Angkor temples from morning till evening because they wish to visit a beautiful sunset from the top of Bakheng temple. When you are arriving at the top of this temple, you can get a stunning view of Angkor and juggle surrounding local villages and farms. To transfer you back to your hotel in Siem Reap city, enjoy your stay and relax.

Angkor Wat

Today's Tour starts early. We will pick up your group from your hotel lobby at 4:30am so that you would not miss your best place to visit at sunrise. Sunrise Tour is the best activity for tourists in Cambodia especially at Siem Reap Angkor tourism center. If you want to capture or experience a spectacular sunrise at Angkor Wat, then there is a spot for you. The reflecting pool in front of the main temple is where you’ll find it. When you reach there, try to position yourself behind the reflection pool. As expected, the colors of the sky will appear mirrored in the water as the sun rises. Then you can capture the most iconic sight on camera. After your amazing visit with sunrise, we will return to your hotel for breakfast and refreshment.

Banteay Srei

Banteay Srei is the most beautiful pink stone temple in Cambodia, it’s located in the north of Angkor Wat temple about 37km. Banteay Srei means Lady Temple, the special charm of this temple lies in its remarkable state of preservation, its small size but excellent for its decoration. Banteay Srei is a real jewel for Khmer Art. Because of its fine and intricate carvings, some locals said it must have been built by the women, that is why the name is Lady temple or Banteay Srei. The original name of this temple was called Isvarapura, built by King Rajendravarman II from the year 967, dedicated to Lord Shiva. Banteay Srei was discovered by The Frenchman in 1914 but the site was not cleared until 1924. The first major temple restoration project was established by EFEO in 1923 by using the reinstating method.

Preah Khan

Preah Khan or Holy Sword Temple is another greatest and the largest complex temple in Siem Reap. Most parts of the temple are in good condition, so we’ll be amazed with fine Khmer carvings. It’s dedicated to The King’s father temple, it was a Royal school, the university of fine arts and culture.

Ta Som

Ta Som is a Mahayana Buddhism temple, built by King Jayavarman VII, dedicated to his ancestors and Master. Some scholars said that king Jayavarman VII dedicated it to his father King Dharanindravarman II. It’s located east of Neak Poan Royal Hospital. Its main attraction with the east gate is still grabbed by trees and its roots. Highly recommended!

Neak Pean

Neak Poan Temple is located in the center of Jayatadak lake, it’s surrounded by water. Neak Pean means “the entwined serpents". Neak Pean was originally designed for medical purposes (the ancients believed that going into these pools would balance the elements in the bather, thus curing disease); it is one of the many hospitals that Jayavarman VII built. It is based on the ancient Hindu belief of balance. Four connected pools represent Water, Earth, Fire and Wind. Each is connected to the central water source, the main tank, by a stone conduit "presided over by one of Four Great Animals (maha ajaneya pasu) namely Elephant, Bull, Horse, and Lion, corresponding to the north, east, south, and west quarters.

Banteay Samre

- Banteay Samre temple is located on the east side of Yasorvarmantadak(water reservoir), built by King Suriyavarman II, dedicated to his family and friends. Banteay Samre is well preserved of its stone gigantic carvings and living harmony with the nature surrounding. It has a quiet and fresh atmosphere, it’s a Hindu temple in the Angkor Wat Style. Banteay Samre means “The Citadel of Samre ''. Banteay Samré was excellently restored by Maurice Glaize from 1936 until 1944. The design of its single ogival tower is immediately recognizable as Angkor Wat style along with other temples in the region such as Thommanon and Chau Say Tevoda. Due to this temple's similarity to some monuments of north-east Thailand, it has the appearance of a compact Phimai. While there are no inscriptions describing its foundation, it seems likely to have been built by a high official of the court during the reign of King Suryavarman II.

Phnom Kulen National Park

- Phnom Kulen is a sacred mountain in Cambodia, there are lots of things to do in here, including the holy waterfalls, the reclining Buddha, a sacred river with thousand Lingas, Srash Damrei and Bat Cave. Phnom Kulen means “The Lychee Mountain”, it’s a Cambodian National Park and Historical Archeological sites. Phnom Kulen has a major symbolic importance for Cambodia as the birthplace of the ancient Khmer Empire. King Jayavarman II has proclaimed himself as The God King and initiated The Devaraja Cult. This is a sacred mountain for King Jayavarman II to proclaim his independence as well. During the Angkorean Era the relief was known as Mahendraparvata, meaning “The Mountain of Great Indra”.

Prasat Beng Mealea

After Phnom Kulen Tour, next we will continue to visit Prasat Beng Mealea. Beng Mealea is the most popular remote jungle temple in Cambodia, it’s located in the north east of Siem Reap city about 66 Km by road. Beng Mealea is the incredible ruins that still living harmony in the nature of its original ruined condition. It’s untouched by the restoration and conservation project. It opened to visitors in the early 2000 after the land mine was cleared. Beng Mealea was built by King Suriyavarman II and then completed by King Dharanindravarman II. The sarcophagus looking urn: “Indiana Jones” kingdom of the environment with piles of falling stones and dark galleries. Enjoyable, provided you exercise caution during your visit!

Tonle Sap Lake

Tonle Sap Great Lake is the largest freshwater lake in this Southeast Asia Peninsula. It’s located almost in the center of Cambodia. It’s surrounded by Siem Reap state, Battambang, Pursat, Kampong Chhnang, Kampong Cham and Kampong Thom province. 60% of Cambodian people are able to earn their living from the Lake. There are over 200 species of fish living here. It is the largest freshwater lake and one of the most diverse and productive ecosystems in the world, designated as a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO in 1997 due to its high biodiversity. Entering the 21st century, the lake and its surrounding ecosystems are under increasing pressure from deforestation, infrastructure development and climate change. To transfer you back to your hotel in Siem Reap city, enjoy your stay and relax. End of our tour services!