Lets go Indochina - Travel and more

Additional Info

• Detail Itinerary:

  DAY 1 - Our guide and driver will greet you from your morning flight at Siem Reap airport.

  On our arrival we shall head to Angkor for a morning visit of one of Angkor’s most iconic gems, Ta Prohm. Of Tombraider fame, Ta Prohm is an Angkorian treasure, and it’s going to stay that way. A fascinating aspect to Ta Prohm (except for its size, beauty and pleasantly eerie atmosphere) is that it can be appreciated perfectly as it would have been a mere 900 years ago, as it has been ‘left as it was found’ by the French explorers who discovered it in the 19^th century. Ta Prohm is a sight to behold, a veritable maze with exquisite carvings and gigantic golden trees strangling the stone foundations at every juncture.

  Afternoon: In the afternoon we will make our way back to the ancient city and we will continue our exploration of this awe-inspiring site, starting with Ta Som. Ta Som was built at the end of the 12^th Century and was dedicated to Buddhism. Peaceful and atmospheric, Ta Som is built around one central shrine, and similarly like Ta Prohm is entered through towering gates or gopuras built in the same style with the enigmatic  faces of the Devaraja beckoning you in. And once inside, explore the fine carvings and elegant aesthetic of the site. After Ta Som we shall visit Neak Pean, or the ‘Entwined Serpents’. Neak Pean is a beautiful site where a small intricate temple sits elegant and proud on an artificial island located in the centre of the  Preah Khan baray – a bright blue pond surrounded by mangroves, forest and Angkorian walkways. As the sun moves west the temple’s reflection emanates in the pond, only being disturbed by the odd ripple caused by the inquisitive fish in the pond.
  And to the end the day, we shall make our way out to Banteay Srei 30km from Siem Reap, a unique and exquisite temple, glowing red and in perfect symmetrical detail, which possesses a truly unrivalled beauty all of its own. The carvings here are undoubtedly the most detailed of any of those in Angkor, and the perfection and attention to detail are remarkable. Banteay Srey in the light of dusk is nothing short of spectacular.
  Overnight and free leisure time in Siem Reap.
  
  DAY 2 - Morning: We commence with a visit to the infamous and treasured legacy of Angkor Wat. The masterpiece and holy grail of the temples of Angkor, Angkor Wat is the world’s largest religious building and an insurmountable legacy left by Suryavarman II. Believed to be the world's largest religious building, there is almost one kilometer of exquisitely detailed carvings depicting the intricacies of the Khmer empire through dramatic and humorous stories of love, life, war, religion and mythology. Marvel at the quincunx of towers, and the powerful energy that this sublime temple inspires, and admire the carvings and architectural symmetry and perfection of the complex as a whole.
  We shall continue our visit Preah Khan, an immense creation from the prestigious king Jayavarman VII, dedicated to his father. Known as ‘Sacred Sword’, the site was built on an area where Jayavarman VII and his army successfully defended Angkor by crushing a Cham invasion in 1191. The immensity of this majestic site have to be seen to be believed; left largely unrestored, there was a dance hall, university, and pilgrimage house all within Preah Khan’s great walls.

  Lunch in Siem Reap

  Afternoon: After lunch we commence our exploration of Angkor Thom. Known as the ‘Great City’, Angkor Thom was Jayavarman VII’s ultimate creation, his true expression of design excellence. Angkor Thom was an entire city housing 150,000 people across nine square kilometers which thrived upon a complex system of agriculture and waterways. 5 magnificent gates 23 metres high spiritually guard the complex - we will enter through the Victory Gate, complete with a causeway with two emanating rows of Devas and Asuras wrestling a powerful Naga. From here we will converge upon the centre of this extraordinary city, and begin to explore, starting with the Elephant Terrace, a royal platform used as a viewing gallery for grandiose royal spectacles, decorated wonderfully with statues of elephants. Adjacent is the Terrace of the Leper King, unique for possessing the statue of Yama (the Leper King), god of Death. From here we will proceed through the forest to Preah Palilay. Guarded by a large Buddha this is a small but beautiful temple from the 13^th century. Afterwards we will proceed to Phimeanakas, a 10^th century largely uncarved but beautifully constructed pyramid temple affording terrific views, before Baphuon, an imposing 50 metre tall temple dedicated to Shiva which houses one of the world’s largest reclining Buddhas. And finally to Bayon, arguably the most stunning of all the Temples of Angkor, adorned with 37 towers decorated with wonderful giant stone faces and beautifully decorated carvings throughout.
  Finally we will proceed to Srah Srang, a stunning man-made lake used by kings of old for bathing, irrigation and leisure where we will stop at a gorgeous spot to appreciate the sunset.
  Return to Siem Reap, overnight at hotel.

  DAY 3 – Relax in town or at your hotel until our driver meets you at your hotel to transfer you to the airport for your onward flight.

   

• Price:
• Gallery:
• Map:
• Book: