AM As soon as you feel prepared we intend to make the short drive to visit Rolous group the temples located at the East of Siem Reap around 11km .
Hariharalaya was the earliest Angkor capital in region and was built by Jayavarman II (the first God King) in the ninth Century. The principle temples here are Preah Ko, Lo Lei and the beautiful Bakong, the first temple mountain
PM After break for lunch we intend to head to explore Angkor Wat, ranked number 2 of all the 'wonders of the world'. It is the largest religious monument ever built with a moat 200m wide and 5.5km long , cover an area 200 sq acher . Aside from the huge scale and imposing architecture, the temple boasts many important bas-reliefs depicting Hindu mythology and Angkor history , the temple dominated to be the world heritage in 1992 by UNESCO . Sunset at Bakheng mountain ( your optional )
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AM We start very early to view the sunrise at Angkor wat then heading to explore Angkor Thom, in its time the largest city in the world and the political capital of King Jayavarman VII. We enter by the famous South Gate and see Bayon temple , Terraces of Elephants and Leper King , Bapuon the massive 11 century , the 'golden' Palace, Phimeanakas with its beautiful Royal baths , get back for breakfast.
PM Famously picturesque Ta prohm with its giant fig trees growing intertwined with the temple ruins . this is the temple of the film 'Tombraider ' , Takeo the uncompleted temple , Banteay Kdei the Buddhist's university , Sras Srong , Pre Rup turn or change the body.
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AM We travel after breakfast some 37km to Banteay Srei. Built in 967AD , the pink sandstone temple ( mean citadel of woman ) the temple is rather small in size but stunningly decorated and in pristine condition. On the return journey to Siem Reap we may sample some traditional palm sugar sweets from a roadside seller. We can then visit Banteay Samre, built by the architect of Suryavarman II who built Angkor Wat. Then we intend to explore the grand circuit including ; Preah Khan , Neak Pean , Ta Som, built by the architect of Jayavarman VII who built Angkor Thom and Bayon East Mebon
PM In the afternoon we could take a Tonle sap boat trip to visit the floating village and see the surprising cultures of the people living there. It can be very photogenic at the lake. Take a boat out around the water villages where all of life happens afloat; homes, work, schools, pig farms; even the catholic church is built on a raft. Once we have returned to Siem Reap we would recommend visiting the Artisan's Center. Poor and disabled people are trained for 3 years in the traditional skills of textile manufacture, stone and wood carving, after which they are able to make and sell high quality pieces for the international market and must return to their own villages to practice their art .
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