Day 1
Angkor Wat
We will take a short drive to Angkor Wat, the most stunning temple in Cambodia and the biggest religious building in the world. Then we will discover many temples in the small circuit of Angkor Archaeological Park.
South Gate of Angkor Thom
The South Gate of Angkor Thom was built to protect the capital of Angkor Thom. It is a popular entrance to enter Angkor Thom. Two rows of devas and asuras from the Hindu myth of Churning of the Sea of Milk were built at the front of the causeway.
Bayon Temple
Located about 1km from the South Gate, Bayon temple is the heart of Angkor Thom as it was the state temple of king Jayavarman VII. The 54 towers decorated with 216 of Avalokiteshvara’s smiling faces, makes it look like an alien construction.
Baphuon Temple
Baphoun is the second biggest temple of Angkor Thom and was built in the mid-11th century as a state temple of king Udayadityavarman II for the Hindu God Shiva. It is a pyramid-shaped temple that has three tiers. It is a must-see temple for its gorgeous architecture.
Terrace of Elephants and Terrace of the Leper King
They are the two close terraces built at the front of the Angkor Royal Palace. The 350m-long Terrace of Elephants was served as a large viewing stage for public ceremonies and used as a base for the king to watch his military training. Next to the Terrace of Elephants, the Terrace of the Leper King is stands north of it with many stunning carvings inside that make your jaw drop.
Chau Say Tevoda, Thommanon and Takeo
Here are the group of temples located outside Angkor Thom capital. They are very impressive temples that should not be missed on this tour.
Ta Prohm
Ta Prohm was once used as a Buddhist Monastery and a university during the Angkor Period. It is called the Tomb Raider temple since the movie was been filmed in the temple. A large tree grows through the temple and it is the most popular spot for photos.
Banteay Kdei
Banteay Kdei was recently restored, but it is still open to tourists. The surrounding forest of the temple, makes it look mysterious and quiet for explorers.
Srah Srang
Srah Srang is a Baray or reservoir of Banteay Kdei. It has very stunning views especially during the sunrise and sunset.
Sunset at Angkor Wat or Bakheng Mountain
Before, we finish our trip, we will continue our journey to the most beautiful sunset sites, Angkor Wat or Bakheng Mountain. You can either see the sunset at the biggest religious monument, Angkor Wat or on the most impressive Bakheng temple, standing on the top of Bakheng Mountain.
Day Two: Kulen Mountain with Banteay Srey Temple Full Days:
Kulen Mountain (Waterfall)
We will come and pick you up from the hotel and begin our trip to the 40km-long mountain range, Phnom Kulen. We must be there before 11am because it has only one small road. It is located about 50km north of Siem Reap town and it was the source of sandstone to build temples during the Angkor period. When driving up the steep hills, we will see the most beautiful landscape ever seen.
It became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1992. Phnom Kulen is also a protected area as a National Park by the Cambodian government. There are many interesting sites to visit on Phnom Kulen. We will see the elegant waterfall that is divided into two parts. The top is a 5m high and 20-25 wide waterfall, and the lower part is a 15-20m waterfall that used to film Tomb Raider. It is a good place for relaxing and swimming.
We will go to visit Preah Ang Thom, a 16th-century giant reclining Buddha, measuring up to 8 meters. The statue was carved into a huge sandstone. Preah Ang Thom is considered as a holy place to worship in Phnom Kulen. We will also see a big foot-print of Preah Bat Choan Tuk near Preah Ang Thom.
We then will visit the River of 1000 Lingas or Kbal Spean, located 1.5km from the waterfall. To access Kbal Spean, we have to walk on a small path into the forest. There are many figures of Lingas and Yoni and other carved Hindu Gods into the rocks of the riverbed.
Then, we will hike back to the mountain to see the Terrace of Sdach Kamlung or Terrace of Leper King, meaning in English. There is a small wrecked monument built of bricks in the middle of the plain terrace.
Banteay Srei Temple(Women Temple)
Banteay Srei temple, meaning the “Citadel of the Women” or “the Citadel of Beauty”. It is located about 35km northeast of Siem Reap city. The only temple that wasn’t constructed by a monarch, Banteay Srei was built in 10th century by two courtiers of King Rajendravarman II, Vishnukumara and Yajnavaraha. This temple was Consecrated on 22 April 967 A.D and dedicated to the Hindu God Shiva.
Banteay Srei is considered as a “precious gem” or “the jewel of Khmer art” because it is different from other temples in Cambodia and was built from pink sandstone. Most of the structures and decorative wall carvings are still noticeable today. Many Cambodian people think that this temple was built by women because of its very beautiful carvings that could be done by women.
Pre Rup Temple
Pre Rup means “Turning the Body” and it is a temple located 1km south of East Mebon. It is a popular temple for sunrise and sunset.
Day Three Koh Ker Temple & Beng Mealea Temple Full Day:
We will begin our journey to Koh Ker very early in the morning. We will travel on National Road 6 to Koh Ker, located 120km from Siem Reap city. Koh Ker was briefly the capital of the Khmer Empire from 928 to 944 A.D during the reigns of kings Jayavarman IV and Harshavarman II. There are a few people living near the temple, and it is enclosed by the forest, so many tourists haven’t made the trip to Koh Ker. There are more than 180 temples in a preserved area of 81 square kilometres, but only 24 monuments are open to tourists since most of the sanctuaries are hidden in the jungle.
Prasat Thom or Prang
The main temple is called Prasat Thom or Prang, the seven-tiered pyramid built in 928 AD by king Jayavarman IV. The structure of the temple is very similar to the temples built by the Mayans in Mexico. Therefore, some people think they were built by aliens! Prasat Thom is a 55m-wide and 40m-high sandstone temple. Archaeologists believe that a large 4m lingam was placed on the top of the temple which would have weighed several tons. There is only one main stairway up to the top and it is very limited for visitors.
Prasat Pram
One of the fascinating views in Koh Ker archaeological site is Prasat Pram, a small five-tower temple made from brick. Two of the towers have been completely covered by fig trees and its root that cut through the brick like liquid mercury.
Prasat Bak
Another temple is Prasat Bak, a small square temple built of laterite that has one side measures only 5m. This temple is in a bad condition because some parts have collapsed. There used to be a statue of Ganesha, son of Shiva and Uma who has human body and an elephant’s head inside the sanctuary.
Prasat Damei
Prasat Damrei or Elephant Temple in English, a brick temple that still remain in good condition. It has four sides with ten-step staircase. Eight lions and four elephant statues once surrounded each side of the temple, but now there remains only one lion and two beautiful elephant sculptures.
Prasat Krahom
The second largest construction at Koh Ker is Prasat Krahom or Red Temple in English, named for the red bricks that used to build the temple. Unfortunately, all carved lions in this temple were completely destroyed, but there are still many things to sea here such as the naga-flanked causeway, libraries, and galleries.
Beng Mealea
Beng Mealea temple that is about 50km from the Rolous Group. The history of the temple is not clear. Many archaeologists assume that this temple was built during the Angkor Wat period in the early 12th century because its style of architecture looks exactly the same as Angkor Wat. Thus, this temple was built during king Suryavarman II’s reign who also constructed Angkor Wat temple.
In 1992, Beng Mealea became a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is known as “the sister of Angkor Wat” due to its identical design. The temple has collapsed because of the growth of trees and a long period of civil war. As a result, there are blocks of sandstones lying on the ground. Many tourists don’t make their way to Beng Mealea due to the distance. Thus, it becomes a mysterious and peaceful temple among many other temples in Siem Reap.
