Angkor Wat

Today, we will pick up your group from your hotel at 8:00 AM to purchase the three-day Angkor Temple Pass. Afterward, we will continue our visit to the most popular Hindu temple, Angkor Wat. Angkor Wat is the largest religious monument in the world and is renowned for being the best preserved. It is also considered an architectural masterpiece of the Khmer civilization. Its perfection in composition, balance, proportions, relief, and sculpture makes it one of the finest monuments globally. Angkor Wat combines two fundamental designs of Khmer temple architecture: the temple-mountain and the later galleried temple. It is designed to represent Mount Meru, the home of the devas in Hindu mythology. Unlike most Angkorian temples, Angkor Wat is oriented to the west, and scholars are divided on the significance of this orientation. The temple is admired for the grandeur and harmony of its architecture, its extensive bas-reliefs, and the numerous devatas adorning its walls.

Bayon Temple

Bayon is located in the center of Angkor Thom, the ancient capital city of the Khmer Empire. It was built by King Jayavarman VII and is dedicated to Lord Lokesvara, a savior god in Mahayana Buddhism. Bayon features 49 towers, each adorned with four smiling faces. This is why tourists often refer to Bayon as the Most Beautiful Smiling Faces Temple in the world. The four faces smile brightly in the four main directions: East for Shiva, South for Brahma, West for Vishnu, and North for Indra. In terms of Buddhism, these four faces are dedicated to Lokesvara and King Jayavarman VII. The four smiling faces also represent the four well-known precepts of the Buddha: Lovingkindness, Compassion, Joy, and Sincerity. Some scholars suggest that Bayon was a gigantic stone map of Cambodia, representing the 54 main states of Cambodia during that time. Bayon has 49 towers and 5 gates of Angkor Thom city, totaling 54 towers.

Ta Prohm

Ta Prohm is the most renowned jungle temple in Cambodia, famously featured in the Hollywood film "The Tomb Raider." Built by King JVII in 1186, it’s is dedicated to his mother in the form of Prachnabaramita, the goddess of Mercy and the embodiment of the perfection of Wisdom in Mahayana Buddhism. The name "Ta Prohm" translates to "Brahma God," while its original name, "Rajavihara," means "The Royal Monastery." Ta Prohm captivates visitors with its stunning interplay of nature and architecture, as trees and roots entwine with the ancient ruins, enhancing its allure. The ideal times to visit the temple are both morning or afternoon. In addition to its architectural significance, it served as an important royal school. Historical inscriptions reveal that it functioned as a royal university of Buddhism, boasting 18 high priests, 2,523 teachers, and 615 dancers. This rich heritage adds to the temple's historical and cultural importance, making it a must-visit destination for travelers.

Chong Kneas Floating Village

Chong Khneas Floating Village is the premier destination for experiencing the wonders of Tonle Sap Great Lake, renowned for its breathtaking scenery and the unique floating houses of local fishing families. Visitors can spend approximately 90 minutes immersing themselves in the vibrant river life, observing traditional fishing practices, and enjoying the serene beauty of the lake. Tonle Sap Great Lake is one of the major tourist attractions in Siem Reap, Cambodia, drawing visitors with its rich biodiversity and cultural significance. The lake is home to a variety of wildlife and serves as a vital resource for the local communities that depend on its waters for their livelihoods. After your visit to Chong Khneas, you will be transferred back to your hotel in Siem Reap city. Take this opportunity to unwind and enjoy your stay in this captivating region.

Tonle Sap Lake

Tonle Sap Great Lake is the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia, located in central Cambodia. It plays a crucial role in the region's ecology and economy, supporting a rich biodiversity and providing livelihoods for millions. The lake is known for its remarkable seasonal fluctuations, expanding dramatically during the monsoon season and shrinking in the dry months, which creates a unique ecosystem. Tonle Sap is home to numerous floating villages, where communities live and work on the water, relying on fishing and aquaculture. The lake is also a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, recognized for its importance in sustaining wildlife, including migratory birds and various fish species. Visitors to Tonle Sap can experience its stunning natural beauty, vibrant local culture, and the intricate relationship between the people and their environment.

Phnom Kulen National Park

Phnom Kulen is a sacred mountain, offering a wealth of attractions and activities for visitors. Among its highlights are the stunning holy waterfalls, the impressive reclining Buddha, a sacred river adorned with thousands of lingas, Srash Damrei, and Bat Cave. The name "Phnom Kulen" translates to "The Lychee Mountain," and it is recognized as both a Cambodian National Park and a site of significant historical and archaeological importance. P.Kulen holds profound symbolic significance for Cambodia, as it is regarded as the birthplace of the ancient Khmer Empire. King J II famously proclaimed himself the "God King" here and initiated the Devaraja Cult, which emphasized the divine nature of kingship. This sacred mountain served as a pivotal location for King J II to declare his independence from foreign rule. During the Angkorian Era, Phnom Kulen was known as Mahendraparvata, meaning "The Mountain of Great Indra," further underscoring its importance in the cultural & spiritual landscape.

Prasat Beng Mealea

After the Phnom Kulen tour, we will continue our journey to visit Prasat Beng Mealea. Beng Mealea is the most popular remote jungle temple in Cambodia, located approximately 66 kilometers northeast of Siem Reap city. The temple features incredible ruins that exist in harmony with nature, maintaining their original, unaltered condition. It remains untouched by restoration and conservation projects, adding to its allure. Beng Mealea opened to visitors in the early 2000s after the landmines in the area were cleared. The temple was built by King Suriyavarman II and later completed by King Dharanindravarman II. Its striking features include a sarcophagus-like urn, reminiscent of the "Indiana Jones" kingdom, surrounded by piles of fallen stones and dark galleries. The experience is enjoyable, but visitors are advised to exercise caution during their exploration.

Banteay Srei

Banteay Srei is the most beautiful pink stone temple in Cambodia. It is located about 37 km north of the Angkor Wat temple. Banteay Srei means "Lady Temple," and the special charm of this temple lies in its remarkable state of preservation, its small size, and its excellent decoration. Banteay Srei is a true jewel of Khmer art. Because of its fine and intricate carvings, some locals say it must have been built by women, which is why it is called the "Lady Temple" or Banteay Srei. The original name of this temple was Isvarapura, built by King Rajendravarman II in the year 967 and dedicated to Lord Shiva. Banteay Srei was discovered by a Frenchman in 1914, but the site was not cleared until 1924. The first major temple restoration project was established by the EFEO in 1923 using the reinstating method. After your visit, you will be transferred back to your hotel in Siem Reap city. Enjoy your stay and relax!