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
PMAfter 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 we head directly to 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 Once we have returned to Siem Reap we would recommend visiting the Killing field , 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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AM After breakfast we shall drive to 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. Then heading Kulen Mountain; the first holy city of Jayavarman II, the God King and the founder of the Angkor Period in 802 AD. This is one of the sacred mountains in Cambodia. In a river on the mountain we can see extensive river carvings. Thousands of Shiva’s Lingams were carved into the river bed in early 9th century to purify the water that runs over them.We can also see a large reclining Buddha (3m x 8m) carved from the rock. ( around the 16th century )
PM In the afternoon we travel on to Beng Melea. This temple has only recently opened to visitors and is still half immersed in the jungle. It is a large temple and thought to be a forerunner (blueprint) for Angkor Wat. It gives a good feel for what the temples where like on their rediscovery by the French in the mid 19th century.
This day also provides an excellent opportunity to see and experience the Cambodian countryside. Rice paddies, sugar date palms and oxon make up a patchwork of beautiful images .
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AM Early start for a Tonle sap boat trip to visit the floating villages and see the surprising cultures of the people living there. It can be very photogenic at the lake, especially at day-break. the floating forest or the Sunken forest Kom Pong Kluk and a lot of activities
PM after for lunch then heading to the west to Siem Reap around 4 km to visit the Artificial sight seeing call Cambodian’s Cultural Village , one of the most tourist attraction.
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